By Jamie O’Brien
An accomplished highly respected Aboriginal leader from the Bibilmum Whadjuk Noongar language group of the south west, Lynwood Langford parishioner Robert Isaacs has dedicated his life to breaking down cultural barriers and improving the lives of disadvantaged people.
Following his birth at King Edward Hospital Subiaco, Robert was taken from his mother and sent to St Joseph’s Orphanage at about six months of age, then onto Castledare Boys Home at the age of four. At age seven, he was sent to Clontarf Boys Town, being only one of eight Aboriginal students among some 250 boys.
In an interview with The Record Magazine, Robert speaks about his life, his Christian faith and most importantly, his culture.
I didn’t know where I came from. I barely knew my age,” says Robert, reflecting on his early years.
“What I did know was that the Christian faith offered me comfort and a sense of belonging and that it was absolutely important for me to put my head down and work hard,” he said.
At the age of 17, having finished his secondary education, Robert says he put his best foot forward and went to look for a job, starting as a sales person at a menswear store.
“I was 17 years old and while I knew reading and writing and arithmetic, I didn’t have a clue about life or social skills, or a sense of identity,” he said.
Following a stint in the armed services, Robert applied to the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), now known as Curtin University of Technology, where he undertook tertiary studies in Business Administration.
It was during a visit to the United States as part of a Rotary scholarship, which included a three month rotation living on reservation in Colorado and New Mexico with the Navaho Indians that Robert says he gained a greater understanding about indigenous affairs, broken families, governance and politics.
“I discovered how the concepts of self-determination could ensure that indigenous programs had a long lasting effect and how important it was to involve indigenous people in developing and running programs for themselves.”
Upon his return to Australia and at the completion of his studies, Robert took on his first role in the public sector as an Aboriginal health worker. At the time, Robert still didn’t know he was Aboriginal.
Through a lady who introduced herself as Aunty Elizabeth Isaacs, Robert found his family; an event that wasn’t easy and continued for some years to come.
“It has given me an identity, my people and a sense of my place and belonging in the world.
“I learnt what it meant to be a Noongar from the Bibilum language group from the south-west.”
Speaking about his various roles since then and life in Aboriginal Affairs, Robert says he has learnt to walk in both worlds – as an Aboriginal who embraces where he came from and as an Australian focused on the future.
“We need a healthy prosperous community that welcomes and accommodates people from all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life,” says Robert.
“My vision for Western Australia is for all of us to come together as one people while respecting each other’s differences and embracing our cultures,” he said.
“It is possible to be true to your culture while contributing to broader society. It is possible to break the cycle of resentment and disconnect that has resulted in the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
“It’s a lesson I’ve taught my children. I’ve learnt how to bring together ancient customs and Western values, traditional lore and government legislation. I’ve learnt that helping people and communities isn’t about handouts, it’s about giving them the skills and a push in the right direction to be self-determining.
“I’ve learnt to put aside the hurts of yesterday and work together with all Australians to achieve a brighter tomorrow.
So what is his inspiration today?
“My inspiration today is my wife Theresa. Her respect for her family, her heritage and her people remind me every day how blessed I am to have found my family despite being from the stolen generation.
“My inspiration for the future are my two daughters. They have wonderful families and careers and a strong sense of social justice and give back to the community whenever they can.
From pages 10 to 11 from Issue 8: ‘Aboriginal’ of The Record Magazine