Catherine “Cath” Solomon has been included as one of fifteen inductees added to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll.

The only honour of its kind in Australia, the Honour Roll honours the contributions of Aboriginal Victorians across the state.

Harriet Shing MP congratulated Cath Solomon on being inducted and paid tribute to her work within the communities in which she has lived.

Catherine ‘Cath” Solomon has devoted her life to supporting the Aboriginal people of Victoria’s Gippsland region.  Her untiring efforts to improve community health and resilience have earned the respect of the whole community and touched the lives of many people.

Cath has provided foster care to over 80 children, has been a Drug and Alcohol worker for GEGAC (Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative), has served as an honorary probation officer and as an Elder in the Koorie Court in Bairnsdale since its inception and has been employed by the Baptist Union of Victoria providing pastoral care for Aboriginal children and youth.

The respect Cath has earned for her work in breaking down barriers has been recognised by several awards.

Today, Cath continues to tackle the impact that poverty and disadvantage can have on young people. Guided by her Christian faith, she dedicates much of her own time preparing gifts to send to disadvantaged children overseas, while quietly advocating for the rights of those who live in her community.

Demonstrating the diversity of contributions being made by Aboriginal people, the fifteen inductees for 2015 included important historical leaders, gifted musicians and performing artists, passionate advocates, and respected cultural leaders.

The stories of each inductee will be included in the Honour Roll book, which is on permanent display in the Victorian Parliament.   More information on the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll can be found at: www.dpc.vic.gov.au/vahr

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“The Honour Roll acknowledges and celebrates the wide-ranging contributions of Aboriginal people, past and present, which have made Victoria a better place.”

“Catherine Solomon’s dedication to her community and to Gippsland is extraordinary – her contributions make her such a worthy recipient of this award, and her life’s work is a tribute to her character and her people.”