Passing of Maureen O’Donnell: WNSW PHN Statement
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this statement contains the name of a deceased person.
The Board and Management of Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) wishes to express its deepest sympathy at the passing of Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation Board Chair, Maureen O’Donnell.
Aunty Maureen’s life was one of selflessness and generosity, and an example to us all of how one person can achieve so much to help improve the lives of those around us.
A respected Wilyakali Elder and prominent leader, her achievements in campaigning for social justice for Indigenous people, land rights advocacy, and bringing to bear her detailed and passionate knowledge of the Far West and Paakantji language have brought benefits to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across the state of NSW.
Aunty Maureen’s dedication to the health and wellbeing to Indigenous Far West residents was integral and instrumental in her capacity as Chair of the Maari Ma Board, which we were privileged to experience as part of the relationship between our two organisations.
Her legacy inspires us today and will surely continue to inspire generations into the future.
We wish to express our sympathy to the Board, Management and Staff of Maari Ma Health at this difficult and challenging time, and also extend our deepest condolences to Aunty Maureen’s family, friends, colleagues, and the wider Broken Hill and Far West community, for which she cared for and loved so completely.
Dr Robin Williams
Western Health Alliance Board Chair
Andrew Coe
WNSW PHN CEO
image of Stephen's Creek used by Brenton Jones.