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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-07-19 Daily Xml
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GLADYS ELPHICK AWARDS

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the Gladys Elphick Awards.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: The minister launched the nominations for the 2012 Gladys Elphick Awards at the International Women's Day collective event in March this year. I understand the recipient of the award was announced as part of this year's NAIDOC Week. Can the minister advise the chamber who is the recipient of the 2012 Gladys Elphick Award?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. This very prestigious award commemorates the late Gladys Elphick MBE, who was born in 1904 and grew up on the Point Pearce Mission Station on Yorke Peninsula. Of Kaurna/Ngadjuri descent, she was known to most people simply as Auntie Glad. In 1966, Gladys was instrumental in bringing together a number of women to form the Council of Aboriginal Women of South Australia—the first Aboriginal women's body to be formed in Australia.

Today, the award named in Auntie Glad's honour continues the tradition of recognising outstanding community spirit and work amongst Aboriginal women in South Australia. This year represents the 10th anniversary of the awards. I was privileged to attend some of this year's award presentations during the recent NAIDOC Week celebrations, and I am pleased to report that, this year, there were joint winners of the Gladys Elphick Award. One of the winners was Eunice Aston and the other was Lavene Ngatokorua.

Eunice Aston is a Ngarrindjeri woman who shows strong leadership. She is committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal women and communities, and she is a leader in the Murray Mallee community. This is evident through her membership on numerous boards and committees including, of course, the Premier's Council for Women.

Eunice has given much of her personal time as a volunteer, serving on many local women's groups and committees, including the advisory group for the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Care program and the Kalparrin Community Women's Group. Eunice has dedicated her life to supporting Aboriginal people's physical and mental health, including obtaining a Diploma of Nursing. Through her many roles in the community, Eunice has done much to strengthen and empower local Ngarrindjeri women.

One practical and important role that she has undertaken is chairperson of Ninkowar Inc., which is the Ngarrindjeri women's organisation based in Murray Bridge, and as a member of the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority. Eunice has set up a local Aboriginal Cultural and Community Centre, which is a base for women and their families to come and be involved in learning skills like creating art, jewellery making and contributing to positive community events. Eunice is a strong advocate and role model for Aboriginal women living in and on country. She actively promotes their achievements and raises their issues at local, state and national levels.

The other recipient of the Gladys Elphick Award was Lavene Ngatokorua. Lavene is a born leader. Even from a very young age as a child at the Umeewarra Children's Home, she was recognised as a leader there. Many would remember Lavene organising the younger children in activities and play. Even though she grew up in a mission environment, Lavene's cultural knowledge and identity still remain very, very strong features of her life.

Lavene has stood up against injustice wherever she has seen it and she has worked as a nurse, a sports coordinator of the state's netball and football carnival and also as a police officer. In addition to her years of hard work, Lavene has strived to develop herself through study, completing various courses including business and governance. Lavene's natural leadership and calm persona have greatly benefited the community. We have seen this in the way that she brings peace into high conflict situations both in the community and also professionally. The young people of Davenport community are very dear to Lavene, and we can see her dedication as the Tji Tji Wiru coordinator, which is a successful youth service in Davenport.

Lavene is an extraordinary Aboriginal woman who protects her culture and cares for her community very deeply. Her culture and her love for her family and community are what drive her. I am sure that members would agree that these two extraordinary women are very worthy recipients of this year's Gladys Elphick Award. We congratulate both of them on their wonderful efforts.

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