Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names and images of people who are deceased. $ 0 / (min cost $ 0 ) Login or signup to continue reading Photos are used with the permission of Aunty Fay Carter's family. Aunty Fay Carter was born on the verandah of the Echuca Hospital in Victoria, as Aboriginal mothers were not permitted on the wards.
Eighty-nine years later, she embarked on a final journey to the Dreamtime, having helped establish welfare services, organisations and a native title settlement that would pave the way for First Nations leaders like herself. Aunty Fay was farewelled at a state funeral service at the Ulumbarra Theatre on Wednesday, June 12. The moving service was attended by Aunty Fay's family, friends and representatives of the state government.
She was remembered for her strength, determination, perseverance and generosity. Threading through the service was recollections of her stories, many that have inspired and would inspire generations to come. Stories included Aunty Fay and her family walking off the Cummeragunja Mission in NSW near Barmah, in protest of their treatment and being raised by her grandmother in a tin shed on The Flats, outside Mooroopna.
In delivering the eulogy artist Tiriki Onus said "there are just so many stories" of some of her brilliance. "I come here with a challenge. I've come here to set some homework," he said.
"Each and everyone of you will have stories of this incredible human .
