Elders Hall of Fame
2014
Mary Ann Coconut - Thanikwithi
Mary Ann is a Thanikwithi elder from the area traditionally known as Lueng. Mary Ann has seen and been present for dramatic changes to the Weipa and Napranum Communities including the signing of the WCCCA and ELY agreements. Mary Ann has a Bachelor Degree in Community Development from Macquarie University and sits on various meeting boards, which include Chair of the Twal Justice Group, Ely Coordination Committee and councillor at Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council. Mary Ann is also an honorary member of the Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee. Mary Ann is also is part of the Cultural Awareness Training team at the Western Cape Centre.
Beatrice Gordon - Wathayn
Beatrice is a Wathayn elder whose country starts at Whiting and covers all the way upto Running Creek. Beatrice was born at Jessica Point and was also sent there for her education. Beatrice is active in the community and attends meetings on behalf of the Wathayn people. Beatrice is part of the Cultural Awareness Training team at the Western Cape Centre and is an Honorary member of the Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee.
Celia Fletcher - Taepadhighi
Celia is a Taepadhighi elder whose country begins at Tentpole Creek (Buckwithy). Celia was born at Old Mapoon and completed her schooling there. Ceila then went to Newcastle for a year to study sewing and then moved onto hospitality. Celia later moved to Brisbane and studied childcare and then returned to the Western Cape to teach at the old Jessica Point School. Many residents of Napranum remember being taught by Celia. Celia still works hard to strive for the best outcome for the community. Celia is a part of the Cultural Awareness Training team at the Western Cape Centre and is an Honorary member of the Western Cape Communities Coordinating Committee.
Lily York (nee Miller) - Warranggu
Lily is a Warranggu elder and was born at Old Mapoon. Her country starts at the Nameleta River and goes all the way up to the Skardon River. Lily spent most of her childhood with the Presbyterian missionaries and remembers going over to her country for the day just to have picnics and go fishing and hunting. Lily participates in meetings about her country and is an Honorary Member of the Western Cape Communities Trust Coordinating Committee.
Late Florence Hector (nee Mark) - Anathangayth
Florence was an Anathangayth elder whose country covers most of 20 Mile. Florence was born at Jessica Point and did her schooling there. Florence was so intrigued by education that she then became one of the first teachers at Jessica Point School. Florence enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Florence also enjoyed fishing, cracking fresh oysters, hunting for crabs, pipi shells and akul (ah-kool) shells. Florence was an Honorary member of the Western Cape Communities Trust Coordinating Committee.
Late Ivy Gordon (nee Mark) - Anathangayth
Ivy is the younger sister of Florence Hector (nee Mark). Ivy was an Anathangayth elder whose country covers most of 20 Mile. Ivy was born at Jessica Point and did her schooling there. Ivy and her big sister Florence were inseparable from when they were small children. Ivy also enjoyed fishing, cracking fresh oysters, hunting for crabs, pipi shells and akul (ah-kool) shells. In her spare time, she taught her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren the language she spoke when she was growing up. Ivy was an Honorary member of the Western Cape Communities Trust Coordinating Committee.