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Gladys Elphick (1904-1988) was a prominent Kaurna elder of Kaurna and Narungga descent known to the community as Aunty Glad. The great granddaughter of Kudnarto – who was the first Aboriginal woman to legally marry a colonist in South Australia and, consequently, the first Aboriginal woman to be granted Aboriginal reserve land – Gladys spent her childhood on Point Pearce Mission Station.

In 1964 Elphick became founding president of the Council of Aboriginal Women of South Australia, the first all Aboriginal women’s committee in Australia. The Council campaigned hard for the `Yes’ vote in the 1967 referendum that ensured federal responsibility for Aboriginal people. It effectively advocated for the establishment of vital services for Aboriginal peoples, including Nunkuwarrin Yunti, Tauondi College, and the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement.

The Women’s Council also set up a women’s shelter and health centre, and in 1973 the Aboriginal Community Centre was established to house various services. Elphick was treasurer and became a life member of the centre. She was also an advocate of adult education for Aboriginal people and helped establish the College of Aboriginal Education in 1973.

In 1971 Elphick was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of service to the Aboriginal community, and in 1984 was named South Australian Aboriginal of the Year.

In 2017 the City of Adelaide named Gladys Elphick Park/Narnungga (Park 25) to honour this Aboriginal woman trailblazer. Narnungga translates to native pine place.

Thanks to the Centre of Democracy and the History Trust SA for the above information.