Peter and Annette Miller’s vital advocacy work at risk after car stolen and destroyed

After decades of tireless advocacy, the Miller family faces an unexpected challenge that could hinder their critical work supporting Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Peter and Annette Miller after their family car was stolen and destroyed in a dramatic crash earlier this year.

The vehicle, which had just been paid off, was essential to their ongoing advocacy work, cultural events, and community outreach across the Northern Territory.

In February, Peter Miller, a well-known advocate and director at Sunrise Health Service in the Bulman community, was left stranded when his only mode of transport was stolen from outside his home.

The car was taken in the early hours of Tuesday February 18 and destroyed in a dramatic crash less than an hour later in Fannie Bay.

CCTV footage showed youths fleeing the scene after the vehicle flipped.

Stolen car crashed at Fannie Bay. Picture: Taylor Mason.

The crash left Mr Miller without a way to return home, as his community is 800kms away from Darwin.

Mr Miller, who was preparing to insure the vehicle the following week, expressed his shock at the situation.

“It’s all over red rover for me and my family,” he said.

“I can’t fix it — it’s written off now.”

The car had been essential for his advocacy and community work as well as his day to day life.

The couple’s vehicle was more than just a mode of transport; it was critical to their efforts to support Indigenous communities, preserve cultural traditions, and promote social justice.

Peter Miller at the scene of the car crash. Picture: Channel 9 / Supplied.

Mr Miller has worked for decades to uplift Aboriginal culture through his music with Blekbala Mujik and his leadership in Aboriginal land rights movements, while Annette Miller has spent her career empowering women and preserving Indigenous languages and culture.

Mrs Miller, a respected elder from the Rembarrnga and Dalabon nations, has also worked to unite Indigenous women through the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network and played a key role in environmental conservation through her involvement with the Mimal Land Management Board.

The loss of their vehicle has created a significant hurdle in their ongoing advocacy efforts.

“We are always on the road with our vehicle, we drive everywhere to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals and their families all over,” Mrs Miller said.

Without a reliable mode of transport, their ability to travel for cultural events, education initiatives, and community outreach is severely limited.

Stolen car crashed at Fannie Bay. Picture: Taylor Mason.

The GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise $16,000 to help Peter and Annette purchase a new vehicle.

So far, $690 has been raised through 10 donations, and every contribution — no matter the size — will help them continue their vital work.

To donate and learn more about the campaign, visit the GoFundMe page.

Your support will go a long way in helping two of the NT’s most dedicated advocates get back on the road and continue their crucial work.

Originally published as Peter and Annette Miller’s vital advocacy work at risk after car stolen and destroyed