In April this year, the PSA CPSU NSW lost Ann Weldon, a proud Wiradjuri woman and a tireless advocate for Aboriginal members.

Ann was a colossal figure in Australia’s Aboriginal rights movement.

Her time at the PSA CPSU NSW saw a renewed commitment to First Nations workers, paving the way for the union’s groundbreaking Aboriginal Council.

Born Ann Pauline Coe in 1953 and raised on Erambie Mission near Cowra on Wiradjuri Country, Ann’s early life was shaped by both the challenges and resilience of Aboriginal communities in mid-20th century Australia. Inspired by the growing Aboriginal rights movement following the 1967 Referendum, she moved to Sydney in the early 1970s, settling in the heart of the city’s Aboriginal community, Redfern.

Known as Aunty Ann, she devoted more than five decades to advancing the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. Her work extended far beyond protest; she was instrumental in building enduring Aboriginal-controlled institutions such as the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service, a landmark organisation providing legal representation and advocacy for her people.

She also helped establish the Aboriginal Children’s Service and supported the creation of the Aboriginal Medical Service, which was Australia’s first Aboriginal community-controlled health service.

She held senior roles including Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board and Chief Executive of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. Across these positions, she worked tirelessly to secure safe housing, community control and long-term reform in services affecting Aboriginal people.

Ann believed strongly Aboriginal people must lead the decisions that affect their lives.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Ann was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2025.

Ann Weldon’s life is deeply entwined with modern Aboriginal self-determination
“Aunty Ann Weldon will be dearly missed by not only her family and the Redfern Aboriginal community, but the wider community across the state and nation,” said Chair of the PSA CPSU NSW Aboriginal Council Carlo Svagelli. “Aunty Ann was a staunch woman who wasn’t afraid to say what was needed to be said. And this was shown in many different sectors including Aboriginal Land Rights, Housing, Child Protection and Education and the importance of self determination especially for the local communities.”
PSA CPSU NSW General Secretary Stewart Little said, “She was one of the great characters. If you didn’t know her position on an issue before you spoke to her, you certainly knew afterwards.”

PSA CPSU NSW President Nicole Jess described Ann as “a great fighter for women in our movement”.

Her daughter, Yvonne Weldon, continues her legacy as a Councillor with the City of Sydney.

“Without realising it, I have done a lot of similar things that Mum has with my little journey,” said Yvonne. “Mum always told us three girls ‘there is always someone else worse off’. I saw this in the generosity of everything Mum gave, especially her time. Mum opened her home to so many foster children and family members.

“Mum always fought to make positive change for the First Nations and everyone.”