Aden Ridgeway facts for kids

Aden Derek Ridgeway (born 18 September 1962) is an Australian former politician. He was a member of the Australian Senate for New South Wales from 1999 to 2005. He represented the Australian Democrats political party. During his time in Parliament, he was the only Aboriginal person serving in the Australian Parliament. As of July 2025, he is a spokesperson for Recognise. This movement aims to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution.

Early Life and Education

Aden Derek Ridgeway was born on 18 September 1962. He grew up on the Bellwood Aboriginal reserve in Nambucca Heads. This area is close to Macksville, New South Wales. He is a member of the Gumbaynggirr people.

He went to school at Bellwood. Later, he studied at St John's College, Woodlawn in Lismore.

Early Career and Community Work

After finishing Year 11 at school, Aden Ridgeway worked as a boilermaker. He then started working in the public service. This means he worked for the government. His jobs included being a park ranger. He also worked in several government departments in New South Wales.

In 1990, Ridgeway was chosen to be part of the first ATSIC Sydney Regional Council. ATSIC stood for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. He served two terms in this role.

In 1994, he became the Executive Director of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council. He held this important position until 1998. In the same year, 1994, he also became a trustee of the Australian Museum Trust.

From 1995, he was a member of the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales. He also served as a Director for the Public Service Board Staff Credit Union from 1996 to 1998.

Political Journey

Ridgeway joined the Australian Democrats party in 1990. From 1997 to 1998, he helped shape the party's policies in New South Wales. He was then chosen as the top candidate for the Democrats in the Senate election. This was for the 1998 election.

During his time in Parliament, he worked on many important committees. These committees help Parliament make decisions.

In April 2001, Ridgeway was elected as the deputy leader of the Democrats. This happened after Natasha Stott Despoja became the new leader.

Ridgeway remained deputy leader until August 2002. At that time, he and other senators helped Natasha Stott Despoja decide to resign. Many thought he would become the next leader. However, the media called this group the "Gang of Four".

The party's National Executive chose Brian Greig as an interim leader instead. Ridgeway did not run for the leadership position. He also stepped down as deputy leader. He felt the executive's decision showed they did not want him as a leader. Lyn Allison replaced him as deputy leader.

He continued to serve in the Senate. He focused strongly on issues important to Indigenous Australians. He also worked on reconciliation efforts. He lost his Senate seat in the 2004 election. His term ended on 30 June 2005.

Life After Politics

In 2005, Aden Ridgeway received the NAIDOC Person of the Year award. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He became the chair of the National NAIDOC Committee. He held this role until 2008.

In May 2006, Ridgeway became the new host of Message Stick. This was a program on ABC Television. He was also the first chairman of Indigenous Tourism Australia.

In 2007, Ridgeway started a company called Cox Inall Ridgeway. He partnered with Tim Powell. This company works to help Indigenous communities. It aims to reduce disadvantages they face. As of July 2025, Ridgeway is a partner in this business.

He was also the Chairman of Bangarra Dance Theatre from 1998 to 2010. Bangarra is a famous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company.

In February 2013, Ridgeway became a spokesperson for the Recognise campaign. This campaign works to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution. In May 2013, he helped start the "Journey to Recognition." This was a relay across Australia to raise awareness.

On 4 March 2020, it was announced that Ridgeway would join a special group. This group helps design the Indigenous voice to government. This "voice" aims to give Indigenous people a say in government decisions.

As of 2023, Ridgeway is on the board of the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative. This centre in Nambucca researches and teaches Aboriginal languages from New South Wales.