UWS Community Award recipient: Uncle Ivan Wellington

Uncle Ivan Wellington is a Community Elder working across South Western Sydney. Originally from Jerrinja on the south coast and from the Wandi Wandian people, Uncle Ivan moved to the Macarthur region almost 30 years ago.

He has an extraordinary insight into the needs of his people and is committed to sharing his culture and knowledge with his community. In the book, Old Feet/New Paths (2007) transcribed by Michelle Bishop, Uncle Ivan tells his stories with Aunty Verna Barker.

Uncle Ivan has assisted many young people as an Aboriginal mentor for the Juvenile Justice Department and he is also an Elder on Campus.

In 2011 Uncle Ivan was the Winner of the Social Hosing Volunteers awards held by the South Western Tenants Association and for his volunteer work with the people of South Western Sydney.  Uncle Ivan continues to dedicate his life to educating all people of the importance of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Uncle Ivan is presented with the UWS Community Award and it is an honour to have him here with us at today’s graduation.