Yvonne Weldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yvonne Weldon
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| Councillor of the City of Sydney | |
| Assumed office 4 December 2021 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Yvonne Weldon Independents (since 2023) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (until 2023) |
| Known for | Aboriginal rights, social justice, health justice, domestic violence prevention, and child protection |
| Awards | 2019 NSW Volunteer of the Year for the South Sydney Region, 2022 Cancer Institute NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award |
Yvonne Weldon AM is an important Australian leader in local government. She is a proud Aboriginal woman and was the first Aboriginal person to run for Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney in 2021. She ran for the position again in 2024.
Yvonne Weldon made history as the first Aboriginal councillor elected in the City of Sydney. She also serves as the Deputy Chairwoman of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
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Early Life and Background
Yvonne Weldon is a member of the Wiradjuri people, an Aboriginal group from New South Wales. From a young age, she felt a strong desire to help create positive changes for Aboriginal people and their communities. She went to public school in Redfern, a suburb of Sydney.
Her Work and Leadership
Yvonne Weldon has dedicated more than 20 years to working with First Nations and government groups across Australia. She holds several important roles today. She is the Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. She is also the Deputy Chair of the New South Wales Australia Day Council. Additionally, she is a board member for Domestic Violence NSW. She was also a board member for Redfern Jarjum College.
Her Published Book
In 2016, Yvonne Weldon was recognized for her writing. Her unpublished book, Sixty-Seven Days, was short-listed for the Queensland Literary Awards' David Unaipon Award. She then received a scholarship in 2017 to help her with her writing. The book Sixty-Seven Days was published in 2022. A reviewer from Sydney Morning Herald said the book was more than just a romance and suggested it would be great for book clubs.
Welcome to Country Ceremony
Yvonne Weldon performed the welcome to country ceremony for Australia Day in 2019. This special ceremony took place at Sydney harbourside. She shared the stage with the Premier of New South Wales at the time, Gladys Berejiklian, and Governor David Hurley.
Awards and Recognition
Yvonne Weldon has received several awards for her dedication and hard work. In 2019, she was named the NSW Volunteer of the Year for the South Sydney Region. She also received the 2022 Cancer Institute NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award.
In 2022, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This honor was given to her during the Queen's Birthday Honours for her important work with the Indigenous community in New South Wales.
