‘The kids in the community made me what I am today’
Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, OAM, a pioneering Indigenous community leader who has been a “mum” to thousands of Indigenous kids over the years, says she’s still in shock after hearing her name announced as NT’S Barnardos Mother of the Year.
“I’m overwhelmed – to be in such fine company with so many other inspiring women is a great honour,” Miriam, 65, tells Woman’s Day from her home in a remote area of the Daly River, south of Darwin.
“I was a high school dropout and no one ever thought I’d amount to anything, so I know the struggles firsthand, which helps me every day in my work.”
Nominated by her long-time friend and colleague Leslie Gordon, Miriam is adamant her award is a group effort and some thin gome things he’ ll shell proudly share with her tight-knit community.comm
“The children in the community made me what I am today,” she says. “I’ve worked tirelessly for years to ensure students from remote areas have access to a better education. If I can help anyone make their life better, I will.”
There’s no slowing down for this trailblazer – she currently sits on the board of St Francis Xavier School, where she was formerly the Principal, and continues to oversee the Cultural Education classes.
She’s also the founder of the Miriam Rose Foundation, a not-for-profit group designed to help Indigenous youth reach their full potential.
“Sometimes all it takes is a gentle hand to show them the right way – to see steps forward, not back – that’s when I know I’ve made a difference,” Miriam says.