Welcome to our petition requesting Juniper Aged Care rename their Albany community center after highly respected local Menang elder Bessy Flower.

Bessy was born in Kinjarling (King George Sound or modern day Albany) circa, 1851, of the Menang peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

From around 7 years of age Bessy lived and studied at the Albany Native Institution a school set up by colonist Anne Camfield and her husband, local magistrate, Henry. The school had many names and is known today as Camfield House, which still stands today and is a family home.

Bessy was an accomplished student and excelled in every aspect of her education. In her adult life she was an advocate for her community, contesting the increasingly draconian colonial power of the Victorian 1886 Half-Caste Act, which removed the freedom of movment for First Nation people. 

There is much to say about Bessy - more to follow!

Please watch this short film about Bessy and her family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1dAynpp9R4