George Norman Riley born 1964 spent most of his life along the Barron River, a place called Kowrowa. After the primary school in Kuranda and High school in Cairns he studied Art and Craft at TAFE in Cairns, followed studying visual art at the Deakin university in Geelong.

Growing up along the Barron River (Bunna Warru), George was inspired to paint by watching and learning from family members. He already started sketching and painting at the primary school where he realised he had the passion for it.

George’s dreaming is the wind, fire and water. The dingo dreaming is from his father’s side. His tribal name is Walagunji and Jillimablu, which means Owl. He prefer to use his name Jillimablu when signing his paintings. His name Jillimablu comes from is great great grandmother, queen Maggie Donahue (Nuwarri Pretty flower) of the Djabugay Tribe.

George supplies through various galleries in Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Kuranda and many private collectors both national and international. One of the large and fantastic work he did was the the design and painting of the historic Cairns-Kuranda Scenic train.

George reside now in Mona Mona at Kuranda Tropical North Queensland. He spend his time painting and work with the local community group, passing on his knowledge of the Djabugay culture and surrounding native country.

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MURAL STORY