Wiradjuri Elder Nancy Rooke helped us in giving a Welcome to Country every year at the Solstice until 2017. In her life Nancy was always inclusive and open, a true champion for justice, and helped open the doors to conversations some may not until then have dared to walk through. First and foremost an ambassador for her people, the ways in which she represented her Indigenous culture brought greater healing and understanding to the community. She also gave a voice to the ways in which suicide deeply impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We remember how much love and kindness she brought to the Solstice, and an enduring sense of hope and compassion. She will be fondly remembered for her countless Welcome to Country ceremonies, her generosity of spirit, and her distinctive possum coat.