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April 30, 2001 Media Release

NSWALC CONGRATULATES UNSUNG HERO

The United Nation's "Unsung Hero" Award for Aboriginal teacher and philosopher Jack Beetson has been applauded by the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council.

"It's gratifying to see some international recognition for one of our own," Chairman Rod Towney said today. "Jack Beetson has long been an admired and much respected member of the NSW Aboriginal community. This award is very much deserved and NSWALC congratulates him on this great achievement."

Jack Beetson came to Tranby Aboriginal College in Sydney, as a student more than 15 years ago. He went on to become a teacher there and later its Executive Director. The college has been responsible for the education of generations of Aboriginal students.

Mr Beetson also runs Linga Longa on the NSW mid north coast, an aboriginal philosophy farm which brings together black and white to learn from each other.

"People often talk about Reconciliation, but Jack Beetson is doing it," Chairman Towney said. " He's a fine role model for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike."

Only 12 people worldwide have received the UN's "Unsung Hero" Award.

"The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council is not surprised Jack Beetson has been honoured by the United Nations, and we should all be proud that an Aboriginal man from NSW is the first Australian to receive this prestigious award," Chairman Towney concluded.