MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 8 April 2026
With sadness and great respect, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) acknowledges the passing of Wiradjuri warrior Aunty Ann Weldon AM.
Aunty Ann was a founding member of the ALS and has served as the organisation’s CEO, Company Secretary, and as a Board Director.
In addition to her foundational role within the ALS, she was closely involved in the establishment of other Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations in Redfern including the Aboriginal Medical Service and Aboriginal Children’s Service, as well as the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.
Aunty Ann was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2025 for significant service to the Indigenous community of NSW, and received the Dreamtime Elder of the Year award in 2020.
“Ann Weldon was a mighty woman—one of the strongest Aboriginal women I have ever met,” said Keith Morgan, ALS Chairperson.
“She stood up for our people in every space she walked into, always grounded in culture, community, and truth.
“Whether it was supporting the Aboriginal Legal Service, our medical services, or other community organisations, Ann gave her time, her voice, and her strength without hesitation. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and impact will never leave us.”
In an interview to mark the ALS’ 40th anniversary, Aunty Ann spoke about the organisation’s beginnings in 1970 and its legacy today.
“What made that fire in the belly burn to the extreme was the harsh treatment that Aboriginal people were receiving at the hands of the police. What was going on in Redfern was absolutely atrocious – it was criminal on the authorities’ part. They were just bashing and arresting. And the same things were happening in these small country towns. So enough was enough,” she said.
“It was about us taking control. It was about us having enough of not having equality in our own country.
“It was a true commitment to help change things so that it was going to be a better Aboriginal Australia, but more importantly a better Australia. The whole beauty of the Aboriginal Legal Service is that it dared to challenge – it took on that challenge and it won.”
