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Wednesday 17 November 2004, Media Release

NSWALC MOURNS THE PASSING OF AN ELDER

Aboriginal people in New South Wales have lost a tireless campaigner and rights and welfare advocate with the passing of Toomelah elder, Julie Whitton.

Julie passed away last Friday night.

She devoted her life to helping other people and quickly gained the respect of all who met and worked with her.

Julie was a strong advocate of Aboriginal Land Rights and the rights of Aboriginal children.

She was a key player in the report of Justice Marcus Einfeld that
opened Australia's eyes to the plight of former missions in NSW (Human
Rights Commission Report) in the late 1980's.

Julie also played a leading role in the struggle to protect Boobera Lagoon in north
western NSW, a very significant Aboriginal site.

Her political involvement began with with Aboriginal Family Education Centre (AFEC) movement in the very early 1970s and led the Toomelah-Boggabilla Land Council in various positions.

She was only recently elected chairperson of Toomelah-Boggabilla LALC, was a member of the North West Regional Aboriginal Land Council and the Kamilaroi ATSIC Regional Council.

She was also a member of the recently appointed Boobera Lagoon Reserve Trust.

Julie will be sorely missed.

We extend our sincere condolences to her family on behalf of all at NSWALC.

Murray Chapman
Administrator

William Johnstone
Chief Executive Officer.