Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley highlighted in Parliament

Celebrating Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley: 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Finalist

Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley, also known by her cultural name Anjilkurri (angiecurrie), a proud Birrbay and Dunghutti woman from the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, has been named a finalist for the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer spoke in Parliament last week in praise of Aunty Rhonda.

“A respected Elder, educator, language revivalist and community leader, Dr Radley has dedicated her life’s work to strengthening Aboriginal culture, education, wellbeing and truth-telling. Born on her grandfather’s Country in Port Macquarie, she maintains a deep and enduring connection to land, language and community, walking with the responsibilities of both her saltwater and freshwater ancestors.

“Dr Radley spent more than two decades working within the TAFE system as a teacher, mentor and Aboriginal education officer, where she was widely recognised for her commitment to culturally safe, community-led education. Her work supporting Aboriginal students and families has been acknowledged through multiple awards for excellence and innovation in education,” Mr Dwyer said.

“A passionate advocate for Aboriginal language revival, Dr Radley has played a leading role in the renewal of the Gathang language. Holding a Master’s degree in Indigenous Language Education and a PhD in language and education, she continues to ensure language remains a living expression of identity and belonging. She currently serves on the board of the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust.

“Dr Radley is also the founder of the Nyiirun Djiyagan Wakulda Women’s Festival, which brings Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women together to celebrate culture, strengthen relationships and support collective healing. In addition, she has been a long-standing advocate for truth-telling, including efforts to have Blackman’s Point formally recognised as an Aboriginal Place.

“Her nomination as a finalist for the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award recognises decades of leadership, cultural stewardship and service to community, and reflects the deep respect she holds across the Mid North Coast and beyond,” Mr Dwyer concluded.