Uncle Hewitt and Aunty Dot Whyman have been honoured with a Wagga Wagga Walk of Honour plaque on Baylis Street by Mayor Dallas Tout for their work with the local First Nations Community. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Following a lifelong commitment to reconciliation, Wagga First Nations Elders Aunty Dot and Uncle Hewitt Whyman have had their incredible achievements immortalised on Baylis Street.
The pair became the latest inductees on Wagga’s Walk of Honour for their contributions in supporting the local First Nations community, which includes the establishment of a wide variety of services including the Wiradjuri Childcare Service, Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Legal Service, Wagga Wagga Local Aboriginal Land Council, and ATSIC Binaal Billa Regional Council.
The Walk of Honour was established in 1998 and recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the community of Wagga Wagga.
Both Uncle Hewitt and Aunty Dot expressed an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having the unveiling during National Reconciliation Week.
“It’s got a lot of meaning for both of us, especially the day after National Sorry Day,” Uncle Hewitt said.
“To have an award like this and to have the plaque unveiled during this week, with the community behind us, is a huge honour.”
Both Uncle Hewitt and Auntie Dot arrived in Wagga Wagga in 1974, with Uncle Hewitt serving at Kapooka Army Barracks for a couple of years. Following Uncle Hewitt’s leave from the Army, both he and Aunty Dot looked to provide a safe and educational space for other First Nations people in Wagga.
“It certainly warms our hearts to have so much of our family here, especially for our younger people to see something like this and strive towards what reconciliation is in Australia today,” Auntie Dot said.
The plaque can be found across the road from the Victory Memorial Garden’s Eternal Flame. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
“The significance of the spot where the plaque was unveiled is really important to us. It’s where we, as a family, come to watch the Anzac Day service every year. [Uncle Hewitt] served for a number of years here, and it is still a big part of both of our lives.
“For our names to be displayed here, long after we leave this earth in a place that means so much to both of us, is quite a special feeling.”
The pair were nominated for the honour by a close friend and former manager of the Museum of the Riverina, Luke Grealy, who has helped share their experiences through the Resettlement podcast.
“The work that Luke and his wife Moyra do with that podcast is incredible,” Uncle Hewitt said.
“Thirteen First Nations families were sent here in 1974, being relocated and resettled from western New South Wales, to come to have access to better education, health, employment and opportunities.
“Many others followed and ended up living in defence housing in what is now Ashmont. The work of Luke helps tell those families’ stories, including both mine and my wife’s.”
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Dallas Tout said he was pleased to see these pillars of the community honoured as the 42nd inductees into the Wagga Wagga Walk of Honour.
“These plaques are recognition of the recipients’ dedication over their lifetimes to the community,” Cr Tout said.
“Aunty Dot and Uncle Hewitt Whyman are respected Elders of the Wagga Wagga First Nations community, contributing significantly to local cultural, community development, and sporting activities.”
