Episode Description

In this bonus episode of Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, we’re on Gumbaynggirr Country at Kulai Preschool to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. We’re joined by Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man Otis Hope Carey, acclaimed artist, former pro surfer, proud father of three, and this year’s Children’s Day Ambassador.

Otis reflects on what it means to return to Kulai Preschool, where his early learning began and where his mum, Aunty Julie Carey, has led as Director for nearly three decades. In this yarn, he speaks about the deep personal and cultural ties that have shaped his identity, from early memories of gagaal to parenting and instilling culture in his children, and telling stories through his distinct, expressive art.

Tune in to hear Otis share what this year’s Children’s Day theme, Little Footsteps, Big Futures, means to him, and why culture and creativity are at the heart of helping children grow strong in their identity.

Keep the conversation going—follow and share this podcast episode to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.

This artwork was created to visually represent Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, a podcast by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.

At the heart of the artwork is a central motif drawn directly from the SNAICC Marulu design – a symbolic anchor that represents SNAICC’s identity, purpose, and vision. This central element grounds the piece, reflecting SNAICC’s leadership in advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and futures of our children.

Surrounding this are three figures, symbolising a community in conversation. These figures represent not only the act of yarning, but the diversity of voices – children, families, Elders, leaders, and community members – who will be heard through the podcast. The figures are encircled by layered soundwaves that ripple outward and inward, capturing both the expression of voice and the act of deep listening.

These soundwaves reflect how stories, knowledge, and lived experiences are shared, received, and echoed across communities – from grassroots voices to national conversations. The design intentionally shows sound as both something that travels outward to inform and inspire, and something that returns inward to strengthen identity, connection, and culture.

Michael
A big welcome to this bonus episode of Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns for a very special day: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

Today, we’re honoured to be joined by Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man Otis Hope Carey as we celebrate Children’s Day at Kulai Preschool here on Gumbaynggirr Country in Coffs Harbour.

Otis, for those that don’t know — though many will — is widely recognised as an acclaimed artist, surfer, proud father of three, and Children’s Day Ambassador for this year. Otis holds a deep connection to Kulai Preschool, where he began his early learning journey and where his mum, Aunty Julie Carey, has served as Director for — believe it or not — nearly three decades.

Known for his distinct art style, Otis’s work has received national recognition, including as a finalist in — and correct me if I’ve got the pronunciation wrong here, Otis — the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, the Wynne Landscape Prize, and as GQ’s 2023 Artist of the Year. That’s quite the trophy cabinet.

Otis
I’ve been busy!

Michael
We are beyond thrilled to have Otis as Ambassador for this year’s Children’s Day to help us spread the word and celebrate. Otis, thanks so much for joining us.

Otis
Thanks for having me, giinagay to everyone listening. Yeah, stoked to be here — super honoured and feel really privileged to be this year’s Ambassador. So thank you for having me.

Michael
No, thank you! It’s been an absolute honour. How’s the day gone so far? We’re here at Kulai — let’s be honest, we’re in your mum’s office. It’s a cozy space, but it’s working well! How have you found the day?

Otis
It’s beautiful. It’s so beautiful to come back to a place where I spent my first years — a lot of my first memories as a child are here from Kulai. So it’s beautiful to be back and to be celebrating this day.

It’s actually made me reflect on my time here over the duration of today — and, jeez, it’s making me feel a bit emotional, to be honest. Like, seeing Aunty Lee — she was one of my favourite teachers here — and she’s still here teaching, and she taught my kids. It’s just such a beautiful feeling. I’m honoured to be here today.

Michael
That is phenomenal. You do see a lot of the parents here — they just look so wrapped. It’s quite amazing.

So I’m going to take us right back here — big throwback! I’ve seen you talk about this and it’s quite phenomenal, but I want to fact check it. You were apparently introduced to the ocean just days after you were born.

How has that relationship with the water shaped your identity — who you are today — and also through your surfing and your art?

Otis
Yeah, I mean, the best thing about the ocean — gaagal — we call the ocean gaagal in Gumbaynggirr mob — is that it’s always there when you need it.

For me, growing up, I really struggled with a lot of severe depression, and that ocean — gaagal — was the one place I could always rely on. I could just go for a swim, or a walk, or a jog on the beach. It’s always been there when I’ve needed it the most.

So it’s definitely shaped and formed who I am and my identity as a Black man. It’s helped me understand my spiritual connections — not only to the water but to the surrounding areas as I move and travel through life.

Michael
That’s amazing. Someone’s actually come through with a snack for you to help get through this podcast — which is very exciting!

Otis
Oh, that’s the chowder!

