Aunty Pam Pedersen OAM runs Nike Melbourne Marathon at 83
By Natasha Fujimoto
RARELY does an individual emerge who genuinely inspires others to do better—and by better, to truly believe that whatever the mind determines, it can achieve.
Aunty Pam Pedersen OAM requires no introduction. The youngest daughter of Sir Douglas and Lady Gladys Nicholls, Aunty Pam is a deeply respected Yorta Yorta Elder whose contributions to our community are both extraordinary and enduring.
Her exceptional work across the Koorie Courts (Children’s, County and Magistrates’ Courts), the Adult Parole Board, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, the Attorney-General’s Office, and education spaces has been matched only by her unwavering commitment to social justice, advocacy and community.
Yet, it is her passion for sport that we now turn. Ardently believing that sport is a powerful vehicle for overcoming self-doubt, the 83-year-old Aunty Pam initially turned her determined spirit toward getting fit at the age of 50. What began as a personal health journey soon transformed into an altruistic mission, utilising her platform to deliver a vital message, encouraging community members to take their health and well-being seriously through regular exercise, healthy diets, and active social interaction.
Beginning with walking before progressing to half-marathons and triathlons, it wasn’t long before Aunty Pam accumulated a remarkable array of sporting achievements. She completed her first marathon at age 58. More recently, she celebrated her 29th consecutive Mother’s Day Classic event by completing her first-ever Mother’s Day Classic Half-Marathon—never having missed a single year since the inaugural event was held in 1998.
Unstoppable despite recent injuries and illness, Aunty Pam once again lined up at the starting line, this time for Saturday’s 10-Kilometre Nike Melbourne Marathon. The race marked the latest chapter in a remarkable sporting journey built on determination, resilience, and the firm belief that age should never be a barrier to achievement. In preparation for the event, she dedicated the past 10 weeks to training three times a week.
“I think it’s a really good motto: if you dream it, you can achieve it,” she said. “When you think about good things and what you want to do, if you dream it, you can achieve it.”
Today, her passion for sport remains closely linked to this message of collective wellbeing. Running, however, is only half of her extraordinary sporting story; Aunty Pam has also conquered the open ocean, competing in offshore yacht races and notably winning the 1996 Melbourne to Devonport race aboard the yacht Stiletto.
Whether navigating the seas or the pavement, her ultimate goal is to inspire others to get moving alongside her. She wants people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to get active, whether that starts with a walk around the block or training for a major event.
“What I would like to see is people of all ages, all colour, all different nationalities get out of bed and walk and look after themselves and feel healthy,” she said.
