Late last year, the WRN organised a celebratory yarning with Redfern Aunties at the National Indigenous Centre of Excellence, which concluded with Aunty Beryl’s delicious lunch. In the heartland of Redfern, the gathering recognised the truth-telling and leadership of grassroots community advocates. Hosted by WRN and co-led by City of Sydney’s Tracey Duncan (Gomeroi), members listened to an impressive line-up of Aunties.
Aunty Millie Ingram AM, a Wiradjuri woman from central New South Wales, continues more than 65 years of community-building work. She is the recipient of the 2024 NAIDOC Female Elder Award and was recognised in the 2025 Order of Australia honours list for her lifelong commitment to Aboriginal communities across the state, following the establishment of Murawina, the first childcare centre in Redfern. Aunty Millie said: ‘We are to recognise our Aboriginal history, bear witness, stand up to racism and address the continuing damage of the White Australia policy.’
Aunty Donna Ingram, elected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) for Sydney, continues to educate communities about local history and its challenges. Through Redfern Aboriginal Walking Tours, she provides culturally safe tours that create community opportunities. Growing up on The Block in Redfern, her life’s work connects her with Mudgin-Gal Women’s Place, Wyanga Aged Care, Tribal Warrior, the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and Murawina.
Aunty Margaret Campbell, an Eora Elder, calls on her people to use their voices locally, across New South Wales and at the federal level. An official participant in Sydney’s 1991 NAIDOC Week, she now provides cultural experiences through Dreamtime Southern X cultural tours at sites across Sydney, including Dhumbalong (Darling Harbour). She also leads structural reform through Reconciliation Action Plans, creating opportunities for students to engage with First Nations businesses and communities.
Jarin Ingram Baigent is the CEO of Wyanga Aged Care, a community-controlled, not-for-profit organisation providing culturally safe care. Wyanga has secured the site for Redfern’s Aboriginal-run residential aged care facility through the City of Sydney. Donations are welcome via wyanga.org.au.
Aunty Dolly Brown, a Dunghutti, Yuin and Dharawal woman, comes from a family that escaped being ‘taken’ and later settled in the Illawarra. A long-standing founder of the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council since 1982, she speaks on Country, advocates for First Nations rights, serves as an advisory chair for Sutherland Shire Reconciliation and is a recognised artist. She engages communities in learning about Dharawal culture and participates in events including Harmony Day, the Rainbow Serpent Picnic and NAIDOC Week.
Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM, a Gamilaroi woman, grew up with ‘no rights’ under the Aboriginal Protection Board after the death of her mother. Guided by her mother’s love and knowledge of native foods, her determination led her to pioneer bush foods and influence some of the world’s leading chefs. Alongside her close friend, restaurateur Kylie Kwong, she has helped ‘reignite the women’s revolution’. She heads Barrgay and Yaama Dhiyaan, leading cooking and hospitality programs in Redfern. While it was Sorry Business, she persevered, saying: ‘No time for crying, we will make it happen.’
During the Dhinawan Yarning and Entertainment cultural performance, Raff Gramatkovski played the yidaki (didgeridoo) and aptly noted: ‘There is only one thing more powerful than an Aboriginal woman, and that is a group of them.’
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WRN Redfern welcomes new members in 2026. More information is available here.
