Patron of VACCA – Margaret Elizabeth Tucker, MBE

28/3/1904 to 23/8/1996

“…How small our thinking becomes when we let colour, nationality, or human position divide us….”

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency inaugural patron is Margaret Elizabeth Tucker (Liliardia) MBE.  Margaret Tucker was born in 1904 and when she was thirteen years old she was ‘stolen’ from her Aboriginal parents at Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve and taken away by the authorities to be trained as a domestic servant.   Aunty Marj experienced terrible racism and like many other stolen children Aunty Marj (as she was affectionately called by everyone in her community) did not forget her family and was determined to be reunited with her family and her community.  Throughout her life Aunty Marj felt great concern for all children separated from their families and dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of all Aboriginal people to a better life.  Her hope was that all Australians could live together in harmony. 

Aunty Marj was a much loved and respected Elder of the Victorian Aboriginal community and her compassion and love for others was inspirational.

Aunty Marj’s life story can be found in her book ‘If Everyone Cared” and she features in the film “Lousy Little Sixpence”. 

– Left to Right – Merle Jackomos, Mollie Dyer (first Program Director, VACCA), Elizabeth Hoffman (first Chairperson, VACCA), Marj Tucker (first Patron, VACCA). Photo courtesy of Hoffman family