A statement from City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney:
The City of Greater Bendigo extends its deepest sympathies to the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners and all First Nations people on the passing of esteemed Elder, Aunty Fay Carter OAM.
Aunty Fay was an incredible advocate for her community and her career contributed to enhancing programs and services that supported Aboriginal people through key ages and stages of life.
In later years, she would strongly support the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement, a significant milestone that recognised more than 1,000 generations of Aboriginal history in Victoria and the Dja Dja Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of much of central Victoria.
Her expertise and lived experience meant she was a much sought-after advisor for State and Federal governments and Victorian community organisations on a range of matters, with the City also benefitting from her guidance.
Aunty Fay aided the development of the City's dedicated First Nations gallery, Djaa Djuwima, offering advice on the types of art and cultural activities that could be held there. She also featured in the exhibition Listening to our Elders.
At the heart of Aunty Fay's work was the importance of support and respecting each other. This was her message to our community during last year's NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The City today acknowledges the amazing service and commitment of Aunty Fay and sends sincere condolences to her family and community.
Aunty Fay's extraordinary passion and determination to look after her people and culture are seen in the next generations of her family; her spirit and outstanding contribution lives on in them.
