While visiting Shepparton to deliver our Upstander programs at Greater Shepparton Secondary College our wonderful Courage to Care volunteers had a special opportunity to share a meal with our Patron Uncle Boydie Turner.
Uncle Alf Turner – or Uncle Boydie to most – is a true gentleman, and believed to be the oldest living Yorta Yorta Elder in Victoria. In addition to making his own substantial contribution to his community, he is custodian of the legacy of his grandfather, the Aboriginal leader William Cooper – you can learn more here
Uncle shared with us his personal memories of his grandfather, William Cooper and his positive actions to help others.
For many years, Uncle Boydie has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of William Cooper and his achievements, who lodged a personal protest against the treatment of European Jews in Nazi Germany, walking from his home in Footscray to the German consulate in South Melbourne. It was one of the first protests in the world against the actions of the Nazis. You can learn more about William Cooper’s incredible legacy here and here
We continue to be inspired by these two inimitable elders – this was a special treat for us all.
At Courage to Care we are committed to sharing our programs all over Victoria and we’ll continue to do all we can to create a generation of Upstanders.
