Gertie Deeral

Gertie is a Guugu Yimithirr artist from HopeVale community in Far North QLD. She was born in Woorabinda (West of Rockhampton) in 1944, after her family were forcibly moved from Cape Bedford mission, when the German missionary was suspected of being a spy. Gertie’s family returned to the new mission site at HopeVale when she was four.

Gertie’s country on her mum’s side is Dingal/Cape Flattery, and family totem is the stingray (“when you go to Lizard Island on my mum’s country, you’ll see it’s the shape of the stingray”.) Her family totem on her father’s side is the owl - Whumbul in Guugu Yalanji language; and his country is from Maytown / Bloomfield / Mossman down to the Daintree.

Gertie left school at age 16 and worked as an indentured labourer at the pastor’s house “doing laundry, cooking, scrubbing the floors, ironing, making beds. That was the time of rations – flour, milk, sugar, tea leaf. Then there was freedom after the mission days. I got a job at the aged care where I worked for many years.

Gertie has raised six sons, has 15 grandchildren, and now lives on a farm about 10 minutes out of HopeVale. She loves to tell her grandchildren dreaming stories in the garden out the front of her house, and sit and listen to the birds.

“When I see people wearing my designs I feel happy. I’m really glad. They went a long way, and I’m very proud. This didn’t used to happen (during the mission days)- old people coming together, doing art, sharing culture. Now the little kids are getting interested and learning about culture again. It’s good.”

“Gertie is a Guugu Yimithirr artist from HopeVale community in Far North QLD. ”

Blog posts

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Being Visible Allies Every Day

Jan 26, 2025

Every January 26, I wake up with a heavy heart. My day starts with introspection and sadness. I stay in bed a little longer, thinking about the history of this country and how it connects to me, my...

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Creativity, Culture, and Connection

Dec 28, 2024

Looking Back As we close the chapter on 2024, we reflect on the incredible milestones, collaborations, and moments that defined our journey this year. From award wins to meaningful partnerships, ea...

Visiting Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and the Ewyenper Atwatye artists

Sep 18, 2024

Magpie Goose team returned to Mparntwe to visit the Ewyenper Atwatye artists, coordinate a fun little photoshoot, host a pop-up shop, and soak in all the beautiful artwork while connecting with so ...