Obituary: George Brown

George Brown was an elder from the Wreck Bay community. He began his successful struggle for land rights for his people in the early '70s. Like all Aboriginal land rights struggles, it was long and tiring, but it culminated after more than 20 years in the Wreck Bay Aboriginal land rights legislation which handed back the land to the Wreck Bay community last year.

George, however, didn't fight just for Aboriginal people. He fought to save Jervis Bay for all Australians and was instrumental in saving the bay from becoming a major naval base. George always maintained a vision of Jervis Bay remaining a holiday place for low-income families.

George Brown, Aboriginal leader, committed environmentalist, true socialist and dear friend, you'll be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved you.
... Kel Dummett

From GLW issue 225