Growing up in Surry Hills, Leila and her siblings were told to tell everyone they were Spanish. Her father, who grew up at Cow Flat, had lost contact with brothers and a sister as part of the stolen generation, and disguised their heritage in fear the authorities would remove them as well. 

“We knew, within the family, and all our relatives, everyone we knew was dark,” she said. “But people would ask us, ‘are you Greek, are you Italian’, and we would always say, ‘no, we’re Spanish’. “It was only when we were grown up that we realised it would be up to us to embrace our heritage,” she said. “And I love our culture, I love our stories and our symbols".

The links Leila has forged with her Wiradjuri roots are clear in her artworks. They celebrate some of the traditional symbols, including the goanna. She works designs onto everyday objects, such as clothing, kitchen utensils and other objects, as well as traditional paintings. 

After four years of renovations, the gallery has now been open for six months and continues to display amazing artworks which show a passion for Leila's craft and heritage. For more information visit the Hoardin' Pavilion's Facebook page.​