Land councils pay tribute to ‘great man’ after ALC chairman T Wurramarrba’s death
The ‘remarkable leader, dedicated spokesman and tireless advocate for his people’ passed away overnight on Groote Eylandt at the weekend.
Northern Territory
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Former Anindilyakwa Land Council chairman T Wurramarrba has been remembered as “a great man, leader and spokesman, who was strongly dedicated to his family and his people”.
The ALC announced Mr Wurramarrba’s passing “on Groote Eylandt” in a statement on Sunday morning.
“Mr T Wurramarrba represented the Anindilyakwa people across all levels of government, and he always had a close eye on the future,” it reads.
“This included advocating for important economic advancements (such as the Winchelsea Mine) to secure his people’s future once the GEMCO mine leaves.
“He also oversaw more women and young people joining the board and taking up important leadership positions.”
Mr Wurramarrba was recognised for outstanding service to the Indigenous community of the Groote archipelago with an Officer of the order of Australia in 2013.
“In 2018, Mr T Wurramarrba signed the groundbreaking Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement, which has seen a reduction of overcrowding through new housing and better tenancy management under local control,” the ALC said.
“He also played significant roles in numerous other historic events and milestones, including the establishment of the NT Aboriginal Investment Corporation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Barunga Agreement, and the Groote Eylandt Regional Partnership Agreement, to name only a few.”
The ALC said Mr Wurramarrba was “pivotal in representing the Anindilyakwa people across a vast span of reformative initiatives” and his “leadership, service and advocacy will have a lasting impact for years to come”.
In its own statement, the Northern Land Council paid tribute to “a remarkable leader, a dedicated spokesman, and a tireless advocate for his people”.
“Mr Wurramarrba’s leadership was characterised by his vision for the future, as seen in his advocacy for economic advancements and his efforts to involve more women and young people in leadership,” it reads.
“His legacy includes signing the Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement in 2018, which led to many significant advancements for the Anindilyakwa community.”
In joining the ALC “in mourning this great loss”, the NLC said his “leadership, dedication, and service” had “left an indelible mark”.
NLC chairman Matthew Ryan said Mr Wurramarrba’s “commitment to his people and all his hard work for their rights and future” was is “an example for us all”.
“Through his dedication and many hard-fought wins, the late chairman has left a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us all,” he said.
Mr Wurramarrba was elected chairman of the ALC in 2003 and held the role until his retirement last month.
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