Aunty Frances

Gunditjmara Woman

ACES Resident

Aunt’s totem is the Black Red-Tailed Cockatoo (Willan)

Early Life

From the 1960s, Aunty Frances dedicated her life to standing up for Aboriginal rights and supporting her community. Witnessing discrimination in Melbourne’s workplaces, she refused to stay silent, advocating for fairness and justice.

As Aboriginal community-controlled services grew in Victoria during the 1970s and 1980s, Aunt worked in Aboriginal hostels, providing refuge for women and children facing violence and homelessness. She believed in fostering dignity and pride, rather than imposing rigid, outdated systems on Aboriginal Victorians.

Committed to improving health services, Frances was among the first students at Koorie Kollij in 1982, training as an Aboriginal Community Health worker. Later, she played a key role in the Broadmeadows Koorie Court, supporting offenders by reinforcing cultural identity and responsibility.

Passionate about Elders’ welfare, she helped establish Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES) and later secured a dedicated space for Elders to gather, launching Elders Making a Difference in 2014.

Later Life

In her eighties, Frances pursued her love of art, earning a Diploma in Visual Arts from RMIT and showcasing her work in exhibitions.

Now in her nineties, Aunty Frances continues to embrace life with enthusiasm. She regularly participates in games, live entertainment, and art sessions. She is a passionate choir member and is always keen on a yarn. Aunt has contributed so much and has recently received an award for these outstanding contributions to the community.