One of Campbelltown’s quiet achievers was the main attraction at the Campbelltown City Council meeting last night.
Just about every councillor present jumped to their feet to sing the praises of Uncle Ivan Wellington, the Aboriginal elder who has been doing good things in our community for more than 30 years.
Cr Rudi Kolkman described him as a “genuine bloke’’, Cr Meg Oates as “always positive’’, Cr Fred Borg as “loyal’’ but Cr Wal Glynn was the most effusive, saying “I love this man, a wonderful, wonderful man.’’
Uncle Wellington was in the council chamber to receive a community service award from the mayor, Paul Lake, as a small token of council’s appreciation of his good works in the community.
Mayor Lake said of him: “Renowned Aboriginal elder Uncle Ivan Wellington has been an active and well respected member of the Campbelltown community for more than 30 years.
“Over this time, he has worked very hard to promote and encourage unity and cultural awareness – not just within the Campbelltown community, but even beyond our local government boundaries.
“Originally from Jerrinja on the South Coast and the Wandi Wandian people, Uncle Ivan grew up learning from his elders. He later moved to Dharawal lands.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“He has dedicated his life to sustaining the knowledge, respect and importance of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Campbelltown community.[/social_quote]
“It is for his works in this area that he was awarded the 2014 Heritage Medallion, becoming the first Aboriginal person to receive the honour,’’ Mayor Lake told the council.
“Uncle Ivan is a regular at events across the community, welcoming people through acknowledgement of country or performing a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony.
“He has mentored many young people through his associations with Western Sydney University and Juvenile Justice, and in 2013, had the Uncle Ivan Wellington Lounge at Campbelltown Hospital named after him, in recognition of his work with the hospital on how best to deliver services to the Aboriginal community.
“Through his support of a wide variety of local projects, events and groups, Uncle Ivan has demonstrated his commitment to sharing his culture and knowledge with as many people as possible.
“Now it is our turn to acknowledge him. On behalf of Campbelltown City Council, I would like to present Uncle Ivan with a Community Service Award to thank him for his efforts in educating the community about the importance of Aboriginal cultural heritage.’’
In a humble response, Uncle Ivan said he got the most satisfaction out of helping young people who needed guidance.
“Life is a journey,’’ he said in accepting the award.
“For me I just accept all people as being the same, as one.’’
