By Ellyarne Donovan
Sometime in the early 2000s, Aboriginal and child protection case worker Matthew Donovan was introduced to journalist Jeff McMullen at a function in Sydney.
With a career spanning over 50 years, McMullen had just released his memoir, A Life of Extremes, detailing his experiences across the globe. The book illustrated his devotion to advocating for the rights, health and education of Indigenous people.
A notion he carried into his work at current affairs program 60 Minutes.
Donovan and McMullen spoke of such affairs, and the means of breaking cycles harmful to Indigenous Australians. The conversation focused on Aboriginal kids in care, Donovan having just begun his career working in the Australian child protection system.
“I had only just started in that field,” said Donovan. “I thought I was helping them feel as comfortable and safe as possible, as they were removed from their communities and families.”
Reflecting on his time spent working for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), formerly known as the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS), Donovan recalled quickly learning the procedures put in place were not beneficial for the kids nor their families.
They only provided a damaging short-term solution by “moving kids all over the state” and taking them out of Aboriginal communities.
“You could see in his expression he shared my thoughts that there has got to be a better system in place,” said Donovan. “The current system always reacts on crisis not prevention.”
Donovan began his career as a manager for non-governmental organisation Wundarra Services before being approached for his position at DCJ. Finishing that role in 2017, he worked as an Aboriginal project manager for two years. Then he expanded his reach to secondary education, heading the Clontarf Program at Orara High School prior to starting his own business Able Spirits.
“What they miss is that each nation is different, cultural practices differ,” said Donovan. “They are focused on financials and not in the best interests of the kids and communities we can only speak of.”
Despite being busy on that day, Donovan looks back on McMullen’s genuine attitude during their conversation.
“I think there is a lot of truth in him, the way he spoke to me in person was the same how he spoke on TV in his reporting.”
Featured image: Meeting Jeff McMullen was an important moment for Matthew Donovan. Photo: Renee King
