NOTE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following article contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died. Photos have been supplied and approved for use by family.

Tributes have flowed for staunch trailblazer and matriarch Ann Weldon, who was pivotal in the establishment of critical Aboriginal organisations.

Aunty Ann Weldon, née Coe, passed away on Easter Sunday, aged 73.

She has been remembered as a figure who spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of First Peoples, as well as for her work in establishing Aboriginal organisations which continue to provide vital services.

They include NSW's Aboriginal Legal Service, Aboriginal Children's service, Aboriginal Medical Service, Aboriginal Housing Company, the state's Land Council peak. She also had longtime involvement with the Metropolitan LALC, alongside ATSIC, and in schools.

Her passing came on the same weekend of the loss of fellow advocate and leader Dr Naomi 'Aunty Nay' Mayers.

"My wife, our mother, Ninna, great-Ninna, mother-in-law and Ninna-in-law has peacefully, yet defiantly, passed on to the Heavenly Dreaming," her daughter, City of Sydney Councillor Yvonne Weldon wrote on Sunday.

"The world as we know it has shifted, leaving us with an even deeper appreciation for the strength and tenacity gifted to us by our Wiradjuri ancestors - a strength she carried for 73 beautiful years."

Councillor Weldon and Aunty Ann sat together on the board of Sydney's Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

"We are heartbroken, yet heart-strengthened, that our beautiful Ann Pauline, Mum and Nin has left us. But we know her impact, her love, and her spirit will never leave," Councillor Weldon wrote.

In further words, her daughter said: "She bravely walked where others feared, steadfast in her belief and knowing that her ancestors would guide her."

ALS chair, Keith Morgan, said Aunty Ann "was a mighty woman—one of the strongest Aboriginal women I have ever met".

"She stood up for our people in every space she walked into, always grounded in culture, community, and truth," Mr Morgan said.

"Whether it was supporting the Aboriginal Legal Service, our medical services, or other community organisations, Ann gave her time, her voice, and her strength without hesitation. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and impact will never leave us."

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, among others, expressed their sadness and words on Aunty Ann's impact.

"Their lifelong contributions to the fight for basic human rights and justice for Aboriginal people paved the way for future generations," the NSW Aboriginal Land Council wrote, for Aunty Ann and Aunty Nay.

"We stand on the shoulders of giants. Their legacy will continue to guide us and give us strength. We send our deepest condolences to the families, friends and Communities whose lives were touched by these strong blak Matriarchs."

Aunty Ann has been credited as NSWALC's first female chief executive, for her work in the union movement and Public Service Association as its Aboriginal Liaison Officer between 2015-2022.

Aunty Ann's contributions also came in ageing, disability and home care through multiple roles with the New South Wales Department of Human Services.

For her significant service to the Indigenous community of New South Wales, she was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia in 2025 and is a former winner of Dreamtime Elder of the Year.

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris wrote: "Aunty Ann played a crucial role in advancing and improving the lives of Aboriginal people in NSW, she was well known for establishing many services in Redfern including the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service and the Aboriginal Children's Service".

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy wrote: "Aunty Ann loved and inspired all of you and those of us who became part of your lives."

"Lewisham Street on Gadigal Country was a welcoming home for hundreds of families over five decades, especially to the Northern Territory kids who needed a home whilst away from home when boarding in Sydney," she continued, ahead of acknowledging and listing a long legacy "advancing the cause for Aboriginal people in NSW.

"Our hearts are grateful for having been a part of her life's journey."

NSWALC said Aunty Ann was a "Wiradjuri leader of the highest order" who will never be forgotten.