Artist and Advocate
At an early age Kylie was an advocate for young people in the Bassendean area. In 1996, Kylie was a key player in lobbying the local council to build a skate park as she saw firsthand that young people had no place to skate and she championed on their behalf. Her school, Cyril Jackson Senior Campus, acknowledged Kylie’s work by presenting her with the Caltex Community Award.
Kylie attended Cyril Jackson SC from 1996 to 1998. She recalls a very honest approach to teaching and learning and remembers an interaction between a teacher and a student where the student was interrupting the learning of others. Following the teacher’s advice the student improved. It is no surprise to Kylie to see the calibre of students graduating from CJ as over the years she has always seen the school as a place where students want to learn and that creates champions amongst us.
Kylie is a descendant of the Balladong and Whadjuk people from the Wheatbelt and Perth regions. She was mentored by her uncle, noted artist Peter Farmer, for 10 years then proceeded to establish her own business. As an Indigenous Artist, Kylie’s work is synonymous with iconic statements promoting celebration, inclusion and peaceful co-existence underpinned by a spiritual connection to Whadjuk Noongar Land.
Kylie’s featured works include Noongar Moieties at the Boola Bardip Museum, Whadjuk Welcome to Country Hand Sculpture in Scarborough, Whadjuk Old Tree in Aveley, Coastal Lakes College Gate and Fence, Bilya Kard Boodja Playground Black Brim Sculpture and two Gazebos at the Perth Optus Stadium Playground. Kylie’s work is widespread and broad and uses an array of materials and concepts. In 2021 Kylie worked with 60 students from Westminster PS to create a 3m Yarning Circle.
Kylies’ contribution to Indigenous Rounds in local sporting codes, through uniform design, includes the Noranda Netball Association, Knights Basketball Club and the two closest to her heart, the West Coast Fever’s Indigenous Round dress, designed alongside Peter Farmer, and the Swan Districts Football Club’s First Women’s League Indigenous Round guernsey.
In 2018 Kylie began working with the Edmund Rice Centre as an Aboriginal Youth Art Coordinator. This involves coordinating cultural programs for Aboriginal youth to educate them about their culture through various art mediums. This work has reinforced to Kylie the gap in education about Noongar culture and she feels sharing of these traditions is important for today’s youth.
Though Kylie’s artwork is bold, courageous, and explicit in its importance, Kylie’s humility and unassuming character are her biggest strengths. Whilst she downplays her work, she is a significant mentor to many young people.
Kylie is a mum of four and along with her supportive husband, she takes great pride in her children’s achievements. For her outstanding work as an artist and advocacy work in the community Kylie Graham is today named as a Champion of CJ.