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About WillieWillie, Nugal-warra Elder, Guugu Yimithirr speaker and author, is passionate about his culture and spirituality, and on his tours generously shares his enormous knowledge. Much of the information was passed on to him by his father, Tulo, a talented artist whose paintings have appeared in several books and are often displayed in Queensland galleries. As a small boy Willie would accompany him on hunting trips, learning about the land, its bush tucker, bush medicines and stories.
Willie was educated in Hope Vale and Cooktown before attending high school in Brisbane. He trained as a boilermaker in Cape Flattery, and spent some time working in Mount Isa before moving back to Hope Vale. Whilst still in his 20s, he was elected Chairman of Hope Vale Community Council, a position he held between 1986 and 1989.
Later he worked extensively in the health sector, becoming Chairman of the drug and alcohol program, and spending five years in Cairns, developing and chairing the Apunipima Cape York Health Council. Prior to starting his tour business he was working in mental health with Life Promotion in Hope Vale. |
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“Willie is a national treasure”
“A remarkable man |