Phyllis Thomas / Gemerre Tribal Law

Phyllis Thomas was a senior Gija artist born at Turner River and raised in the Purnululu region of the East Kimberley. She worked on stations before moving with her husband, stockman Joe Thomas, to Springvale, Mabel Downs and later Rugan Community at Crocodile Hole. When Joe helped establish a school there, Phyllis taught children culture, carving, painting and dancing.

Working in natural ochre, Phyllis painted her Country, Law and Dreaming narratives and became a respected cultural teacher and community leader. Her work was exhibited with leading East Kimberley artists and entered major public and private collections, including Parliament House and several state galleries. She remained an important figure in the Warmun ochre tradition until her passing in 2018.