Vale Aunty Sandra Lee
Western Sydney University has honoured esteemed Elder on Campus Aunty Sandra Lee at a special memorial event held today.
Aunty Sandra served on Western Sydney University’s Elders Advisory Committee since 2010 – prior to this, her mother Aunty Mavis Halvorson served on the same committee.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, Professor Michelle Trudgett, acknowledged Aunty Sandra’s significant and generous contributions, including guiding the University on how to meaningfully engage with the Indigenous community.
“Western Sydney University extends our deepest condolences to Aunty Sandra’s family and community at this very sad time. We will always appreciate and be indebted for the knowledge and thoughtfulness that Aunty Sandra generously shared with our students, staff and broader community,” said Professor Trudgett.
Aunty Sandra was held in high regard as a Senior Darug Elder and descendant of Gomebeeree, who was the Chief of the Boorooberongal clan of the Darug nation. She did extensive work promoting Darug heritage and culture with her family connections to the Blacktown area.
She was the founder of the Burbaga Aboriginal Corporation which not only recognises the Darug community and their Elders, but also embraces all Aboriginal communities. Over the years, Aunty Sandra visited many local schools to complement the work of teachers in the dissemination of Darug education. She was also a strong advocate of First Peoples sovereignty, changes to the Native Title legislation, education and the welfare of Aboriginal youth.
Aunty Sandra was a member of Blacktown City Council and Holroyd Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and received numerous requests for information from researchers, archaeologists and government. She was very passionate about the work she undertook with the Department of Community Services, assisting with Aboriginal children in foster care and facilitating connections to the Aboriginal community.
In acknowledgement of her vast contributions to the area, Aunty Sandra received a Western Sydney University Community Award in 2012, and was a joint winner of the Blacktown Woman of the Year award. She also received life membership with the Western Sydney Community Forum.
ENDS
20 April 2022
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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