Indigenous matriarch driven by passion for community
Aunt Matilda House-Williams’ door is always open to her family, the community, and anyone who needs support.
“I have always been and always will be a person who is here for people who need me and my family,” Ngambri Elder told AAP.
Dr House-Williams was born at the Erambie Aboriginal Mission in Cowra, at a time when every aspect of Aboriginal people’s lives was controlled by authorities under state and territory “protection” laws.
She lived with her grandparents at the Hollywood Aboriginal Mission at Yass for a time before being taken to Parramatta Girls’ Home when she was 12.
“In those days, the mission manager would come and pick up any child or a whole family – all the children – and send them away,” Dr House-Williams said.
“It was a way for them to have control over your life.”
Upon returning to her ancestral homeland in Canberra, Dr House-Williams became involved in Indigenous affairs through government, health, legal and land rights organisations.
The Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council was involved in the establishment of the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and was an early campaigner of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972.
Dr House-Williams was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to Indigenous communities in the Canberra region.
“I don’t need a medal to know everything I’ve done,” he said.
“But if it is recognized by others, so be it, and I am grateful to the sensitive person who put (the nomination) together.”
Dr House-Williams has long been recognized as a leader in her community and received the NAIDOC Elder of the Year Award in 2023 and Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2006.
However, Dr., who is now in his 80s. Her family and her broader community are at the forefront of everything House-Williams does.
“I never expected anything in my life other than to have a good life, to make sure my brothers and sisters were taken care of and that my family had a loving home,” she said.
“That’s what’s important to me and making sure my children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren are safe in this beautiful land where we live.”
He is one of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognized for their work.
Olympic gold medalist Cathy Freeman was appointed a Companion of the Order (AC) for her work as an athlete, reconciliation and positive social impact as a mentor to young people.
Anne Dennis, a senior NSW Aboriginal Land Council representative from Walgett, has been appointed a member of the Order (AM) for her significant service to the Indigenous community in the state.
Former AFL Indigenous leader Tanya Hosch was recognized for her significant service to the community through social policy and as an advocate for diversity and inclusion, with her appointment as a Member of the Order (AM).
