Bennelong Society facts for kids

The Bennelong Society was a group that thought deeply about Indigenous Australian issues. It was named after Bennelong, an Eora man. Bennelong helped connect Indigenous Australians and the British people. He did this in Sydney and even in the United Kingdom. This started almost when the British first settled in Australia in 1788. The society worked with people who shared similar views on Indigenous affairs.

What the Bennelong Society Aimed For

The Bennelong Society had several important goals:

• To encourage discussion and study of Aboriginal policies in Australia. This included both current and past policies.
• To investigate why many Aboriginal people faced difficult situations.
• To help change public opinion. The goal was to improve the lives of these people.
• To support research into the history of how Indigenous people and Europeans interacted. This interaction began when Europeans settled in Australia from 1788.
• To share the results of their work with the Australian community. They did this especially through the internet.

The Bennelong Society's website was officially launched. Senator the Hon. John Herron gave a speech at Parliament House in Canberra. This happened on May 15, 2001.

The society was one of several groups. These included the H. R. Nicholls Society, Samuel Griffith Society, and Lavoisier Group. Australian business leader Ray Evans helped promote them. The president of the Bennelong Society was Gary Johns.

The Society closed down in 2011. However, some of its work continued. A section called "Bennelong papers" was added to the Quadrant magazine website.

The Bennelong Medal

The Bennelong Society held a conference every year. From 2002, they also gave out the Bennelong Medal. This medal honored people who made important contributions.

Who Received the Bennelong Medal?

2002: Professor Boni Robertson

Professor Boni Robertson received the medal in 2002. She had led a task force on violence affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. She was honored for her leadership in this difficult area. She also showed courage in getting governments to act. Her work helped to improve this serious problem.

2003: Dulcie and Dorothy Wilson

Dulcie and Dorothy Wilson received the medal in 2003. They were members of the Ngarrindjeri community in South Australia. They were important voices during the Hindmarsh Island bridge controversy. They were honored for their courage. They spoke out when they felt their culture was being disrespected.

2004: Pastor Paul Albrecht AM

Pastor Paul Albrecht AM was awarded the medal in 2004. He directed the Finke River (Hermannsburg) Mission from 1970 to 1998. He was recognized for his long and dedicated service. He worked as a missionary and translator for the Aboriginal people of Central Australia. He also gave wise advice to all Australians on Aboriginal affairs.

2005: Warren Mundine

Warren Mundine received the medal in 2005. He was the vice-president of the Australian Labor Party. He was honored for being a brave supporter of change. His ideas aimed to improve the wealth and well-being of his people. He suggested new ways to manage community-owned land.

2006: Dr Sue Gordon AM

Dr Sue Gordon AM was awarded the medal in 2006. She was the Chair of the National Indigenous Council. She was also a magistrate in Western Australia. She received the medal for her strong dedication and commitment. This was to the well-being of Aboriginal Australians.

2007: Louis Nowra

Louis Nowra received the medal in 2007. He is a well-known Australian playwright. He was honored for his courage in writing about important issues. These issues affected Aboriginal communities. The award was given by John Reeves QC.

2008: Hon. Mal Brough

The Hon. Mal Brough received the medal in 2008. He was the Minister for Indigenous Affairs in the Howard Government. This government started the Northern Territory National Emergency Response. He was honored for bringing hope to women and children. This hope was for a future free from violence in remote Aboriginal communities.

2009: Bess Price

Bess Price was awarded the medal in 2009. She is an Indigenous activist from Alice Springs. She has spoken out about important issues in Indigenous communities. She was honored for her strong support of the Northern Territory National Emergency Response. She also challenged people who she felt did not understand Aboriginal people.