Nana Ruth
For the greater part of her life Aunty Ruth Hegarty a former dormitory girl from Cherbourg has been a strong advocate for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland. Her exceptional skills in public speaking and writing have earned her many awards and successes which she has used to establish and improve services and programs to her people. Now in her 80th year, Aunty Ruth is still participating in the Binambi Barambah Cultural Enrichment Camps program she established with her family in 1999. Four times a year, Binambi takes away 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids aged between 7 and 16 for a 5 day action packed program during the school holiday periods.
Aunty Ruth now known affectionately as Nana Ruth is an inspiration to all her Binambi Barambah kids who now number in the hundreds as she continues to support and participate in this program. Aunty Ruth is a regular speaker at schools, universities and community events and continues to receive too many invitations throughout the year! Aunty Ruth has a special relationship with her Cherbourg community and is invited back regularly to speak at the Women’s Leadership Programs and special events.
Aunty Ruth is an Aboriginal Elder, Matriarch, Activist, Author and Church Deacon and moves effortlessly and with dedication across all these spheres of her life. Aunth Ruth is also a ferocious reader and writer having penned her life story in the dormitory titled “Is That you Ruthie”, the sequel “My Bittersweet Journey” and “Jack’s Story – The life and times of a Cherbourg dormitory boy”.
PO Box 118 Taigum, QLD 4018 
