Famous Indigenous Australians

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Many of Australia’s Indigenous people have worked hard and achieved local and international fame for their achievements. These achievements have been in many different fields, including the arts, politics and sports. Below are just a few of the inspirational Indigenous people who have accomplished great personal achievements as well as great cultural achievements for their fellow Indigenous peoples.                                              

        Cathy Freeman 

(www.myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=Cathy_Freeman) 

“I just wanted to show I am proud of who I am and where I come from. I would love to one day go out to the bush and spend time with the elders of my culture, and get back to my roots,” she said. 

Read more about Cathy Freeman at https://year3indigenousstudies.wordpress.com/famous-indigenous-australians/cathy-freeman/.

 

                                                     Albert Namatjira  Was the first Indigenous person to become renowned as an international artist.

 

Noel Pearson

Noel Pearson is a well know and respected Indigenous activist who has done a great deal for the rights of Indigenous Australians. Born in Cooktown, Pearson then grew up in a Lutheran mission Hope Vale.

Pearson was involved in the establishment of many Indigenous organisations on the Cape York Peninsula (health councils, development corporations). All of the organisations Pearson has been involved in have been designed to help the Indigenous people of Cape York.

Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Nooncal)

Kath Walker, whose Indigenous name was Oodgeroo Nooncal, was Australia’s first Indigenous poet to gain recognition from around the world. Walker was born in 1920 and began writing poetry from an early age. She grew up on North Stradbroke Island, which became to inspiration for much of her poetry.

Walker finally had her poetry published when she was in her forties. She was also a strong advocate for Indigenous rights. During the 1960s, Walker began campaigning for equality. She travelled the world fighting for the rights of Australia’s Indigenous people. She died in 1993.

Neville Bonner

Neville Bonner was Australia’s first Indigenous politician. He then became a senator for Queensland and served for twelve years (1971-1983). He was also the first Indigenous person to sit in federal parliament.

A central focus to his work as a politician involved improving the conditions of his fellow Indigenous people. Bonner helped change the face of Indigenous rights in Australia. He was an honest man who never let anger dominate his work.

Pat O’Shane (NSW Magistrate)

Pat O’Shane was born in 1941 near Cairns. She is a descendant of the Yalangi Indigenous people. O’Shane was the fist Aboriginal teacher in Queensland and then years later, in 1982, she became the first female head of a state government department. In 1987 she achieved another first by becoming the first Indigenous Australian to become a magistrate in the New South Wales courts.

Other famous Indigenous people

There are many other well known Indigenous people who have achieved many things in their chosen careers. Some of these other popular people include:

  • Ernie Dingo, one of the first recognisable Indigenous television personalities;
  • Adam Goodes, a well known AFL player and winner of the Brownlow medal;
  • David Gulpilil, the first Indigenous person to star in films. His Films include Storm Boy, The Last Wave, Crocodile Dundee, Rabbit-Proof Fence, The Tracker and Ten Canoes; and
  • Yvonne Goolagong-Cawley, winner of seven tennis grand slams and first Indigenous person to win Wimbledon.

 

 

 

Oral Presentation

 As part of this terms work you will be giving an oral presentation to the class about an Indigenous Australian.  Using the information found on this site and others you will have to list at least 5 things you have found out about an Indigenous Australian that you are interested in. Facts and information may be found from the text, pictures, links, videos and resources you may have at home. You will  use this information as a basis for an oral presentation.  The presentation needs to last for two to five minutes. Things to consider for your presentation:

  • Introduction
  • Use of cue cards
  • Aids to assist you such as pictures,  websites, books, chart or poster, videos
  • Involvement of the audience
  • Eye contact
  • Volume and tone of voice
  • Answering questions from the audience
  • Practising.

After your presentation you will need to complete a self assessment using the rubic that is found in the worksheet section. You will need to copy this to your personal folder. Shade in the appropriate boxes. Save and print a copy off for your teacher. 

If you need help at any time speak to your teacher or send a comment on line.

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