Aunty Lila Kirby is a Central Coast Aboriginal elder. Her people are Wiradjuri (Central NSW) and Yutta Yutta (Murray and Goulburn River regions). She is a powerful storyteller, artist and songwriter, telling the old stories of her people as they are given to her by her forefathers. She seeks to send a message of peace, love and joy, and to show people how to connect to their own stories, and to the land. 

Aunty Lila has travelled extensively, sharing stories and knowledge with other indigenous peoples in the USA, Hawaii, and Fiji. Her paintings have been bought by collectors in Australia - including the actor Chris Hemsworth - and overseas in America, Japan, and India, 

I am Wiradjuri and Yutta Yutta woman. I stand in the power and strength that God has given me. The stories come from my forefathers, from the old ones of long ago that came before me, and when I paint they keep watch over me and they tell me “This is your story and your Dreaming.” I’ve got to make sure I tell the stories correctly, the way they’re meant to be told.

I acknowledge all different nationalities - none of us are separated. I’m there for all who care to listen. I care about people, and where they’re going from here. My heart goes out to them all. What is their dream? What is their vision? What do they want out of life? I care about each one and the stories that we all hold hold dear to our hearts. I want people to be at peace and feel joy.

Paint your stories and what you’re feeling. Put it out there. Say “That’s what I feel.” Stand up and be proud of what you’ve done. Open up your senses and your feelings and don’t be afraid to speak.  Just tell your truth. 

And this is my story, my life, as a human being. I hurt like everybody else. There are times when I don’t see, when I’m not shown the way, and I accept it. I don’t claim to be things that I’m not - I’m just simply me. But I’m here to help all people, and to do my paintings is the only way I can show you - it’s a beautiful thing.