Robyn Smith-Walley

Robyn Smith Walley is a Wilmen, Kaneang Noongar women from the Southwest of Western Australia and has worked in her community over the past 35 years to highlight and promote the recognition of the culture of the Noongar people. Australia is at an important time in our history – a time to settle unfinished business. As the West Australian Government commits to a formal Truth telling Strategy there is an optimism that a deep and high-level legacy for change evolves from this process.

Robyn aims to deepen her understanding of a global perspective of First Nations Truth telling and healing, as Western Australia begins to consider our state’s history of injustices against Aboriginal people. Robyn, along with Jody Nunn CEO of Reconciliation WA, will embark on a fellowship to understand lessons in Truth telling, by placing an Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal lens on effective models and sustainable practices used globally to progress a better understanding between Aboriginal people and settler communities. A vital part of their research will be to gain an understand of trauma recovery models to support communities to heal.

Robyn holds a degree in Community Development from Murdoch University and an Honorary Doctorate from Edith Cowan University. She has worked in her family-owned business for the past 30 years and operates from a position of respect for her community, its traditions, and cultural practices.