IT was a day Ken Wyatt will never forget as his portrait was hung in the Historic Memorials Collection at Parliament House honouring him as the first Indigenous Federal Minister.
The Federal Member for Hasluck, Aged Care Minister and Indigenous Health Minister, was the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives in 2010.
Renowned West Australian artist Mary Moore said she was inspired by Mr Wyatt’s maiden speech to Parliament and aimed to capture the strength, passion, hopefulness and sadness of his work.
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READ NOWThe painting has taken more than six years to complete, hundreds of hours and features over 60 layers of paint in some areas.
The portrait recognises Mr Wyatt’s strong indigenous heritage, his leadership and his belief in his work and his country.
It was unveiled by the Prime Minister with more than 100 guests in attendance including Mr Wyatt’s friends and family that had travelled from Perth to be at the historic occasion.
Mr Wyatt said he was lost for words and that it was one of the most humbling and proudest days of his life.
“I cannot truly express my pride, my joy, my gratefulness and how humbled I am,” he said.
“Words cannot do it justice.”
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