Tributes pour in after death of Cherbourg elder Uncle Bevan Costello

‘He will be remembered with absolute fondness’: Tributes have continued to pour in for beloved community leader Uncle Bevan Costello after his sudden death.

This post contains the name and photo of an Indigenous person who has died.

The shock death of beloved Cherbourg community elder Bevan Costello is continuing to send shockwaves throughout the South Burnett community and the wider region.

Political leaders and those who worked with Uncle Bevan have been paying tribute to the proud Wakka Wakka man, after he sadly passed away on Wednesday morning.

It’s believed Uncle Bevan, 65, suffered a heart attack.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington released a statement paying tribute to the Cherbourg elder for his relentless work to improve his town.

“My husband Jason and I send our sincerest sympathies to his family and the Cherbourg community,” Ms Frecklington said.

“This is a devastating loss for Cherbourg and I pass on my gratitude for the work Uncle Bevan has done across so many groups and organisations including 30 years as deputy principal at Cherbourg State School and the Barambah campus of Arethusa College.

Uncle Bevan Costello, photographed in 2018, is being remembered as local icon. Photo Lachie Millard

“Uncle Bevan Costello is one of those people that everyone who met remembered. I know that he will be remembered with absolute fondness by so many people across Queensland — not only in Cherbourg, Murgon and the South Burnett district but across the wider Indigenous community across Queensland.”

A qualified secondary teacher and principal at the Silver Lining School in the South Burnett, Mr Costello was Chair of the Bramabah Justice Group in Cherbourg.

He also sat on the local Murri Court helping magistrates understand the lives and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people coming before the court.

Mr Costello was also a founding member of the Ration Shed Museum, represented Queensland in Rugby League and served two terms as a councillor for Cherbourg.

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman also paid tribute to Mr Costello, in particular for his work as a member of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council.

“As a proud Wakka Wakka man and elder within the Cherbourg community, along with his extensive experience in the education industry, Mr Costello brought to the Council a unique insight into cultural and Indigenous history aspects of sentencing,” Ms Fentiman said.

“He was also a passionate advocate for his local community and worked tirelessly to help promote positive change in Cherbourg and the surrounding area.

“Mr Costello was a highly admired leader, elder and traditional owner and will be greatly missed.”

Cherbourg elders Lillian Gray and Bevan Costello.

The news of his death also lead to an outpouring of grief on social media.

“It is hard to find the words amidst the tears and shock. Cherbourg loses a legend. Love and condolences to family and community. Fly high Uncle,” one user wrote.

“My sincerest condolences to the family – such incredibly sad news. A huge loss for not only family and community but those ‘outside’ who loved, respected and admired this beautiful man and saw his love for his community in the work he did and his involvement in many committees/groups in trying to support his community. I feel honoured to have known him. My heart hurts for you all” said another.

The South Burnett Times extends our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to all who are impacted by his death.

Vale Uncle Bevan.

Originally published as Tributes pour in after death of Cherbourg elder Uncle Bevan Costello