AFTER more than 45 years of dedicated service to education, cultural preservation, and community engagement, Aunty Michelle Maybanks has has been recognised for her extraordinary contribution to the Ipswich region.
For more than three decades, Ms Maybanks served as the Community Engagement Officer and Indigenous Liaison Officer at Goodna State School, retiring at the end of the 2024 school year and officially farewelled at a special ceremony last week.
She was acknowledged for her pivotal role in fostering cultural awareness and strengthening ties between the school and the wider community.
Ms Maybanks took great pride in her role at a school that is home to students from nations speaking 52 languages.
“Identity – know who you are and where you come from,” she said.
Growing up in Inala and West End during a time when discussing her Indigenous culture was discouraged, Ms Maybanks was determined to change that for future generations.
Over the decades, she has witnessed significant progress in Indigenous representation within education.
Beyond the classroom, Ms Maybanks has played a crucial role in community initiatives.
State Member for Bundamba and proud Gubbi Gubbi man Lance McCallum paid tribute to Ms Maybanks enduring legacy.
“Aunty Michelle Maybanks is a true pillar of our community,” he said.
