The Neville McKenzie Collective brings together a powerful group of family artists connected through culture, story, and shared creative practice. Each artist holds strong cultural ties to Dunghutti and Yuin Country, with works that reflect knowledge passed down through generations.
Led by Uncle John Kelly (also known as Neville McKenzie), a respected Dunghutti Elder from Kempsey, artist, cultural adviser, and teacher, the exhibition presents over 30 works created alongside his family. His practice is widely recognised, with works held in significant collections including The Bunyip in NSW Parliament House, and featured in exhibitions honouring Nelson Mandela.
Working across wood, painting, drawing, surfboards, didgeridoos, and clap sticks, the artists share a body of work grounded in storytelling and cultural continuity. The works explore a lived surrealism — expressions of memory, knowledge, and ancestral teachings carried through family.
Exhibiting together reflects deep kinship and a shared responsibility to honour and continue cultural knowledge through art. Each work contributes to a broader narrative of connection — to Country, to family, and to story.
Artists
John Kelly (Neville McKenzie) – Dunghutti
Tyla McKenzie – Dunghutti
Tiara McKenzie – Dunghutti
Ray Kelly – Dunghutti/Yuin
Anthony Butler – Yuin
Jason Ridgeway – Dunghutti
This presentation is delivered by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
A special launch event will be held on a Saturday during the exhibition period. Visitors are invited to register online to receive details, with the confirmed date shared closer to the event.
The Gallery
6 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour