Pam Flanders

Pam Flanders (nee Thomas, b. 1944) was a dedicated Yuin woman of Wallaga Lake whose life bridged cultural knowledge, community care and regional heritage work. Born to Joyce Carter and Arthur Thomas, she was raised around Wallaga Lake and Dignams Creek, carrying early memories of fishing, camping and living on Country with family and kin.

Pam is recognised as a knowledge-holder and contributor to local cultural heritage initiatives. She once explained that although families hold distinct totems, the Wallaga Lake community had adopted Umbarra as a local community totem’.

She contributed meaningfully to community consultations concerning Sea Country and Cultural Heritage alongside other Elders at Wallaga Lake, demonstrating that Aboriginal women’s voices were fundamental in these discussions.

Of the handing back of Guluga and Biamanga, Pam said “The day the Minister handed over the title to Gulaga and Biamanga was wonderful, something lifted off me shoulders. I can sit at my window and think, you are ours, I say good morning to Gulaga each day, that makes me happy.”

Pam Flanders maintained strong family networks and cared for younger relatives. She is remembered as a woman whose presence held cultural continuity steady in changing times. Her contributions in the heritage and community sphere formed part of the broader Yuin resurgence of Country and culture. She remains a significant figure in the living heritage of Wallaga Lake.