Kerry Reed-Gilbert facts for kids

Kerry Reed-Gilbert (born 24 October 1956 – died 13 July 2019) was an Australian poet, author, and educator. She was a strong supporter of Indigenous writers and worked for the rights of Aboriginal people. Kerry was a Wiradjuri woman.

Early Life

Kerry Reed-Gilbert was born on 24 October 1956 in central New South Wales. She was raised by her father's sister, whom she called "Mummy." Kerry grew up as the youngest of eight children in her aunt's family.

Kerry was a proud Wiradjuri woman. She wrote about her childhood in a book called The Cherry Picker's Daughter: A childhood memoir.

Her Work as a Writer

Kerry Reed-Gilbert wrote many poems and stories. She was very active in groups that helped writers. She also worked to publish books by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori writers.

She was the first leader of the First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN). This group helps support and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers. She also helped guide the Aboriginal Studies Press, which publishes books about Indigenous cultures.

Awards and Recognition

Kerry Reed-Gilbert received several important awards for her writing:

• In 2003, she received a special fellowship for her poetry and writing. This allowed her to study at the Omi International Arts Center in New York.
• In 2006, she won awards for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Poetry’ and ‘Poet of Merit’ from the International Society of Poets.

Other Activities

Kerry Reed-Gilbert enjoyed collecting "Aboriginalia." This included different items like prints, figurines, and badges that featured Aboriginal people or designs. In 2016, her collection was bought by AIATSIS. This organization works to preserve and share Indigenous cultures.

She also appeared in a TV show called Desperate Measures in 2013. In one episode, she talked about her father, Kevin Gilbert, who was also a writer and activist.

Her Legacy

Kerry Reed-Gilbert passed away on 13 July 2019 in Canberra. She left behind her two daughters, Lesa and Melanie, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

In 2020, a special writing prize was created in her memory. The Kuracca Prize for Australian Literature is awarded by the literary journal Overland. This prize helps keep her memory and her work alive.

Her Published Works

Kerry Reed-Gilbert's poetry was translated into many languages, including Dutch, French, Bengali, and Korean. She also edited several collections of poetry and stories by other writers.