Aunty Mary, a Bundjalung woman, was one of the first Aboriginal students to attend Mount George Public School. As a former student, she will speak about her personal history with the school and life journey.

As an ambassador for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Aunty Mary will also speak about the special initiative she is a part of within the organisation. Known as the ‘Aunty Mary Program,’ she regularly visits towns in outback NSW to share her vision loss story and encourage other Indigenous people to take care of their health.

Aunty Mary lost her sight to diabetes, and through the free orientation and mobility services offered by Guide Dogs she has regained her independence.

“I want to encourage more Aboriginal people to listen to their doctor or nurse regarding their diabetes or other health issues, because if they don’t listen they could end up like me,” Aunty Mary said.

“I want people to see first-hand the result of not looking after yourself and understand that eating well and drinking in moderation is important.”

As a keen knitter and painter, she also speaks to those who may be experiencing vision loss.

“I want people to see how I am still productive despite my vision loss,” she said.

“Guide Dogs came to my home to teach me cane training. They taught me how to get to the shops, cross the road safely and move around my community on my own. I wouldn’t have gained my confidence without the free training and support from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. I now have a cane in Aboriginal colours – it makes me feel proud.”

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Regional Manager, Jeremy Hill said while blindness was a big issue for Aboriginal people, the majority of cases were avoidable.

“Aboriginal adults are six times more likely to be blind than other Australians, yet 94 per cent of vision loss in Indigenous Australians is preventable or treatable,” Mr Hill said.

Thirty-seven per cent of Indigenous adults have diabetes in Australia and 13 per cent have already lost vision.

“Through the Aunty Mary Program, we hope to reduce these worrying statistics by providing Aboriginal people with eye health advice, and practical solutions if they are having trouble getting around due to vision loss.”

In addition to her travels around outback NSW, Aunty Mary regularly visits Mount George Public School to share her knowledge of country with the students. Last year, she initiated the bush tucker garden at the school and taught the students about Sorry Day.

Aunty Mary said she was looking forward to returning to Mount George Public School to speak about her life journey, her connection to the school and her work with the Aunty Mary Program.

For more information about Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT’s services please visitwww.guidedogs.com.au or call 9412 9300.