Bertha Kapeen named Electorate Woman of the Year
Ballina MP Don Page today announced highly respected Bundjalung Elder Bertha Kapeen as the Ballina Electorate Woman Of The Year for 2008.
“I am very proud to announce Bertha Kapeen as this year’s recipient of the Ballina Electorate Woman Of The Year Award,” Mr Page said.
“It is hard to put a measure on the enormous contribution Bertha has made to greater understanding of the Bundjalung culture and to reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.”
Mr Page said that Aunty Bertha has been a tireless volunteer worker in many areas including Aboriginal education and health.
“She was one of the first Aboriginal people to be offered a position with the Department of Education and subsequently went on to advise on policy for Aboriginal education,” Mr Page said.
Aunty Bertha maintains a strong connection and involvement with the Fox Street Pre-school and also runs a program through Southern Cross University on cultural awareness for doctors.
A large number of community representatives and friends gathered at the award presentation at the Ballina RSL Club today to honour her.
“The large number of people representing a wide range of community groups who have gathered here to honour Bertha today is testament to the wonderful work she has done over the years. Bertha has touched the lives of so many people in a profoundly positive way. She is extremely deserving of this award,” Mr Page said.
“I believe it is doubly appropriate that Bertha should be our Woman of The Year in the same year that the Federal Government and the people of Australia formally said sorry to the Stolen Generations.
“On behalf of the Ballina Electorate I sincerely thank Bertha for her marvellous contribution in making our community a better and more harmonious place.”
PICTURE: Bertha Kapeen and Member for Ballina Don Page after the presentation today.
