Sheree Blackley

Sheree Blackley is a proud Kalkutungu woman whose work has played a central role in revitalising Kalkutungu language, culture and community identity across Mount Isa and beyond. She graduated with an Associate Degree of Building Design from CQUniversity in 2013, and later became a Fellow of the National Museum of Australia in recognition of her cultural leadership and contribution to truth-telling. She was also the NAIDOC Poster Artist in 2010, a role that brought national recognition to her artistic storytelling.

Sheree’s early work focused on ensuring Kalkutungu culture was visible and celebrated in everyday community life. In 2015 she formed the Sundowner Kalkutungu Dancers, a group that continues to perform at community events and cultural gatherings. To deepen this impact, in 2017 she founded Malkarri Culture and Connection, creating a permanent, community-led organisation dedicated to cultural learning, language revival and identity strengthening.

Under Sheree’s leadership, Malkarri has grown to include Muu Tjaa Warriors Kalkutungu Indigenous Rangers, Kalkutungu Cultural Services, and Kalkutungu Art Services. Central to this work is the Kalkutungu Punpatitjin Language Project. When Sheree began, only one Elder remained fluent in the language. Through sustained collaboration with Elders, linguists and community, she helped re-document and rebuild the language, leading to the development of a full Prep to Year 9 curriculum now taught at Spinifex State College and being expanded through the Queensland Department of Education and a Certificate I TAFE offering.

Sheree’s leadership continues to create pathways for cultural pride, community healing and intergenerational knowledge sharing, ensuring Kalkutungu culture remains strong for future generations.