Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunty Joan Hendriks, her family, friends and communities after her passing last weekend.

Aunty Joan, Ngugi elder of the Quandamooka people of the Moreton Bay region, worked with many of our Catholic school communities over many decades and was a much valued elder in residence at Lourdes Hill College.

Her work with the National Catholic Education Commission and Australian Catholic University in the field of Aboriginal Education and Reconciliation and Justice has been paramount in highlighting Australian Indigenous identity and faith.

Aunty Joan’s workshops in our schools, churches and local community groups promoted acceptance and understanding, paving the way forward for reconciliation and understanding.

Her legacy will be honoured by QCEC through the annual presentation of the Spirit of Catholic Education Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award.

Photo above: Aunty Joan presenting the Spirit of Catholic Education Reconciliation Award named in her honour to 2019 recipient Robyn Bloomfield.