Bill Bennell was born and raised in Bunbury by his mother. His father left while he was very young, which gave him an opportunity to be closer to his many 'fathers and mothers' through a large extended family. He says this enabled him to gain a good understanding of his culture through those family ties.

"Through my art I hope to learn more about myself and show what my family has instilled in me about the importance of our heritage," Bill said.

Bill's paintings are a representation of Noongar heritage places. Many of the old ways of teaching about Noongar heritage include song, dance, stories and art.

Bill says he uses art to tell his stories. His art is not a true representation of the traditional style of Noongar painting it is more of a contemporary style.

Emu Shell (Waythinicup)