Indigenous elder honour for ‘Aunty’ Ruth
"Aunty" Ruth Whybird celebrates the honour of being made an Honorary Purga Elder. (Photo my Simone Worthing)
In a unique act of reconciliation, “Aunty” Ruth Whybird, a senior soldier at The Salvation Army’s Ipswich Corps in Queensland, was made an honorary Purga elder on 8 September.
During the ceremony, held at the site of the Army’s former Purga Mission, Aunty Gail, from the Purga Elders and Descendants, presented Aunty Ruth with a plaque recognising her “support, encouragement and love for Aboriginal people” that has been so evident for over 80 years.
She also thanked Aunty Ruth for her part in handing down some wonderful Aboriginal stories she had learned at Purga so that today, these stories can continue to be told.
“It is just wonderful to be accepted as part of this beautiful family,” Aunty Ruth responded.
Aunty Ruth, 96, lived on the Purga Mission from 1930-1933 with her parents, Captains John and Ruth Tunstall. With her sisters, she played with the children on the mission and has remained close friends with them and their families.
“Although she lived here for only three years, it had a tremendous influence on her and impacted the rest of her life and family, including her grandchildren who are here today,” said Aunty Ruth’s son, Glenn, who spoke on her behalf during the presentation.
“I would like to thank all the Purga people, past and present, for accepting my mother into your family. This acknowledgement of her love for the people of Purga, and the significance this place has for her, is very humbling.”
Great act of reconciliation
The Purga Board of Elders and Descendants, chaired by Aunty Lilly Davidson, was keen to confer the honour on Aunty Ruth and approached Brooke Prentis, ministry leader at the Army’s Indigenous Ministries Outpost at North Ipswich.
“This is an initiative between the Purga Elders and Descendants and The Salvation Army Indigenous Ministries, in partnership with Ipswich Corps,” Brooke said.
“This is a great act of reconciliation and unity.”
The Purga Elders and Descendants fund a weekly breakfast for the Bundamba State Secondary College, at which Brooke assists. Brooke also works with Peta Cunningham, Family and Children’s Worker for Indigenous Ministries, to run a weekly breakfast at the Ipswich State High School, at which volunteers from the Purga Elders and Descendants cook.
Comments
Ruth Whybird (Aunty Ruth to me and my brother David) is my late mother's (Catherine Marjorie Hill nee Tunstall) cousin and was my Mother's closest lifelong friend.My brother and I were always happy to spend time with Aunty Ruth , Uncle George and family when we lived at West Ipswich during our younger days.Ruth is a wonderful caring lady with a great sense of humour, who spent many hours and days comforting Mum in her later years.It is wonderful for Ruth to have received this deserving recognition and be made an honorary Purga Elder. My Grandmother (Ruth's Aunt ) was born in Purga and also served in the Salvation Army for many years in Ipswich. We all love you Aunty Ruth. Robin Hill