National NAIDOC Award Winners

Mary Jane Ware - Elder of the Year (Female)

This year’s female Elder of the Year goes to an outstanding woman who has made an extraordinary contribution to the people living in her community of Port Lincoln in South Australia.

Mary Jane Ware is affectionately known throughout SA as Nanna Mary and is widely regarded as a woman who freely and willingly gives her time to assist her community.

She is the coordinator of the Art and Craft Program at the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Council and as such has made an enormous positive contribution to the community.

She is actively involved in the arts, producing quality artwork of her own, using innovative ideas that she is happy to share with other artists. The National Museum of Australia recently acquired a piece of her work.

A keen volunteer, Mary often works on community arts projects, encouraging younger artists to join in.

She also works part time at the local Primary schools, encouraging and supporting young people to embrace and be proud of their Aboriginality through art, craft and dance.

She has been involved in Croc Fests and local NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Mary Ware recently gained her Masters of Education in Aboriginal Education. She has five daughters and several grandchildren. She has also been a foster parent to many children.

She is a positive role model and demonstrates leadership in the Aboriginal community and an inspiration to youth.