Born: 1941 (Goodooga, New South Wales, Australia)
Biography:
Essie Coffey OAM, born Essieina Shillingsworth, was a remarkable Indigenous Australian woman who dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and welfare of Aboriginal people. Born in 1941 near Goodooga in northern New South Wales, Coffey was a proud Muruwari woman with a deep connection to her culture and heritage.
Growing up, Coffey and her family faced the challenges of living in a time of racial discrimination and segregation. Despite these obstacles, Coffey’s family managed to avoid forced relocation to an Aboriginal reserve by following seasonal rural work. This early experience of adversity and resilience would shape Coffey’s lifelong commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
In the 1970s, Coffey co-founded the Western Aboriginal Legal Service, an organization that provided essential legal aid and support to Aboriginal people. As a co-founder, Coffey played a crucial role in ensuring that Indigenous Australians had access to legal representation and were protected under the law. This groundbreaking initiative paved the way for similar legal services across Australia, significantly improving the lives of countless Aboriginal individuals and communities.
Coffey’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Aboriginal culture was also evident in her role as the co-founder of the Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Museum in Brewarrina. Through this initiative, Coffey strived to raise awareness and understanding of Aboriginal culture and history, fostering a sense of pride in Indigenous heritage. Her efforts helped to preserve and share the rich traditions of her people for future generations.
Throughout her life, Coffey actively participated in various government bodies and Aboriginal community organizations, including the Aboriginal Lands Trust and the Aboriginal Advisory Council. One of her most significant achievements was becoming an inaugural member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, where she played a vital role in fostering reconciliation and building understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Coffey’s contributions extended beyond her advocacy work and involvement in organizations. She was also an accomplished filmmaker, using this medium to share the stories and experiences of Aboriginal people. Her documentary My Survival as an Aboriginal, created in 1978, gained international recognition and was presented as a gift to Queen Elizabeth II during the opening of Australia’s new Parliament House in 1988. This powerful film brought attention to the struggles and resilience of Indigenous Australians and won several prestigious awards, including the Greater Union Award for documentary film and the Rouben Mamoulian Award at the Sydney Film Festival in 1979. Coffey later released a sequel called My Life As I Live It in 1993, further highlighting the Indigenous experience and capturing her own unique perspective.
In recognition of her tireless efforts and significant contributions, Essie Coffey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on June 10, 1985. This prestigious honor was a testament to her unwavering dedication and service to the Aboriginal community. Coffey’s refusal of a Member of the British Empire (MBE) nomination exemplified her strong belief in self-determination and autonomy, emphasizing her firm stance against colonial influences.
Essie Coffey’s life and work had a profound impact on Indigenous Australians and the wider society. She fought for justice, equality, and the preservation of Aboriginal culture, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Her relentless advocacy, pioneering spirit, and deep commitment to her people make her an iconic figure in women’s history and a shining example of strength and resilience.
Awards:
– Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – June 10, 1985, for service to the Aboriginal community.