Order of Australia Medal

Eric Bell, an elder of the Ngunnawal community and Chairman of the Buranya Aboriginal Council, in Yass, NSW has been awarded an OAM for service to the Indigenous community through aged care, environment and employment initiatives.

Recently, with a grant from MEGT, Eric organised for the renovation of premises in Yass in order to house and deliver health services to the region’s elderly Indigenous population.

Another project Eric has commenced involves the employment and leadership skills of mature aged Indigenous Australians who, Eric believes, are the next generation of elders and key influencers in Indigenous communities. It is their positive attitude towards employment and mentoring of young people that Eric says is needed in order to break cycles of long term unemployment.

MEGT (Australia) | Australian Apprenticeships