New NQ housing support block to wear Alfred Smallwood’s name

A North Queensland Indigenous leader who has left his mark on the city of Townsville will be forever honoured and remembered after a community group named two buildings after him.

Yumba Meta is set to officially name 2 duplexes and a program in Alfred Smallwood's name. Smallwood family. Picture: Evan Morgan

A North Queensland Indigenous leader who left his mark on the city of Townsville will be forever honoured and remembered after a community group named two buildings, and a legacy program, after him.

“Uncle” Alfred Smallwood, a Bindal elder who has worked tirelessly for the Townsville community, has tragically been given a grim prognosis after battling cancer for years.

But family and friends have pledged not to let him go without demonstrating the impact his incredible life has had on those around him, with housing and support group Yumba Meta sharing a day with the man and his closest family members as they announced that they would name two duplexes - and a new program - in his honour.

Yumba Meta CEO Dushy Thangiah OAM said the gesture was meant as a show of respect.

“We are so proud and grateful to have you in our life and as part of Yumba Meta and everything you do for us, I would just have to pick up the phone and Uncle would be there,” Ms Thangiah said.

Alfred’s sister, Dr Gracelyn Smallwood AM, a noted advocate for Indigenous rights and an Indigenous health worker, said Alfred had a long history of advocacy, which made Yumba Meta the perfect place to pay tribute.

Yumba Meta is set to officially name 2 duplexes and a program in Alfred Smallwood's name. Alfred Smallwood with son Alfred Jnr. Picture: Evan Morgan

“He’s our favourite sibling. He smoked everything out here at Yumba Meta and a lot of people then thought that this vision would never become a reality,” Dr Smallwood said.

“We really appreciate all the social services you are doing. Uncle smoked everything here - on behalf of my family, we really appreciate what’s happening here today and we look forward to working closely with you in the future.

“We’re so grateful to what Yumba Meta is doing not just today - there’s been a lot of hard work that’s gone into this.”

Dorothy Savage, another sibling, said Mr Smallwood’s formative years had shaped him into someone who could give first-hand mentorship to those struggling.

Yumba Meta is set to officially name 2 duplexes and a program in Alfred Smallwood's name. Yumba Meta CEO Dushy Thangiah, board members Ernie Hoolihan and Michael Illin and Alfred Smallwood. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We’re very, very proud of you because of all your achievements. We talk about lived experience, and he has lived those experiences. That’s why his men’s group has been so successful,” Ms Savage said.

“He had a rough life growing up. Naming this building after him is an honour and we’re very grateful for what Dushy and Yumba Meta has done too.

“Keep up the good work, because we need you people - we talk about legacy, this man is leaving a legacy behind, but he’s also following the legacy of those who came before us. Keep that legacy going, keep that fire burning.”

Originally published as New NQ housing support block to wear Alfred Smallwood’s name