Ministerial Statement

ABORIGINAL ELDERS

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:06): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. P. CAICA: I would like to acknowledge the passing of three highly respected Aboriginal South Australians. Mr Gilbert Coulthard (Uncle Gil), a respected Adnyamathanha elder, was an ambassador and role model for his people. Sadly, he passed away on 12 June 2012. We extend sincere condolences to Uncle Gil's wife, Mrs Linda Coulthard, his family and the Adnyamathanha people.

Uncle Gil played an important role in instructing the young people and passing on his knowledge of country. He acted as a role model for many Aboriginal people through his passionate commitment to the conservation of land in the Flinders Ranges, particularly around his beloved Balcanoona. In 1978, he became one of South Australia's first Aboriginal park rangers and worked for the then department for environment and heritage for over 20 years on his traditional country at Balcanoona on the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park.

He was instrumental in establishing co-management arrangements for the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, the first park to establish co-management between DENR and traditional owners, and the role model for co-management arrangements of other national parks. Uncle Gilbert was one of the first people to teach us that land management and conservation of culture are intertwined. He was generous in sharing his knowledge so that we could together understand the importance of country and heritage.

There have been many public announcements of Uncle Gilbert's contributions, most recently through the opening of the walking trail that is named in his honour. He was also recognised in 2009 when he was awarded NAIDOC Elder of the Year. I think that his enduring contribution will be the current and future generations of Adnyamathanha people who understand and work to live to the rules of the 'Yura way'.

I was also very saddened to hear about the passing of Kaurna elder Auntie Rose Dixon. Auntie Rose was the oldest living Kaurna elder and played an important role in the community, often being called upon to represent the Kaurna people. She is recognised for her significant contributions in the areas of education and health, especially among the southern Adelaide community.

I was further saddened to learn about the passing of Mrs Ningali Cullen, formerly known as Mrs Audrey Kinnear, an Anangu woman who is regarded as a catalyst to the many Aboriginal people who followed her in developing professional careers in a diverse range of fields. Over many years she was a courageous voice in fighting for support for the stolen generations, of which she was a member. She worked tirelessly to encourage reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We all owe a debt of gratitude for the contributions made by each of these leaders. To each of their families, I extend my sincere condolences at this very difficult time.