Style Collective Inspiring Women. Inspiring Fashion.
With Brooke Boney
Her day starts when most are in a deep slumber, gracing our screens from 5.30am as Nine Network’s Today show entertainment reporter. Having a daily schedule that would make most eyes water, her passion runs much deeper than a personal appetite for success; as a proud Gamilaroi Gomeroi woman, Brooke Boney is a trusted voice of indigenous issues.
Carrying the stories and values of her ancestors with her, Brooke’s agenda is not only about shaping the narrative of her career, but the future of Indigenous Australians.
Gemma Smith, Triple Tangle 2018
What do you believe has been the formula for your success?
A lot of hard work and a lot of early morning alarms! I’m a big believer in setting goals and working towards them, even when your path changes direction along the way.
In my early twenties, I decided to try and get into university so I could study to become a journalist, I’ve had a lot of help along the way from very generous people.
I genuinely believe that if you show people you’re willing to work hard (and do the crappy small things along the way) they’ll give you a chance when they can.
Have you had many hurdles you’ve overcome to get you where you are today?
I have, but I think they’re the things that shape you – both professionally and personally.
I host a podcast for Future Women called Next Generation Innovators, it’s about excellent women who have done extraordinary things and the one attribute they all have in common is that when life gets tough, you show up and stare the challenges in the face. They’re the moments that make you, even though they nearly break you. I’ve never met a person I admire who’s had a smooth ride.
Career highlights?
I remember standing in the line at Old Parliament House to vote in 2013, and I was due to start work for SBS later that night. I looked over and saw a painting of Robert Menzies (whose government granted Aboriginal people the power to vote), and that was a pretty incredible feeling. To know that I was about to go work on bringing the news to people of the election knowing that we’d come so far since then was amazing.
Also, seeing Brad Pitt in real life was something I’ll never forget!
As a proud Gamilaroi Gomeroi woman – you are regarded as a ‘trusted voice on Indigenous issues’ – what does this mean to you?
I feel a huge responsibility to make sure that my values are consistent with what my community feels. To try to reflect the broad views of such a diverse group of people is challenging. I’m not a spokesperson on behalf of every Aboriginal person by any means, but I do think it’s essential to have more views of minority people included in mainstream discussions – particularly when it comes to issues we’re affected by.
I’m not a spokesperson on behalf of every Aboriginal person by any means, but I do think it’s essential to have more views of minority people included in mainstream discussions – particularly when it comes to issues we’re affected by.
Our wardrobes are constantly evolving yet we have those pieces that are our most prized, what would be yours?
I bought a Gucci bag from an auction site for $80 last year, and I don’t think there’s been a day I haven’t worn it. A pair of [Levi’s] 501s that belonged to my mum and an oversized caramel coloured knit that seems to go with anything and is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn.
When do you feel most empowered?
I feel empowered when I think about the fact that I’m here because I’m standing on the shoulders of the incredible men and women who’ve come before me. I’m part of something that’s bigger than me or my life because the blood that runs through my veins is the same as the other Gamilaroi people who’ve been on our lands, in this country for thousands of years and will be for long after I’m gone. We’re survivors, and that’s powerful.
thousands of years and will be for long after I’m gone. We’re survivors, and that’s powerful.
You were recently invited by the Chair to join the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Indigenous Advisory Group. What excites you most about this new role?
The arts play a huge role in shaping the way we think of ourselves – much like the media. Organisations like the MCA have progressed our understanding of what it means to be an Aboriginal person in Australia at the moment. One of my favourite exhibitions from the last couple of years was by John Mawurndjul, and it talked about being part of something that’s older than any other civilisation but also creating art and discussion about how his beliefs and practice are contemporary as well. Culture evolves, but customs and style are based in tradition, it’s an incredibly nuanced take on a complex idea.
than any other civilisation but also creating art and discussion about how his beliefs and practice are contemporary as well. Culture evolves, but customs and style are based in tradition, it’s an incredibly nuanced take on a complex idea.
Pedro Wonaeamirri and Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri, Kurrujupuni, arrikininga, yarringa, tunuwuni kapi katukuni 2020
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I’m part of something that’s bigger than me or my life because the blood that runs through my veins is the same as the other Gamilaroi people who’ve been on our lands… we’re survivors and that’s powerful.
’
What do you love to wear to work?
I love wearing Australian brands because I want to support the local industry, and we have so many great designers and labels doing great things. I love a good flowy dress and a bold pantsuit.
Any Fashion Regrets?
Too many to mention! I think that is one of the many beautiful things about getting older – you know what suits you and what doesn’t. You don’t try to follow every single trend, and you just carry yourself with more confidence. No more squeezing into tight tube dresses that you continuously pull at as you walk between nightclubs! I am glad the younger version of me had the experience though because now I know not to do it again!
What can we expect from Brooke Boney in 2020?
Waking up with Today each day! Going into work every morning on the Today show is a thrill.
I’m sure, like everyone else, this year might be different from what we had planned, but I’ll roll with the punches. I also love – and will continue – to do work with the Future Women team on the podcast, meaningful work with the GO Foundation and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Barayuwa Mununggurr, Manbuynga 2015
Gemma Smith, Triple Tangle 2018
Commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2018, supported by Veolia Environmental Services, image courtesy and © the artist.
Pedro Wonaeamirri and Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri, Tkurrujupuni, arrikininga, yarringa, tunuwuni kapi katukuni (white, yellow, red, black on ironwood) 2020
Installation view, 22nd Biennale of Sydney: NIRIN, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2020, additional carving by Gerry Mungatopi, Jason Palipuaminni and Pius Tipungwuti, image courtesy the artist, Jilamara Arts and Craft © the artist.
Barayuwa Mununggurr, Manbuynga 2015
Museum of Contemporary Art, purchased with funds provided by the MCA Foundation, 2016, image courtesy and © the artist.