Aunty Glendra Stubbs OAM, a respected Wiradjuri Elder, advocate and cultural leader, will serve as an Australia Day Ambassador this year, representing Gwydir.

Aunty Glendra is a proud Wiradjuri woman from the Mudgee, Dubbo and Narrandera regions, whose life’s work spans more than four decades of healing, advocacy and leadership in Aboriginal and broader Australian communities.

Her contribution has been instrumental in shaping policies, programs and services that support survivors of trauma, strengthen cultural identity and uphold justice for First Nations peoples.

Aunty Glendra has held numerous influential roles, including CEO of Link-Up NSW, where she led efforts to reunite Stolen Generations families and restore cultural connection.

She has served as an Aboriginal Engagement Advisor to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, contributed to the National Stolen Generations Alliance and worked with organisations such as the Metro Migrant Resource Centre, ensuring Aboriginal voices were heard across diverse systems and communities.

Her expertise as a cultural witness in legal proceedings has been critical in ensuring cultural context, truth-telling and recognition for Aboriginal people within the justice system.

Today Aunty Glendra continues this vital work through Knowmore, providing cultural and legal support to survivors of child sexual abuse and members of the Stolen Generations, including assisting with applications under the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.

She is also deeply committed to education and youth empowerment. As Elder-in-Residence at the University of Technology Sydney, she provides cultural guidance and support to students, and she champions initiatives such as ID Know Yourself, helping young people in out-of-home care reach their full potential.

Her leadership extends to board and community roles including Tranby College, Yellow Mundi and the Aboriginal Community Resource Centre, reflecting her unwavering dedication to grassroots support and wellbeing.

In recognition of her extraordinary service, Aunty Glendra was awarded an OAM and was a finalist for the 2025 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Award.

For Aunty Glendra, Australia Day is about respect, unity and truth-telling – an opportunity to reflect on shared history, honour resilience, and inspire future generations to walk together in harmony, guided by culture, compassion and hope.

She serves as Elder-in-Residence at the University of Technology Sydney and remains actively involved in community organisations including Tranby College, Yellow Mundi and the Aboriginal Community Resource Centre. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and was a finalist for the 2025 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Award.