Sadie Paddoon Australian, Kukatja, b. 1958

Sadie was born at Sturt Creek where her father worked in the stock camp and her mother helped in the kitchen. In her early years she recalls swimming, fishing and living a carefree life. When Sadie was old enough she went to the old Balgo mission to attend school. At times she would return to Sturt Creek where they would go out digging for bush potato.

With the relocation of Balgo to its current position Sadie began caring for the old people and later commenced painting. She has many stories to paint that have been passed down from her grandfather and her parents who now live at Billiluna. She is also knowledgeable with regard to women’s culture, which includes taking the young girls through ceremony, teaching them traditional dances and bush medicines.