WHEN she was refused service in a Bourke cafe Pat Doolan refused to accept it as a normality.
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She walked out of the cafe and prayed God would guide her towards justice for her people.
Many years, awards and successful indigenous programs later Ms Doolan has had an eventful and victorious journey as a pioneer for Aboriginal people.
Family friend Robyn Martin said her "Auntie Pat" was and continues to be an inspiration in business and leisure.
"She's an amazing woman who leads by example and gives back without counting costs," she said.
Ms Doolan was part of the stolen generation and moved to Bourke when she was young.
She was involved with outback radio station 2WEB.
Ms Doolan was also involving in setting up the Enrichment Project in early childhood education in Bourke.
She assisted young Aboriginal people in Bourke and Dubbo through tertiary education to graduation and eventually into the workforce.
Since moving to Dubbo she had a strong involvement with the community, which earned her a Public Service Medal for service to people and communities.
She also received acknowledgement as Woman of the Electorate for Parkes in 2006 and a Women out West Award for Outstanding Aboriginal Leadership in 2010.
But Ms Doolan does not think she is anything special.
"I love what I'm doing, but I don't do it for the medals," she said.
Ms Doolan has worked voluntarily with many organisations, which she said keeps her involved with community development.
"I worked extensively across NSW and other areas to facilitate information in human services, through workshops for community groups," she said.
"My background is in education counselling, community enhancement, health and well-being.
"I am passionate about working with people in trauma."
Ms Doolan was a member of NALAG centre for grief and loss, Western NSW Local Health District Governing Council and the board and long-term member of the GWAHS Advisory Council.
She was a foundation member of TAFE Western Colleges of Dubbo and Bourke and currently sits on the CSU committee, redeveloping modules for graduate students.
The former president of the Dubbo Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group worked with education facilities to incorporate indigenous content.
She was instrumental in bringing breast screening clinics to Dubbo and Orange, is currently a director of the NSW Institute of Research in Clinical and Rural Studies.
Ms Doolan also works closely with Family Planning NSW as a long-term member on the Aboriginal Women's Advisory Committee.
During the 80s she worked with Playmates College and the Orana Education Centre to provide resources and educational development opportunities to teachers and Aboriginal jobseekers.
She worked for the Department of Community Services - developing programs for foster children.
Her daughter Michelle Doolan said her mother was a humbling inspiration to her and everyone she meets.
"It's pretty amazing that she's been able to make a difference to so many people's lives," she said.
"She's given people an opportunity, for a lot of people that wouldn't have normally had it."
Mr Doolan encouraged everyone to take a leaf out of his mother's book.
"There's a part of Pat Doolan in every young Aboriginal woman - they've just got to search within themselves and bring it out," he said.