Cecilia Smith (activist) facts for kids
Cecilia Smith (born Hatton; 24 March 1911 – 23 December 1980) was an important Aboriginal activist from Australia. She was born in Beaudesert, Queensland. Cecilia started her working life as a domestic worker. Later, she moved to Fortitude Valley, Queensland, where she opened her home to help others.
She became a member of the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI). For three years, she served as the honorary secretary for the Queensland part of this group. Cecilia also actively supported the "yes" campaign in the important 1967 Aboriginal referendum. She passed away in Brisbane due to kidney failure after surgery.
Cecilia's Early Life
Cecilia Hatton was born on 24 March 1911 in Beaudesert, Queensland, Australia. She was the second of five children. Her parents, William "Pompey" Hatten and Dolly Tate, were both Aboriginal.
Cecilia went to a local school in Beaudesert. She was also confirmed at the Church of England. When she was 18, she had a son named Charles. On 8 August 1932, she married Ernest Smith, a farm worker. They were married at Christ Church in Boonah.
In 1943, Cecilia and Ernest separated. She then moved to Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. She brought her four children with her to their new home.
Working for the Community
Cecilia Smith had three sons who survived her. Her only daughter, Betty, passed away in the 1950s. Cecilia was known for being very kind and helpful. She often welcomed strangers into her home.
In the 1960s, she started cooking meals for people outside her house. This helped many people in her community. She joined the Queensland Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. From 1972 to 1975, she was the honorary secretary for this group.
Cecilia was also part of the association's Federal Council. She was an executive member of its women's council too. In 1974, she represented the association at a big conference in Melbourne. This was the fourth national conference for Aboriginal and Islander women.
She strongly supported the "Yes" vote in the 1967 Aboriginal referendum. This referendum was a very important moment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.
Her Final Years
Cecilia Smith passed away on 23 December 1980. She died from kidney failure. This happened after she had abdominal surgery at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.
