State funeral for Aunty Sylvia
Updated: 10:54, Friday February 18, 2011
Premier, Kristina Keneally, has announced that a State funeral will be held for popular Sydney Aboriginal community stalwart, 'Aunty' Sylvia Scott. It will be held at St Mary's Cathedral, College Street and Cathedral Street, Sydney, on Monday, 21 February, at 3pm.
Mrs Sylvia Scott was born on December 30, 1927, at Erambie Reserve, Cowra and was a respected Indigenous Elder.
The Premier says Mrs Scott was an active and influential member of the Redfern and Waterloo Aboriginal community, founding the Murawina Preschool in Redfern and was a founding member of the Wyanga Aboriginal Community Aged Care Programme.
'Mrs Scott was also well known to many aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales,' she said.
In the early 1970s, Mrs Scott worked with other aboriginal women, to establish the Murrawina pre-school for aboriginal children, and served as its president for 17 years.
A decade later, Mrs Scott established a general skills programs at Petersham TAFE, and worked at the Children's hospital in Camperdown as the Aboriginal health worker.
How I got involved in this funeral svs is beyond me....I went to see this beautiful church, St. Mary's, and the next thing you know I am seated with the family of Aunt Sylvia. OMG, I was crying along with the family and hundreds of people who came to honor the life and death of Sylvia Scott. The two hour service offered me time to reflect on my own life. What legacy would I leave? This simple woman was granted a State funeral for her love, kindness and relentless work for the indigenous folk-Aboriginals- of Australia-her people. What legacy will I leave? To my children? My grandchildren? Family? Friends? Community? Causes? Juxtaposing my life to Aunt Sylvia's and comparing all the good she did added to my tears and sadness while attending this strangers funeral. Have I made a difference on this earth?
The State Premier and the State Prime Minister (by the way both are woman) of Auntie's State spoke at her funeral. They spoke lovingly and with great admiration of her commitment and work. What a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my life and pray for guidance to live a "good" one. While I may be strong on the Bucket List (or as I call it Pam's Next 100) which does include Contribution but I never looked at the possibility of Legacy. What will your Legacy be?
Mrs Sylvia Scott was born on December 30, 1927, at Erambie Reserve, Cowra and was a respected Indigenous Elder.
The Premier says Mrs Scott was an active and influential member of the Redfern and Waterloo Aboriginal community, founding the Murawina Preschool in Redfern and was a founding member of the Wyanga Aboriginal Community Aged Care Programme.
'Mrs Scott was also well known to many aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales,' she said.
In the early 1970s, Mrs Scott worked with other aboriginal women, to establish the Murrawina pre-school for aboriginal children, and served as its president for 17 years.
A decade later, Mrs Scott established a general skills programs at Petersham TAFE, and worked at the Children's hospital in Camperdown as the Aboriginal health worker.
How I got involved in this funeral svs is beyond me....I went to see this beautiful church, St. Mary's, and the next thing you know I am seated with the family of Aunt Sylvia. OMG, I was crying along with the family and hundreds of people who came to honor the life and death of Sylvia Scott. The two hour service offered me time to reflect on my own life. What legacy would I leave? This simple woman was granted a State funeral for her love, kindness and relentless work for the indigenous folk-Aboriginals- of Australia-her people. What legacy will I leave? To my children? My grandchildren? Family? Friends? Community? Causes? Juxtaposing my life to Aunt Sylvia's and comparing all the good she did added to my tears and sadness while attending this strangers funeral. Have I made a difference on this earth?
The State Premier and the State Prime Minister (by the way both are woman) of Auntie's State spoke at her funeral. They spoke lovingly and with great admiration of her commitment and work. What a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my life and pray for guidance to live a "good" one. While I may be strong on the Bucket List (or as I call it Pam's Next 100) which does include Contribution but I never looked at the possibility of Legacy. What will your Legacy be?
