Maureen Wenzel Rhodes

My name is Maureen Wenzel (Rhodes). I proudly have a foot in two cultures - I have an Aboriginal father and non-Aboriginal mother. I am one of three children, born in Sydney on Eora Land. I live on Dharwal Land, and I am a descendant of the Bundjalung Nation from the north coast of NSW. I have a deep respect for both of my cultures and value them equally. I try to use the best of each culture to walk my journey in a positive way.

As a child, past government policies saw my father distance us from our Aboriginal culture and family, however, the singing deep within me for my culture and connections never ceased. I always felt there was something missing. I left school in the beginning of Year 8, and did not reconnect with my education until I went to university at the age of 45. It was then I gained a thirst for knowledge that remains unquenchable today. Since 1999 I have graduated from the Great Hall at Sydney University three times. I am now a qualified teacher, a linguist with a master’s degree in Aboriginal Languages Education, and hold the position of Aboriginal Education Consultant in the Western Sydney Region.

Opportunities in Aboriginal Education have not only seen me strengthen my cultural ties and knowledge, but I have found my family again. I am able to sit with my old Aunty and hear the stories and language of my family, and my mob ... it’s a wonderful feeling to know where you belong.