Community rallies to support Norm Stanley

THE Geelong community is rallying to support Wathaurong man Norm Stanley and his family, following Mr Stanley’s diagnosis with stage 4 kidney cancer.

Mr Stanley is well known across the Geelong region as an artist, a musician and for performing didgeridoo at hundreds of Welcome to Country ceremonies in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.

Norm’s wife Nikki revealed the diagnosis in a social media post earlier this week, stating the news of Mr Stanley’s incurable cancer had come less than two months after their wedding day, and that the family was appealing for support through a GoFundMe appeal.

“I ask that if you have the means to help us get through these next moments while we navigate these extremely devastating chapters in our journey, it would be appreciated beyond words.

“Our beautiful friend has set this up on our behalf, and contributions will help assist in daily expenses, secondary consultations, ongoing costs associated with Norm’s diagnosis and assisting getting healing from Our people, on Country as a family.

“We don’t have a western medicine plan as yet but being true to ourselves and knowing our Ancestors and old people ways were superior we will make a trip to NT to sit with family, friends and healers on Country and contributions will go towards this becoming a priority option.”

Set at $50,000, the GoFundMe has already raised nearly $27,000 in the space of four days.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens, who has donated to the appeal, said the whole community, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, was “rallying around Norm, Nikki and their beautiful family”.

“Norm has touched the hearts of thousands of people over many years by sharing his culture and spirit with all of us.

“I have had the great privilege of working with Norm and Nikki, we share a great friendship, I am very grateful for their mentorship and education and awareness here on Wadawurrung Country.

“This is a very challenging time for Norm, Nikki and family and friends. It has been fantastic to see so many people support the GoFundMe campaign, it shows just how much respect we all have for Norm. I encourage anyone who wants to help to make a donation.

“Norm has contributed so much to the Geelong community, it’s now our turn to give back.”

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Op declined to make any formal comment on Mr Stanley’s diagnosis, but extended its love and support to the Stanley family on Facebook.

“Norm, Nikki and their family are a huge part of our community and both have touched the lives of so many people through their generous sharing of culture,” the co-op posted.

Goanna founder Shane Howard is also backing the fundraiser, stating Mr Stanley was “a dear friend of the Goanna Band”.

“Norm joined Goanna on stage in 2022 when we performed with Midnight Oil at Mt Duneed Estate and again at Costa Hall in Geelong.

“He is facing a huge battle right now and he and his family need our thoughts and support.

“Help out this generous man and his family if you can.”

To donate to Mr Stanley’s GoFundMe, head to gofundme.com/f/supporting-norm-and-his-family-on-their-journey