Three Aboriginal Elders associated with Charles Sturt University (CSU) have been recognised for their work with the University and for their contribution to education and social justice for Indigenous people over many years.Uncle Ray Peckham from Dubbo, and Uncle Stan Grant and Aunty Flo Grant from Griffith, NSW, were notified of their honours late last year and received the awards at the 2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Advisory Council presentation dinner in Melbourne in late July.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Advisory Council Elders and Leaders Awards are made specifically to people regarded as Elders by their community who have made an outstanding contribution to the higher education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over a significant period of time.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Andrew Vann, said, “The relationship with the Wiradjuri is very important to Charles Sturt University. These awards are a testament to the outstanding work that the Elders have done to promote their community and their culture over very many years. We are proud of our association with them and we congratulate them on their achievements.”
The award citation to Mr Peckham, who is currently CSU’s first Elder-In-Residence at the Centre for Indigenous Studies at CSU in Dubbo, says, ‘To Uncle Ray Peckham for his outstanding work with Charles Sturt University and significant contribution to education and social justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over many years.’
Mr Peckham later commented, “I was surprised to be selected and the award is for all those who fought for equal rights for Aboriginal people, such leaders as William Ferguson and those who were involved in the Aborigines Progressive Association (APA), formed in Dubbo on 27 June 1937. I would like to thank the people who nominated me.”
The citation to the Grants reads, to ‘The Wiradjuri Language and Cultural Heritage Recovery Project Committee for their outstanding work with Charles Sturt University and contribution to community revival and strengthening connections between the University and Wiradjuri communities. Individual awards will be presented to Uncle Stan Grant and Aunty Flo Grant in recognition of their leadership of this Project.’
The awards were presented at the 2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Advisory Council Presentation Dinner at Mantra on Russell, 222 Russell Street, Melbourne, on Sunday 28 July.
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