Sister Anne GardIner OLSH AM

February 2018

Sister Anne Gardiner OLSH AM Senior Australian of the Year at a luncheon (Noodle House Darwin) hosted by Parliamentary Leader of the CLP Garry Higgins in honour of Sister Anne. Sister Anne's citation for the Australia Day Award read: 'Community champion, connecting cultures and celebrating aboriginal heritage'. In 1953, as a 22-year-old member of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH), Sister Anne moved to Bathurst Island. She has devoted 50 of the 63 years since to enriching community, enhancing opportunity and supporting the Tiwi culture. An advocate of peace, love, local decision-making Tiwi language and culture, Sister Anne has worked tirelessly to educate generations of children while also establishing community groups from mother’s clubs to Little Athletics. Since her retirement as principal of the local primary school, Sister Anne has run regular prayer meetings, founded an op shop and established a coffee shop to support her much-loved community. Sister Anne’s labour of love is working with community members to establish the Patakajiyali museum where Tiwi history, culture and language can be preserved for future generations. A key part of the community, Sister Anne is much loved and respected by the Tiwi people and has earned an enduring place in their hearts. Conferred a Member of the Order of Australia 26 January 1996. Her citation read: 'In recognition of service to Aboriginal education and cultural development'.

Document type: Photo
Time period: Post Parliament
People: Anne GARDINER, Gary HIGGINS

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