Kaytetye Ned Kelly

North of Anningie Station. That’s where I got this name from. Old George Kelly, he was an Irish man and family for all the Kelly Gang, they come from one Country. Before then I didn’t have any name, they just called me Jungarrayi. I remember those days when I was young, that old fella used to give the rations and he would give me treacle and I would eat it with my finger. Very long time ago." - NK


Edward 'Ned' Kelly is a lauded Australian folk hero for his resistance of a corrupt police force and championing of the poor and marginalised in the face of wealthy landowners. Ned Jungarrayi Kelly, is a senior Kaytetye and Warlpiri elder and champion for Indigenous voices, rights and Country, especially around his Country, Jarra Jarra.

In his youth, Jungarrayi worked on stations as a station hand and truck driver and later in Commiunity health clinics as an ambulance driver. In later life, Ned has been steadfast in his role as a senior elder and custodian for Country. He has performed extensive cultural liason work alongside Central Land Council and other organisations. Most recently, Ned has been a major figure in rallying against the Singleton Station Water License, Australia's largest groundwater license. CLC's court case was recently heard in the High Court.

'Kaytetye Ned Kelly' positions Ned's bushranger namesake against the backdrop of Kaytetye Country that is familiar across Ned's ouevre. It is a a tongue-in-cheek self-portrait drawing similarities between Jungarrayi and the bushranger; as larrikin, underdogs and champions of their communities.