Indigenous Youth Fighting for Climate Justice

Tallara Gray is an activist with Seed and studies visual art at the University of Queensland. Linnea Burdon-Smith spoke with her about Seed, activism, her art and upbringing.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Maroon, which is a rural community in South East Queensland, (Jagera/Yuggera and Bundjalung country). I grew up on a property with my Mum, Dad and sister Kirri.

What’s your fondest childhood memory?

The period of my childhood I remember most clearly is when I was 7. I was in grade 3 and we moved to Emerald for 6 months for my dad to do a work contract at Lake Fairbairn – he is an outdoor education teacher. Then we spent July through to January travelling around Australia, heading up to Cape York first, which is where my family’s Aboriginal and Torres Straight connections are, although we didn’t know it at the time. My mum and dad schooled us while we were on the road. My school teacher back home was more than happy for me to miss grade 3 in a classroom setting – she said I would learn more travelling and I certainly did.

If you had to describe yourself in 30 words or less what would you say?

I am a determined, stubborn and committed young woman who is a bit of a people pleaser. But I am passionate about causes I care about.