Indigenous leader honoured at Graduation Ceremony

Auntie Marie Wilkinson has been honoured for her distinguished service to USQ Fraser Coast

A well-respected leader of the local Indigenous community was acknowledged during the USQ Fraser Coast Graduation Ceremony earlier this month (May).

Auntie Marie Wilkinson was bestowed with the honorary title of Fellow of the University for her long and distinguished association with USQ Fraser Coast over many years.

Born in Apple Tree Creek near Childers in 1933, Auntie Marie was the fourth child to Ernest and Frances Blackman. Her family moved to Hervey Bay when Marie was three years old.

Educated at the Pialba State School, she attended Mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Church. Auntie Marie was raised by loving parents and she proudly recalls that she, and her seven siblings, had a wonderful childhood. She credits her parents for teaching her the value of education.

Auntie Marie lived in Hervey Bay as a young woman before she married. She has two daughters, Donna and Roseanna.

USQ Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Bill Lovegrove, said Auntie Marie had volunteered in the community for most of her life and had been involved with USQ Fraser Coast campus since its inception.

'Her strong commitment to the importance of education for indigenous people saw her assist in the establishment of the Community Education Advisory Committee and the USQ Buallum Jarl-Bah Support Centre,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'Auntie Marie has given her time freely to deliver the Welcome to Country for graduations and ceremonies and she conducts guest lectures for the University’s Indigenous Studies programs.

'She invites and welcomes all students, both black and white, to talk to her about Aboriginal culture and history.

'As an undisputed leader of the local Aboriginal community, Auntie Marie was invited to comment on the conservation measures for the Great Sandy Marine Park. Her knowledge of the Butchulla tribe country and the history which has been passed down through the family has been invaluable to the Fraser Coast community.

'Auntie Marie’s message to all people is this: You are never too old to get an education. You have the opportunities today that we have fought for in the past. Get in there and take advantage of those opportunities.'

Auntie Marie joined approximately 120 graduands celebrating the conferral of their degrees during the USQ Fraser Coast Graduation Ceremony at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough, on Saturday, May 8.

Contact Details:
Madeleine Tiller, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1163, 0400 025 429