Aunty Millie Ingram

The National NAIDOC Committee are excited to announce Aunty Millie as one of the finalist for Elder award. 

Aunty Millie Ingram, a Wiradjuri Elder from Cowra NSW having grown up on Erambie Mission. Moved to Redfern during the 1950s to find work after facing limited opportunities in regional NSW. She began working at a chocolate factory in Redfern, where she also enrolled in night tertiary courses to further her job opportunities. 

Aunty Millie worked in community and later joined the Department of Aboriginal Affairs for 13 years, advocating for empowerment and change in areas such as education and land rights. Along with her family, she founded the first Aboriginal Community Controlled early childhood centre, Murawina, and later Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care program. 

Aunty Millie has been a leader in various policy processes and initiatives aimed at supporting Aboriginal communities and self-determination. She played a key role in the inception of the Empowered Communities model, leading to the development of the Jawun program. 

Aunty Millie is known for her public engagements, including offering Welcome to Country and speaking at Gough Whitlam's memorial at Sydney Town Hall. At 84 years old, she continues to serve her communities, supporting Elders, youth organisations, and women in business. 

A fierce political activist, Aunty Millie campaigned for the YES vote during the referendum and remains dedicated to advancing opportunities for Aboriginal people. She is a living legend who has left a lasting impact on the history of our country.