Mr T Wurramarrba AO, former Chairman of the Anindilyakwa Land Council and a long-serving advocate for Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, has passed away.
On Sunday the Anindilyakwa Land Council announced with "a heavy heart" that they mourn the passing of Mr Wurramarrba, overnight on Groote Eylandt.
"On behalf of past and present ALC board and staff members, we offer our sincere condolences to Mr T Wurramarrba's family," the Council said in a joint statement.
"Mr T Wurramarrba was a great man, leader, and spokesperson, who was strongly dedicated to his family and his people.
"He was educated at Angurugu primary school and attended Dupuma College at Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land, before establishing a long and successful career advocating for the priorities of the Anindilyakwa people."
The ALC noted that Mr Wurramarrba's career at the Council began through roles as Community Liaison and Assistant Manager in 1991, before becoming a Board member in 1992.
"Mr T Wurramarrba was elected Chair of the ALC in 2003, a position he held up until his retirement last month (save for a short period in 2009-10 when he served as Deputy Chair)," they said.
"Mr T Wurramarrba represented the Anindilyakwa people across all levels of government, and he always had a close eye on the future. This included advocating for important economic advancements (such as the Winchelsea Mine) to secure his people's future once the GEMCO mine leaves. He also oversaw more women and young people joining the Board and taking up important leadership positions.
"In 2018, Mr T Wurramarrba signed the groundbreaking Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement, which has seen a reduction of overcrowding through new housing and better tenancy management under local control, significant ABA funding to construct an independent boarding school on Bickerton Island for Anindilyakwa youth to receive a well-rounded bilingual education on country, the construction of a 32 bed on-country alternative to custody facility (the Anindilyakwa Healing Centre) to break the cycle of high incarceration rates amongst Anindilyakwa men, and the return of both Local Government and the Groote Eylandt Township Lease back to Groote control."
The ALC said Mr Wurramarrba also played significant roles in numerous other historic events and milestones, including the establishment of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Barunga Agreement, and the Groote Eylandt Regional Partnership Agreement, to name only a few.
"Mr T Wurramarrba served on many distinguished boards and committees throughout his career, including as Chair of the ALC Finance Committee, Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation, Groote Holdings Aboriginal Corporation and Winchelsea Mining Pty Ltd, as foundation trustee of the Anindilyakwa Mining Trust, as a director of Aboriginal Sea Company, APONT, Miwatj Health, and MJD Foundation, and as a member of the former ABA Advisory Committee," they said.
"In 2013, Mr T Wurramarrba was recognised for this outstanding service to the Indigenous community of the Groote Archipelago as an Officer of the Order of Australia. Mr T Wurramarrba was pivotal in representing the Anindilyakwa people across a vast span of reformative initiatives, and his leadership, service, and advocacy will have a lasting impact for years to come."
The Northern Land Council also expressed "great sadness" at the passing of Mr Wurramarrba, extending - on behalf of the Council's past and present board members and staff - its deepest condolences to Mr Wurramarrba's family, the Anindilyakwa people, and the entire community.
In a joint statement, the Northern Land Council said Mr Wurramarrba was a remarkable leader, a dedicated spokesperson, and a tireless advocate for his people.
"His commitment to the Anindilyakwa people saw him rise from roles such as an ALC Community Liaison and Assistant Manager in 1991 to becoming a Board member in 1992. He was elected Chair of the ALC in 2003, a role he held with distinction until his retirement last month," they said.
"Mr Wurramarrba's leadership was characterised by his vision for the future, as seen in his advocacy for economic advancements, and his efforts to involve more women and young people in leadership. His legacy includes signing the Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement in 2018, which led to many significant advancements for the Anindilyakwa community."
NLC chair Matthew Ryan said Mr Wurramarrba's "commitment to his people and all his hard work for their rights and future is an example for us all".
"His leadership and vision will be missed greatly," he said.
"Through his dedication and many hard-fought wins, the late Chairmain has left a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us all. Our Council is mourning, but at the same time we draw strength from celebrating his remarkable life."
Mr Wurramarrba served on many notable boards and committees throughout his career, including the ALC Finance Committee, Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation, Groote Holdings Aboriginal Corporation, Winchelsea Mining Pty Ltd, and as a trustee of the Anindilyakwa Mining Trust. He was also a director of the Aboriginal Sea Company, APONT, Miwatj Health, and MJD Foundation, and a member of the former ABA Advisory Committee.
The Northern Land Council said his contributions to the community of the Groote Archipelago and beyond will have a lasting impact, and that it "joins the ALC in mourning this great loss".
"Mr Wurramarrba's leadership, dedication, and service have left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered with great respect and admiration."
The Anindilyakwa Land Council office will be closed until ceremonial events are completed.
