JANET HAYDEN

“I was determined to help my people”

Janet Hayden was born at Rusty Bridge in Brookton in 1934. She now resides in Thornlie. Since she was 24, Janet has devoted her life to ending the discrimination she grew up with as an Aboriginal person living in Western Australia’s south-west.

Janet has served as the Chairperson on the Western Australian State Government’s Aboriginal Advisory Council and the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, as well as providing advice on Aboriginal affairs to a succession of governments. Janet also helped to establish the Aboriginal Police Aide Scheme in Perth and the State’s south-west, employing Aboriginal Police Aides to build positive relationships between the Police and the Aboriginal community.

Janet and her husband Aubrey have seven children, one of Janet’s proudest achievements. As well as looking after their own family, Janet and Aubrey have helped to care for close to 200 other children by providing them with a warm loving temporary home.

Over her life, Janet has promoted Noongar language and culture by sharing it with children and adults of all backgrounds. Janets sharing of Noongar language has aided in the healing of many people of the Stolen Generations.

Janet has been a strong supporter of reconciliation and she continues to play a role in NAIDOC celebrations. Janet is now focus on raising awareness about the hardships Aboriginal youth face in gaining employment and the rise in Aboriginal youth suicide, as well as spending time with her great and great, great grandchildren.

Gnarla Moort (Our People) Exhibition presented by The City of Perth, 2014.

Link: www.museumofperth.com.au/gnarla-moort

Photography: Eva Fernandez
Words by: Casey Kickett & Gabriel Maddock