Published: 8 Aug 2016

Two Australian media icons dropped in on Wunambal Gaambera country in the North Kimberley this week to help Uunguu Rangers and Traditional Owners improve their photography skills.

Photographer Ken Duncan and journalist Ray Martin flew into Mungalalu Truscott Airbase to conduct a two-day workshop at the nearby Garmbemirri Ranger Camp.

Ken Duncan and Ray Martin with Wunambal Gaambera’s Uunguu Rangers and personnel

Ken Duncan’s late father, Jim Duncan, was a missionary in the Kimberley and several participants in this week’s workshop are descended from people his father knew during that time.

Leonie Cheinmora, Kalisha Karadada, Shaun Djanghara, Kevin Williams, Jeremy Kowan, Ernie Boona and Uunguu Ranger co-ordinator Robert Warren said they all benefited enormously from the exciting mentoring opportunity.

Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation chair Catherine Goonack said the workshop was an important step towards achieving targets for Wunambal Gaambera people.

“Photography is an important skill for us, particularly given our physical isolation from mainstream media,” Ms Goonack said.

“We need to be able to document our Healthy Country and Ranger work, cultural practices, involvement in the tourism industry and wider economy. We need to tell our stories and share our achievements. 

“Ken and Ray have helped us not only to improve our skills, but to develop important ongoing relationships which can help us achieve critical targets for Wunambal Gaambera people."

Ken Duncan volunteered to conduct the workshop after he and Ray Martin filmed their documentary Chasing the Light on Wunambal Gaambera Country in 2014. 

Article courtesy of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.