Birth Place: Canberra Year of Birth: 1996

Background: Matthew is an Aboriginal, born in Canberra 21st April 1996 and has cultural ties with; • Ngandi language group in the Roper River region of East Arnhem Land through his grandfather’s people. • Wiradjuri tribe of NSW through his grandmother’s people from the Talbragar tribe, Dubbo NSW • Yidinji people from Cairns west over the mountains to the Atherton tablelands, through his father.

Matthew’s style of art has been passed down by his elders and he has only been painting since he was 14 years. Most the artwork is based on animals and stories from his cultural ties with Northern Qld, Arnhemland and Wiradjuri country. Matthew also plays the didj and has performed, with his father, on several occasions at various functions. The Roper River Mission was established in 1908 and became a focal food and shelter point for people within a radius of several hundred kilometres whose traditional way of life had been severely disrupted. In 1968 the mission reverted to Aboriginal control and its name changed to Ngukurr. His great grandfather the late Harry Huddleston was a traditional owner from Burrungu, also known as the Ruin City. Matthew’s great grandparents and were moved from Groote Eylandt after the bombing of Darwin 1941 to Mulgoa, near Warragamba Dam. This was part of the government’s policy in forcing assimilation of Aboriginal people into mainstream society. His great grandmother Florence Croft was taken as a baby from her birthplace in the Tanami desert of Central Australia and adopted into Ngandi way of life. For this reason Matthew has a connection to his great Grandmother’s, Lily Nangala’s dreamings. Education: Obtained year 12 Certificate at Erindale College Group Exhibitions: Exhibited works at Burrunju stalls and the Multicultural Festival in Canberra Awards: Youth Artist Award for Gugan Gulwan Youth 2015 This artist has nothing on display in the Gallery at this point in time.