Frances Bodkin facts for kids
Frances (Fran) Bodkin, born in 1937, is a very special Australian. She is a talented botanist, which means she studies plants. Fran is also a respected elder of the Dharawal people. The Dharawal are an Indigenous Australian group.
Her Amazing Work
Fran wrote an important book called Encyclopaedia Botanica. It came out in 1986. This book is a guide to many plants found in Australia. It includes both native plants and those brought from other places.
In the 1970s, Fran helped create a special place. It's called the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. This garden is near Sydney. It was built on land that Indigenous people used for meetings long ago.
Awards and Recognition
Frances Bodkin has received several honors for her work. In 2017, she got a Community Award from Western Sydney University. This award recognized her contributions to the community.
In 2019, she was nominated for a Landcare Australia award. This award celebrates people who manage land well. It shows her dedication to caring for the environment.
A very special honor happened on March 5, 2024. Transport for NSW named a new ferry after her. This ferry is part of the Parramatta-class. It sails on the waters of Sydney.
External Links
- D'harawal dreamtime stories – Aunty Fran's stories
- Dictionary of the D'harawal Language
