The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Finalists

MEET THE SHORTLISTED ARTISTS VYING FOR THIS YEAR'S INDIGENOUS STORYTELLERS SCHOLARSHIP, BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GREATER BANK

Lillardia Briggs-Houston is a Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, and Gangulu fashion designer and artist living in Narrungdera/ Narrandera, Wiradjuri Country. Lillardia's eponymous fashion label was established in 2018 with the aim of supporting self-determination and autonomy within the First Nations fashion industry. Lillardia lives and works on her grandparents' country, who are fundamental in the growth of her practice, embedding Country and Kin throughout her work.

Ren Whaleboat, also known as RENYEN, is a visual artist from Newcastle. Her preferred medium is realism charcoal with contrasting line work portraiture. Being born and raised on Awabakal country, with roots from North Queensland, Birri Gubba, Mitakoodi, Gugu-Badhun and Peibri Clan of Mer (Murray Island) in The Torres Strait, her art reflects her diverse cultural heritage.

Renae Lamb is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri and Wongaibon people of central west New South Wales. She is the Founder of Midnight Dreaming, a contemporary Aboriginal Dance and Art Studio located at University of Newcastle. Midnight Dreaming’s aim is to showcase the need for change and the need for dance syllabi in Australia, while also educating globally.

Brooke Scobie is a queer Goorie (Bundjalung) single mum, poet, writer, and podcaster, living on Darkinjung land. Their work is a powerful love letter to Country and to those marginalised by society, featured in prestigious publications like Overland Journal, Running Dog, Red Room Poetry, and SBS. Brooke also holds a black belt in Taekwondo, which they achieved at just 13 years old.

Bernard Kelly-Edwards is a single dad and digital artist who belongs to the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Dhunghutti Nations on the mid north coast of New South Wales. Bernard’s art incorporates textures and colours inspired by Mother Nature. He is also the Founder of BKE Consultancy, a service of rich cultural knowledge supporting deeper awareness of individual or group growth.

Joshua Doctor is a proud Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay and Gubbi Gubbi man from Lightning Ridge in North-West New South Wales and was raised on Yuwaalaraay country. After graduating high school in 2020, Joshua pursued a creative development process in performing arts at NAISDA Dance College to further develop his passion for performance. He is currently continuing his studies whilst also following his other passion of making music.

Jahvis Loveday is an award-winning filmmaker from the Dyirbal tribe of Far North Queensland, but his story, born and raised, is on Bundjalung country. Jahvis has created more than 12 short films and 250 online videos. Through his company, Something Deadly, Jahvis aims to bring to life the stories of his First Nations brothers and sisters, and bring his unique stories into the fold of Australian culture.

Marley Morgan is a First Nations (Wiradjuri/Gamilaraay) fashion photographer based in Gumbaynggirr country. She is an advocate for inclusion and diversity within mainstream media and fashion. Marley aims to uplift and empower Aboriginal people through building relationships with communities. She wants to provide opportunities for greater exposure to showcase her beautiful modern culture and business to a wider mainstream audience.

Natasha Lucas is a proud Euahlayi woman and mother to her three daughters, living on Darkinjung country. The beginning of her art journey was inspired by her daughters, for whom she created jewellery, accessories and educational tools. Natasha opened her own business, Mayarra Arts, in 2021, where she shares her passion and pride for accessory design and art.