"Old People pass on these stories of Ancestral Beings’ journeys from father to son, from mother to daughter, so our children will always know from where they have come." - Aunty Patsy, Sky Country.

Magabala is heartbroken at the passing of beloved Elder Aunty Patsy Cameron AO. Aunty Patsy was the author of award-winning children’s picture books Sea Country, Sky Country and In the Kelp Forest, as well as Trouwerner, her powerful memoir written with Martin Flanagan.

Aunty Patsy grew up on Flinders Island and traced her Aboriginal heritage through her mother’s line all the way to the revered Pairrebeenne/Trawlwoolway Clan leader, formidable warrior and seer, Mannalargenna.

Aunty Patsy dedicated her life to ensuring Tasmanian Aboriginal people were proud of their culture and heritage. She never stopped advocating for language or Country and taught everyone she met how to best respect and honour these legacies. 

She attained a Master of Arts in Tasmanian Aboriginal History and an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Tasmania. She was inducted onto the Tasmanian Women’s Honour roll in 2006 and was invested with an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2017 for distinguished service to Indigenous communities in Tasmania.

She was a founding member of Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC) and established Mannalargenna Day as a celebration of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture for all people.

Aunty Patsy was not only kind and generous, she also had an incredible connection with people. We know her spirit, gentle words and humanity will live on in her books. The timeless nature of her stories will be honoured for years to come. 

Our hearts are with Aunty Patsy’s husband Graham, their children, family, friends and the community. We grieve for the loss of an incredible soul.  

Thank you, Aunty Patsy, for sharing so deeply and with a generosity of spirit. Our lives are forever richer.