AUNTY DAWN FIELD

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Aunty Dawn Field is a highly respected Indigenous leader. She has lived in the Maitland area for over 22 years, contributing to the cultural knowledge of the Maitland community. Aunty Dawn works as the Aboriginal Education Officer at Francis Greenway High School in Woodberry. Her work supports Aboriginal students, their families, and the school teachers. Aunty Dawn has previously held a similar role at Woodberry Public School, building relationships between the school and Aboriginal families, particularly those who have become disengaged from the greater school community. This involves Aunty Dawn assisting individual students and their families with social, cultural, financial, and physical support and practically linking these individuals to services and local resources. Aunty Dawn is a member of the Stolen Generation and works each day to achieve equity and reconciliation in our community. Aunty Dawn is a founding member of the Red Belly Blacks, a community engagement group for indigenous community members in Woodberry. I would like to acknowledge Aunty Dawn's contribution to the Maitland region and thank her for her tireless work with young people, Elders, teachers, and carers. I thank Aunty Dawn for her generosity in sharing her knowledge and experience with us all.