15 Mile is the name of an Indigenous community located in the outer-Darwin suburb of Palmerston (the community is also named Palmerston Indigenous Village). The relationship the photographer shares with this community developed from his initial participation in the Eye-See Workshop (April, 2013), and ensuing accompaniment of Rob. It also grew through a friendship formed with elder T. Burrenjuck, who assisted and encouraged Walton-Healey in photographing numerous members of his immediate and extended family.
By deepening the photographer’s understanding of the significance ascribed to kinship relations, this friendship led Walton-Healey to develop similar documentary projects with other elders and family groups. Overseen by community leader Phillip Goodman, Walton-Healey developed an extensive body of family portraiture, which formed the basis of a documentary slideshow and narrative titled Where Blood Comes From. With the support of the 15 Mile residents, and local service providers, this screened on the community in October, 2022.
* Permission to publish photographs of T.Burrenjuck and Barbara Tambling has been provided by the 15 Mile Community.