Gracelyn Smallwood facts for kids
Gracelyn Smallwood was born in 1951. She is a respected Aboriginal Australian woman from the Biri people. She works as a professor of nursing and midwifery at Central Queensland University. This means she teaches and researches about helping people stay healthy and caring for mothers and babies.
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Early Life and Background
Gracelyn Smallwood was born in 1951 in a city called Townsville, which is in Queensland, Australia. She is part of the Biri people, who are one of the many Aboriginal groups in Australia.
Her Work in Nursing
Gracelyn Smallwood trained to be a nurse at the Townsville Hospital. She learned different types of nursing:
- General nursing: This is about caring for people who are sick or injured.
- Midwifery: This is about helping pregnant women and delivering babies.
- Psychiatric nursing: This is about helping people with their mental health.
She was the very first Indigenous Australian to earn a special degree called a Masters of Science in public health from James Cook University. Public health is about keeping whole communities healthy, not just individuals.
In 2016, she became a Professor of Nursing and Midwifery at Central Queensland University. This is a very high position, showing her knowledge and experience.
Helping Her Community
Since 1968, Gracelyn Smallwood has been a strong supporter for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She works to make sure their voices are heard and that they get fair treatment.
In 2020, she was chosen to be part of a special group called the National Co-design Group for the Indigenous voice to government. This group helps design how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can have a direct say in government decisions that affect them.
Awards and Recognitions
Gracelyn Smallwood has received many important awards for her hard work and dedication:
- In 1986, she was named Queensland Aboriginal of the Year.
- In 1994, she received the Henry Kemp Memorial Award for her work in preventing child abuse and neglect.
- In 2007, she won a Deadly Award for her amazing lifetime achievements in Indigenous health.
- In 2014, she was named NAIDOC Person of the Year. The NAIDOC Awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- In 1992, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This is a high honor given for great service to Australia. She received it for her work in Aboriginal health and welfare, and for public health, especially in fighting HIV/AIDS.
