Perpetual Gladys Elphick Award

This award recognises an Aboriginal woman for her lifetime dedication to improving the lives of others and contribution to the Aboriginal community, through her demonstrated leadership, her community spirit, and her work. This award recognises her lifetime achievements and the inspiration she brings to her community as a strong role model by empowering her community and those around her.

Irene belongs to the Kuyani/Walpi (Adnyamathanha) and Matutjatjara people. As per Adnyamathanha culture, Irene is a Mathuri Yuratu (South Wind woman).

For the last 19 years she has lived and worked within the Davenport community, in careers which have seen her work and manage in areas of community development, community governance, community wellbeing, social justice and advocacy, employment and training, business development, heritage protection, community infrastructure and restoration and management of community held land.

For the past 34 years, Irene has served continuously as a Board member of the SA Aboriginal Lands Trust, her unbroken record is a testament to her commitment and the esteem in which she is held. During this time, she has contributed meaningfully and significantly to the Board, and has nurtured and mentored every board member and, through her wisdom, ensured its cultural integrity.