The NSW Government has paid tribute to prominent Aboriginal activists Aunty Ann Weldon and Dr Naomi Mayers, also known as Aunty Nay, following their passing.
Both women were widely respected for their decades of work supporting Aboriginal communities in NSW, particularly in areas such as legal services, housing, health and child welfare.
Aunty Ann Weldon played a leading role in building services that supported Aboriginal people across the state. She helped establish the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service and the Aboriginal Children’s Service in Redfern, organisations that continue to provide support to Aboriginal families and communities today.
She also became the first chief executive of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and was the longest-serving full-time chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board. Alongside this work, she was a member of the Metro Local Aboriginal Land Council and was active in the union movement through the Public Service Association of NSW.
In 2025, Aunty Ann was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her contribution to housing, disability services and advocacy for Aboriginal people.
Dr Naomi Mayers, known to many as Aunty Nay, was one of the founders of the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern, which became Australia’s first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
Drawing on her nursing background, she was appointed the first administrator of the Aboriginal Medical Service in 1972. She later served as chief executive and remained in the role until her retirement in 2017.
Through her work, Dr Mayers helped shape the way Aboriginal health services were delivered, with a focus on community control and culturally appropriate care. Her contribution was recognised in 1984 when she was awarded the Order of Australia for services to Aboriginal welfare.
The two women worked closely together in Redfern during a period when Aboriginal communities were campaigning for better access to legal representation, healthcare, housing and support services.
Many of the organisations they helped create continue to play an important role today, and their influence is still seen across Aboriginal affairs in NSW and beyond.
The NSW Government extended condolences to their families, friends and all those whose lives were touched by their work.
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