Shirley Matthews Bequest

Studying a Diploma of Social Administration at Flinders University in the 1970s, Shirley was a social worker for much of her life. She later returned to Flinders to study a Bachelor of Arts with Honours graduating in 1999.

With a major in archaeological science and a passion for local history, Shirley produced a thesis titled, The North Arm Ships’ Graveyard, Port Adelaide, South Australia: some historical perspectives of the ships and associated maritime activity and an examination of the artefact assemblage.

Shirley’s generous bequest has provided an opportunity for the University to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation and the importance of coming together to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony.

Associate Professor Tur says, “The support from Shirley Matthews has helped us to envision spaces that can bring us together to enact reconciliation in a living way."

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_{Published 30 August 2023. Author: Lynda Allen.}