Rory Charles is a Wunambal Gaambera, Nyikina, Balangarra boy who was born in Kununurra and grew up in Derby and Kalambaru.
In 2016 Rory was successful in receiving a MADALAH Scholarship and started his secondary journey at Trinity College.
An incredibly talented artist who has being creating beautiful art pieces from a very young age and already has an impressive portfolio of achievements, Rory has created many pieces for his school, book designs, companies, art exhibitions, including the MADALAH office and even has his own mural on Royal Street in East Perth. When asked what his art means to him Rory said “Art is something I have grown up doing with my grandparent’s encouragement. I paint about my life’s journey, about our country and our Gwion Gwion and Wandjina traditions, I also explore contemporary issues facing Aboriginal people. I get inspired watching the old people paint and by listening to their stories.”
While Rory boasts an impressive art portfolio, you could say that his basketball achievements are just as great. Early this year Rory was selected in the U18 Country Men’s Team, the team would have competed at the 2020 U18 Australian Junior Championships in Ballarat, Victoria from Wed 15th April to Sat 25th April.
We asked Rory what MADALAH means to him, his response was “MADALAH is about friendship and support. I wouldn’t be at such a good school if it wasn’t for MADALAH’s help. I’ve seen how a scholarship changed my cousin’s life – he was the first person in his family to finish school, go to university and become a nurse. Now all the little kids want to be just like him.” Rory is also currently completing his work experience at MADALAH so we are keen to get to know him better and look forward to supporting his future endeavours.
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