Walgett Shire Council has congratulated Anne Dennis of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council on being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the Indigenous community of NSW, as announced in yesterday’s Australia Day Honours list.
Councillor Dennis (pictured) is a Gamilaraay woman, born on Namoi Reserve, and has lived most of her life in Walgett. She has made significant contributions to education, language preservation, and Indigenous advocacy across NSW, the Council said in a statement.
She is being recognised for her significant contribution in the following areas:
New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
– Councillor since 2011
– Deputy Chairperson 2015–2019
– Chairperson 2019–2021
– Chair, North West Region (current)
New South Wales Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSWAECG)
– Vice President (since 2023)
– Treasurer (current)
– President, North West Region 1
– President, Walgett Local
– Life Member
Other Indigenous Organisations
-Chair, Walgett Community College School Reference Group (current)
– Supporter, Dharriwaa Elders Group (current)
– Chair, Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay/Yuawaalayaay Language Reference Group, NSW Department of Education (since 2014)
– Co-Chair, Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations NSW (current)
– Co-Chair, First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance 2020–2022
TAFE NSW
– Chair, Aboriginal Community Reference Group, Western Region (since 2014)
– Former Member, West Region Advisory Committee
Awards and Recognition
– Gili Award, Directors Meritorious Service Award, TAFE NSW, 2014
Mayor, Jasen Ramien congratulated Cr Dennis on the prestigious national recognition:
“This is an outstanding achievement and a well-deserved recognition. Anne’s lifelong commitment to education and to the Indigenous community of New South Wales has made a real and lasting impact, and Walgett Shire is incredibly proud of her,” he said.
“Walgett Shire Council celebrates Cr Dennis’ extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and service to the Indigenous community of NSW.”
