State funeral to honour legacy of late NLC chairman, NT Australian of the Year Dr Bush-Blanasi

The legacy of renowned Indigenous leader Dr Bush-Blanasi will be honoured in a state funeral this Friday.

The late Northern Land Council chairman and 2023 NT Australian of the Year Dr Bush-Blanasi will be farewelled in a state funeral at 10:30am on Friday at the Territory Netball Stadium.

A proud Yolngu and Mayili man, the renowned leader passed away last month aged 61 following a short illness.

On behalf of the Northern Territory government, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles extended her condolences to Dr Bush-Blanasi’s family, clan groups and Northern Land Council colleagues and said the funeral would honour his unforgettable legacy.

“Dr Bush-Blanasi was a true leader. Someone who had a commanding presence who was listened too,” she said.

“He preserved culture and made sure others understood its importance.

“This State Funeral will honour Dr Bush-Blanasi’s contribution to the Territory and a legacy that will never be forgotten.”

Northern Land Council chairman Dr Bush-Blanasi. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Dr Bush-Blanasi was a long-term resident of the Wugularr/Beswick community east of Katherine and had been the chairman of the NLC for four terms, serving as an NLC member for nine.

The 2023 NT Australian of the Year spent decades fighting at the local and national level to empower Indigenous Australians as a champion for major land rights claims, bush vote enrolment, education and remote healthcare, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As NLC chairman, he was instrumental in securing sea country rights for Yolngu people at Blue Mud Bay in East Arnhem Land and helped develop the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

He was also a strong supporter of the Learning On Country program, a joint venture between 17 remote schools, the NLC and Aboriginal ranger groups providing employment pathways for students.

L-R: Helen Daiyi, Gibson Farmer Illortaminni, Thomas Amagula, Matthew Palmer, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Dr Bush Blanasi, Mark Dreyfus, Minister Linda Burney, Josie Douglas, Marion Scrymgour, Gordon Reid at the unveiling of the Barunga Voice Declaration at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Following his passing, the NLC issued a statement paying homage to the leader for “dedicating his life” to Aboriginal communities.

“His leadership was bold and uncompromising,” they wrote.

“Never deferential; he spoke truth to power.

“His political nous was second to none; equally as influential when talking with countrymen or politicians.

“He engaged naturally to deliver tough messages to those who needed to hear them.”