Michael
Yes! That’s part of today — one of the great things happening here. I think there’s been some roo, and I’ve heard about this chowder recipe from Julie. Do you know a bit about the background of the chowder?

Otis
Yeah — the seafood chowder is one of Dad’s mate’s recipes. He’s been a chef his whole life. It’s one of his iconic dishes — seafood chowder. It’s absolutely incredible.

Michael
Well, tuck in! It’s perfect podcast fuel to keep us going.

You’ve touched on your art and the ocean. Your art is very distinct — what does it represent to you? And do you remember, as a young fella, were there any particular artists that stood out and inspired you?

Otis
I think when I first started painting — even before that — Ozzie Wright was a big inspiration. He’s a professional free surfer, kind of the punk rocker of surfing. He brought punk rock into surfing, and his art was very punk rock — like, no F’s given.

The way he could express himself without caring what anyone thought — I really took that on when I started painting. Growing up, I was always a bit embarrassed — going to school with a white father and a Black mother — I felt like I was always too white to be blak, and too blak to be white.

So that really helped me be like — you know what? Stuff it. I want to paint my culture. I want to share my stories, because I’m proud to be blac. And Ozzie really helped show me how to express yourself and not take on anyone else’s advice about what that should look like.

Michael
That’s phenomenal. And you’re a proud father of three — like we mentioned earlier. What does this year’s Children’s Day theme, Little Footsteps, Big Futures, mean to you?

By the way, for those listening — Kulai has made some beautiful Billabong t-shirts with the theme in language. It’s pretty amazing.

Otis
Yeah, when I think of myself growing up as a little Indigenous kid — there was always family support, but not much support outside that. Like, at school — there weren’t many programs to nurture you or cherish your identity within your culture.

So to have a place like Kulai, and the Freedom School — it’s like, the future is limitless for our kids now, with these things in place for them.

Michael
Absolutely. You’ve also said that encouraging your kids to feel proud — just like you’ve spoken about with your art — is central to how you parent.

How do you nurture that sense of cultural identity and creativity at home? Maybe even with the surfing — which we touched on off mic?

Otis
Yeah, I try to incorporate cultural things into everyday life — even just a little bit of language here and there. Helping them understand how important their culture is.

I think a lot of kids don’t realise how special it is to be a First Nations child. One of the best ways to show that is through language — sprinkling it throughout the day.

And a big one is painting. My kids are always trying to paint right next to me when I’m working. Just the other day, I had a commission work laid out on the ground. The guy came over to pick it up, I rolled it out — and there’s a green footprint through the middle of it. I’m like, oh no! But it’s okay — it can be fixed.

It’s just cool that they want to be involved in my work. It’s a really special way for Indigenous kids to express and learn. Sometimes I’ll paint a pattern in the background and explain what it is, why it means that, how it works and how it belongs.

Art’s a really great way to teach kids — teach your little ones.

Michael
That’s amazing. And we’ve got one of yours here — hello! This is Lenny.

Otis
Hey, Lenny Sausage!

Michael
Lenny’s done well — nailed the ice cream, got the chowder going… Lenny’s all over it.

We’ve touched on your story and your return to Kulai — your mum, Aunty Julie, leading the preschool. Are there any other memories that stand out? And what’s it like seeing Julie’s legacy — her place in the community?

Otis
Mum’s done… far out, she’s done so much for this little preschool. I don’t think most people really realise how much she actually does — not just for the preschool, but for the community.

Yeah, she does a lot. And I’m so proud of her. I’ll always be proud of her. And she just does it out of love — she doesn’t want anything in return. She just does it for the love of it.

Michael
That’s something I’ve noticed. And this might be a hard one to answer, but you were here many years ago. Have you noticed the growth of Kulai?

Like the way culture is embedded in the space — the building now shaped like a Kulai, the playground, those kinds of touches?

Otis
Yeah — when I was here, this second big room wasn’t here. It was just a little room. So yeah, it’s a beautiful building now. The wooden curves, the way it moves — the work that would’ve gone into that… I’d hate to think!

Michael
And now as this year’s Children’s Day Ambassador, if you had a final message for kids and families tuning in — about following their passions — what would it be?

Otis
I think the most important thing — if you’re going to follow your passions — is to have fun. As soon as you stop having fun, it becomes something else. And you don’t want it to become that. You want it to be fun. Everything you do — just have fun.

Michael
Beautifully said. I think we’re wrapping up. Any final words?

Otis
No final message. Thanks for listening.

Michael
Amazing. Otis Hope Carey — thank you so much for your time, and thank you for being part of Children’s Day. It’s been an honour.

Otis
It’s been beautiful. It’s been a great experience and a brilliant privilege. Thank you.