‘Aunty Dot’ Peters was remembered by Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish in State Parliament this week.

“A large crowd gathered at the Healesville football ground on Tuesday, October 1, to celebrate and remember community stalwart and Aboriginal elder Aunty Dot Peters,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly.

“Dorothy Peters was born in Healesville and lived there most of her life. She loved the community, made many contributions and will be fondly remembered.

“Aunty Dot was grounded in common sense. She was down to earth and approachable and firm in her belief that everybody was equal and everybody should be treated equally and with respect. She was, in herself, reconciliation.

“Aboriginal culture was very important to her, and for many years she worked at Healesville Primary School as an Aboriginal educator. This was something that she loved.

“Most significant, though, was perhaps her role in the creation of the Victorian Indigenous remembrance service held annually at the Shrine.

“Aunty Dot’s father was a prisoner of war on the Thai-Burma railway. Him being Aboriginal, hisservice was not recognised. Aunty Dot knew this was not right and pushed for Indigenous men and women who served our country to be recognised and honoured. This was long overdue and a remarkable achievement.

“Her son Andrew gave a wonderful tribute to her, part roast, and picked up on her quirks – the correct pronunciation of Coranderrk, and the art of coiling, not basket weaving. He did a terrific job.

“My thoughts are with Andrew, Alissa, Jackson and Max,” Ms McLeish said.