2nd Kennett Ministry
NEWS RELEASE
p970701.taa
From the Office of the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Tuesday, 1 July 1997
Minister Honours Mollie Dyer
The Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mrs Ann Henderson, today payed tribute to the life work of a true pioneer in Aboriginal child and family welfare.
Mrs Henderson was speaking at the at the official naming ceremony of Mollie Dyer House in Wurruk Avenue, Preston.
Mollie Dyers hard work and determination formed the basis of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), which is located at the appropriately named Mollie Dyer House, the Minister said.
Mrs Henderson said that she was delighted to give the building such a fitting name after a lady who had worked tirelessly over a lifetime to involve Aboriginal people in child and family matters.
Mollies story is one of great strength and determination, the Minister said.
Her heartfelt concern for the wellbeing of Aboriginal children and her work in the community have earned her an MBE, as well as life membership of VACCA, amongst other awards in recognition of these achievements.
Mollies hard work at the Aborigines Advancement League and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service stood her in good stead to lead the formation of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, an organisation which has the objectives of preserving the family unit, re-uniting families, providing community education as well as providing permanent care for children, childrens protective services, child adoption services and advocacy for children and families on a range of issues.
Media enquiries: Michael Moore, (03) 96515799 or 0411 251158.