The late Uncle Fred Carriage knew that his participation in the You'N Me Family of Portraits collection was about more than having his picture taken, says painter Vickie McCredie.
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Riley Nolan received a grant of almost $2,000 from the You'N Me Family of Portraits Incorporation - a not-for-profit organisation established with the aim of enabling young south coast Indigenous people to either travel to an Indigenous community in Arnhem Land or to extend their expression of their culture.
Yuin and Monaroo man Nathan Lygon was the first to receive a grant from the initiative. He passed the banner on to Riley during the Ngulla NAIDOC Festival in Ulladulla on July 12.
"With great pleasure, we were able to provide a grant for Riley Nolan to continue his passion and learning with didgeridoo," Ms McCredie said.
Ulladulla High School purchased the portrait of Uncle Fed and further funds were raised with a raffle at the school's NAIDOC Day.
The prize was a sketch of How The Black Swans Got Their Feathers by Yuwaalaraay man, Uncle Vic Chapman.
The You'N Me Family of Portraits Incorporation has also raised funds with the sale of education kits featuring the series to schools. Statements from 20 Aboriginal people, who were painted, were also included.
The series showcases showcases the connectedness and love of Yuin people on the South Coast.
Milton-Ulladulla residents may remember the portrait series at the Ngulla Festival in 2018.
Ms McCredie, of Towamba near Eden, said she was welcomed by the Indigenous community and the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council.
"Leanne at Ulladulla LALC arranged for the paintings to come to Naidoc 2018. Everyone was so respectful and generous. As a non-Indigenous person, I felt included and welcome."
Ms McCredie also paid tribute to the late Uncle Fred.
"I could have stayed listening to him all day," she said.
"When he passed away, I was so glad I met him. His portrait is of a happy man."
During the Ngulla Festival, Riley thanked the You'N Me Family of Portraits Incorporation and the wider community for supporting him and the high school's didgeridoo group.