Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names and pictures of deceased Aboriginal persons. Readers are warned there may be words and descriptions which may be culturally distressing. The family of Dr Yunupingu has given permission for the use of his name and image.

The late Yolŋu land rights pioneer, Dr Galarrwuy Yunupingu, has been awarded an Order of Australia (AC) in the annual January 26 awards.

The 1978 Australian of the year, who passed away in April 2023, was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia General Division, with effect from 16 February 2023.

Dr Yunupingu was awarded the highest recognition in the Australian honours system for "eminent service to First Nation Peoples, in particular traditional land ownership, to leadership in economic development initiatives, to fostering reconciliation and respect, and as a custodian of culture and ceremony".

The Yunupingu family, along with the Elders of the Gumatj clan, the Yothu Yindi Foundation and the Gumatj Corporation, welcomed the awarding of Australia Day honours to Dr Yunupingu, whose achievements include chairing the Yothu Yindi Foundation between 1990 and 2023.

Furthermore, he was a member of the Senior Advisory Group for the Co-Design of the Indigenous Voice to Government, and a member of the Referendum Council for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

His daughter, Binmila Yunupingu, said her father was a ceremonial leader of the highest degree.

"My father was our Dalkarra (the ceremonial leader of the Gumatj clan), and a Djungaya (a leader for his mother clans). He was gong dhulang (the holder of our religious designs and icons), and gong bilma (the holder of our song-cycles)," Binmila said.

"Dad was a born leader, and through his life he gained very high ceremonial knowledge, such that his life was spent honouring and guarding our laws and ceremonies, passing them on in perfection to the next generations."

Dr Yunupingu was also a leader in the non-Yolŋu world, his daughter said, establishing and leading the Northern Land Council between 1983 and 2004.

"He balanced his world by gaining the influence and education from the balanda (non-Yolŋu) world, as his vision was about balance and equality. He believed in equal rights for all people no matter what race," Binmila said.

"A husband, a grandfather, brother, uncle, but most importantly a strong and loving father to me, he taught me to be a strong woman which I have become today. He influenced me with his powerful leadership and the sharpness of his thinking, telling me to look ahead into the future, to be prepared for what challenges would be awaiting ahead."

Yothu Yindi Foundation Chairman and Dr Yunupingu's brother, Djawa Yunupingu, said he wanted to acknowledge all his brother did for his family, for the Yolŋu people of East Arnhem Land, and for Australia.

"First and always, he was my big brother. He cared for me, guided me, and loved me, like he did all his brothers and sisters," Djawa said.

"In ceremonies he was our Dalkarra—our highest and most respected ceremonial leader and a ceremonial leader for both Yirritja and Dhuwa clans. To me he was the leader of all leaders."

"He was a Yolŋu man, an Australian – being born from the very bones of the country, he has now returned to our land, to be with our ancestors. He taught us to take our part in the world and to act seriously as Yolŋu people – that we are of this country and the country is of us."

Describing his brother as a family man who told them to never forget "who you are, or where you come," Djawa said Dr Yunupingu said the most important thing in the world was family.

"On behalf of his remaining brothers Balupalu, Nungki, Nalkuma, Djakapurra and Gunanydji, and our last two sisters, Dela and Djakangu, we thank the Order of Australia for recognising our brother and remember him with respect and love on this day."

Dr Yunupingu passed away in 2023, surrounded by his extended family, on his land at Gunyangara, a place from where his identity and wellbeing was derived.

He lies in rest overlooking the community, his body and spirit with his ancestors.