Barry Riddiford
Barry takes great pride in his connection to the Wiradjuri people of central NSW through his maternal lineage and to the Welsh through his father. His tribal totem is the Gugaa (Lace Lizard), and his cultural skin is Yibaay (Wedge-tail Eagle). The motto on his Welsh Coat of Arms boldly declares, “We can because we see we can.”
Throughout his life journey, Barry has traversed diverse fields, including those related to Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Management, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. His professional background spans roles as a stationhand, teacher/principal, University Lecturer, and Executive Director in various Government departments, the mining sector, and the research field.
Currently, Barry dedicates a significant portion of his time to volunteering, particularly in supporting Veterans as they navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. His focus extends to their overall post-service well-being.
Barry is an open book, willingly sharing his wealth of knowledge, deep understandings, and rich experiences. As we explore Stratford on Wadjabangayi Lands, Barry reminds us he is not a Traditional Custodian of that area, however he warmly invites you to join him on this interpretative conversation, where stories unfold and wisdom is shared.
Robyn Adams
After immersing herself in the creative arts world for twenty-five years, Robyn ventured back to homelands in the Southern Desert Uplands in 2002, taking the reins of a cattle grazing property nestled in central west Queensland.
Her journey through Melbourne, Perth, and abroad enriched her with a diverse skill set, honing her expertise in design, costumery, fashion, theatre arts, and tertiary education.
For the past two decades, she has nurtured her grazing and beef production enterprise in Stratford, a modest breeder block nestled in the southern Desert Uplands of Wadjabangayi Country. Robyn has transformed Stratford into a beacon of ecological stewardship, seamlessly blending sustainable grazing practices with the preservation of natural woodlands, running a self-replacing breeder enterprise with a Droughtmaster base.
Her enthusiasm for this endeavour and her love of the land spills over into voluntary roles on the boards of Desert Uplands Committee, Desert Channels NRM, and QWALC, where she tirelessly advocates for the welfare of the land, its inhabitants, and the community at large.
Outside of her farming activities, Robyn’s creative talent has catalysed a cultural revival throughout inland Queensland, especially highlighting costume design and sculpture as ways of community expression.
Drawing inspiration from Aboriginal cultural practices nurtured on Stratford, she actively fosters a culture of shared learning. With each step, stories unfold, wisdom is exchanged, and the legacy of stewardship and cultural enrichment continues to thrive.
