- Inducted:
- 2026
Aunty Jemmes Handy is a proud Wiradjuri woman and a highly respected Elder within the Barkindji community. She is a cultural leader, truth-teller and tireless advocate whose life’s work has been dedicated to strengthening community, advancing justice and supporting healing across generations. Aunty Jemmes is a powerful source for good and is known for her integrity, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to walking alongside her people.
Born in Wentworth, near Mildura, Aunty Jemmes is one of 10 children. As a young child, she was forcibly removed from her family and taken to Melbourne, where she grew up in Essendon as a member of the Stolen Generations. This experience shaped her life’s path. Carrying both the strength and the sorrow of her story, Aunty Jemmes has dedicated herself to ensuring that others are supported, connected and never made to feel invisible.
Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma, and she has used that knowledge to guide her work with care, strength and cultural authority. She is a healer as much as a leader. Aunty Jemmes brings people together, creates trust, and speaks truth with courage. Her voice has been instrumental in building understanding between communities and institutions, always grounded in respect and accountability.
Aunty Jemmes began her career as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Mildura Base Hospital, where she served for more than 20 years. In this role, she became a vital bridge between the hospital and the Aboriginal community. She supported individuals and families through complex and often challenging circumstances, helping them navigate healthcare systems while ensuring cultural understanding and respect were upheld.
Whether she was assisting with medical care, supporting families through Sorry Business, or helping services better understand the needs of community, her work was deeply practical and centred on people. She carried this responsibility beyond the workplace, reflecting her belief that service to community is not limited by time or role.
In 2006, Aunty Jemmes joined Victoria Police as an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer in Mildura, a role she held until 2023. Here, she worked closely with police to increase understanding of local history and the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations, while also advocating strongly for community members and families.
Her leadership has helped shape more culturally informed approaches to policing and community safety. She supported young people, worked with families across the region and contributed to programs aimed at prevention and connection for First Nations people in contact with the justice system. Her work has had a lasting impact not only locally, but across Victoria.
Aunty Jemmes has contributed to a wide range of community initiatives, including youth programs, community organisations, and justice advisory groups. Some of these include holiday programs, local and state Aboriginal Justice Committees,
Neighbourhood Watch groups, Koori Night Patrols and the East End Community House. In every role, she has focused on practical, community-led solutions and bringing people together to address challenges with honesty and shared responsibility.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aunty Jemmes once again demonstrated her leadership. She worked with local networks to make sure that support reached those most in need, helping to organise food relief, vaccination clinics and culturally safe engagement with health services. Her work strengthened trust in the local health response and ensured that both Aboriginal and broader communities were supported during a time of uncertainty.
At the heart of Aunty Jemmes’ work is a deep commitment to children, families and future generations. She believes in the right of every child to grow up safe, supported and connected to culture. She continues to advocate for those whose voices are not always heard.
Often described as a “living treasure”, Aunty Jemmes is a deeply valued leader whose influence reaches far beyond any single role or achievement. She is a storyteller, a connector and a steady presence in her community. Through her strength, humility and enduring commitment, she brings people together. Aunty Jemmes has worked to build understanding and created pathways for healing and change.
Aunty Jemmes Handy’s induction to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll recognises a lifetime of extraordinary service, leadership and cultural strength. Her legacy is one of courage, compassion and unwavering dedication to community—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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