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The following story is a precise from a recorded interview with Jock dated 31st March 2002- the tape is available and well worth listening to – it gives a very good account of this important man’s life and beliefs.
Firstly, he makes it clear he only paints HIS COUNTRY – which is the right thing to do.
Jock was born on Nicholson Station bordering on the desert country south of Kununurra. He spent his working life based at Nicholson, and like other stockmen of his day, mustered on surrounding stations – the best of his profession were valued and the station owners provided them with as much work as they wished as mustering time varied throughout the region.
He did not ever know his mother – his father and grandmother “grew him up” (raised him).
He had the opportunity to go to Beagle Bay for schooling, but his father and grandmother did not wish him to go – a fact which he has regretted all his life. On the tape, you will hear the comment from Pam that Jock once said to her “If I had spent more time in school than the stockcamp, I would be a lot better off” and Pam replied –“You would have been Prime Minister”.
Jock was Chairperson of the Wunun Regional Council, Chairperson of the huge Balangarri Aboriginal Corp. for six years and has been a leading figure in Aboriginal Affairs in the Kimberley – everyone knows Jock! He is of Jaru tribe and married Doreen, a Kitja woman from Warmun (Turkey Creek).
Jock comments that he met Doreen when she was at school in Halls Creek – Doreen was fortunate to have the schooling Jock missed.
He worked for Len Hill at Nicholson – a “real top man” – taught him how to drive cars, pull bores, fencing, operate machinery, and eventually Jock became head stockman. He worked at Nicholson until it was sold to Janet Homes a’Court.
He and Doreen have six boys and two girls and nineteen grandchildren – he says this with pride in his voice. He is a real family man. They raised their children at Turkey Creek but now reside at Halls Creek.
Jock’s family community is Ngling Anjaru (Cattle Creek) via Halls Creek and he is very proud of his home. He contract musters these days – mustering has changed – it’s now aerial survey which requires fewer ringers and stockmen, but Jock has progressed with the times and handles everything he does very well.
INCLUDING HIS PAINTING!
His artworks are included in National Gallery and prominent private collections.
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