“I am Aunty Ruth Hegarty, born in Mitchell in 1929. I was taken from my Gunggari Country to Barambah Aboriginal Mission (now Cherbourg) at age 6 months old, with my mother Ruby (Buthalange) and grandparents George and Lizzie Duncan.
For the next 21 years I endured many setbacks and heartaches living within the dormitory system in Cherbourg. My tenacity and thirst for knowledge sustained me during this period, using my love of writing to create stories that resulted in many books including my own dormitory girl experience in the story, Is That You Ruthie? adapted for stage by Leah Purcell.
I have found power in writing and public speaking culminating in my strong sense of justice advocating for the stolen generations, stolen wages, early childhood, youth programs and aged care services. My long life has been dedicated to the advancement of our people and their recognition as Australia’s First Peoples over many thousands of years. I have received recognition for these efforts including a Queensland Greats Award in 2010, David Unaipon Literary Award in 1998 as well as many community-based awards. I have lived a life of service to my people and this portrait reflects my commitment, hard work and love held for my people, my culture and my community.”