Ron Murray

Where were you born?

I was lucky enough to grow up with my culture near Balranald, NSW (Muthi Muthi country), with my mother, father and five sisters at a time when many Indigenous children were being removed. I grew up surrounded by Aboriginal sacred country and sacred sites on a 250,000 sheep and cattle station. I am passionate about keeping Aboriginal stories, art and culture alive.

What other jobs have you had? 

I have been employed by Victoria Police, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Diversity@Work. I currently run a cultural healing program for Indigenous young offenders in Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre

What themes are recurring in your work?

Sharing positive stories about Aboriginal people, the positive contributions of my people to Australian society.  Indigenous perspectives on the environment, history and justice, are important themes in my work. As a didgeridoo performer, it is natural for me to interweave music and storytelling.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Performing for the Queen, Muhammad Ali, Yusam Islam and Sir Bob Geldof have been personal highlights. And performing with my partner, Sarah as our duo, Kinja. Playing didgeridoo and violin, we see our music as bridging cultural difference, as a symbol for bringing Australians closer together.

Where have your works been published?

I received my MA (Education) from RMIT University in 2009. My thesis looked at how Indigenous knowledges can combat racist attitudes in the wider community, using the power of positive stories.  

What are you passionate about?

Sharing Indigenous culture, music and stories with all Australians. Seeing that positive stories are told – ensuring that our Indigenous heroes and role models are honoured and known as part of our Australian story.

Haven’t I seen you before?

You might have seen me playing didgeridoo on top of the MCG Scoreboard for ‘Dreamtime at the G’, or at the AFL Grand Final, performing Up there Cazaly’ with Mike Brady.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

My workshops offer younger to older audiences the chance to experience Aboriginal culture, to enjoy the power of positive stories, and the healing sounds of the didgeridoo.