'At 23 Richard Walley was chairing the Aboriginal Advisory Board and was actively involved in the formation or operation of the Aboriginal Housing Board, Aboriginal Medical Service, Aboriginal Legal Service, Aboriginal Alcoholism Committee, Aboriginal Sports Foundation and the New Era Aboriginal Fellowship.
In 1978 Richard Walley began his illustrious career in the Arts, when, with three friends, he formed the Middar Aboriginal Theatre. Aiming to take the Nyungar culture from the South West corner of Western Australia to as many people as possible, Middar's success can be gauged by its results. During its lifetime, the Middar group performed in thirty-two countries, on every continent, to live audiences totalling almost ten million people.
After acting in theatre and TV, Walley went on to further develop his theatre skills, holding the role of either director or assistant director in 10 productions in theatre and TV from 1982 through to 1993. Several of these productions took place in the USA and London. During this period he also wrote several screenplays.
His versatility and thirst for new challenges saw him branch out into other areas of the arts. He is a renowned didgeridoo player and has produced a CD collection of didgeridoo music that is inspired by the six seasons of the Nyungar calendar. One of his musical project is 'Two Tribes', a collaboration with a group of artists which has resulted in an eclectic selection of songs combining traditional Indigenous music with contemporary styles including rap and hip hop.
His didgeridoo playing live performances have been at the Albert Hall in London, in Greece, Slovenia, Japan, Mexico, the USA, and Canada, to name but a few. In 2001 he performed in Westminster Abbey for dignitaries, including the Queen of England, as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations.
Walley is also a visual artist, with his works in much demand by collectors in Australia and overseas.
Richard Walley has been a recognized indigenous leader of the Arts in Australia and in 2001 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by Murdoch University in Western Australia for his contribution to Nyungar culture and the wider community.
As a past Chair of the Australia Council's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Board Richard has played an integral role in focusing the direction of indigenous arts in Australia.'
Source: www.multicultural.online.wa.gov.au (Sighted 11/02/08).
