1970 - present

Noeleen Timbery belongs to the Bidjigal clan of the Dharawal nation as well as the La Perouse Aboriginal community, which is located on the northern head of Gamay-Botany Bay. Noeleen is descended from Queen Emma Timbery and has an ancient and unbroken connection from Sydney Harbour to the Shoalhaven. She also has close family ties to the Dhurga speaking people of the far South Coast of NSW.

Noleen has held senior roles within NSW Government and volunteers her time to fulfil the role of Chairperson of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council. As the peak body for Aboriginal people with a cultural connection to Coastal Sydney, this is an extremely demanding role. Since assuming the position in 2017, Noeleen has overseen notable projects including:
Launching the Gamay Rangers program, which is a team of Aboriginal rangers with a traditional connection to Coastal Sydney who care for land and sea country in and around Botany Bay. This is the first Indigenous rangers program in an urban setting.

Establishing the highly valued Strengthening Our Mob Team, which assists members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community to access much-needed services

Membership of the Kamay 2020 Board to ensure that Aboriginal perspectives are included in the commemorations of the encounter between Aboriginal people and the crew of the Endeavour at Kurnell.

Noeleen has also taken a leading role in negotiating for the return of items belonging to the Aboriginal people of Coastal Sydney held in foreign museums and other institutions. Her work was crucial in arranging the exhibition of spears taken by Captain Cook in the National Museum of Australia. Noeleen hopes to continue this work so that items can be returned to country and used to educate future generations.

Courtesy the Gujaga Foundation.