My Grandmother, Dianne Marshall by Tamara Harrison

My Grandmother, Dianne Marshall

Tamara Harrison | Year 9

Dianne Marshall is a well-known Waluwara Aboriginal woman, who currently lives in Mount Isa. She is one of ten children. She attended primary school at Dajarra and completed grade 10 at Charters Towers. She relocated back to Dajarra to live with the family. She met her life partner in Dajarra and followed him to work in the pastoral sector. When they commenced their own family, it was time to relocate to Mount Isa to give their growing families better access to education. The family still lives in Mount Isa.

Q. What challenges have you overcome?

A. Generational trauma through living under the Act, and through past government legislation and Acts.

Q. What has been your greatest achievement?

A. I secured employment as a teacher aide within the education system, which gave me the ability to influence and guide a young person through their educational journey.

Q. Do you have any regrets in life? A. No, simply live life to the fullest.

Q. What role does culture play in your life?

A. Our family travels back to traditional lands for camping and fishing but to also educate grandchildren about their cultural connection to land. The children learn how to hunt and gather for the family. But it is also important to inform the younger generation this is the land of their ancestors.

Q. What are your hopes and dreams for you and other First Nations young people?

A. For all cultures to reunite, as racism is still a significant issue that we are faced with daily.