EVERYDAY PEOPLE - Marj Speedy - Strong connections

Marjorie Doreen Speedy's journey began in the grazing town of Blackall, located in Central Western Queensland, back in 1960. Being the eldest sister of eight siblings, Marj (as she is better known) carried a significant amount of responsibility in her family. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when two of her brothers passed away, one at just two months old.

Marj takes great pride in her Aboriginal heritage. Her father's side connects her to the Kooma Nation, situated near Bollon, along the banks of Wallam Creek. On her mother's side, she is part of the Jarowair mob, hailing from Toowoomba. Embracing her dual heritage, Marj holds strong connections to both mobs.

During her childhood, Marj’s family frequently relocated as her father worked on mustering stations. This transient lifestyle meant attending various schools. Marj vividly recalls the hardships they faced during their time in Orange, where financial struggles were a daily reality. She remembers attending school with cardboard-soled shoes, a testament to the difficulties her family endured. In those days, many Aboriginal workers did not receive cash wages; instead, her father received a sheep as payment. Providing for and clothing eight children under such circumstances was an immense challenge.

Marj cherished her primary school experience, but her enthusiasm waned when she reached high school. Consequently, at the age of fourteen years and nine months, she legally left school midway through grade nine. Following her departure, Marj was sent to Mrs Weller's Secretarial Coaching College in Toowoomba, a common path for Aboriginal girls at the time. It was there that she acquired valuable skills in shorthand and typing, skills that would prove useful throughout her life.

Marj's father was a hard worker but an alcoholic. He was the family's primary breadwinner until her parent’s separation. Years later, a heart scare prompted her father to quit drinking for good. Despite their separation, her parents never divorced, and in later years, they expressed their love for each other following her mother's passing in 1999.

Marj's mother was a trailblazer in her own right. She had Irish ancestry, along with fair skin, red hair, and freckles. She played an instrumental role in establishing the Aboriginal legal service and housing company in Toowoomba alongside other relatives.

In 1999, feeling exhausted and worn out from her life in Toowoomba, Marj and her two sons decided to embark on a fresh start. They randomly drew the name of a town from a hat, and fate led them to Hervey Bay. Thus, Marj and her sons packed up their belongings and embraced the new beginnings that awaited them in the coastal town.

Throughout her life, Marj has held various secretarial positions, including a stint at the Brisbane Tribal Council. It was through her son's primary school that she connected with a lady serving on the management committee of the Wide Bay Women's Health Centre. They were actively seeking a trainee, and Marj secured the position. Nearly twenty-three years have passed since she joined the centre, where she has made a significant impact. Marj also earned a Diploma in Aboriginal Family and Community Counselling from the University in Armadale, Western Australia.

Today, Marj is the proud mother of three grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Reflecting on the past, she recounts the cruelty her younger sister endured, as she was mocked and referred to as "blacky" due to her darker skin tone. In the present, Marj acknowledges the increasing awareness surrounding Aboriginal people and culture. Today, Aboriginal children can proudly embrace their heritage, openly discussing it at school—a stark contrast to Marj's own experience, where such conversations were taboo.

In a few more years, Marj will be retiring and would like to go bush to stay with her family in their little cottage in Ballandean and write a book about her life. Marj has had an interesting and challenging life with many twists and turns. Her book will be a real page-turner.

By Kim Parnell

From What’s On Fraser Coast