DEAR News Of The Area,
THE city’s flags flew at half-mast and St John’s Anglican Church overflowed as mourners respectfully gathered to celebrate Sue Hoskins’ journey to The Dream Time.
The legend of Sue’s many achievements as a Gumbaynggirr Elder warmed the hearts of many.
This story pays tribute to Sue’s community service since 1967 when, supporting Elder Grace Roberts and a local committee, planning to upgrade housing conditions at Wongala Estate.
The overcrowded, deteriorating facilities did not meet Council health regulations.
An architectural design incorporating traditional lifestyles was planned. Council was supportive, government funding had been approved, and an opportunity identified for Aboriginal youth to gain building skills.
It was an ambitious, forward-thinking project.
The building application stalled: Wongala Housing Pty Ltd must demonstrate ownership of the property.
Wongala residents claimed that an exchange agreement was reached in 1956, but those verbal promises were not documented.
For almost a year, the project stalled.The Elders were emphatic: Wongala Estate had been given to them in exchange for vacating their traditional homesites located in Coffs Harbour’s CBD.
On three occasions, the Land Titles Office turned First Nation people away.The Crown Land they occupied had no title deed in their name. It seemed that all was in vain.
Morale was low when Sue Hoskins, a shy young Aboriginal mother, appeared on Channel Eleven TV to tell of the incomplete agreement that denied Wongala ownership.
Sue never contemplated appearing on television. Her nervous, humble account of the facts was delivered with sincerity.
The response was both fair and equitable. A crisp, new, title deed arrived, and Wongala moved forward.
Our city saluted Sue’s passing with flags at half-mast in appreciation and respect for the recipient of a Yandarra Aunty Grace Roberts Award.
Her name now stands with Granny Ferguson and Grace Roberts – those who made a difference.
Regards,
Tom Strickland OAM,
Coffs Harbour.
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