Ashleigh Hicks

Ashleigh Hicks

I'm a young Nyiyaparli/Ngarluma woman who grew up in a small ex Gold mining town Marble Bar. Growing up in such a small town was amazing for me, being constantly surrounded by my family especially my grandmother who taught me so many things about cooking, gardening and caring for animals. Which is where I developed my love for nature and its wildlife.

My family eventually moved away from my hometown when I turned 10 to Tom Price, we lived there for a few years before settling down in Perth so my sister and I could start high school. I spent my afternoons and weekends working in the Coles bakery from the ages of 13-15 .I then decided to drop out of school and pursue an apprenticeship in Boiler-making. I left home and travelled throughout the Pilbara staying with my family, my pursuit even led me to Darwin in search for my dream career. I eventually became successful just before my 17th birthday, which led me to my grandmothers hometown ofย  Roebourne in 2012.

In that same year I met my partner who is a Yindjibarndi man, our journey together has taken us exploring all around the Yindjibarndi country and has given us 2 beautiful girls. I have always been quite involved helping my mother In-law whenever I can with her in Juluwarlu on my days off work and have recently startingย taken up painting.ย