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Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) CEO Aunty Muriel Bamblett has been awarded Person of the Year at this year’s National NAIDOC Awards.
A Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Boon Wurrung Elder, Aunty Muriel has led VACCA as CEO for 25 years, tirelessly advocating for and advancing the interests of Aboriginal children, families and young people in Victoria.
Under her leadership, VACCA has advocated for the right of Aboriginal children and young people to be raised in their own culture, surrounded by family and community. The strength of this leadership has led to significant policy and legislative reforms in this space.
Held on Tarndanya on Kaurna Yerta Country on Saturday 6 July, the National NAIDOC Awards celebrate the achievements and outstanding contributions being made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.
In her acceptance speech, Aunty Muriel honoured the work of her fellow finalists, and spoke of the many people who had worked alongside her to achieve these outcomes.
“To all the people that work in the public service, all the people that serve every day, our people in policy, education, justice, family violence, and child protection. I honour you because this Award would not be possible without all of you working together for better outcomes.”
Aunty Muriel spoke also of the people who have supported and inspired her throughout her life – most significantly, her parents and late husband Alf Bamblett.
“I want to thank my family, all my friends. I want to dedicate this award to my mum and my dad,” she began. “To my greatest mentor…Alfred Bamblett. He really was a champion for justice, and champion for doing the best.”
An inspiring person who is truly committed to the welfare of Aboriginal people, Aunty Muriel is strong advocate for voice for her community who never sways in her commitment to improve outcomes for children and families.
Through her tireless work at VACCA, SNAICC and the numerous state and national committees she is actively involved in, Aunty Muriel is shaping a brighter future for Aboriginal families in Victoria and inspiring the next generation of proud, strong leaders to continue this legacy of advocacy and empowerment.
We congratulate Aunty Muriel on her incredible achievements, and celebrate her dedication to the safety, wellbeing and future prosperity of Aboriginal children, families, and communities in Victoria.