Mary Ann Webber

A 19th-century Indigenous Australian guide and diplomat who mediated between settlers and Aboriginal communities.

Mary Ann Webber (c. 1820–1870), also known as 'Queen Mary Ann,' was a Turrbal woman from Queensland, Australia, who played a critical role as a cultural mediator during British colonization. Fluent in English and multiple Indigenous languages, she negotiated land disputes and facilitated communication, often preventing violent conflicts. Her efforts were documented in colonial records, though her legacy remains underrecognized.

Webber’s leadership extended to preserving Indigenous knowledge, including botanical practices and oral histories. She advocated for the rights of her people amidst displacement and disease brought by settlers. Modern scholars highlight her as a pioneer of cross-cultural diplomacy, challenging the colonial narrative of passive Indigenous resistance.

Her story underscores the resilience of Aboriginal women and their pivotal, yet often erased, roles in shaping Australia’s history.