The Tasmanian Government expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Aunty Patsy Cameron AO, who has sadly passed away.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Aunty Patsy Cameron’s lifelong commitment to education, culture and community leaves an enduring legacy.
“Aunty Patsy’s passing will be felt across Tasmania,” the Premier said.
“Her dedication to improving educational opportunities for Tasmanian Aboriginal people, preserving culture and sharing her knowledge has touched countless lives.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Aunty Patsy’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Bridget Archer, said Aunty Patsy Cameron’s generosity in sharing her knowledge, stories and culture helped foster greater understanding of Tasmanian Aboriginal history and identity.
“Aunty Patsy was a remarkable Elder whose wisdom and leadership has enriched our community,” Minister Archer said.
“We offer our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones and community.”
Aunty Patsy was born in Launceston and grew up on Flinders Island and worked to establish the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association in the early 1970s.
Her work advocating for Tasmanian Aboriginal people was recognised when she became the inaugural Tasmanian representative on the landmark National Aboriginal Education Committee which operated 1977 – 1989.
Aunty Patsy was central to establishing the Tasmanian Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, which went on to incorporate as the Tasmanian Aboriginal Education Association. She continued her education advocacy through the establishment of the Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education at the University of Tasmania in the 1990s.
Aunty Patsy was Inducted to the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women in 2006 for services to Aboriginal affairs, cultural heritage, education and training. In 2015 Aunty Patsy was instrumental in establishing the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance which signed a Statement of Intent with the Tasmanian Government in 2017.
Aunty Patsy was invested with an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2017 for her decades of service to improving educational outcomes for Tasmanian Aboriginal people and as a custodian of cultural knowledge.
As a founding Director of Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation, Aunty Patsy remained active in the organisation through the Circle of Elders, sharing her wide range of skills and knowledge with Government, non-Government, Aboriginal community and membership.
Aunty Patsy’s leadership was characterised by a genuine willingness to share stories and culture, exemplified by the successful Mannalargenna Day event which attracts more attendees with each passing year on Tebrakunna Country.
Aunty Patsy held a Master of Arts in Tasmanian Aboriginal History and an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Tasmania. Her research was published as Grease and Ochre: the blending of two cultures at the colonial sea frontier in 2016.
More recently, Aunty Patsy published a series of children’s books about Sky Country, Sea Country, and In the Kelp Forest, and co-authored trouwerner – A Tasmanian Elder’s story of ancient wisdom and hope in 2025.
