Honor Dell Cleary
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Honor Dell Cleary | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 February 1938[1] Cherbourg, Queensland, Australia |
| Died | 12 November 2022 (aged 84)[1] Cherbourg, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation | Early childhood educator |
| Known for | Advocacy in the education, health and housing sectors |
Honor Dell Cleary OAM (12 February 1938 – 12 November 2022) was an Australian early childhood educator and community leader.[2][3]
Cleary is credited with introducing cultural, numeracy and literacy programs and services never before taught to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.[2]
Cleary was a Guwa and Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal woman who was born and raised in Cherbourg, Queensland.[2]
Her career commenced when she completed an early childhood course with the childcare centre situated at Brisbane City Hall.[2] After working at the centre for a further twelve months after obtaining her qualification, after which she commenced working for the Yelangi Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Preschool where she stayed for more than thirty years.[2][3]
Her community involvement included serving as an elder with the Murri Court, as a board member of the Moreton Regional Elders Committee and as a board member of the Health Service.[2] Cleary also had an interest in health and housing issues, particularly in the Moreton Bay and Pine Rivers regions.[2] She was a foundation member of the Bunyabilla Aboriginal Corporation, and lobbied for accessible and affordable housing options.[2] Cleary also served on advisory boards for the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, and helped develop and establish a super clinic at Strathpine.[2]