Lizzie Topsy Topora Jako

Lizzie was born at Jay Creek. She lived for much of her adult life at Ukaka Community, near Watarrka, which was her husband, Sid Coulthard’s country. They had kids and lots of grandchildren together, but sadly Sid has passed away. Her father, Johnny Little Jako’s Country was Docker River, while her mother, Ruby Ewana Nakamarra was a Luritja woman whose Country was west of Uluru. Her parents both moved to Jay Creek through the Western Desert Lutheran Church network during difficult drought times, travelling up through Bloods Range, to Utju (Areyonga), Ntaria and eventually to Jay Creek, which was administered by the Church for the Government for some years. They raised their family of eight children there, including Lizzie.

Lizzie first married Andreas Topora at Jay Creek, but they split up and then Lizzie met Sid Coulthard while he was working there. They moved to Tempe Downs for a while, and then to be with his family at Ukaka Community just west of Tempe Downs, where they raised their family together. Lizzie now lives in Alice Springs and paints with Tangentyere Artists, along with many friends from her Jay Creek days.

As a senior Western Arrernte woman, Lizzie is strong in her commitment to Western Desert Women’s Law. She is also committed to the Lutheran faith of the former Mission of Hermannsburg Community in Ntaria, now the Finke River Mission, based in Alice Springs. Lizzie sings regularly in the Central Australian Women’s Choir, and has travelled internationally to perform, Lizzie has undertaken translation work, being fluent and literate in Luritja and English.

Along with close friend, fellow artist, church member, and family member, Marjorie Wiliams, Lizzie participated in an Artist in Residency at Mulgara Gallery, Voyages, Yulara during the month of October 2019, which both artists found an immensely rewarding opportunity.