25/08/2026
Its with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to our long time service Manager, Dian Edwards, who has just retired from Namatjira Haven.
Dian came to us 27 years ago and stepped into the service manager role in 2006. She took over being the manager in a period of great uncertainty with Nama closing for a few years prior. Dian's stewardship has seen Namatjira grow and expand fully realizing Pastor Frank Roberts vision for Namatjira Haven when it was founded in 1979.
She has worked tirelessly to champion the cause and has a deep passion for Aboriginal culture, making sure Namatjira is culturally safe for the men who come to us for healing, our programs are culturally appropriate, and that the philosophy that underpins how Namatjira is run.
Dian’s management has brought Namatjira to financial security , new buildings, a gymnasium, and an art room for the residents to express themselves. A community hall with a stage and sound recording. Extensive planting in the gardens, a bush tucker trail, and sustainable ways of doing things, from growing food on site to solar arrays for power. Her fingerprints are all over Namatjira Haven and will be for a long time.
Dian has been a CEO, a project manager, an administrator, a creative and visionary and a mum all wrapped into one for everyone that passed through our doors. And over 2000 men have come to Namatjira to find healing in Dian`s time. And we are thankful for her.
She has also been one of the driving forces for many years alongside Aunty Sandra Bolt in the advocacy and creation of our new planned women and childrens service ‘Aunty Sandras Place’.
In the wise words of Uncle Phil Roberts at Dians leaving event last week ‘’When someone writes the history of Namatjira Haven in 50 or 100 years, Dians stewardship will be remembered as its most important moment’’ We agree!!!
Dian , you will be missed greatly but wish you all the best in your well deserved retirement.
