Aboriginal activist, Jedda actor and politician Rosalie Kunoth-Monks dies, aged 85

Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM, star of the 1955 film Jedda and one of Central Australia’s most culturally and politically influential women, has died aged 85.

ROSALIE Kunoth-Monks OAM was one of Central Australia’s most culturally and politically influential women.

After a varying career spanning across acting, politics and activism, Ms Kunoth-Monks died in Alice Springs Hospital, aged 85.

Born at Utopia Cattle Station in the 1937, the Arrernte and Anmatjerre woman started her career in Alice Springs, which spanned over 50 years in the national spotlight.

Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM been named the 2015 Northern Territory Australian of the Year for her work as a humanitarian.

As a 16-year-old, she was recruited to play the title role – and the first ever Indigenous Australian female lead – in the 1955 film Jedda.

The film, the first in Australia to be shot in colour, won international attention and was nominated for the Golden Palm Award in the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.

A young Rosalie Kunoth-Monks in scene from the 1955 film Jedda.

Following her breakout role, Ms Kunoth-Monks spent 10 years living in a Melbourne convent, but returned to Alice Springs around 1970.

Upon her return, she married, and pivoted towards social work and politics in the Northern Territory.

Her roles included working as a government adviser, interpreter, environmental campaigner, as well as serving on and chairing several boards devoted to Indigenous issues.

Ms Kunoth-Monks received many awards, including an Order of Australia Medal, Territorian of the Year, and NAIDOC’s Person of the Year.

Her passion about justice, education, children and youth affairs was embodied in her enduring commitment to her country and her community.

In the Territory, Ms Kunoth-Monks threw herself into politics, with two tilts for a seat – first for the CLP in 1980, and then as a Senate candidate for the First Nations party in 2013. Both attempts proved unsuccessful.

In her final years, she remained a passionate advocate and campaigner for better housing, medical care and education for all Indigenous Australians.

Her family has granted permission to use her image.