• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE1258

Corbett, Helen

(1953 – )
  • Born 1953, Carnarvon Western Australia
  • Occupation Aboriginal rights activist, Administrator, Educator

Summary

Helen Corbett, of Yinggarda and Bibbulman descent, was educated in Carnarvon, Perth and Sydney. She was Director of Studies at Tranby Aboriginal Cooperative College in Sydney. She also worked as executive officer in the Western Australian Aboriginal Legal Service, the largest of its kind in Australia, operating 13 branches and providing legal services to over 48,000 Aboriginal people in that state.

In 1983 Corbett co-founded the Committee to Defend Black Rights (CDBR), and became its national chairperson. The Committee was at the forefront of a national and international campaign which forced the federal government to establish the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Helen has represented the Committee at national and international meetings, and has travelled widely to advocate indigenous interests. She is also vice-president of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation and has received a number of awards and scholarships in recognition of her work.

Archival resources

  • National Film and Sound Archive
    • Moodeitj Yorgas

Published resources

  • Edited Book
    • The Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal Australia : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, society and culture, Horton, David, 1994
  • Conference Paper
    • Helen Corbett addresses the UN: a presentation by Helen Corbett, National Chairperson of the Committee to Defend Black Rights, Corbett, Helen, 1989
  • Book
    • Voices from the Land, Yunupingu, Mandawuy, 1994
  • Resource

Related entries


  • Related Organisations
    • Aboriginal Legal Service (1970 - )
  • Related Concepts
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women

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