Jamie Garlett – Western Australia

Jamie Garlett is a proud Noongar Ballardong man, father, musician, cultural educator and community leader whose journey reflects exceptional resilience, creativity and self-determination.

Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at 18 and losing his vision completely at 27, Jamie has transformed significant personal challenges into a platform for advocacy, cultural leadership and community connection.

As a singer-songwriter, Jamie draws on Noongar culture, language and lived experience to create music that celebrates identity, cultural survival and healing. He has established his own creative business, released his debut single Four Years Old and is currently recording his debut full-length album in Western Australia.

Beyond music, Jamie delivers performances, cultural education, storytelling and Acknowledgements of Country, while supporting young people and communities through mentoring and peer support. His work promotes cultural pride, belonging and greater understanding of blindness and disability.

With more than 34 performances, 10 speaking engagements and numerous cultural education sessions delivered in 2024 alone, Jamie continues to make a meaningful contribution across Western Australia.

Jamie embodies the values of excellence, perseverance, creativity, courage and self-determination. Through his music, advocacy and cultural leadership, he inspires others, challenges perceptions of blindness and helps strengthen connections between culture, community and disability inclusion.