" ... congratulations to the 2024 ACT Local Hero, Selina Walker. A proud Ngunnawal woman and Bean resident, Selina is a respected emerging elder and leader whose integrity has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reconciliation across the ACT."

Address to the House of Representatives, Statements by Members - Selina Walker

Monday 27 November 2023

I rise to extend my congratulations to the 2024 ACT Local Hero, Selina Walker. A proud Ngunnawal woman and Bean resident, Selina is a respected emerging elder and leader whose integrity has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reconciliation across the ACT. Selina continues her grandmother Aunty Agnes Shea's strong legacy of influencing and driving change with her efforts.

Since 2018, Selina has promoted reconciliation as co-chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council. As a founding member of the Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation, she helps improve outcomes for Aboriginal families and children, especially those in out-of-home care. Selina advocates for Indigenous people within the justice system as a member of the ACT victims of crime and justice committee and has held roles to improve all children's educational outcomes in the Catholic school system. A kinship carer, Selina was awarded the Barnardos 2017 ACT Mother of the Year award. Her dedication and compassion for our community confirms her credentials as the 2024 ACT Local Hero. Selina intends to use her new platform to progress true reconciliation so that First Nations Australians can get the change they all need.