Aunty Jemmes is a proud Wiradjuri Elder born in New South Wales who has worked for over 30 years in the health and justice systems across the Mildura area. She recently retired after 16 years as the Victoria Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer.
In 2007, she became the first public servant to receive the Excellence in Policing Family Violence Leadership Award. In 2015, she was awarded the Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding service to the Aboriginal community, particularly young people, in health and policing. That same year, she also received the Statewide Koori Community Justice Award for promoting positive justice outcomes for children and young people.
In May 2026, Aunty Jemmes Handy was inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll for her lifetime of service across youth programs, community organisations, and justice advisory groups. The Honour Roll, displayed in the Victorian Parliament recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, both past and present, for their contributions and achievements across various fields such as arts, education, health and community services.
Aunty Jemmes continues to serve as Chairperson of the Loddon Mallee Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) and the Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committee. Her experience and leadership remain invaluable to the HUM Yarning Group.