Being forced to leave school in year six didn't stop Mary Swan from going on to further her education, with the Moree Aboriginal elder eventually graduating with a Diploma of Health Sciences when she was in her 60s.
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It was this determination and her dedication to serving the Moree community which saw her named the 2019 Moree Senior Citizen of the Year at the annual Moree Seniors Festival luncheon on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, Mrs Swan was in hospital and unable to attend the luncheon on Wednesday, so her daughter Debbie Swan accepted her certificate and pin from councillor Kerry Cassells on her behalf.
Ms Cassells, who worked with Mrs Swan at Pius X Aboriginal Corporation for eight years, said the award couldn't have gone to a more deserving person.
"She's like my second mother, I worked with Mary for many years down at Pius and I love her dearly," she said.
"She's been a really great friend to me. She taught me humility, compassion and humanity. When you're dealing with people, particularly vulnerable Aboriginal people, you've got to have passion and be culturally aware.
"She's always the life of the party, she has a fantastic laugh and she talks to everybody and listens.
"She's an outstanding person and very much deserved this award."
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Mary is a proud Gomeroi woman and the second eldest of 11 children to James and Pearl French.
She attended the Moree mission school but could only attend until year six as Aboriginal children were not permitted to further their education due to segregation laws.
However, this did not stop Mary as she started working once she completed school in year six, working as a domestic for local European families around Moree.
At the age of 16, she started a career of nursing at the McMasters ward - the Aboriginal-only hospital - at the back of Moree Hospital.
Whilst working as a nurse, Mary met her lifelong partner Gordan Swan. They married in July 1956 and Mary and Gordan began their family with Debra, Gordan, Leonard and Eleanor, who were all born in a tin hut on the top camp. Jennifer was later born when the family relocated to Stanley Village/Top Camp.
Mary stayed home and raised her children while Gordan worked as a labourer. When Jennifer was school-aged, Mary commenced work at Pius X as a cleaner. Working alongside the Daughters of the charity, she made lifelong friendships with some of the nuns.
As a result of her community knowledge and engagement, Mary became an Aboriginal health worker. She is known for her bubbly personality and extensive engagement skills which saw her work around-the-clock for her community.
In the 1990s, when she was aged in her 60s, Mary decided that she would further her career in Aboriginal health and enrolled in a Diploma of Health Sciences at Cumberland College, Lidcombe, where she graduated with distinction.
Having actively served her community for most of her life, Mary retired in 1998 but didn't give up her community commitments and volunteered as much time as she could. During her retirement she has also cared for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She has also been heavily involved with Grandmothers Against Removals.
Mary still engages with community groups and events and is a respected elder of her community.
Mrs Swan was one of four nominees for the 2019 award, including Claude Magarry, Darrel Bird and Constance Potts.
