‘She loved helping people’: South Australian Indigenous rights pioneer Aunty Shirley Peisley has died aged 83

The beloved Ngarrindjeri and Boandik elder, who was at the forefront of Australia’s most successful referendum, has died aged 83.

Indigenous rights trailblazer and leader in Australia’s most successful referendum Aunty Shirley Peisley has died aged 83.

A cherished mum, grandmother and mentor, Aunty Shirley passed away in hospital last Saturday surrounded by loved ones.

Known for her big heart, she is remembered by her family as a caring matriarch with a cheeky sense of humour.

“Everyone knew Mum and just saw her as a second mum because she had such a big heart,” her son Damien told The Advertiser.

“She was a character, and liked to have a laugh, especially among her friends, you know, everyone used to joke around and say, you know, your mum could talk underwater with a mouth full of marbles.

“Mum was always someone who wasn’t doing something to make herself famous, she did it because she loved helping people and always wanted to make sure that everyone else felt comfortable.”

Her family will remember her kind heart and beautiful smile. Picture: Alice Prokopec

She loved nothing more than spending time with her family. Picture: Supplied

While she lived a busy life, the matriarch loved nothing more than doting on her grandchildren and would always make time to share stories and cook with them, he said.

As one of the Aboriginal women at the forefront of the 1967 referendum campaign, she played a pivotal part in the fight for Aboriginal rights and reconciliation.

Born in Bordertown, the Ngarrindjeri and Boandik elder was a champion for equality and dedicated her life to improving the lives of First Nations people.

She was a member of the Council of Aboriginal Women of South Australia in the 60s, making history in the 70s as the first Aboriginal female Probation and Truancy Officer.

Aunty Shirley Peisley with former senator Reg Bishop in the 1960s.

She was one of the original Vote Yes for Aborigines campaigners in the 1967 referendum. Picture: Alice Prokopec

In 2000, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her work and received a Papal Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

She continued to make history throughout her lifetime, becoming the first Co-Chair of the City of Adelaide Reconciliation Committee in 2002 and the first Aboriginal person to have their portrait displayed in the council’s chamber in 2023.

She also played a vital role in the successful campaign for the recognition of Aboriginal peoples in South Australia’s Constitution in 2013.

Aunty Shirley Paisley with three of her sons, including Damien (R) at her portrait unveiling. Picture: Supplied

Aunty Shirley Paisley loved nothing more than spending time with her family. Picture: Supplied

Despite being diagnosed with diabetes and dementia later in life, Aunty Shirley remained positive and had started working on a book sharing her life story.

“It’s unfortunate that it couldn’t get published while she was here. She’s done so much so we would love for it to be published so people who know my mum,” Mr Peisley said.

“It’s important to get Mum’s story out there so people can understand some of the truths behind history because I remember being in school and Aboriginal history was never really talked about.

“The book would be a way to remember Mum and hopefully encourage more Aboriginal people to put their hand up and speak out.”

She is survived by her four sons. Picture: Supplied

Reconciliation SA paid tribute to the “remarkable life and legacy” of their beloved ambassador in a statement on Tuesday.

“A trailblazer for Aboriginal rights and reconciliation, she was instrumental in fostering understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community,” the statement read.

“Her legacy continues to inspire future generations in the pursuit of reconciliation, equality, and human rights.

“Reconciliation SA current and previous Board members and staff deeply value the leadership and commitment of a genuinely lovely lady.”

Adelaide mayor Jane Lomax-Smith was good friends with Aunty Shirley, who she said operated with “dignity, generosity and conviction.”

“Aunty Shirley Peisley dedicated her life to reconciliation and spent six decades at the centre of social movements, great reform and political change, including her significant role in the 1967 referendum,” Dr Lomax-Smith said.

“She wasn’t just a role model to First Nations people, but to anyone fortunate to meet her.

“Her portrait (in our Council Chamber) reminds all of us of the power of diplomacy and persuasion in achieving great reforms. Aunty Shirley’s achievements and her memory will never be forgotten.”