Ella Simon facts for kids

Ella Simon (born Cinderella Jane Whitbread) was a strong and important Aboriginal activist. She was a proud Biripi woman from New South Wales, Australia. Ella worked hard to improve life for her people. She fought for better living conditions and more rights for Aboriginal communities.

Ella's Early Life

Ella Simon was born in 1902 in a tent near Taree, New South Wales. Her mother, Lucy Ann Russell, was a Biripi woman. Sadly, Lucy died from typhoid when Ella was only seven years old. Ella's father was Samuel Whitbread, who worked as a saddler.

Her Grandparents

Ella's maternal grandfather was George Russell. He had an Aboriginal mother and a Scottish father. George worked for local farmers. He told them about the difficult conditions at Brown's Hill Fringe Camp, where many Aboriginal families lived. The farmers felt sympathetic and offered him a small piece of their land. In 1902, George convinced several Aboriginal families to move there.

Ella's maternal grandmother had the European name Susan Russell. Her Aboriginal name was 'Kundaibark', which means 'The wild apple tree'. She was born under a wild apple tree and was from the Opossum clan of the Biripi nation. Her father was Irish. When she was a baby, her tribe left her because of her lighter skin after her mother died. Stockmen found her and raised her. Later, she returned to the Biripi nation and helped raise Ella.

The Purfleet Mission

The land given by the farmers became the Purfleet Aboriginal Reserve. In 1904, Ella's grandfather, George Russell, helped build the first school there. This reserve was a government-controlled area for Aboriginal people. Ella attended school in Purfleet until she was 12 years old.

Working for Change

In 1916, Ella married Clement Ritchie. She later moved to Sydney for work in the 1920s. However, she returned to Purfleet to care for her grandmother, who passed away in 1932. The next year, Ella divorced Clement Ritchie.

In 1934, Ella married Joseph (Joe) Simon. Joe was a talented guitarist and singer. Together, they grew vegetables for the army during World War II. Joe later worked as a professional fisherman. In 1945, they returned to Purfleet.

Fighting for Rights

Ella became a strong voice for her community. She spoke up to government managers about the needs of her people. In 1957, she received a Certificate of Exemption. This certificate allowed Aboriginal people to be free from certain state laws that controlled their lives.

In 1960, Ella helped start an Aboriginal branch of the Country Women's Association (CWA) at Purfleet. She became its president. Through the CWA, Ella worked with Mrs. Hickson, the president of the Taree CWA branch. Together, they confronted the Mission Manager. They demanded better living conditions for Aboriginal homes.

Improving Homes and Community

Before Ella's efforts, most Aboriginal families in Purfleet cooked on open fires. Thanks to Ella and the CWA, stoves were put into homes. Bathrooms were added, footpaths were built, and water and electricity were supplied. A pre-school was also started for the children.

In 1960, Ella Simon opened the Gillawarra gift shop. This shop sold Aboriginal artefacts. In 1962, Ella made history by becoming the first Aboriginal Justice of the Peace in Australia. That same year, she was named Lady of Distinction by Quota, a service organization.

Sharing Her Story

Between 1973 and 1978, Ella recorded her life story. In 1978, she wrote an autobiography called Through My Eyes. This book shared her experiences and insights. Ella Simon passed away in Taree in 1981.

Remembering Ella Simon

Ella Simon's important work is still remembered today. In 1997, a new section of the Pacific Highway opened near Taree. One of the bridges crossing the Manning River was named The Ella Simon Bridge in her honor. This bridge crosses the southern entrance of the Manning River onto Dumaresq Island. It stands as a lasting tribute to her dedication and strength.