Hope Vale mourns Kathryn and Christine Gibson and Robert Deemal as community loses friendly advocates
A Far North Indigenous town is approaching the end of the year with heavy hearts following the recent deaths of three proud community members who were “always there for everyone”.
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A Far North Indigenous town is approaching the end of the year with heavy hearts following the recent deaths of three proud community members who were “always there for everyone.”
The Hope Vale shire, north of Cooktown, is mourning the loss of teacher and community advocate Robert Deemal who died aged in his 60s last week, and sisters Kathryn and Christine Gibson, who died in a single-vehicle crash on the Mulligan Hwy near Lakeland on Sunday.
Hope Vale Mayor and cousin of Kathryn, 60, and Christine, 59, Bruce Gibson said there was a deep sadness around the tight-knit remote community following the recent tragedies.
“Christine had many roles around the Cape, she was quite well respected – and she eventually came home,” Mr Gibson said.
He said Christine Gibson held roles Apunipima Cape York Health Council, with the Lockhart River local government, for Metro Mining Ltd, and eventually as a Hope Vale commissioner for the Family Responsibilities Commission.
“She was a joyful community advocate, detail-focused and she would speak to anyone, always happy to say hello,” Mr Gibson said.
“She was a responsible parent, and grandparent, but also just responsible to the community.
“She’ll be remembered for her smile, her friendly nature and her ability to get on with everyone.”
Mr Gibson said Kathryn’s younger sister Christine was the opposite to her older sibling, as a more reserved individual, but he would remember his cousin for her humour.
“She was more of a quiet, stick to yourself kind of person, but she was always there for family.
“She was always there for a laugh, very friendly and humorous.”
Mr Gibson said his community was “gutted” at the moment following the death of the Gibson sisters, which occurred just a week after the loss of Mr Deemal.
He said while Mr Deemal was officially a qualified teacher, he held a greater community role by binding the community through his cultural teachings and presence.
“I remember him as a teacher at the local school when I was growing up, but he was always there when something needed to be done for the community,” Mr Gibson said.
“He would MC a lot of public meetings, ensured everyone had the information they needed, or if someone needed assistance putting on an event or a band, he was there.
“His last words to me was ‘brother, I don’t want to be paid for the things I do, it’s what I want to put back into this community’.”
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