Aunty Rosalie Kickett wins NAIDOC Female Elder of the Year 2025: Serco’s beacon of strength and healing at Acacia Prison

In the heart of Acacia Prison, a remarkable woman is making a profound impact on the lives of incarcerated Aboriginal men. Aunty Rosalie Kickett is a proud Wilman, Beelya, Balladong, Bibbulmun Nation Noongar Yok woman, who has dedicated her life to supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual connection for Aboriginal people across Australia. 

At 60 years young, Aunty Rosalie has dedicated 30 years to the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing industry. With an Associate Degree in Aboriginal Mental Health and Counselling, Aunty has travelled Australia sharing her knowledge and building strong communities, delivering training to frontline workers through Deadly Thinking Youth Workshops and Lifeline Australia DV-Alert First Nation. 

In 2023, Aunty Rosalie joined Serco in a groundbreaking program at Acacia Prison where community and Elders came together to offer social, emotional and cultural safety to the men whilst incarcerated. The Tactical Response Program is designed to help the men thrive and stay connected to their cultural roots, with Aunty Rosalie leading the charge.  

As Acacia Prison’s primary Tactical Response Aunty, Rosalie provides support and care to more than 540 men within the prison. Her work is not just about maintaining their cultural safety; it’s about fostering strength, connection, and self-pride. 

As part of this vital role, Aunty Rosalie conducts regular check-ins with the men to ensure their wellbeing is on track and address any immediate concerns. She offers cultural care and support to help the men cope with the challenges of incarceration, acting as a cultural voice for them, advocating for their needs, and ensuring they receive appropriate support. 

Serco’s Indigenous Cultural Advisor at Acacia Prison, Brooke Dillon said that in her role, Aunty Rosalie’s presence is a source of inspiration and pride for the men.   

“When Aunty is up in block with the men, they show up as the very best versions of themselves,” said Ms Dillon. 

“This woman is incredible and plays a crucial role in providing social and emotional support to the men in our care, which is vital for their identity and mental health. She is exactly what our prisons need to keep our communities strong, safe, and thriving.” 

 Aunty Rosalie’s work also extends beyond the prison walls where she works tirelessly to provide therapeutic counselling specialising in trauma, grief, and loss for individuals, families, and communities across Western Australia.  

Recently, The Hon Minister Sabine Winton for Prevention Family and Domestic Violence appointed Aunty Rosalie to the Lived Experience Advisory Group for 2025, with her lived experience and professional expertise making her an invaluable advocate for change. 

NAIDOC Awards 2025 attendees (centre photo): 

James Tomkins Acting Reintegration Services Manager Acacia Prison, Aunty Leanne Eades Tactical Response Aunty Acacia Prison, Brooke Dillon Indigenous Cultural Advisor Acacia Prison, John Harrison Superintendent Acacia Prison, Aunty Rosalie Kickett Tactical Response Aunty Acacia Prison