This truth-telling presentation shares the life story of Elder Dennis Kickett, born in York in 1953 and raised on the York Aboriginal Reserve. His yarn reflects the strength of Ballardong family, culture, and survival through racism, relocation, and resilience. It honours lived experience and invites reflection on our shared history.
This presentation is delivered as part of the Australia Day Council’s mission to actively promote our national day to all Australians — inspiring national pride and encouraging participation and engagement across all sectors of the community. As part of the Ballardong First event, this truth-telling yarn by Elder Dennis Kickett honours the lived experiences of Aboriginal people in York, and contributes to a deeper understanding of our shared history.
Aboriginal truth-telling is a vital aspect of reconciliation in Australia. It focuses on the historical acceptance of past wrongs and their ongoing impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Truth-telling is essential for advancing self-determination and aligns with principles embedded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Community Truth-telling Pathways promote meaningful engagement between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians, guided by values such as being First Nations-led, place-based, strengths-focused, and action-oriented. These pathways support communities in undertaking truth-telling using culturally appropriate practices.
Born on 30 March 1953 at York Hospital, Dennis Kickett was born at a time when Aboriginal women were only permitted to give birth on the hospital’s front verandah. He was raised on the York Aboriginal Reserve, growing up with parents George Kickett Sr. and Pearle Kickett (née Broun), siblings and extended family, grounded in Ballardong kinship and culture.
Dennis began school at Beverley District High School before returning to York District High School, completing his secondary education in 1969. As a young man, he was taken to Perth by Native Welfare and spent 12 months at McDonald’s House Boys Hostel, before returning to York to work as a shearer.
Throughout his youth, Dennis experienced racism at school and in public spaces, shaping his understanding of injustice and the importance of truth-telling. In 1974, he married Joy Harp from Pingelly, and together they raised their children, Michelle and Dennis, while remaining committed to cultural survival and community leadership.
In the late 1980s, Dennis began painting, leading to his first exhibition in 1989 at the Burswood Hotel. Now with over 30 years as a professional artist, his work reflects Ballardong stories, landscapes and cultural memory.
Message from Dennis
“Know who you are. Honour your family. Walk proud on Country.”
Acknowledgment
We thank Elder Dennis Kickett for sharing his truth and honouring Ballardong history. His story is now part of our collective memory and healing journey.
