Naomi Mayers facts for kids

Naomi Mayers OAM was born in 1941. She is a very important leader in Australian health. Many people also know her as the main singer of a music group called The Sapphires. A popular 2012 movie was made about the group, which was also called The Sapphires.

Naomi Mayers: A Life of Leadership

Early Life and Music

Naomi Mayers was born in 1941. Her family heritage comes from the Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri peoples.

In the 1960s, Naomi was one of three members of The Sapphires. Her sister, Beverly Briggs, and Laurel Robinson were the other members. Naomi and Beverly decided not to travel with the group to Vietnam. This was because they did not agree with the Vietnam War.

Leading the Way in Health Care

Naomi Mayers became involved in starting the Aboriginal Medical Service in 1971. She was encouraged by a famous eye doctor named Fred Hollows. In 1972, she was officially chosen as the coordinator. Later, her fellow Sapphires, Laurel Robinson and Beverly Briggs, also joined the service. Naomi had some experience as a nurse. She began her work there as an administrator, helping to manage things.

For more than 40 years, Naomi Mayers helped to lead this important organisation. She worked with other amazing people like Dulcie Flowers and "Mum Shirl" (Shirley Smith). By 2012, she was the CEO of the organisation. This means she was the main boss.

Naomi is seen as a true leader in Aboriginal health services. She has helped many people get the health care they need.

In 1976, Naomi Mayers, Bobbi Sykes, Sue Chilly, and Marcia Langton started a group called the Black Women's Action (BWA). This group later became the Roberta Sykes Foundation. The BWA also published a monthly newspaper for Aboriginal people. It was called Koori Bina, which means "Black ears". This newspaper was published until June 1979.

In 1989, Naomi Mayers was the main writer of an important government document. It was a plan called "A national Aboriginal health strategy." This plan aimed to improve health for Aboriginal people across Australia.

Awards and Special Honours

In 1984, Naomi Mayers received the Medal of the Order of Australia. This special award was given to her for her "service to Aboriginal welfare." It recognised her hard work and dedication to helping Aboriginal communities.

In 2006, a television documentary was made about her. It was called Jetja Nai medical mob : Naomi Mayers. The film was made by Film Australia for SBS Television.

Naomi Mayers received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2023. This was part of the NAIDOC Week Awards. This award is given to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It honours someone who has spent their whole life helping their community.