The ASA Board was delighted to award honorary Life Membership to Uncle Wes Marne and pay tribute to his work at a special event held at Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative on 1 August.

Uncle Wes Marne is an Aboriginal Elder, activist and poet from Bigambul Country, Queensland, who has spent the last 45 years of his life living in Western Sydney. His book of poetry, Through Old Eyes, was published by BLACKBOOKS in 2022. His poems invite the reader to learn about Aboriginal culture, caring for Country, and reflect on colonisation, family, and Aboriginal storytelling.

Uncle Wes Marne has been made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the Indigenous community and an Honorary Fellow by the University of Western Sydney in recognition of his contribution as a cultural leader, an advocate, educator, and mentor to the communities of Western Sydney.

The ASA acknowledges Uncle Wes’ courage, resilience, and generosity. We thank him for his poetry and are proud to have him as a member. We also wish to thank Tranby and BLACKBOOKS for their warm hospitality.