Louise Campbell, with her brothers and sisters, was stolen from her parents in Bowraville in the early 1960s. She and her siblings were further separated and for the next 20 years had no knowledge of each other’s whereabouts until they were finally reunited by their father. Louise spent her formative years in the homes of her foster families as well as homes and institutions in the interim. All this has given her a strong sense of what it means to be wrenched from your family and culture.
Her background has made Louise a woman of substance. Throughout her youth it was the Catholic Church and her faith that provided a thread in her life. Louise developed a strong sense of social justice working with disadvantaged Aboriginal people, overseeing land and environmental issues, advocating within the criminal system and working with young Aboriginal people.
Louise completed a Bachelor of Education (PE), has undertaken studies in a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (LLB) and has a Diploma in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education. She recently completed a Bachelor of Education.
Louise is passionate about promoting awareness of the Aboriginal story and its links with the Christian story. This passion has led to involvement in many projects and initiatives: the Awabakal Dreaming Stories Kit; Aboriginal Stations of the Cross and Easter Story with Richard Campbell; involvement in World Youth Day 2008 at parish, diocesan and national level, and the development of education programs and resources with an Aboriginal perspective.
Congratulations to Louise for her achievement!