Doctorate awarded to elder for 50 years teaching 'any child to read'
After a career spanning half a century, Aunty Ruth Simms has been posthumously acknowledged as a Doctor of Letters.
Aunty Ruth Simms, a revered Yuin elder and Aboriginal Education Officer in NSW public schools, has been posthumously awarded a Doctor of Letters by the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Born in La Perouse in 1941, Dr Simms dedicated half a century to her work, battling cancer until her passing on September 27 at the age of 85.
The ceremony, held in her hometown of Nowra, recognized the monumental impact she had on both local and national education systems. Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Murat Dizdar, praised Aunty Ruth as one of the most remarkable educators he had encountered. Her daughter, Trudy Trindall, remembered her mother as a gifted athlete, music lover, and the most beautiful woman in La Perouse.
Despite facing initial discrimination in her new role, Dr Simms quickly earned a reputation as a hardworking individual with strong convictions, guiding both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. She famously assured students that with determination, they could achieve anything. Her contributions extended beyond the local curriculum, influencing national and international knowledge of Aboriginal education.
Trindall noted that her mother's meticulous planning for the ceremony, including selecting guest speakers, added a poignant touch to her final moments. Dr Simms' legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of educators and students alike.
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