Cirrus@Austlit

Cindy Solonec is a Nyikina woman originally from Derby in the West Kimberley and now lives in Perth (2009). Her mother, Katie, was born and raised at Beagle Bay Mission north of Broome; her father, Frank came to Australia from the north of Spain in 1937. She has two brothers, Frank and Philip, and one sister, Pepita. The family lived on a sheep station, Debesa, 100 kms east of Derby and the children were mostly sent away for their schooling. Cindy spent nine school years at an all girls' boarding school in Geraldton and on completion she joined the Post Office in Derby as a Phonogram Operator. In 1974 she married Deiter, a telephone technician and together they have two wonderful daughters, Kylie and Tammy, and three delightful grandchildren. With their children, Cindy and Deiter moved from the Kimberley and lived in northwest towns for over twenty years. During this time, she commenced university studies on a block release program through Edith Cowan University and as a mature aged student she went on to graduate with a BA and an MA in Aboriginal & Intercultural Studies from ECU. This presented new opportunities and Cindy has worked in various jobs that include a Financial Counsellor; Researcher; Recruitment Coordinator; and as a University Lecturer in Aboriginal Studies. Over the years, Cindy has contributed to the community on various committees, and is a member on the West Australia Aboriginal Education and Training Council (WAAETC).