For nearly 50 years, Ruth Simms has worked for her community, embodying the commitment so many PSA CPSU NSW members have to their roles. Now her union has awarded her a life membership.

In a letter to the union thanking it for its role in furthering Aboriginal rights in NSW, Aunty Ruth detailed her long career.

“My first appointment with the NSW Department of Education was as an Aboriginal Teacher’s Aid,” she said. “I was one of the 61 employed across NSW. Over the years the position title changed, and it is now called an Aboriginal Education Officer.”

Born in La Perouse in Sydney’s south, Aunty Ruth has long worked as an Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) in the Shoalhaven area.

“I worked at Nowra Public School for 43 years where my own three children attended school,” she said. “More recently I have worked at Culburra Public School and am now based at Nowra East Public School.”

Her long career means she has seen many students grow into adulthood.

“I see children through their primary schooling and as adults in our local community who always recognise me and thank me for my work with them,” she said.

Her vital work has been recognised by the Commonwealth Government.

“I have been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for my work with children in public education,” she said. “This year I am in final process of having a cultural book published.”

Several times Aunty Ruth has attended the World’s Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education. She presented workshops on Aboriginal education in both Hilo, Hawaii, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

PSA CPSU NSW President Nicole Jess said she was proud to award Aunty Ruth life membership “for her extraordinary work with children”.

Aunty Ruth received her life membership at the 20205 PSA CPSU NSW Women’s Conference. In her absence, the award was accepted by Joe Cavanagh from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation.

“I have enjoyed my journey in education and working with some outstanding and dedicated supporters of Aboriginal education and the longstanding friendships established over these years,” said Aunty Ruth. “My journey has been extremely hard on a personal basis and at times challenging on a professional basis.

“Indigenous peoples face educational challenges when endeavouring to implement historical and cultural knowledge within systems of formal education.

“My reward for my work and dedication to bringing about change in education and humanity is through the children.”