"I never expected to get an Order of Australia medal," Aunty Edna told the Hawkesbury Post. "It means that Aboriginal people, not just me, are being recognised for what they've done. And I think all Aboriginal people should be recognised for what they've gone through."

Aunty Edna Watson, a Darug Elder and long-time Oakville resident, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her extraordinary service to the Indigenous community of New South Wales. The recognition, which came as a surprise to Aunty Edna, acknowledges her lifelong dedication to preserving Darug language and culture, as well as her contributions to nursing, midwifery, and community welfare.

Aunty Edna's journey has not been an easy one. Growing up, she and her sisters endured racism at school, where they were segregated to the back of the classroom and told their education did not matter. "We helped each other get through it," she recalled. "Without my sisters, I don't think I would have made it."

Despite these challenges, she built a remarkable career. After leaving school, she worked at the Hornsby Knitting Company, where she found kindness and a mentor in her employer who herself had survived the Holocaust. She later became a nurse and midwife, dedicating herself to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work extended into education, where she developed school curricula to revitalise the Darug language, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Aunty Edna is a quiet achiever, reluctant to speak about her many contributions. However, her expertise was widely sought after. She worked with local councils, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW Reconciliation, TAFE, and Western Sydney University, offering guidance on Indigenous protocol and cultural preservation. She is also an artist and storyteller, a keeper of Darug knowledge who shares her wisdom through programs and artworks.

"I want Aboriginal people to be proud of who they are, to stand up for what they believe in," she said. "That’s the legacy I hope to leave."

While her OAM is a moment of great pride, it is also bittersweet. Just six months ago, Aunty Edna lost her beloved husband, Alan. "I wish he was here. He would be so proud," she said, holding close a teddy bear “Poppy”, made by her grandchildren in his memory. "Everywhere we went, people knew Alan. He made Aboriginal tools and shared his knowledge. Every Friday, the shed was full of people making tools, talking, and sharing stories. He brought people together. I miss him, I miss him so badly.”

The family remains at the heart of Aunty Edna’s life. A mother of seven, with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is deeply connected to her loved ones. "We’re always in contact. That’s very important in a family."

Her eldest son, Kevin, now stays with her, making sure she is cared for. "He checks on me three times a night," she said with a smile. "I couldn’t wish for a better son."

Reflecting on her recognition, Aunty Edna remains humble. "It was quite a surprise," she said. "I didn’t really think I would get anything like that." But to the many people whose lives she has touched, her medal is not just an honour - it is a well-earned tribute to a lifetime of quiet, powerful service.