John Gorrie (elder) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Gorrie
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
John Anthony Gorrie
10 March 1950 Victoria, Australia
|
| Occupation | Public servant, Indigenous advocate |
| Children | Veronica Gorrie |
John Anthony Gorrie (born 10 March 1950) is a very important Aboriginal Australian leader. In 2005, he became the first Aboriginal person to receive the Public Service Medal. This award celebrates people who do amazing work for the Australian public.
Contents
John Gorrie's Early Life
John Anthony Gorrie was born on March 10, 1950. His mother, Linda, was a Gunaikurnai woman. When he was very young, he lived in a children's home in Melbourne. Later, his mother married Carl Turner. She was then able to get John back, and he grew up with them.
They lived at the Lake Tyers Mission, which was a special place for Aboriginal people. John is a respected elder of the Kurnai people. His family belongs to the Krauatungalung clan. Their traditional lands are in East Gippsland in Victoria.
John remembers his childhood at Lake Tyers fondly. He enjoyed movie nights and swimming in the lake with his friends. However, his mother was always worried about government officials. She would hide him when inspectors visited Lake Tyers.
His Career Helping Others
In 1991, John Gorrie started working for the Victorian Department of Human Services. He became an Aboriginal liaison and advocacy officer. This means he helped connect Aboriginal people with the department. He also spoke up for their rights and needs.
When he started, he was the only Indigenous person working there. He continued his important work at the department for 21 years. He retired at the end of 2011.
Awards and Recognition
John worked for 14 years in child protection. This work helps keep children safe. Because of his excellent service, he received the Public Service Medal. The award recognized his "outstanding public service." It celebrated how he improved the relationship between the department and the Aboriginal community.
Thanks to John's efforts, new programs were created. These programs made it easier for Aboriginal people to get help from the department. Also, the number of Indigenous employees grew. By 2011, there were 20 Indigenous people working there.
His Family and Home
As of 2023, John Gorrie lives in Sale. He still visits Lake Tyers often. He considers it his true "home." His mother and father are buried in the New Cemetery there.
John's daughter is a writer named Veronica Gorrie. His grandchild, Nayuka Gorrie, is also a writer, actor, and activist.
