Blacktown City has honoured the life, career and remarkable contribution made by Indigenous elder and artist Uncle Danny Eastwood with the award of the Key to the City.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presented the prestigious honour to Danny in recognition of his 40-year career and dedication to the community.
“For decades, Danny has called Darug land home and has worked tirelessly in the Blacktown City community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“A Ngemba man and influential artist, Danny’s artworks adorn schools, hospitals, trains, walls and pavements far and wide.
“Through his art, Danny shares important stories and messages about First Nations culture. His cartoons, which have featured in the Koori Mail for more than 2 decades, shine a spotlight on racism and challenge the damaging stereotypes of First Nations people and culture.
“Danny is passionate about using art to help inmates at Long Bay Correctional Centre, as well as to engage other Aboriginal Elders, school children and community groups.
“In 1992, Danny Eastwood was named the NSW Aboriginal Artist of the Year and the following year, he won the National Aboriginal Artist of the Year Award.
“In 2008, he received the Parliament of New South Wales Indigenous Art Prize for his artwork, My Reconciliation.
“In 2023, The Leo Kelly Blacktown City Arts Centre was privileged to host Danny’s latest exhibition, I Talk Through My Art and My Art Talks Through Me, curated by his son, Jamie Eastwood, and featuring works from his esteemed career.
“Every Friday at The Leo Kelly Blacktown City Arts Centre, Danny gathers with the Elders in Residence to create artworks and share his knowledge with the community.
“At almost 70 years of age, Danny’s passion for art and building community is unwavering. Despite several attempts at retirement, Danny continues to practise his art and use his talents to give back to the community.
“Danny Eastwood’s achievements position him as a true leader of his generation and he is without a doubt, Blacktown City’s artistic treasure.”
Picture: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presents the Key to Blacktown City to Uncle Danny Eastwood.
