'This was Larrakia country first': Fil-Larrakia academic on the continuous fight for tradition and family

SBS Australia

09-07-2025

Dr Bilawara Lee is the Larrakia academic-in-residence at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and an Order of Australia medal recipient.
Lee has authored children's books and created a podcast series around Larrakia culture and language.
Known as 'the velvet steamroller' by those who are close to her, Lee shared that she doesn't mince words, especially when it comes to racism and bigotry. (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island readers are advised that the following article may contain images of people who have died.) "I'm a little brown-skinned old lady with a disability [from a stroke] now, but I will keep fighting to make things better for my children and grandchildren."
Admittedly quick-witted, sharp-tongued and rebellious, Dr Bilawara Lee, also fondly known as Aunty B and Lola ['grandmother' in Filipino] B, has been at the forefront of keeping the Larrakia language, culture and tradition alive.
Dr Bilawara Lee has been at the forefront of keeping the Larrakia language and culture alive and thriving. Credit: Dr Bilawara Lee The Larrakia is a group of Indigenous Australians from and around Darwin in the Northern Territory. They have the longest running land claim in the Northern Territory.
A tragic love story
Lee, the Larrakia academic-in-residence at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and an Order of Australia medal recipient, is part of the prominent Aboriginal-Filipino kin and the largest Larrakia clan, the Cubillo family.
Some members of the prominent Cubillo family Credit: Dr Bilawara Lee "My Filipino great-grandfather Juan Cubillo came over for pearling. He married my great-grandmother, Lily. She was beautiful!"
Lee shared that while the couple had children and were building their lives in Australia, Juan was homesick and wanted to visit his native Bohol.
He went to the Philippines and then World War II broke out. He couldn't come back. He died not being able to come back to Australia. Dr Bilawara Lee, Larrakia academic-in-residence at Charles Darwin University "It was a really sad love story." Lee shared that all of Juan and Lily's children grew up well and had families of their own, and although the Cubillo children had very little time with their father, they continued to cultivate the Filipino traditions handed down to them.
"We didn't learn the Filipino language — none of us did because great-grandfather left; but we've lived the culture and traditions."
The Cubillo boys started the first ever Rondalla [Spanish stringed instruments that took hold in the Philippines] group. They did that really well. Dr Bilawara Lee, Larrakia academic-in-residence at Charles Darwin University
"And as a child, I didn't learn Larrakia or Irish dancing. I learned stick dancing [tinikling] and the fan dance.
Lee and her mother, Mary Credit: Dr Bilawara Lee
"Of course, I grew up loving Filipino food - the adobo, lechon! Many young Filipinos [cringe] at dinuguan [pork blood stew], but it's yummy!"
Ancient wisdom for modern times
In as much as the Cubillo family continues to value their Filipino roots, Lee says that her life's work revolves around making sure that the Larrakia language and culture persist.
"For many years, I've travelled and spoken at festivals and conferences, but you can only speak to so many people at one time. I'm 75 now and it's exhausting, so I thought ' What's the best way to get across to bigger audiences? '" Wanting to reach a bigger audience, Lee wrote colourful picture books for children and did a podcast series around the Larrakia culture and language.
"I've gotten into more modern media with the help of my nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
The mode may be modern, but I believe in ancient wisdom that helps young ones live better lives. It's all about living a life of kindness, respect, hard work, and commitment. Dr Bilawara Lee, Larrakia academic-in-residence at Charles Darwin University
When it comes to commitment, Lee is dedicated to upholding Larrakia tradition on campus and developing a Larrakia master plan for the NT government.
Lee, an Order of Australia awardee, is dedicated to upholding Larrakia tradition on campus and developing a Larrakia master plan for the NT government. Credit: Dr Bilawara Lee
"My master plan for the NT government includes seeing street names, suburbs, and buildings with Larrakia names. "As a full-time Larrakia person on campus in CDU ... they see me as an ambassador. I'm involved with the curriculum. "I'm a Gurdimin-ba Bali as well ... so when the medical centre here opens, I'm going to be teaching about traditional healing." Gurdimin-ba Bali is the Larrakia term for 'Spirit Doctor'. Aside from being a healer, a Gurdimin-ba Bali is also a teacher of Aboriginal spirituality.
"I'd like to think I've made an impact and change in the health and education in the NT for the benefit of First Nations people and the multicultural community," Lee shared.
The Velvet Steamroller Achievements aside, what Lee has become known for is her "persuasiveness" and "straightforwardness".
"People call me the 'velvet steamroller'. I'm very transparent. People know I say it how it is. I don't mince words when I'm not happy about something, especially when it comes to racism and bigotry.
Lee is known for her "persuasiveness" and "straightforwardness". Credit: Dr Bilawara Lee "Many people come from a Western eco-centric point of view and believe things should be a certain way. No, they don't have to be.
In the end, this was Larrakia country first. You came later, so don't tell me your way is better than mine. Dr Bilawara Lee, Larrakia academic-in-residence at Charles Darwin University "I'm proud of who I am, of raising children and grandchildren who are close and proud of their heritage — Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, and Larrakia."