Gwen Russell was born at the Macleay District Hospital in 1933. Russell was sent to Burnt Bridge Mission School but was unhappy and avoided it when possible. She left school at the age of twelve. Gwen Russell was a charismatic and well respected leader belonging to the Worimi people in New South Wales.
Russell learnt a great deal of knowledge and spirituality from her grandmother in Worimi country which she fought to preserve. Gwen Russell endeavoured to improve the lives of Aboriginal people during her life and continually pressed the Australian government for change. She played a key role in the establishment of the Worimi Local Land Council in 1984 along with many other Aboriginal organisations. Her passion was to see Aboriginal self-determination become a reality.
Gwen Russell believed that with a pen and paper accompanied by a strong and powerful voice to fight with, the inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians could be resolved. She was an inspiration to many people and was committed to reconciliation.
