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Friday October 5 2007, Media Release

ADDRESS BY NSWALC CHAIRPERSON BEV MANTON AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE OF FORMER NSWALC CHAIRMAN MANUL RITCHIE

It is my sad duty today on behalf of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the land rights network to mark the passing of one of our finest Aboriginal warriors.

We have all come here today with our own private and cherished memories of Manul.

But we come together in a common bond.

That is to celebrate Manul’s life and to re-affirm our collective determination to carry on Manul’s pioneering fight for land rights and justice for our people.

His life was wholly dedicated to that task ---- locally, throughout NSW and Australia.

Too often, I think, we do not pay enough respect to our own warriors, both men and women -- who dare to stand up and fight against the powerful vested interests who would see us remain dispossessed and who would see us remain marginalised.

They have done so — and continue to do so -- no matter what odds are stacked against them or the toll taken on their personal lives.

Manul will for ever stand tall in such company.

He was one of our most energetic young warriors who later became one of our elder statesmen.

I’m sure there are many here today who will be remembering long talks on politics and philosophy with him. I’m sure there are many who will remember they did not always agree with him.

His views were always deeply considered and passionately expressed.

For this he was universally respected.

Manul became politically active during the mid-1960’s and was actively lobbying governments for change throughout the following decades.

Manul was on the frontline for our people’s rights – he was involved with the Land Rights movement of the 1970’s, and was there at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra in 1972.

He helped in the introduction of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1983 and was one of 13 state representatives who made up the first NSWALC Board.

When a misguided government tried to gain control over NSWALC’s Statutory Investment Fund, Manul was again leading the charge.

He and others waged a court battle and won so that the Fund was kept under Aboriginal control – where it remains today.

Manul’s leadership skills were reflected by terms as NSWALC Chairperson and Treasurer.

They were also demonstrated at a national level with his membership of FCAATSI
(the Federal Council of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders) and two terms as an elected ATSIC Regional Councillor in 1996 and 1999.

For nearly 20 years he served NSWALC at all levels and he was there when the last Council was sacked by government in 2003.

Manul and other Councillors always argued the Minister and DAA got it wrong and deprived NSW Aboriginal people of an elected voice for three and a half years.

Those who know the history cannot disagree.

Manul was actively involved to the end.

He attended his last Purfleet/Taree LALC meeting on 24 September and made a passionate plea to the members to go ahead with their Board election so the LALC could move forward.

He passed away only three days later.

Manul, we will never forget what you have done for your people and for your family.

We will always remember your strength, passion and commitment as a fighter for Aboriginal rights.

You may be gone

You will never be forgotten.