Robert McLeod

Robert (Bobby) McLeod (1947- 2009) was a respected Yuin musician, poet, healer, cultural leader and father of ten, whose life story became a testament to the power of culture, sobriety and community healing. Born near Nowra, he grew up surrounded by music, learning guitar alongside Jimmy Little.

An activist at heart, he joined the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the 1970s where he stayed for two years, however, his early adulthood was marked by crime and alcohol abuse. During his time in prison as a young man, his close friend Charlie Perkins sent him books and he completed his HSC. A near-fatal alcohol-related coma in 1983 became the catalyst for a lifelong transformation. After recovering, McLeod returned home, committed to sobriety and began channelling his energy into music, community work and culture.

Bobby articulated the heart of his purpose in one of his reflections: “Culture provides a touchstone for Aboriginal wellbeing … contained within our cultures are values, which have universal relevance and meaning.”

His strongest legacy emerged through healing and youth leadership. After a visit to Canada with Chicka Dixon and his encounter there with the Cree people, he founded the Doonooch Aboriginal Healing and Cultural Centre at Wreck Bay in 1990, followed by the internationally recognised Doonooch Dancers. He travelled to 24 countries taking Yuin dance to people all over the world.

Alongside this work, his music career blossomed. His first album, Culture Up Front (1987), captured the pain and resilience of Aboriginal life, while Spirit Mother (1993) reflected healing and renewed strength. Later works such as Paradox (2001) and Dumaradje (2005), the ARIA-nominated album, deepened his reputation as a powerful voice for culture and self-determination.