Joelene Madar Roughsey

Lardil Langungangi / Sydney Island ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Joelene is a proud Lardil woman and belongs to the Langunanji clan. She was born in Mt Isa in 1982 but grew up in Mornington Island. Her Language name is Madar meaning the stem of the water lily swaying in the breeze. Her Father is Leon Roughsey, the son of Tim Roughsey, brother of the famous artist and author Dick Roughsey. Joelene’s mother Monica, has a twin sister, they were born in Cloncurry Qld. When they were young the family moved back to Mornington Island. Joelene’s great grandmother was born on the mainland. Later she was sent to Mornington Island and was adopted by the Roughsey family, who grew her up during the Mission Times. She grew up on her father’s homeland of Ganthawu. Her younger years were spent playing with her friends and siblings out bush; learning how to find food from the land. She remembers this as a great time. She also spent a lot of time with her grandmother during her early years. Joelene’s parents were very active in the church and often travelled for Religious studies and as a result she spent some time in Townsville and Gimuy (Cairns). Joelene attended boarding school in Darwin for a couple of her high school years. Joelene is an accomplished painter and is part of the next generation of Lardil artists. Many of Joelene’s pieces have been inspired by the work of her famous grandfather Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey (1920-1985). Her work depicts traditional stories and cultural practices. Joelene is also a dancer with the Mornington Island Dancers. Joelene’s daughter was born in 2012 who she is raising girl to be strong and proud. She is determined to keep culture strong, and is passionate about sharing Lardil stories and culture with her daughter and nieces.