Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley an Aboriginal Woman of the Year finalist

DR AUNTY Rhonda Radley has been named a finalist for NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.

The awards celebrate trailblazers, changemakers and role models from across NSW, with winners to be announced on Thursday 5 March.

Dr Aunty Rhonda’s life and work reflects a deep and enduring connection to Country, culture and community across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area and the wider Mid North Coast.

The respected Elder, educator and mentor plays a leading role in the revitalisation of Aboriginal language and culture, working to ensure traditional knowledge is preserved and passed on to future generations.

She currently serves as a board member of the Aboriginal Languages Trust, where she advocates for the protection and growth of Aboriginal languages across the state.

She is also the founder of the Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda Women’s Festival, an event that has brought hundreds of Aboriginal women together to celebrate culture, connection and wellbeing in a culturally safe space.

Her founding of the Point Plomer “Looking After Country” initiative, which focuses on conservation, regeneration and cultural stewardship, demonstrates her commitment to caring for Country.
Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer delivered a Private Members’ Statement in NSW Parliament last week, recognising Aunty Rhonda’s “extraordinary contribution”.

Excerpts of that statement are included below.

“She (Aunty Rhonda) is a respected Elder, educator, language revivalist, cultural knowledge holder and community leader, whose life’s work has been dedicated to strengthening Aboriginal culture, education, wellbeing and truth-telling,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Born on her grandfather’s country in Port Macquarie, Dr Radley has maintained a lifelong and deeply grounded connection to land, language and community, walking with both her saltwater and freshwater ancestors and carrying their responsibilities with humility and strength.

“For more than two decades, Dr Radley worked within the TAFE system as a teacher, mentor and coach, often going far beyond the limits of her role to support Aboriginal students and their families.

“She was among the first Aboriginal education officers in her region and has consistently advocated for culturally safe, community‑led education that enables Aboriginal people not only to survive but to thrive.

“Dr Radley is also a tireless champion for the revival and continuation of Aboriginal languages, particularly Gathang, which she weaves through education, poetry, ceremony and everyday practice.

“Beyond education and language, Dr Radley has made profound contributions to community healing, women’s wellbeing and cultural connection.

“Dr Radley has also been a courageous advocate for truth-telling, including her longstanding efforts to have Blackmans Point formally recognised as an Aboriginal place, ensuring that difficult histories of frontier violence are acknowledged, remembered and learned from.

“Her advocacy reflects a deep commitment to justice, remembrance and intergenerational healing.”

By Sis HIGGINS