Honouring the Life and Legacy of Aunty Elsie Heiss (1937 - 2026)
Aunty Elsie Heiss (Photo: Australian Catholics)
A Bridge between Culture and Faith
We honour and give thanks for the life of Aunty Elsie Heiss, a proud Wiradjuri Elder, former Chairperson of NATSICC, and co-founder of the Reconciliation Church.
Aunty Elsie was a woman of deep faith, wisdom and grace. Kind and gentle in spirit, she was a holder of significant cultural knowledge and a respected leader who dedicated her life to building understanding, reconciliation and justice.
She had a rare gift for bringing people together. Aunty Elsie walked confidently in both culture and faith, helping others to see that these were not separate paths, but gifts that could enrich one another. Through her leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment, she inspired countless people across Australia.
We give thanks for Aunty Elsie’s life, her contribution to the Church and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the legacy she leaves behind.
May she rest in God’s eternal peace.
For those wishing to learn more about Aunty Elsie’s remarkable life and ministry, this article from Australian Catholics provides a personal and inspiring insight into her journey. It reflects on the lessons she learned from her parents, the strength she found in her Catholic faith, and her lifelong commitment to educating others, building understanding, and creating pathways for reconciliation. It is a fitting tribute to a woman whose wisdom, leadership and generosity touched countless lives.
https://www.australiancatholics.com.au/article/elsie-s-lessons
Aunty Elsie featured on the 2018 NAIDOC week episode of ABC’s God Forbid program:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/godforbid/naidoc-week-the-women-who-inspire-us/9945538
in 2020, the Archdiocese of Sydney established university scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students - the Aunty Elsie Indigenous Support Scholarship.