Event - Conversations with Dianne O'Brien as we launch her new book Daughter of the River Country

Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation has a suite of programs aiming to empower and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Central Coast. Gosford City Rotary is proud to play a small role in supporting some of this important work.

Chairperson of Mingaletta Corporation Dianne O’Brien said "It's great to collaborate with Gosford City Rotary. Rotarians respect the work we are doing here and want to help out. Our programs are all about building strength, identifying any issues in our community and working alongside our members to solve them."

Gosford City Rotary President Paul Jones awarded Mingaletta a $5,000 District Grant to provide additional financial support for important programs like the Didge and Dance Group at Mingaletta.

"Rotarians work hard to raise funds to support initiatives making a tangible difference at the grassroots level. Mingaletta is an ideal partner for us because we can see the difference these programs make to our local community. We can also get involved in a voluntary capacity to support Mingaletta with general cleanups, BBQ’s and family days for Mingaletta members,” Mr Jones said.

“Every time we come to Mingaletta we listen and learn from elders and community members who welcome us and are prepared to share cultural practice and Indigenous knowledge with Rotarians. We value this opportunity immensely.”

Gosford City Rotary recently held a book launch for Ms O’Brien’s memoir “Daughter of the River Country” to raise the funds for the District Grant. Ms O’Brien (Aunty Di to most) was in conversation with Bobbi Murray, local Aboriginal leader, discussing themes central to her story and many other Aboriginal people across Australia.

“We felt very fortunate to host Aunty Di, a respected Yorta Yorta Elder and fantastic local author, to raise these valuable funds,” Mr Jones said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support of the Woy Woy CWA who supplied the dessert, local Aboriginal artist Garry Purchase who donated a painting for auction and The Glen Centre who attended the event and donated a digeridoo for the raffle.”

“We even had local identity Troy Rushton, from Coastal Realty, as our auctioneer for the night. Troy’s expertise ensured we raised substantial funds through our auction, we cannot thank him enough,” Mr Jones added.

Gosford City Rotary is a dynamic club, committed to making a positive difference in the lives of local people here on the coast. The club also supports international initiatives in the health and education space for vulnerable communities in the Philippines. Gosford City Rotary meets on Wednesday mornings for breakfast at the Top Point Café in East Gosford. Visitors and guests are welcome.