Celeste Liddle

Her life’s work has been dedicated to lifting the status, dignity and well-being of Aboriginal people, particularly women.

Celeste is the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and is also a member of NTEU’s Women’s Action Committee.

Through these roles, Celeste has been able to push and promote an intensive agenda to highlight and tackle racism, white-streaming, discrimination and lateral violence in the Australian higher education sector.

Celeste’s work in social justice and women’s rights is unsurpassed. She is a proud Arrernte woman with strong cultural ties to her community, and a passionate advocate for the rights of Aboriginal women.

Through her blog, Black Feminist Ranter, Celeste has given a voice to Aboriginal women’s experiences of both sexism and racism. Through her broader advocacy for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly around the issue of sovereignty, Celeste has contributed towards a fairer and more inclusive Victoria.

The benefits of Celeste’s work extend beyond Victoria, and are felt by many across the nation. In particular, the incredible support Celeste has given to Aboriginal students throughout her professional life has proven invaluable. Her outstanding contribution will no doubt inspire the next generation of Aboriginal women to continue this important legacy.