One of the union’s most well-regarded former staff members was awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on 26 January this year. Wiradjuri woman Ann Weldon was awarded the medal in recognition her significant service to the Indigenous community of NSW.

A member of the Kalar River people, in the Wiradjuri nation, Ms Weldon worked at Ageing, Disability and Home Care (AHDC) Burwood, in the Community Support Team – Sydney Local District, prior to the Agency being dissolved in 2011. Before then, Ann was at the Metro North Region – Parramatta Local Office and the Rosebery ADHC Office for Metro South Region. Ms Weldon was also a Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council Board Member and Elder.

“I feel humble, I think it’s wonderful to be given that recognition,” said Ms Weldon of the award.

Ms Weldon said she knew she had been nominated for an award; however, she was not actually sure which award she was nominated for, or what it was specifically for. So, she was a little surprised when she found out she received the AM.

Ms Weldon said the Indigenous community are honoured, as well. “It means a lot to them, especially the kids”, she said.

Ms Weldon remembers with pride the work she and her colleagues did to provide structure, fun, nutrition, and very importantly, each other, for the Indigenous children they worked with.

Ms Weldon was PSA’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer for four years, advising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members on matters of importance to them and their workplace.
She said she only left the role because of health reasons and loved the “passion, great energy, and like-mindedness” of staff at the PSA.