Macquarie and Wellington Correctional Complexes celebrated NAIDOC week last week by honouring a well- respected Aboriginal elder from the State’s central west.
Joyce Williams – affectionately known as Aunty Joyce – has been immortalised in a portrait artwork as part of the NAIDOC celebrations.
Macquarie and Wellington correctional centre governors presented Aunty Joyce with the portrait which was completed in acrylic paints by a 57- year- old inmate at the Wellington Correctional Complex.
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Corrective Services NSW, Wayne Bywater said the painting was presented to Aunty Joyce to thank her for her many years of service to the community, as well as her service to the inmates at Wellington Correctional Complex.
“The painting is a small gesture to acknowledge Aunty Joyce, who has been heavily involved in Aboriginal cultural events at the prison,” Mr Bywater said.
“She has provided support to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal inmates across the years to ensure they still feel included in their communities,” he said.
“Even at 92 the Wiradjuri Elder is still extremely active within the community.”
Mr Bywater said NAIDOC Week was a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2019 was Voice. Treaty. Truth.
