'Makes you breathe and sleep better': Wayne Blair on diving into his family history and identity

Butchella and Cobble Cobble writer, director and actor Wayne Blair digs deeper into his family tree in an upcoming episode of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' on SBS.

Blair embarks on a journey of discovery and connection on the television show. Credit: Ryan McCurdy

At the age of 51, Wayne Blair has written, directed and acted in many groundbreaking television shows and movies that explore and depict what contemporary Blak experiences may look and feel like today.

Depictions that examine the inescapable themes of history, loss, family and the self to the First Nations experience in Australia.

Blair, now a father for the first time, is keen to learn more about his ancestry and travels to Queensland to investigate his maternal great-grandfather Fred Ross- a much-loved family figure whose early life and lineage are shrouded in mystery.

Wayne & cousin Butchulla leader, Jade Gould at the site of the old settlement “Central Station”, on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) Credit: Ryan McCurdy

Through this journey, we watch as Blair gains access and trawls through historical records that shine a light on his family's history.

Truth-telling and reconciling with self

The episode uncovers the story of Blair's family and provides him with insight into the circumstances and forces influencing their journey – which Blair described as being revealing and humbling.

"It just was like your life flashes in front of you. And it makes you breathe and sleep a little bit better, to a certain degree."

It just gives you permission to be who you are and you sort of settle within yourself.

Blair says that the experience of finding out where he comes from through historical records held by institutions provided moments that required thoughtful conciliation.

"But also a few moments of truth-telling. I suppose when you're First Nations, you have truth-telling every day. This was no different."

Wayne & his mother Julie Blair in Rockhampton Credit: Ryan McCurdy

When asked if the experience had an immediate impact on him, Blair explained that it's not an instant change.

"I think it's a day-by-day thing. And I think I've always been this person but what the experience has done, is given me permission to stand up and be that person who I am."

Connection with yourself and Country

The episode brought Blair to the places and sites where his family once lived and grew, with the journey uncovering connections and providing auspicious moments coming back onto Country.

"Living an urban lifestyle, once you get permission to go back on Country for whatever reason, I can speak on behalf of me ... you don't do it. And usually it takes a funeral or it takes a big event to [come] back."

Wayne Blair & his cousin historian and Woppaburra Elder, Dr Sonny Van Issum – on Woppa, also known as the Great Keppel Island, Queensland

"It just gave me permission to go to a special spot and just sit there for as long as I wanted to. Just something simple as that."

Whilst reflecting on identity and the often contentious nature of it for mob - on account of the fracture our communities experience - Blair said that this journey cemented who he is.

And you sort of celebrate that. Then you also have a cry about it because it's who you are, and you can't change it. And it's beautiful. Such a beautiful thing

Wayne Blair’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? will premiere on SBS and SBS On Demand on Tuesday May 28 at 7:30pm AEST.