Newcastle Aboriginal Advancement Society

Gooris and non Aboriginal supporters establish the Newcastle Aboriginal Advancement Society with a federal government grant. They run cultural awareness programs in Newcastle. The society is formally registered in 1977 and later superseded by Awabakal New Aboriginal Co Operative Ltd. The inaugural chairperson is Bill Smith. Early board directors include: Clem Sands, Lillian Sands, Aunty Amy Ridgeway who lives at Platts Estate; Jack Thorpe who fought at the Stadium, June Thorpe, Ted and Dot Wotherspoon, Robert and Shirley Smith, Zelma Moran, Victoria Matthews, George and Anne Ritchie. Field Officers include: Amy Trindall, John Ferguson, Wayne Nean and George Griffiths.