AUNTY Isabel Reid celebrated her 80th birthday at the weekend, but it hasn't slowed her down, with the Aboriginal Elder continuing her community work.
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Over her lifetime, Aunty Isabel has seen many changes, worked for Aboriginal rights and raised her eight children and four of her grandchildren.
After delaying her birthday celebrations to contribute to NAIDOC Week locally, Aunty Isabel celebrated at the weekend at the Wagga Country Club surrounded by friends and family, some of whom had made the journey from Queensland and South Australia.
As member of the stolen generations, Aunty Isabel has seen many changes in Australia, from the formation of NAIDOC, the right for Aboriginals to vote in 1967 and then the Mabo decision grant Aboriginal land rights.
"Things were very plain when I grew up," she said.
"We've come a long way."
But Aunty Isabel said she'd like to see more respect, friendliness and openness return to society, she said technology was slowly eroding some of the values and cohesion which had existed in the past.
While the Wagga Elders Group has disbanded, Aunty Isabel will join other former members of the Cootamundra Girls Home to mark the centenary of the stolen generations.
"If you don't remember the past, you can't correct the future."
