‘We never got the chance’: the incredible life of beloved community leader honoured following sudden passing

Doc spent his life dedicated to deepening his connection to Aboriginal culture and after his sudden passing his family and friends are trying to honour his traditional connections. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images and mentions of people who have died.

Tribute to Daryl Docherty, a beloved First Nations community leader from Toowoomba.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains images and mentions of people who have died.

Sallyann Hall never got the chance to go out on country with her brother.

It was where he felt most at peace and closest to his Aboriginal heritage, but she never got the chance to join him.

Daryl Docherty, a Kullilli man, spent his life trying to deepen his connection to Aboriginal culture, and now his family, friends, and the community are trying to honour his incredible legacy.

He passed away following an unexpected health episode on April 9, just a week before his 54th birthday.

Often referred to as Doc, he will be remembered for his work as Regional Indigenous Co-ordinator for Education Queensland, his work in the First Nations community, and his years as a halfback at various Toowoomba football clubs.

On Table Top Mountain are (from left) Mark Copland, Darnell Southey, Ray Kerkhove, James Bonner and Daryl Docherty. Photo Contributed

The Docherty family, grew up in Mitchell before moving to Toowoomba.

His father was part of the Stolen Generation and Sallyann said it was her brother that was the one that helped her family deepen their connection to their roots.

“It’s even more important now for myself to be able to keep learning and share what he has passed on to us,” she said.

Doc used to go out on country to continue his learning and strengthen his connection, going on trips two or three times a year and sometimes for up to two weeks at a time.

Sometimes he travelled alone and other times with members of the mob.

“He could feel our ancestors and he could feel that that’s where we belonged,” Ms Hall said.

“He felt at peace out there. That’s where our mob comes from.

“I haven’t been out there and I didn’t get the chance for him to take me out,” she said.

“We never got the chance.”

Tribute to Daryl Docherty, a beloved First Nations community leader from Toowoomba.

Doc’s loving wife Natalie and two children Zachary and Mackenzie will remember him as being strong, humble, honest, and safe.

“He really loved and respected our old ways and he wanted people to love and really understand our culture,” Ms Docherty said.

Doc worked at the Department of Education for the last 15 years and was dedicated to teaching and carrying on knowledge about First Nations culture.

He spent years alongside his brother Toby bringing their traditional language, Kullilli, back to life.

“He carried a special cultural knowledge that he loved to share with those that sat with him,” Toby said.

“For people to take something, no matter how big or small, from what he shares with them.”

Ugarapul Widdi woman Priscilla Holborn, a manager for First Nations Education at the Department of Education said there was something Doc said to her once that will always stick with her.

“His strength, tenacity, and respect of those that went before us, saying that ‘our elders knocked those doors down so that we can enter the building and continue the fight,’” she said.

“The most generous man who was loved by those who knew him.”

CEO of Bunya People’s Aboriginal Corporation, Paul Dawson remembered Doc as an incredible storyteller and a very humble man.

“You could tell he was being led by the old people on his journey and he just was able to touch so many different souls in so many different ways,” he said.

“He had a particular passion for providing opportunities for young people to reconnect with country and community life.”

Mr Dawson said although Doc was relatively young, he and many others saw him as an Elder because of his incredible wisdom.

Doc will be remembered in a life celebration on Tuesday, May 6 at the Clive Berghofer Stadium.