Decision details

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

Three highly respected Aboriginal elders have recently been recognised in national awards.

On 10 June 2024, Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM, a Gamilaro/Kamilaroi woman from Walgett was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of her service to the Indigenous community, and to the hospitality industry.

Over a 40-year career Aunty Beryl has been a cook, caterer, educator and business owner, running restaurants and cafes, including the Gardener’s Lodge Cafe in Victoria Park. She has trained almost 4,000 young people and is a respected and leading expert in bush foods and flavours, providing advice to some of the world's leading chefs.

Aunty Beryl is currently Aunty-in-Residence at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. She has partnered with the City in providing weekly community lunches at the Redfern Community Centre.

Redfern residents, Aunty Dulcie Flower AM and Aunty Millie Ingram were among the recipients of the 2024 National NAIDOC Week Awards, announced at a ceremony in Tarndanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Yerta Country on Saturday 6 July 2024.

Aunty Dulcie Flower AM received the Lifetime Achievement Award 2024. The award recognises her long involvement in campaigns for improved outcomes for First Nations peoples in regard to cultural recognition, industrial equality, health, legal protections, education, housing, clean water, proper waste disposal, and land ownership. A trained nurse, Aunty Dulcie played a leading role in establishing the Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative (AMS Redfern) and continues to be involved as a Board member.

Aunty Dulcie Flower’s contributions have been recognised on a national scale, culminating in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019 for her significant service to the Indigenous community and her pivotal role in the 1967 Referendum Campaign which enabled the Commonwealth Parliament to make laws for Aboriginal people, such as land rights and Native Title legislation.

Aunty Millie Ingram, a Wiradjuri Elder from Cowra NSW, was awarded Female Elder of the Year 2024. The Award recognises her key role as a leader in policy processes and initiatives aimed at supporting Aboriginal communities and self-determination.

Along with her family, she founded the first Aboriginal Community Controlled early childhood centre, Murawina, and later Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care program.

A fierce political activist, Aunty Millie campaigned for the YES vote during the referendum last year and remains dedicated to advancing opportunities for Aboriginal people. At 84 years old, she continues to serve her communities, supporting Elders, youth organisations, and women in business.

I invite Councillors to join with me in congratulating Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM, Aunty Dulcie Flower AM and Aunty Millie Ingram.

COUNCILLOR CLOVER MOORE AO

Lord Mayor

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor)

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council congratulate Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours;

(B)      Council congratulate Aunty Millie Ingram on being recognised as Female Elder of the Year 2024 at the 2024 National NAIDOC Week Awards;

(C)      Council congratulate Aunty Dulcie Flower AM on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 at the 2024 National NAIDOC Week Awards; and

(D)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM, Aunty Millie Ingram and Aunty Dulcie Flower AM congratulating them on their monumental achievements and thanking them for their years of dedicated service and contribution to our community.

The Minute, as varied by consent, was carried unanimously.

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Note – following discussion and voting on this item, the Chair (the Lord Mayor), all Councillors, staff, press and members of the public present acknowledged Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM, Aunty Millie Ingram and Aunty Dulcie Flower AM’s achievements with a standing ovation.