Yindyamarra Aboriginal Services was created seven years ago by the late and great Aunty Rhonda Towney and her son, David ‘Croc’ Towney who both saw a dire need for food assistance in Peak Hill, a remote community based on Wiradjuri Country.

Aunty Rhonda was born in a tin shed out the back of Dubbo Hospital during a time when Aboriginal Women weren’t able to give birth within the hospital. The hardships and struggles Aunty Rhonda faced in life were a driving force behind her setting up Yindyamarra Aboriginal Services with her son David, in hopes of bettering the lives of others.

Over the years Aunty Rhonda & David have provided countless families with food and clothing assistance. They extend that support at Christmas time by hosting Bush Christmas parties within Wiradjuri Country and have gifted thousands of presents to children and families. Yindyamarra Services have also gifted thousands of food hampers over the years within Wiradjuri Country and also to many other communities, near and far. In the Lismore floods of 2022, Aunty Rhonda & David were quick to respond, delivering over 500 boxes of non-perishable food and essential items via truck to Lismore and the surrounding areas.

Tragically and unexpectedly Aunty Rhonda Towney passed away in Peak Hill on the 26/5/2025 at 78 years old. On the day that she passed, Aunty Rhonda had only just loaded a van and car up with a volunteer before sending it off to Taree, supporting communities who had been impacted by flooding. Within one month of laying Aunty Rhonda to rest, David has just received another unexpected blow and will now be moving from the commercial property in which Yindyamarra Aboriginal Services is based from in Peak Hill within the coming weeks. We are hoping to find another purpose built location suitable to continue the operation of the weekly food pantry or at least, operate it as a mobile service direct to community, just as Yindyamarra first began.

Until now, Yindyamarra Services has been a completely voluntary service ran by Aunty Rhonda and David which depended on generous donations from Rev. Bill Crews, the Australian Army, Second Bite, Yibimarra and generous individuals. David pays for and registers two cars and a trailer to assist with transportation for the service, along with petrol and countless hours of his time. He has done this for years now, out of his own pocket.

Yindyamarra is a Wiradjuri word which means to be respectful and honourable. This NAIDOC week (and onwards) I invite you to practise Yindyamarra by donating to assist in the relocation of Yindyamarra Aboriginal Services and also, finally registering it as a charity.

Most NFP’s and charities receive lots of assistance before even beginning to assist others. Yindyamarra is a grass roots and voluntary service ran by Mob who have walked the walk and talked the talk. Let’s give them the support they deserve, whilst continuing the legacy of Aunty Rhonda Towney.

Mandaang guwu (thank-you)