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.
S051491
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.