Uncle Gus Wenberg, born in 1934, was taken from his mother, Lily Mercy, by welfare authorities at the age of 10 and sent to KBH. Two of his brothers, Vince and John (both deceased), joined him there, while his six sisters were separated and sent to other homes. His story reflects the painful legacy of the Stolen Generations and the resilience carried by those who endured it.
Like his late brother Vince, who worked as a train driver, Uncle Gus also found employment with the railways, where he dedicated four decades of service in various roles.
Later in life Uncle Gus found joy in art, attending community art classes and using painting as a creative outlet. His piece in the Truth Telling: The Past, Present and Future exhibition, on loan from his family, is a deeply personal self-portrait depicting Uncle Gus standing at a Blue Mountains lookout, gazing out across the vast beauty of Dharug and Gundungurra Country. Perched at the edge of the escarpment, his figure is small against the sweeping cliffs, layered valleys and open sky – a powerful reflection of stillness, perspective and connection to Country. Through this work, Uncle Gus not only painted a landscape, but captured a moment of contemplation, wonder and belonging.
The Blue Mountains held a special place in Uncle Gus’ heart. He made the Mountains his home for decades, finding connection, peace and inspiration in its landscapes until his passing in 2023.
Uncle Gus is survived by his three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who honour his memory and the legacy of a life marked by resilience, creativity and connection to the Blue Mountains.
