Busselton Aboriginal elder named Senior of the Year

by Elliot K - Perth Indymedia 2006-10-23 8:24 PM +0800

22/10/06: A Busselton woman, known as ‘the walking encyclopaedia’ for her vast knowledge and contribution to Aboriginal heritage and culture, was today named Senior of the Year 2006 by Seniors’ Minister David Templeman.
Nyoongar/Wardandi woman, Vilma Webb, 74, was presented with the honour at the WA Seniors Awards gala presentation ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Perth. It completed a hat-trick of honours for Mrs Webb, who was also named South West Senior of the Year and won the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Category.

Mrs Webb was instrumental in establishing the Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Yallingup, which has created employment for cultural custodians and provides an opportunity for indigenous artists to showcase their talents.

Australian Aboriginal people have lived in the Margaret River region for more than 55,000 years.

The Wardandi People are the traditional custodians of the land bounded by Capel to the Northeast, Augusta in the South and including the regions now known as Busselton, Yallingup and Margaret River.

She is now working closely with today’s Aboriginal youth, particularly those whose lives are in a downward spiral, and has initiated a program for youth at risk through the Department of the Attorney General’s ‘Proceeds of Crime’ grants scheme.

Well done Aunty Vilma!

REGIONAL SENIORS OF THE YEAR
Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre