For more than 40 years, Ronald (Doc) Reynolds has helped integrate traditional culture with scientific research, community planning and tourism in the region of Esperance.
Doc is a Wudjari Nyungar Mirning Ngudju man and knowledge holder who established Esperance’s first Aboriginal Community Centre. He also started the Gabbie Kylie Foundation, which brings together different land and heritage management agencies to conserve the heritage of the region and re-connect Traditional Owners with country.
As the senior cultural advisor for the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (also now its director), Doc has worked on numerous research projects, contributing to project design, field data collection and cultural mentorship.
Doc also owns and operates the award-winning Kepa Kurl Enterprises, which runs cultural tours of Esperance as well as heritage surveys.
In 2022, Doc was awarded the state’s highest tourism honour, the Sir David Brand Medal for Contribution to Tourism in Western Australia.