Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder GudjuGudju (Seith) Fourmile laid to rest at Gordonvale funeral
Ceremonial smoke filled the air in celebration of a respected Indigenous activist, cultural leader and storyteller who leaves a lasting legacy of dedication, resilience and visionary leadership.
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“Each colour of the rainbow effects your enduring light, in our land and hearts, your impact shines bright.”
Lily Fourmile, 13, read these words in honour of her father, Gudju Gudju Fourmile, who was farewelled by 600 people at Djarragun College in Gordonvale on Friday.
Ceremonial smoke filled the air in celebration of Gudju Gudju an activist, cultural leader and storyteller who leaves a lasting legacy of dedication, resilience and visionary leadership.
His sister Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie said Gudju Gudju had a long list of achievements, describing him as a beacon of strength and inspiration for his people.
“As a dedicated member of the Soverign Yidinji Government, he was a tireless advocate for the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and land rights,” she said.
“Gudju Gudju championed Indigenous rights on a national and international stage, working to preserve Yidinji culture, language and traditional knowledge.”
Ms Marrie said her brother was known for his wisdom, and his ability to inspire others fostering a sense of responsibility among his people.
“His passing marks the end of an era, but the values he championed will endure in the hearts and minds of those he touched.”
Gudju Gudju, born in 1963 and the youngest of six siblings, was a respected Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder.
His casket was carried into the ceremony by family and friends wearing the pink and grey jerseys of his beloved Penrith Panthers before performances from the Yidinji dancers, and Gondwana Choir celebrated his love of his culture and music.
As a junior footballer he was invited to join the Penrith Panthers but due to Queensland restrictions on where he played that dream remained unrealised
He played in several bands including Coloured Foam, Tribal Junction and Lost Origin.
He was instrumental in establishing Indigenous radio station Bumma Bippera Media and founded the Gimuy Yidinji Rangers.
Gudju Gudju also worked tirelessly to spread education of his culture and people to the rest of the world meeting with David Attenborough to share the Yidinji story in the first series of Great Barrier Reef.
But to his brother, Gerald Fourmile, he was a prankster.
“One night I set up my bandicoot trap and I was excited to see that the trap door was down,” he said.
“But when I went to check my catch, I discovered that Seith (Gudju Gudju) had freed the bandicoot and replaced it with a big toad frog.
“Another bit of teenage mischief he got up to was in Mareeba when he would inflate large inner tubes and float down the Granite when it was in flood.”
Gudju Gudju is survived by his partner Jenny Lynch, his six children, five siblings and five grandchildren.
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Originally published as Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder GudjuGudju (Seith) Fourmile laid to rest at Gordonvale funeral
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