Robin Bryant was born in Bellingen in 1947. He is a descendent of the Gumbaynggirr people of the Nambucca Valley, on the New South Wales North Coast.

Beginning as a Chairperson on the Board of Bangarra, Uncle Robin Bryant played an integral role in the establishment of the company, becoming its first General Manager in 1990. Uncle Robin helped raise Bangarra's profile to that of a significant performing arts company. Working with Bangarra until 1994, Uncle Robin's contribution supported the development of many Bangarra productions including Up Until Now, Praying Mantis Dreaming and Ochres.