Country Living

Laurel Robinson is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri woman, born and raised on Yorta Yorta Country in Mooropna, Barmah and Shepparton. Her life and work are deeply connected to her cultural roots, especially her time growing up on Yorta Yorta Country at the Cummeragunja Mission in Barmah, Victoria.

Laurel spent much of her life away from home, working first in Melbourne as a telephonist, then in Sydney for over 40 years with the Aboriginal Medical Service, before returning to Shepparton. Upon joining Kaiela Arts, Laurel reconnected with her passion for creativity, finding art to be a powerful way to reflect on memory, identity, and belonging. She says “I joined Kaiela Arts and I then realised my hidden feelings I had in art and the memories of my childhood. I do love working with the other Elders and exchanging stories, I think it’s important we pass our stories onto the younger generations.”

She works across painting and ceramics, often drawing on childhood memories and community stories. Laurel is a strong advocate for intergenerational knowledge-sharing, valuing her time spent working with fellow Elders and supporting opportunities for younger generations to learn and connect through culture and art.

Laurel is also known for her role in the legendary all-female Yorta Yorta music group, The Sapphires, whose story has become a significant part of Australian cultural history.