Local Legend

On hearing that Rocherlea had a finalist for Tasmanian Senior 'Australian of the year', I wanted others in Rocher to know that we have a legend in our midst. Our local news letters was after some good news stories, below is the article, below that is a poem written by Aunty Phyllis.

Local a finalist for Tasmanian senior ‘Australian of the Year’ Award

Visiting Aunty Phyllis at her home is like visiting an old friend. With her welcoming smile and customary hug and kiss, you immediately feel at ease.

Aunty Phyllis is full of stories, most of which end in a laugh. Her rich life experience has given her an invaluable perception and wisdom which she graciously shares as she works tirelessly for her community on a range of issues including youth justice, education, housing, and Indigenous women's health and wellbeing.

Aunty Phyllis is a respected Aboriginal elder who is a proud advocate for her people. A sort after speaker and writer, she is a highly regarded poet and storyteller. “I think the best ways of sharing is story telling”, she tells me.

A smile creeps across her face as she shares about her life as a child growing up on Cape Barren Island. “We had a wonderful life,” she recalls, “the days weren’t long enough… …there was no black, white, or brindle, we were all just kids.” As a poet and author, her writing explores Aboriginal history, traditions, culture and identity. Her love for writing and poetry started at a young age. “When I was little I always loved books and reading and writing,” she says tapping on her chest, “I love poetry, it comes straight from in here.”

In a new chapter of her own story, Aunty Phyllis Pitchford of Rocherlea, who was one of the four finalists for Senior Tasmanian of the Australian of the Year Awards attended a breakfast ceremony in Hobart with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The nomination, Aunty Phyllis said, was, “a shock. I never expected anything like that. I thought my girlfriend was joking that she would nominate me… …It was an honour to be selected as a finalist,” although her nomination may come as no surprise to us.

Back at home Aunty Phyllis maintains a special place in her heart for the young people in her community and is involved with Meenah Mienne (My Dream), an art-based pilot project for Aboriginal youth at risk in the justice system.

“My passion for the rest of my life is to help people, especially young people in the youth justice system. I like helping people, anybody, I don’t expect monetary value, I just like the giving of me.”

Leaving her home, I believe Aunty Phyllis has become a surrogate Aunty to all our young people as she longs to see them encouraged and have hope.


THE GOLDEN MOMENT
(This small poem belongs to whoever chooses to read it)


When I first stood within my space
Outside thoughts I did erase
As warmth within, of feeling free,
A golden moment just for me.

And as I travelled in my mind,
Alone, I knew what I would find.
As thoughts of love and peace arose
The golden moment I held close.

I’ve known the heartache, fear and pain.
The need to trust and love again.
So when I ventured far and wide
The golden moment was my guide.

Now, when life’s journey I relate,
I still reflect and meditate.
Just me, alone, within my space.
The golden moment, wisdom’s face.


Phyllis Pitchford (Nunarng)