BRISBANE NAIDOC ELDER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Aunty Flo Watson received the Brisbane NAIDOC Elder of the Year award for her work in educating about the Stolen Generations and community work awards hosted by Triple A Murri Country. It is a wonderful achievement and recognition of the tireless work always advocating for truth-telling and reconciliation. She is widely respected in Queensland and around the nation.

Biography: Aunty Flo Watson is a Traditional Owner and Elder for the Ghunghangi People of Yarrabah, North Queensland. She also affiliates with the Kuku-yelangi People of Laura/Maytown, Palmer River area and the Wulguru Kaba People of Magnetic Island and Townsville. Her Traditional Name is Jinnadirran. Aunty Flo has had a very long and varied career working across numerous public and private sectors, from government and non-government organisations, universities, TAFE Colleges and grassroots community organisations in various roles. Some of these roles are Cultural Consultant, Mentor, Public Servant, Community Development Worker, Trainer and Cross-Cultural Educator just to name a few. Her vast work experience has provided her with substantial skills, expertise and knowledge in working effectively with both Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities and organisations. As an Indigenous person herself, Aunty Flo has successfully worked with clients and projects over the years within numerous Indigenous communities across Queensland. Aunty Flo was the Principal Director of Jinnadirran

Training and Consultancy Services Pty. Ltd., a Queensland Registered Company established in 1996.

Its purpose was to establish a business that specialises in developing and delivering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cross Cultural Awareness training and culturally appropriate skills training courses for all interested participants and organisations and also providing a cultural approach to consulting services working with Indigenous People. Jinnadirran worked in partnership with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous facilitators and consultants to promote self-determination for Indigenous Australians and to progress the process of reconciliation.

In January 2015, Aunty Flo was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her tireless work and services to the Indigenous Community of Queensland. This highly prestigious Medal clearly exemplifies her ongoing work and her dedication and commitment to her community. Aunty Flo is currently engaged in consultancy work for Aus Aid, Australian Indigenous South Sea Islander Association, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Education, Save the Children Foundation, Indigenous Disability Network, the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts and the Queensland State Library.

Congratulations Aunty Flo, we are so proud of you and all you do for the community. How lucky are we to have such a wonderful, knowledgeable and beautiful person representing the district!