Aunty Edna Watson OAM
Congratulations have flowed thick and fast for Aunty Edna Watson from Oakville for her OAM.
The Dharug Elder, artist and story teller has made significant contributions to preserving the Dharug language.She is involved with local councils, NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW Reconciliation, TAFE and universities.
She developed a curriculum for NSW schools in Western Sydney to revitalise the Dharug language. Her OAM was for service to the Indigenous community of NSW through education including Macquarie University’s Australian Research Institute for Environment and Sustainability, and through various projects through Western Sydney University including contributing to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the areas of nursing and midwifery.
Dharug Aboriginal Corporation said: “Congratulations to our beautiful Aunty Edna for receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her extraordinary service to the Indigenous Community of NSW. So very well deserved for all of her hard work in Community over so very many years, paving the way for the next generations to be able to stand strong and proud with their Culture and language. We walk in your footsteps.”
Dharug Education said Aunty Edna is “a true inspiration to so many”. It said the award was truly deserved saying she was: “acknowledged for her determination, resilience and mighty hard work for all she has done for Dharug people, Country and Culture.”
Susan Templeman MP said it was “absolute joy” to see Aunty Edna Watson recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her extraordinary service to the Indigenous community of NSW.
