Acelebrated local Aboriginal Elder is about to launch a debut single to raise awareness and create healing around Aboriginal deaths in custody.

Artist Yawuri Penny Bonney will launch her single “Only Brother Knows” on October 9 at The Old Mount Gambier Gaol.

Yawuri Penny is releasing her debut single in 2021 to recognise the 30th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, after writing the song in 2004.

Yawuri Penny is a proud Elder of the Moandik, Meintangk and Narrungga people, and is a celebrated musician and artist.

She was born in Kingston into a large family of eight brothers and four sisters.

Her father was Phillip Bonney from Kingston and her mother Constance Wanganeen from Point Pearce mission on Yorke Peninsula.

Yawuri Penny Bonney’s great grandmother was the last traditional full blood Aboriginal woman to reside in Kingston and passed away in 1954.

She was known as Queen Ethel Watson née Whimpy.

Yawuri Penny was inspired to write the song about her brother who passed away in custody in 1990.

She will be joined at the launch by a host of musicians including Bonnie May Saunders, Tyrell Bonney, Rebecca Willis, Bianca Hendy, Christy & Jason Wallace, and Louise Adams.

Yawuri Penny will perform with her band members Viv Johns, Gary King, Beau Burzacott and will feature special guest performer Gavin Clarke.