We wouldn’t have the Victoria we do without her: Aunty Fay Carter to be farewelled today

(First Nations readers should be aware this piece contains the name and story of a person who has passed.)

 

A State Funeral Service for revered Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta Elder woman Aunty Fay Carter OAM will be held at 10 am today, 12 June 2024, at Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, Victoria.

 

Aunty Fay dedicated her life to Victoria’s Aboriginal communities, and played a significant role in the leadership of a range of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs, as well as those in aged care and health, founding several key agencies which served her community.  

 

She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her work, which included being a member of the Victorian Branch of the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) for close to 20 years, including three years as Treasurer and five years as President. 

 

She was also a founding member of Australia’s first Aboriginal women’s refuge and served as Chair of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) for 10 years. 

 

Aunty Fay was an advocate who dedicated herself to Victoria’s Aboriginal communities. She played a leadership role in a range of aged care, childcare and health agencies, including founding several key services.

 

In recognition of her leadership and contributions, Aunty Fay Carter was inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2013, and in 2019, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Indigenous community of Victoria.

 

“To me, the word that epitomises Aunty Fay is generosity. She was so overwhelmingly generous – with her time, her wisdom and her work. “We wouldn’t have the Victoria we do, without her,” Victorian Premier Premier Jacinta Allan said.

 

At the request of the Carter family and in lieu of flowers, tributes may be made in the form of a contribution to the Aboriginal Community Elders Services via acesinc.org.au/about-us/donate 

 

Details regarding the service and livestreaming can be found on the Victorian Government website. 

 

As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Wednesday, 12 June 2024 (in Victoria only) from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.