Photo by Power Water

Artist: June Mills - storyteller and artist

  Location: Goyder Road

Dangalaba (crocodile) on Larrakia Country by June Mills

Power and Water operates across 1.3 million square kilometres of the Northern Territory.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands we live, work and operate and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

We are excited to share the Dangalaba (crocodile) story with you, from Larrakia Country.

See the mural on our Salonika water tank (Goyder Road, Parap).

Dangalaba is the crocodile. It is the totem of the Larrakia people. The Larrakia are saltwater people. This is highlighted by the tribal area.

"All of the dreamings are associated with cultural and social wellbeings.
The dangalaba is our source of power and strength.
The dangalaba lives in both saltwater and freshwater.
They cannot be separated. They co-exist and gain strength and energy from each other." June Mills

Information credit: https://www.powerwater.com.au/about/reconciliation/art-project/larrakia-country-parap

June Mills is a well-known Darwin identity –a traditional owner of Larrakia land, the country on which Darwin is built and the surrounding area. June’s art and music have always reflected the environment in which she lives, the people, landscape and the stories of her country.  She sings about love and loss, the connections between people, between country, and the importance of belonging- themes that are universal.

Art and Workshops

June is an accomplished artist who is known for her paintings, limited edition prints and public art projects.  She also works actively with youth to inspire creativity while also teaching cultural significance.  June facilitates a popular t-shirts and singlet painting workshop program for children of all ages.

Family and Music

June Mills can play many instruments including: guitar, ukulele, mandolin, piano accordion and the organ.  Her musical career started at a very early age. Music and singing was an everyday part of life and the family home was always full of people.  June’s parents- David and Kathy Mills- are both accomplished singers/songwriters and musicians, recognised by their induction into the hall of fame at the 2005 NT Indigenous Music Awards.

Mills Sister Group

For many years June was a member of the famous Mills Sisters Group, often giving support performances for famous acts like Harry Secombe, Charlie Pride and Tina Turner.  June on guitar, Ali on ukulele, Barbara on tambourine and shakers, Violet on Tbox (bush bass) and Robin Forscutt on lead guitar.

Information credit: https://www.powerwater.com.au/about/reconciliation/art-project/larrakia-country-parap