‘Aunty’ Agnes Shea OAM, a senior Ngunnawal Elder, has died.

“Aunty Agnes was a tireless and much-loved advocate for reconciliation, equality and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

“She was well known and respected across the ACT and beyond for her warmth, positive attitude, and decades of hard work in the community. Aunty Agnes was loved across the community for her generosity, compassion, integrity, and humility; embodying the strength of an Elder in the community.”

Ms Shea grew up on missions in Yass. She became a founding member of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council, which represents Ngunnawal voices to the ACT Government, particularly in relation to heritage and land matters.

“She drew from the strength of her ancestors, with connection to the country that we now know as the ACT stretching back tens of thousands of years,” Mr Barr said.

Ms Shea was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004 for service to Ngunnawal people by contributing to the improvement and development of services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the Australian Capital Territory and region.

Her achievements and dedication were also recognised through a Centenary Medal, the ACT Senior Citizen of the Year, and a place on the ACT Honour Walk in 2010.

“Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grand-children who will miss her dearly, as will we all,” Mr Barr said.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones at this time.”