LUKE Brock was born in Beechworth and lived in the town until his early 20’s where he then spent time living in Wodonga, Myrtleford and Port Douglas. He moved back to Beechworth five years ago.
What do you do workwise?
I started out as the ‘clean up boy' at what used to be Arthur Stephenson’s butcher shop when I was 12 or 13 years old, and then spent the next decade working in abattoirs and boning rooms in Myrtleford, Wodonga and Eurobin. In 2000, I commenced work at the old Beechworth Prison, and there began my 20-year association with the state government. My role with the Department of Justice saw me supporting the Koori men and their families while in custody at Beechworth. This led to me working regionally and contributing to the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. I was invited to meet the chairperson and CEO of a local Aboriginal Health organisation. I spent five years at Rumbalara Aboriginal Health Cooperative as deputy CEO and then CEO. At the end of my contract, I moved into the environment space, working with NECMA and DELWP both roles required engagement with local traditional owner groups.
It’s been an exciting time for me personally, as I'm now the owner operator of Kerrupjmara Meats and Black Bird consultancy. Kerrupjmara Meats started out as a small artisan butcher sourcing meat from local regenerative farmers who like myself, are practicing and teaching others the benefit of an environmentally responsible community.
Kerrupjmara (Freshwater People) is currently contracted by Discovered Wildfoods – a wild harvest game meat company that is setting up their new operation in a newly renovated section of the old Mayday Hills hospital. Next year Black Bird together with Discovered will open our doors and create a training facility capable of providing opportunities and ongoing support to young people living in remote Aboriginal communities.
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What do you love about your work?
My involvement with a company that is new to Beechworth and an advocate for a healthier environment, and creating opportunities for change in remote communities.
What do you do in the community?
I undertake guest speaking at community groups such as Probus, schools and the local Men’s Shed. I cover a range of topics including local Aboriginal history and language. Last Easter I was fortunate to be a part of the Golden Horseshoe Festival, providing an acknowledgement of country, and MC for Mitch Tambo.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
There is little that celebrates the contribution or the history of Aboriginal people in the region. We have some of the most important cultural heritage sites on our doorstep. We have had Aboriginal leaders with stories of similar importance to the great Bunuba man Jandamarra.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
Homelessness is something we don't seem to make a noise about yet for so many people and like a disease in it has no bias. Locally, Beechworth right now has people forced to move away or live rough due to the lack of affordable housing. I've seen the impact of homelessness primarily on the person and their loved ones, but the ripple effect in the community eventually will touch us all.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I would ask Carlo Catani (1852 – 1918) to please put all the water back. Carlo spent time in Beechworth when he designed the road to Mt Buffalo and locally the road around the Gorge. He was a highly regard engineer and spent years at the request of the state government draining swamps and wetlands. Done in haste, there's little to show how much water we've lost and what that actually translates to in the environment?
What book are you reading?
‘The Storyteller - Tales of Life and Music” by American author and musician Dave Grohl.
