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Commission engages with the Logan District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
Commissioner Elizabeth Fraser receives an ornately designed emu egg from Aunty Betty McGrady, Secretary for the Logan Elders.
The engagement was also an opportunity for the Commission to learn more about the role of the Logan Elders within their community.
Aunty Betty McGrady, Secretary for the Logan Elders, opened the meeting with an acknowledgement to the Turrbul and Jagera peoples as traditional custodians of the land. The Elders then paid their respects to the Commissioner by presenting a beautifully carved emu egg, ornately designed with Aboriginal symbolism and crafted by a local Logan artist.
The Commissioner provided an overview of the role and mandate of the Commission and referenced the importance of promoting the rights, interests, safety and wellbeing of Queensland’s vulnerable children and young people.
This was followed by a presentation by the Logan Elders which outlined their role, purpose and vision for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Logan. A priority for the Elders group is to create sustainable futures for families and community, maintain cultural knowledge and values and promote improved lifestyles through the universal principles of caring, sharing and respect.
As the meeting progressed, Commission staff from Employment Screening, Complaints and Investigations and Executive Services facilitated discussion with the Elders and shared information about specific functions. The Elders reflected that they had increased their understanding of these areas and recognised other opportunities to collaborate with the Commission in the future.
In turn, the Commission gained insight to the extensive skills and knowledge of the Logan District Elders and their diverse role in community.
Importantly, the engagement facilitated discussion on issues impacting children and young people in Logan and the challenges faced by Elders as care providers and mentors.
The Commission’s Community Engagement Team will continue to meet with a range of organisations and agencies to promote understanding of, and access to, Commission services and products.
For more information, please contact Jermaine Isua (3211 6989) or Richard Proctor (3211 6995) from the Community Engagement Team.
L-R back row: Jermaine Isua, Carly McLeod, Neil O’Connor, Uncle Wayne Saunders, Di Nash, Assistant Commissioner Barry Salmon, Max Wise
L-R middle row: Monisha Breay, Aunty Peggy Tidyman, Aunty Mavis Lawton, Aunty Del Livermore, Uncle Buster Seden (Treasurer)
L-R front row: Aunty Heather Castledine (Chairperson), Aunty Betty McGrady (Secretary), Commissioner Elizabeth Fraser, Aunty Freda Mitchell
Last Updated: March 16, 2011
