Respected Kimberley Elder, Mr Thomas Birch, is being remembered as a dedicated community leader and devoted family man.

On Saturday, the Wunan Foundation issued a statement on the passing of Mr Birch, a revered Foundation Board Member.

The Foundation said: "It is with deep sadness and great respect that we honour the life and legacy of Thomas (Tom) Birch - our Elder, Board Member, and friend."

Mr Birch was a pillar of the Wunan Foundation for more than three decades. He served as Chair and for many years as a Director, and played a pivotal role in the development of the Foundation as well as the direction and future of Aboriginal advancement in the East Kimberley.

Mr Birch served in the roles of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Kimberley Land Council over a 13-year period, from 1999 to 2012.

The Wunan Foundation noted that during his time with the Land Council, Mr Birch "guided the organisation through a period of significant change and achievement, including major milestones in the recognition of Native Title across the Kimberley".

He was also a dedicated member of the Kimberley Language Resource Centre and the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre.

The Wunan Foundation honoured Mr Birch as "a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a trusted friend to so many" who led a life "full of purpose, love, and of service".

"Tom brought knowledge and inspiration to everything he did. He led with strength, patience, humour, and heart," the organisation said.

The Foundation's statement said Mr Birch was a stalwart within his community of Wyndham; "a calm but firm voice of leadership who championed the inclusion of young people in decision-making roles, ensuring the next generation had a seat at the table and a voice in their own future".

"Tom dedicated his life to creating real, lasting change - social and economic - for Aboriginal people. He believed deeply in empowering individuals, families, and communities to take control of their futures and to walk forward with pride, strength, and independence.

"His contribution wasn't just about vision - it was about action."

The Foundation sent their deepest condolences to the family of Mr Birch, noting that he "spoke often about his family with love and pride".

"He was, at heart, a family man. Your loss is ours too, and we honour the strength you've shown as a family during this time. At Wunan, we will carry his legacy forward - in the work we do, in the way we lead, and in the way we walk alongside our community," they wrote.

"We invite everyone who knew and loved him to honour him in your thoughts, your stories, and your quiet moments. Rest peacefully Mr Birch."