Stories from Queensland First Nations Elders (Part 3)

Since 2022, State Library of Queensland has continued documenting the life experiences of First Nations Elders through its First Nations Elders oral history project. This growing collection honours and celebrates the achievements of Queensland’s First Nations Elders through a series of short digital stories and in-depth oral history interviews.

Please note - Users are advised that this Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander material may contain culturally sensitive imagery and descriptions which may not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. Annotation and terminology which reflects the creator's attitude or that of the era in which the item was created may be considered inappropriate today. This material may also contain images, voices or names of deceased persons.

Uncle Ronnie Bligh

Born in Eidsvold in 1942, Uncle Ronnie Edward Bligh describes in this interview how he grew up surrounded by horses in the paddock and developed a passion for camp drafting from an early age. Uncle Ronnie also loved playing rugby and cricket, as well as riding horses. After leaving school, Mr Bligh spent time droving before working on stations until his retirement. He also enjoyed competing in rodeos across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Interview conducted by E.J. Garrett in 2025.

You can watch Uncle Ronnie's digital story (1 minute and 25 seconds) below or watch the full oral history (57 minutes) via our One Search catalogue. 

Russell Boomi Hegarty

A Wakka Wakka Elder, Uncle Boomi Hegarty describes life at Cherbourg Mission, the effects of institutionalisation, and the relocation of his family members from Townsville and Central Queensland to Cherbourg Mission. He also discusses his work as a bushman with Life Without Barriers and the Elders who supported him in passing on cultural knowledge to young people in the community. Interview conducted by Dean Saffron in 2023.

You can watch Unlce Boomi's digital story (1 minute 46 seconds) below or watch the full oral history (52 minutes) via our One Search catalogue.

Daniel Browning

Daniel Browning is a Bundjalung and Kullilli journalist, radio broadcaster, documentary maker, sound artist, writer and Emerging Elder. He is currently Editor of Indigenous Radio with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Daniel produces and presents The Art Show for ABC Radio National. For many years, he presented Awaye!, a Radio National program that explores contemporary Indigenous cultural practice. Interview conducted by Catherine Cottle.

You can watch Daniel's digital story (2 minutes 23 seconds) below or view the full oral history (1 hour and 5 minutes) via our One Search catalogue.

Aunty Ruth Hegarty

First Nations Elder and author, Ruth Hegarty was born in 1929 in Mitchell, Queensland. Her first book, Is That You, Ruthie?, is based on her experiences in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission, where she lived until the age of 14. Her second novel, Bittersweet Journey, is the story of her early married life, her dealings with the Native Affairs Department and her work in community politics and Indigenous organisations. Ruth Hegarty is interviewed by Dr. Thom Blake, who first interviewed her in the late 1980s for his book The Dumping Ground. This second oral history interview is an overview of Hegarty’s experiences following her life at Cherbourg, with a focus on the years from 1980 through 2023.

You can watch Aunty Ruth's digital story (3 minutes and 42 seconds) below or watch the full oral history (1 hour and 20 minutes) via our One Search catalogue.

Aunty Ruth Hegarty papers are also held with State Library of Queensland. This collection contains material documenting the life, interests and achievements of Aunty Ruth Hegarty.

Mick Gooda

First Nations Elder and Gangulu man Mick Gooda explores his contribution as a lifelong public servant and community representative. Mick was a member of the Australian Human Rights Commission from 2010 to 2016, and later served as a Commissioner for the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. Mick commenced his term as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in early 2010. In this role, he advocated for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Interview conducted by Daniel Browning, 2025.

You can watch Mick's digital story (2 minutes and 42 seconds) below or watch the full oral history (1 hour and 30 mins) via our One Search catalogue.

Uncle Charlie Chambers Snr

Uncle Charlie Chambers was born in Cherbourg Aboriginal settlement in 1936. His father Livingston Chambers was an Aboriginal policeman at Cherbourg and his mother Nancy worked in the girls’ dormitory where his grandmother was matron. As a teenager, Uncle Charlie wanted to be a drover. At the age of fifteen he left behind his family and friends and the country he loved for a job at Kingham Station as a stockman. He later learnt that he couldn’t leave Queensland mission reserves as a drover on a trip to Western Australia because he was under the 'Act', the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Qld). Uncle Charlie ran away from the reserve with his mate John Bond and found work as a horseman with the Australian icon R. M. Williams. There he became Williams' right-hand man and head stockman of Rockybar Station in Eidsvold. Uncle Charlie Chambers helped Williams make his mark in cattle and through this relationship he was introduced to the Queen of England. Charlie Chambers Sr. is an inductee in the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. 

In this 8 minute digital story (below), Charlie's daughter Kerry reflects on Charlie's life.
 

You can find more interviews with Queensland First Nations Elders on our previous blog posts

• Stories from Queensland First Nations Elders (Part 1)
• Stories from Queensland First Nations Elders (Part 2)

Further reading

• First Nations collections held by State Library of Queensland
• In their own words - Stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (blog article)