Bonnie Fagan facts for kids

Bonnie Fagan, now known as Bonnie Chew, is an important leader and champion for her Indigenous heritage. She has worked to protect the history and culture of her people. She was also a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, which helps look after Aboriginal heritage in Victoria.

Growing Up

Bonnie Fagan was born in 1979 in Footscray, Victoria, Australia. She is part of the Wadawurrung community. In 1987, her family moved to Talbot, Victoria. Bonnie went to Talbot Primary School and Maryborough High School. In 2012, she married Andy Chew.

Her Work

Working with the Wadawurrung Community

From 2008 to 2011, Bonnie Chew was the Cultural Heritage Coordinator at the Wadawurrung (Wathaurung Aboriginal Corp). The Wadawurrung people are the traditional owners of the land around Ballarat and Geelong. They are also a Registered Aboriginal Party, meaning they are officially recognized to manage their cultural heritage.

Bonnie worked on about 126 projects. She helped protect the Wadawurrung cultural heritage. She worked with community members, archaeologists, and government groups.

Helping Indigenous Students at Federation University

From 2011 to August 2016, Bonnie Chew managed the Aboriginal Education Centres at Federation University Australia. This university used to be called the University of Ballarat. She helped Indigenous students with their learning needs.

Bonnie also teaches about Indigenous Studies. She has led important welcoming ceremonies for Wadawurrung elders. These events included a special meeting at the Parliament of Victoria in 2012. In 2012, she also launched a plan to help the university work better with Indigenous communities.

Being Part of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

In December 2012, Bonnie Chew joined the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council. This Council has up to eleven traditional owners. They are chosen by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. All members live in Victoria and are experienced in managing cultural heritage.

Representing Her City at a World Conference

In April 2012, Bonnie Chew represented the City of Ballarat at a big meeting in Vietnam. It was the 13th World Conference of the League of Historical Cities. The meeting was about "Defining Universal Heritage Challenges and Solutions." Bonnie and the Mayor of Ballarat gave a painting by Albert Fagan, a Wadawurrung elder, to the Mayor of Hue City, Vietnam.

Sharing Her Knowledge

In 2010, Bonnie spoke at a workshop called "Cultural Heritage and protocols from Wadawurrung’s perspective." She shared important information about Wadawurrung culture and traditions.

Her Art

Bonnie Chew is also an artist. One of her original paintings was used on the cover of a book. The book is called Pedagogies for the Future: Leading Quality Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. Her painting is now part of the Federation University Australia Art Collection.