Honor Dell Cleary OAM (12 February 1938 – 12 November 2022) was an Australian early childhood educator and community leader.[2][3]
Honor Dell Cleary | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 February 1938[1] Cherbourg, Queensland, Australia |
| Died | 12 November 2022 (aged 84)[1] Cherbourg, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation | Early childhood educator |
| Known for | Advocacy in the education, health and housing sectors |
Cleary is credited with introducing cultural, numeracy and literacy programs and services never before taught to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.[2]
Life and career
editCleary was a Guwa and Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal woman who was born and raised in Cherbourg, Queensland.[2]
Her career commenced when she completed an early childhood course with the childcare centre situated at Brisbane City Hall.[2] After working at the centre for a further twelve months after obtaining her qualification, after which she commenced working for the Yelangi Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Preschool where she stayed for more than thirty years.[2][3]
Her community involvement included serving as an elder with the Murri Court, as a board member of the Moreton Regional Elders Committee and as a board member of the Health Service.[2] Cleary also had an interest in health and housing issues, particularly in the Moreton Bay and Pine Rivers regions.[2] She was a foundation member of the Bunyabilla Aboriginal Corporation, and lobbied for accessible and affordable housing options.[2] Cleary also served on advisory boards for the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, and helped develop and establish a super clinic at Strathpine.[2]
Awards and honours
editA social housing complex at Lawnton was named in Honor Dell Cleary Place in her honour in 2018.[3]
Cleary was also involved with the Brisbane Natives Rugby League Football Club and The Golden Oldies, an annual celebration of elders from Aboriginal missions and communities.[4] She was also involved with establishing the first local Aboriginal debutante balls and the local Ration Shed tours.[4][5]
In the 2000 Australia Day Honours, Cleary was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her services to Aboriginal communities.[6] She was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001, also for her service to the Aboriginal community particularly at Pine Rivers.[7]
In 2013, Cleary was awarded an honorary Doctor of the University degree from Central Queensland University in recognition of her contributions to early childhood education.[2]
Death
editShe died on 12 November 2022.[3] A funeral was held at the Cherbourg Community Hall on 25 November 2022.[3][8]
In 2023, she was posthumously named as a Queensland Great.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Funeral notice: Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM". Killick Family Funerals. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
Dr Honor Dell Cleary (O.A.M) 12 February 1938 - 12 November 2022... Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Honors life which will be held in the Cherbourg Community Hall on Friday, 25 November commencing at 1.30pm.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Honor feted for contribution to early childhood education". CQUniNews. Central Queensland University. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Obituary: Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM". southburnett.com.au. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ a b c "2023 Queensland Greats recipients: Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM". Queensland Greats Awards. Queensland Government. 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ "Ration Shed Tour". Sally Lawrence. 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
The Ration Shed Tours are run by the original co-creator, Sally Lawrence out to Cherbourg... In 2007, Dr. Honor Cleary OAM asked Sally to organise a way to get more teachers out to Cherbourg to learn more about the history of forced removals and government policy that controlled every aspect of First Nations people's lives.
- ^ "Award: 1129818". Australian Honours Search Facility. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 26 January 2000. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ "Award: 1116399". Australian Honours Search Facility. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 1 January 2001. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ Lucas, Freya (28 November 2022). "Remembering Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM, a shining light in ECEC". The Sector. Retrieved 9 June 2023.