Uncle Ivan’s journey of hope and healing leads to Campbelltown

Aboriginal elder Uncle Ivan Wellington is a treasured member of the Campbelltown community but few may be aware of his powerful journey of hope and healing.

Aboriginal elder Uncle Ivan Wellington said he felt honoured to live in Campbelltown City. Pictures: Daniel Munoz

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ABORIGINAL elder Uncle Ivan Wellington is a treasured member of the Campbelltown community but few may be aware of his powerful journey of hope and healing.

The Ambaravle resident, who turns 71 on Friday, August 25, is a noted and sought after speaker who proudly conducts the welcome to country and traditional smoking ceremonies at important civic and community events in the region.

However turn the clock back to his teenage years, and Mr Wellington reveals he had a great deal of anger inside him which led him to a journey of healing around NSW where he put his demons to rest.

Aboriginal elder Uncle Ivan Wellington turns 71 on Friday, August 25.

Born in Kiama, Mr Wellington is part of the salt water people, the yuin people.

As a baby, he and his parents and six brothers and sisters went to live on a mission in Shoalhaven, on the mouth of the river, and under the rule of the Aboriginal Protection Board.

Mr Wellington said Aboriginal people were removed from their land.

“That’s where my anger started because we were under the laws of the white managers and they were not respectful,’’ he said.

“They took away our language and our hunter and gathering rights. I saw the injustices, the treatment of the elderly people and the disrespect.’’

At age 19, and with his parents’ permission, Mr Wellington said he left the mission and decided to travel around NSW, doing seasonal work.

“When I left the mission I felt like a chain, a great weight, had been lifted from my shoulders. It was a great relief,’’ he said.

“There were other rivers I wanted to cross and I was inspired by the great elders of the lands I visited.

“I went north, south, east and west but I had a lot of anger inside me and towards other people.’’

However Mr Wellington’s feelings began to change and his anger disappeared over many years.

“No matter what tribe or land I visited, people welcomed me and showed me the utmost respect,’’ he said.

“They acknowledged me and offered me work.

“I met my demons and once you do that and you get a sign at the end of the tunnel, it gives you strength and it makes you decide it’s your journey and you are in control of your journey.’’

The father and grandfather said he moved to Campbelltown 30 years ago with his wife Aileen, whose people are from Moree, in northern NSW.

He moved to be closer to his daughter and her six children.

“I’m honoured to live in this beautiful country,’’ he said. “There are 29 different clans and tribes in Campbelltown and people from many other cultures and countries.

“That’s the gift of this place and that’s why I stay.’’

Mr Wellngton said he also takes great pride in mentoring Aboriginal youth, who may have drifted off the track.

“TLC may not have taken place in their lives so I try to steer them on the right track. I show them that and they warm to me,’’ he said.

Mr Wellington, an accomplished public speaker, said as a young man he was very shy.

He said his shyness slipped away because he wanted to contribute to the community and share his story with others.

“My story is all about healing. That’s what it’s all about,’’ he said.