Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to acknowledge the passing of a strong blak matriarch, Aunty Alice. She was a strong woman born on the rabbit-proof fence, and she spent her whole life fighting for First Nations people. I know that I wouldn't be here in this place today without women like her, who've spent their whole lives fighting for First Nations justice.

She endured so much hardship, racism and injustice but she tirelessly overcame every obstacle in her way, and I want to take this time to thank her—to thank her for her life's work and thank her for the change that she helped create. We have a long way to go, but without aunties like her we would not be where we are now. She was loved by her family and community right across Western Australia, and I send my love to them as they are conducting their sorry business now.

I was honoured to be asked, alongside other incredible First Nations people, to create a video to be played during her sorry business. In that video I shared a poem that I'd written, and I would like to share it with you all today:

Born on the rabbit-proof fence

her journey began along the rabbit-proof fence

and for 96 years she walked with us

witnessing our struggles and our joys—

a fearless blak matriarch, leading us.

Grandma Alice has gone from our arms, but lives on in our songs

her footsteps have shaped this land and our hearts

we still hear her words of hope and resilience—

a wise blak matriarch, teaching us.

We remember her strength, her smile

as she fought for us, so we could thrive

beside us through heartbreak, struggles and trials—

a loving grandma, holding us.