ANTaR NSW

28/02/2026

MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, the first Aboriginal person to graduate from Harvard University with a PhD, has been remembered as a "trailblazer" in Indigenous education, health and human rights after her death last Saturday, aged 85.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died, used with the permission of their family.

The Djaru Elder and professor is best-known for her decades of work in academia, along with her advocacy for equity for Aboriginal people.

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Aunty Professor Lynette Riley AO said not only were Professor Bin-Sallik's achievements incredible, but that she was also "one of the nicest people you could ever meet".

“ MaryAnn leaves void that is hard to fill as her passions for equity for her people drove her career and life choices," Professor Riley said.

"[She] was a trailblazer in Aboriginal education, Aboriginal health and human rights in Australia. She led the way in community engagement and leadership.

"She was gracious despite the racism she endured and has been recognised as a pioneer in the many different fields she has contributed her knowledge and experiences to."

Professor Bin-Sallik is survived by her two daughters Rokiah and Lisa, and her grandchildren.

Nurse, academic and advocate

Born in Broome, Western Australia in 1940, Professor Bin-Sallik was a proud Djaru woman who grew up in a large family.

At age nine her family moved to Darwin, which was a time in her life where she remembered a shift in her education.

She was not allowed to sit for the scholarship in year seven and was instead expected to be trained as an Aboriginal domestic worker.

"That's when I really understood racism," she recalled in an interview with Western Sydney University last year.

"I got so angry and I'm still angry and that motivates me."

Read full article

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-28/aboriginal-professor-maryann-bin-sallik-remembered/106396478?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

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04/06/2025

The recent death in custody of an Aboriginal man with disability in Alice Springs on 27 May marks another tragedy for the Warlpiri community, First Nations people, people with disability and all Australians.

Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess has called for urgent implementation of the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations for First Nations people with disability.

“I express my sincere condolences and sympathies to this young man’s family and community,” said Commissioner Kayess.

“This is not just a heartbreaking loss for families and communities but a national shame that is underpinned by too many ongoing systemic failures.

“Despite the recommendations from the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the recommendations from the 2023 Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission), there has been a lack of concerted implementation of these recommendations. This means we are very likely doomed to continually repeat these failures and this is not acceptable.

“Racial injustice and disability injustice are inextricably linked in this tragedy, and the Disability Royal Commission provided specific recommendations for First Nations people with disability.

“A key focus over the coming months, as I engage with new Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Senators, back benchers and politicians is to urge for immediate action to implement the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.”

03/06/2025

Disclaimer: Readers please be advised this contains the name of an Aboriginal Person who has died. His name is used here with the permission of his family.

05/04/2025

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