Member Stories

Hi, my name is Aunty Myrtle and I’m from the Kuku Yalanji mob, Cooktown.

I am 85 years old and grew up on the mission of Mona Mona. We were moved from Mona Mona to Palm Island. Mum and Dad had 11 children and I’m the second youngest. We then moved from Palm Island back to Mona Mona mission when I was 4 years old.

I went to school in Mona Mona. When my mum passed away I was raised in the dormitory. Then on reaching 19 years of age, Dad asked if we wanted to leave Mona Mona and live in Mareeba. So we moved to Mareeba where I had my first daughter.

I worked in Mareeba for some time. I also worked at Blackdown station near Chilligoe, North Qld for 12 months. I had to leave my job because my Aunty got very sick and I had to be near her. It was at Crystal Brook Station, Almaden where I worked and met someone. We stayed there for 12 months and then went to Mareeba. That’s where in Mareeba, I was asked for my hand in marriage (1958).

We eventually moved to Mackay where we had 3 more beautiful children. We lived and fished in Mackay. Fishing was our family business for many years, however unfortunately we had to move back to Brisbane. I have been living with my children in Wynnum Manly ever since, watching my children raise their children.

My advice for life is that I’m from a lovely family. I’ve always looked after my health and put my children first. My experiences over my lifespan, is that I always cared for my family and children and always showed them my love and affection, and this is my advice to you.

At 85 years of age I still do what I can for my family.