Life of an Elder: Aunty Betty’s brilliant career unfolds while helping those in need

City of Logan Aboriginal Elder Aunty Betty McGrady helps those in need, advocates for the rights of her peoples and informs non-Indigenous Australians about traditional cultural values.  

Aunty Betty is a descendent ‘Gunggari’ Traditional Custodian from Southwest Queensland, and she has shown strong leadership and commitment to seeing better outcomes for Logan’s First Nations community.  

She has worked tirelessly for many organisations including Logan District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, Nutcha Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Queensland Multicultural Council, Aboriginal Legal Service, Universal Peace Federation, National Council for Women and CSIRO Ethics Committee.  

Aunty Betty says as an Elder she represents her community members and supports their needs.  

‘We all know how it feels to be victimised and marginalised and our peoples have a lot of capacity, but they weren’t always given the right opportunities. I try my best to understand the barriers and address peoples’ needs,’ Aunty Betty says.  

‘I attend many functions as it provides the opportunity to connect with leaders and politicians and represent community concerns.  

‘My work has placed me in quite a few executive board positions, and my friends joke that I have been on every board except the surfboard!’  

Aunty Betty likes supporting young people and encouraging them to take advantage of opportunities.  

‘While working for Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, I sat with young people to help them differentiate between mental health issues and spirituality,’ she says.  

‘I also work with those in trouble with the law and help them to navigate the legal system at courts.  

‘Compared to when I was growing up in the ‘60s, I feel there are many more opportunities for our young people now, and I encourage them to make the most of these opportunities to better their lives.’ 

Development Assessment Branch’s Business Analyst (Acting) Talitha Love says Aunty Betty has been her mentor.  

‘Aunty Betty is a significant Logan Elder and I highly respect her as my mentor for the guidance she gives me,’ Talitha says.  

‘She makes time to talk to me whenever we speak, and I deeply respect Aunty Betty’s knowledge and wisdom.’  

Aunty Betty has been in the City of Logan for the past 40 years and says it’s her home.  

‘I wouldn’t live anywhere else. I made this place my home, she says. 

‘I know the pollies and businesses and I currently have 3 generations of my family living here.’ 

Aunty Betty worked at the Department of Defence for 17 years and attained a degree from Macquarie University in Community Management.