08-07-2025
A family secret unearths connection to country
Yvonne Orley grew up on Aboriginal missions in NSW as the child of the matron and manager, before the family moved to Brisbane where Yvonne became a nurse.
Only much later did Yvonne learn that she had deep ties to the place and the people where she spent her childhood.
Although her mother had tried to hide this part of the family story, it turned out that Yvonne herself was a Kamilaroi woman and this was her mother's traditional country.
Yvonne's life took another unexpected turn 25 years ago when her sister asked if she would allow a group of high needs mentally disabled adults move into her home, and Yvonne said yes.
Further information
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