Gumeroy was born in Moree, near the Mehi River. He had a “typical country upbringing” which included hunting, fishing, and sports. Gumeroy treasures the knowledge he’s received about his Indigenous culture – the Kamilaroi lived off the bounty of the plains and waterways. He also calls Waterloo home.
“Waterloo is a place for everyone,” Gumeroy says. “Respect should be afforded to all groups of people.”
He is sympathetic toward long-term housing residents and hopes their needs will be given priority; that Homes NSW honours the promises made to residents that they be given opportunity to move back to the area after the redevelopment.
In line with his personal philosophy of respect for all people, particularly Indigenous groups, Gumeroy is critical of Israeli aggression. “Israel has overstepped the mark and should back off in Gaza,” he says. “Israel has a right to exist and defend itself, but the occupation is illegal and untenable.”
Gumeroy is a working musician. He is often seen on Waterloo Green with his “didge”, his people and friends. He’s known as a friendly, intelligent philosopher-musician-artist.
A keen St George-Illawarra and Blues supporter, he also follows the AFL.
Close friend Jo Stacey supports the Brisbane Broncos. She was born in Meanjin (Brisbane) but moved to Redfern at an early age. Jo is fiercely loyal to her people and Yuggera culture.
“I agree with Gumeroy – local housing residents should be looked after. Many people are getting a raw deal. Waterloo is shrinking and there’s too much pressure on long-term locals.”
Jo is concerned about the rising cost of living and the threat of economic depression and how that will affect everyone, particularly Indigenous people.
She went to school at Cleveland Street and has lived in Redfern-Waterloo most of her life. She is a keen observer of trends and traits.
“Local people are treated with disrespect by a lot of new residents who don’t understand the peculiar vagaries of the Waterloo area,” she says.
“I mean, some white middle-class people can be very annoying – appropriating symbols of Indigenous culture, Palestinian or Ukrainian culture, with no proper understanding of history.”
