Vale Mr Geoff Shaw OAM
Congress joins the many other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations in Central Australia and beyond mourning the loss of Mr Geoff Shaw OAM who passed away yesterday morning.
Mr Shaw’s life was characterised by his courageous leadership of Aboriginal people, and his powerful advocacy about the issues impacting our communities.
His strong involvement with Congress over the years began at the organisation’s very beginning.
One of our original staff members, Mr Shaw first worked in Congress doing pick up services and in the night shelter. In 1975 he was the Congress Liaison Officer, and the Congress representative on the Alcohol Action Committee in 1976. In 1977 he became the Senior Coordinator of the Congress Welfare Division and was elected President of the Congress Cabinet in 1978 and 1979.
A remarkably courageous man, Mr Shaw served in the Australian armed forces in Indonesia and Malaysia, and in the Vietnam war. He came back empowered to fight for Aboriginal rights and his life went on to be one of leadership. He has been instrumental in the formation and management of several strong and important Aboriginal organisations apart from Congress, including Central Land Council and Tangentyere Council.
We were very proud to have Mr Shaw speak at Congress’ 50th anniversary in 2023. Our condolences are with Mr Shaw’s family and the many other people who loved him. We hope that your grief is tempered by the great respect held for him by so many people in Central Australia and beyond, along with the lasting and profound impact that his life will continue to have for generations to come.
Media Contact: Kate Buckland kate.buckland@caac.org.au 0408 741 691
