Written by: Victor Malone

Aden Ridgeway: The Unwavering Advocate for Indigenous Rights

Aden Ridgeway, born on September 18, 1962, is an Australian former politician and a renowned advocate for Indigenous rights, best known for being the first Aboriginal member of the Australian Parliament.

Early Life and Education

Ridgeway was born on the Bellwood Aboriginal Reserve in Nambucca Heads, New South Wales, as one of the Gumbaynggirr people. He was educated at Bellwood and St Johns College, Woodlawn in Lismore, leaving school in Year 11.

Early Career and Public Service

After leaving school, Ridgeway worked as a boilermaker before becoming involved in the public service. He took on various roles, including being a park ranger and working in several New South Wales government departments.

• In 1990, he was elected onto the first ATSIC Sydney Regional Council, serving two terms of office.
• In 1994, he became the Executive Director of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, a position he held until 1998.
• He also became a Member of the Australian Museum Trust in 1994 and a Member of the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales from 1995.
• From 1996 to 1998, he was the Director of the Public Service Board Staff Credit Union.

Political Career and Advocacy

Ridgeway joined the Australian Democrats in 1990 and quickly rose through the ranks. During 1997-1998, he served as the state policy convener for the New South Wales Branch of the Democrats. He was subsequently selected in the first position on the Democrats Senate ticket at the 1998 election, becoming the first Aboriginal member of the Australian Parliament.

As a senator, Ridgeway served on a number of parliamentary and senate committees. In March 2001, he addressed the United Nations Special Session on Racism, and later that year, he attended the World Conference Against Racism in South Africa.

Legacy and Impact

Today, Ridgeway is a spokesperson for Recognise, the movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in the Australian Constitution. His tireless advocacy for Indigenous rights has left a lasting impact on Australian politics and society.

Ridgeway's legacy serves as a testament to the importance of representation and activism in bringing about change. His unwavering commitment to Indigenous rights has inspired countless Australians and continues to shape the nation's conversation around reconciliation.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• Ridgeway was elected deputy leader of the Democrats in April 2001.
• In 2005, he concluded his term as a senator.

Aden Ridgeway's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of determination and advocacy. His contributions to Indigenous rights and Australian politics have cemented his place as a leader and a champion of social justice.