Sixty three year old Philippine born Aboriginal rights worker Deborah Ruiz Wall, OAM, has been chosen as one of the 2013 NSW Seniors Week ambassadors, during a celebration that provides opportunities for older people to remain active, healthy and engaged and contributing to society.
The 2013 NSW Seniors Week will be celebrated between Sunday 17 march and Sunday 24 March, 2013. This year’s theme of “Live Life” reflects the celebration of live, achievements and community engagement.
Deborah Wall has dedicated her life to promote reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. She received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to the community in areas of social justice, reconciliation and multiculturalism.
As a teacher she has used education as a powerful tool to enlighten and empower people. The subject of her PhD , the liquefied gas development project in the Kimberley, raises important issues about the ongoing challenges in the relationship between indigenous and non-0indigenous Australians.
Originally form the Philippines, Deborah Wall is a writer of non-fiction and poetry, and firmly believes the pen can wield more power than the sword,
“The bridging from one generation to the next is fundamental in the embrace of continuity, change and survival,” she said.
NSW Seniors Week is an annual initiative of the NSW government, managed by the Ageing and Disability and Homecare agency. It is the largest festival for the over 60 community in Southern Hemisphere.
Over 908 free and discounted events are scheduled across NSW.
One of the major highlights will be the Park to Park walk taking place on 24 March from Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney’s Olympic Park, It will culminate to a community festival at Parramatta Park where people of all ages are welcome to the venue with food stalls, entertainment and festivities.