Meet an ally: Mark Rice

We were thrilled to hear more about Dtharowal man and SSR committee member, Mark Rice, at our recent AGM.

Conceived and raised on Noron-Gera lands (Black Rock, Woronora River) and Born on Gwea lands, Mark has been immersed in Aboriginal teaching sites since childhood. Initially guided by his father and now alongside his cousin and a full-blood Arnhem Land Elder, he continues to respectfully visit, record, and learn from these sacred places.

Mark’s extended family includes Aboriginal Elder Angel John “Guru-Dyralang” (Eagle in the Sky) Gallard (now passed) and his son Evan “Yanna Muru” (Spirit Pathway) Gallard, who owns and operates the “Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout” tour.  

Mark’s spiritual family totem represents male/female creation energy, while his personal totem is the flathead fish. Mark holds a profound ancestral connection with Dtharawal, Darug, Ngarigo, and Yuin country. His ongoing journey is dedicated to re-recording and digitising existing teaching sites to ensure they are preserved for future generations before they disappear. He is particularly committed to advancing the use of Light Detection and Ranging technology as a future tool for recording and preserving teaching sites.

At the SSR AGM, Mark shared stories about the below (clockwise) tree supporting the rock, big Marley, kangaroo pool engraving, and emu pool.

Mark, along with SSR Chair Sonja Scherer, also shared a beautiful Welcome to Country respecting Uncle Les Bursill at the AGM.

The SSR committee is privileged to be guided & provoked by Mark in conversations on Indigenous decisions, spiritual awareness and practices passed down through the Lore of the old people. SSR members will soon be able to benefit from Mark leading bushwalks to teaching sites and his promotion of language. 

Mark also currently contributes to flood mitigation, stormwater drainage, and creek bank rehabilitation projects in Catchment Planning for Fairfield City Council. He has previously had roles with NSW Crown Lands-Homesites at Sutherland and with a survey firm in Hurstville.

Join our upcoming events for the opportunity to meet Mark and hear his stories.