Our Elder in Residence: Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor

Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor is a respected Gadigal, Bidgigal and Yuin Elder, deeply connected to the Sydney (Warrane) area and the South Coast of NSW. As the daughter of renowned First Nations activist Dr. Charles “Chicka” Dixon, Aunty Rhonda carries forward a powerful legacy of advocacy.

Aunty Rhonda is a compassionate advocate in the fields of social justice, human rights self-determination, decolonisation, self-governance, community strengthening and cultural revitalisation for the future generations. She is an Academic with a Masters in Aboriginal Studies, (Social and Emotional Well Being) and is currently pursuing her PhD in Memory, Solidarity and Relationships (Connecting Youth back to Country).

As Elder in Residence with the Centre for Relational Care, Aunty Rhonda brings cultural guidance through storytelling, ceremony and connection to Country. We are grateful for Aunty Rhonda’s help with cultural learning and listening in light of the persistent overrepresentation of First Nations children and families in child protection and out-of-home care.

In August 2024 Aunty Rhonda read her original poem at the launch of the James Martin Institute for Public Policy's report Supporting Children and Families to Flourish, a collaborative project with the Centre for Relational Care. The poem speaks to the importance of affirming young people’s unique capabilities and potential.