Bessie Yarram
Aboriginal Australian community activist
Aboriginal Australian community activist
Indigenous Australian activist, filmmaker, academic, lawyer and writer
The first Indigenous person to be elected to the New South Wales parliament.
Respected Aboriginal Australian Elder who worked tirelessly for many years in the eastern region, raising awareness of Aboriginal issues and strengthening the community.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a leading advocate for land rights and reconciliation, and in 1964 published the first modern poetry book by an Aboriginal Australian woman.
Nova Peris was the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal.
Rosalie Kunoth-Monks was the first Aboriginal female movie star, alongside being an advocate for her community.
In 2001, Carol Martin OAM was the first Aboriginal woman to be elected to an Australian parliament.
Lisa Bellear’s work as an artist, poet, photographer, broadcaster, activist and academic continues to inspire change and educate.
Lady Gladys Nicholls was a leading Aboriginal activist whose dedicated community service was an inspiration to many.