In loving memory of our dear sister Lois Olney, a beacon of light in our lives. Her music and friendship have left us with cherished memories. The welcoming and generous spirit that she shared enriched those lucky enough to meet her, know her, and hear her perform. A jazz and blues musician, her melodies and rhythms were healing for her and those who related to her words and listened to her voice as it softly resonated with "all things in society that get us down, but also put fire in our belly," as she would often say.
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A member of the Stolen Generations, she was a young woman when she reconnected with her Yamitji and Ngarluma families; she maintained a grateful and hopeful heart that translated into her musicianship interwoven with all her life's trauma. "I really love my jazz songs, and I love singing the old jazz songs, but I really like to sing jazz songs in my language," she said. "It would give me a sense of connection to my family, history, and people. It gives me an understanding and ownership of myself and my life. I hope it gives others a way to feel their own understanding." Her final gift to the Perth community was to be with us at the Bunuru Social Impact Festival, where we were all mesmerised by her soulful voice, transported by her storytelling, and awed by her performance.
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Our love and condolences go out to her family.
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Singing with the Angels, Rest in Peace, Sister.
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Lois Olney (1963 -2024)
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