Congratulations to 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM

The renowned artist, activist, writer and public speaker from Nauiyu (Daly River) was among an all-women line-up of recipients.

In 1975, Miriam-Rose became the Northern Territory’s first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher. As an art consultant for the Department of Education, she visited schools through the Top End, advocating for the inclusion of visual art as part of every child’s education.

Miriam-Rose later became the principal of the Catholic school in her home community before being appointed to the Federal Government’s advisory body, the National Indigenous Council.

In 2013, she established the Miriam Rose Foundation, to bridge the divide between Aboriginal culture and mainstream society – driving reconciliation at a grassroots level.

Through her professional and creative life, Miriam-Rose has remained dedicated to maintaining the cultural independence of her people and being a spokesperson for the Aboriginal worldview.

In recognition of her leadership, she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia medal and an Honorary PhD in Education from Charles Darwin University.

During her acceptance speech, said she was ‘very excited about what has happened tonight’ knows she now has ‘a lot more work to do’.

Watch the 2021 Senior Australian of the Year Acceptance Speech by Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM.