Relatives of the late Aboriginal healthcare pioneer, Emma Jane Callaghan, have gathered in Sydney for the unveiling of a blue plaque to commemorate and celebrate her remarkable life and contributions to the rich heritage of NSW.
Born in the Sydney suburb of La Perouse in 1884, Emma Jane Callaghan was an Aboriginal nurse, midwife, missionary and advocate who dedicated her life to breaking barriers in healthcare and advocating for the rights of Aboriginal people.
Ms Callaghan was a pioneer in her field, working as a primary healthcare worker on Aboriginal reserves at La Perouse, Bellbrook and Armidale.
At a time when some hospitals would refuse admission to Aboriginal patients, Ms Callaghan opened her home as an impromptu hospital, sickbay and venue to meet people who needed assistance. She also worked for the Aborigines’ Protection Board and lobbied for the dole and civil rights for Aboriginal people.
She was a mother to 11 children and continued her work caring for the ill and delivering babies for those on reserves until she was 78 years old. She died in 1979, aged 95.
The Blue Plaques NSW program celebrates both well-known and lesser-known stories of people and events that shaped the rich heritage of NSW.
“The blue plaque for Emma Jane Callaghan recognises and honours her tireless dedication to improving healthcare for Aboriginal communities and advocating for their rights,” said NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe.
“It serves as a powerful reminder of her significant contributions and of Australia’s ongoing journey toward equality and reconciliation.
“Thank you to relatives of Emma Jane Callaghan and the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council for advocating for this special recognition of an extraordinary woman.”
Kodie Mason, great, great, great granddaughter of Emma Jane Callaghan says she nominated her grandmother for a blue plaque because “her story deserves to be told and remembered”.
“Granny was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to Aboriginal health. At La Perouse she was affectionately known as ‘Lady’ as she was very well respected and cared for everyone in need,” said Kodie.
“She was a strong voice for her people and this plaque is a fitting tribute to her legacy.”
Ms Callaghan’s great grandson and La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council chief executive officer Chris Ingrey describes his “Nan Emma” as a true trailblazer of her time.
“Today, many people at La Perouse speak fondly of her due to the integral role she played in our community,” he said.
“Nan Emma was the person our people went to for help throughout their life from birth to death, and the hard times in between.
“We are proud to honour her with this blue plaque in La Perouse.”
The blue plaque is one of 14 chosen from 117 nominations made by the public in the second round of Blue Plaques NSW.
For more information about Emma Jane Callaghan visit online.
