1963 - present

Marcia Ella-Duncan belongs to the La Perouse Aboriginal community with connections to the Bidgigal people of Coastal Sydney and the Walbunja people of the far South Coast of NSW. Marcia is descended from Kate Saunders (nee Sims), a prominent Aboriginal woman belonging to Coastal Sydney.

Marcia made history by becoming the first Aboriginal person to hold a full-time scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra and to represent Australia in netball when she took to the court against New Zealand in 1986. Her siblings include rugby players Mark, Glen and Gary, who also represented Australia. Marcia has received numerous awards for her sporting achievements, including the Order of Australia medal for her services to netball in 1988. Since retiring from competitive netball, Marcia has volunteered many hours to coach young netballers and continues to be heavily involved in sport with Aboriginal children.

Marcia has also worked extensively with Aboriginal people in a range of areas such as criminal justice, community development and land management, with a particular passion for family and child wellbeing. She has held senior state government and ATSIC positions where she worked towards the advancement of her people. Marcia was also Chairperson of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council from 2009-2017. During this period the Land Council and the broader La Perouse community benefited greatly from her sound leadership and unwavering commitment to her Mob. The fact that this role was voluntary is a testament to Marcia’s drive and deep connection to her country and community.

Courtesy the Gujaga Foundation.