Paddy Roe grew up on Roebuck Plains Station east of Broome, Western Australia. He is of Nyikina descent and grew up between two worlds working as a stockman, a windmill repairer, a butcher and in an ice and lemonade business before becoming a market gardener. He was a skilled wood carver and an expert in making boomerangs. Paddy Roe was a well known storyteller and caretaker of important traditional ceremonies and established the Lurujarri Heritage Trail.