News & Events
In conversation with ATSICHS Brisbane Life Member Aunty Lilla Watson
Compassion and a determined drive for social justice are a fierce combination. Looking back at the work of ATSICHS Brisbane Life Member Aunty Lilla Watson illustrates what can be achieved when people dedicate their time and energy to making the world a safer and more equitable place to be.
Among the Gangulu Elder’s many accolades are serving as the inaugural president of the Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agency, co-founding the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association, receiving two honorary doctorates, leading research that shaped the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in the Child Protection Act 1999 and helping lay the foundation for crucial work in the child protection space at ATSICHS Brisbane.
Now in her 80s and a resident at our Jimbelunga Nursing Centre, Aunty Lilla is propped up in her armchair and exudes intelligence and grace as she explains her involvement during the early days of ATSICHS Brisbane.
“There was a lot of political activity happening all over the place in the 60s when we decided to develop a health and a legal service,” she said.
“We got in touch with different doctors who donated their time and effort as volunteers to carry out clinics for the Aboriginal community. It developed like that. We went and knocked on doors and asked people if they were willing to be part of the process of donating their services.”
It was made to happen, she said.
“There was a group of us. And we could see what could happen. It was how could we make it happen that was important.”
“The response was tremendous from the Aboriginal community once they knew there was a place for Aboriginal people because a lot of the people wouldn’t go to the hospital even though they were really sick.”
Aunty Lilla explained how because of the racism and tension that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experienced in hospital settings, they would only go when they were seriously ill and by that time it was often too late. The perception was that “you didn’t go to hospital to get well; you went there to die.”
“Once people knew there was a service that was set up entirely by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people, it just changed the whole face of healthcare then for Aboriginal people and they came. They weren’t holding back anymore until the last minute when people were very ill, they were coming to become well before they got too ill. It made a big difference.”
Seeing the many families and children accessing the medical clinic at Woolloongabba, Aunty Lilla’s vision helped drive the expansion of services to include family and child protection programs.
Reflecting on this history, she said it’s wonderful to see how ATSICHS Brisbane has grown and gained in strength over the years to serve community through so many different programs.
During ATSICHS Brisbane’s 50 year anniversary celebrations in 2023, Aunty Lilla was inducted as a Life Member in recognition of her many contributions to improving health outcomes for community. Now she is encouraging the next generation to sign up as members.
“Just by becoming a member, you are contributing to it,” Aunty Lilla said. “I think it’s really important to sustain that understanding and knowledge about where we come from because that’s how we maintain our strength and energy to keep up the sort of work that’s been done.”
“I think the community has so much confidence in our community organisations that we have no hesitation in going there and seeking assistance and advice.”
Aunty Lilla has been living at Jimbelunga Nursing Centre since 2023 and described it as a ‘wonderful place’.
“I like that it’s run by Aboriginal people and there are cultural aspects built into the way people are given service and nursed. The cultural aspects include the aunty and uncle addressing, and I think that acknowledging respect for age is very important.”
“I admire how they provide exercise groups and art groups. If you want to join in something, there is something to join to provide you with entertainment and occupy your time.”
Aunty Lilla’s sister Aunty April resides in the room next door, adding an extra special connection to the centre that Aunty Lilla now calls home.
