Hundreds of mourners gathered in Alice Springs to bid farewell to Chris “CP” Perry, a cherished figure in the Central Australian community. Perry, who had lived in the region for over 30 years, was celebrated for his deep involvement in local life and his intellectual curiosity. His partner, Di Newham, highlighted his generosity and warmth, saying he would be remembered for his “intellectual rigour and curiosity.”
Perry’s impact on the community was profound, having served in various roles including as a coach for the Stormbirds Soccer Club and a volunteer kangaroo carer with Wildcare Alice Springs. His commitment extended to education, where he was the first father to coordinate the Alice Springs Steiner School fair.
Strong Ties to Ngaanyatjarra Lands
Perry’s journey in Alice Springs began in 1992 when he arrived to work at the hospital. By the end of that year, he transitioned to a nursing role with the Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, located about 1,000 kilometers west of Alice Springs in the remote Ngaanyatjarra Lands of Western Australia. Over the next 16 years, Perry returned frequently to these lands, forming a deep connection with the community and its culture.
Di Newham reflected on the significance of this period in Perry’s life, stating, “Those lessons and those ways of being, those principles, are what he brought back and just continued to live by.” This time was pivotal, shaping Perry’s approach to life and his understanding of the world.
A Multifaceted Career
Throughout his career, Perry’s contributions spanned health, anthropology, policy, research, governance, ethics, and the arts. He held roles at the Ngaanyatjarra Council, Purple House, and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory. His extensive knowledge in Aboriginal health and research made him a valued mentor to many colleagues.
“All the researchers that he supported is another real tangible [impact],” Newham noted. “Like, in papers that got published; Chris helped do the stats for them or helped give some kind of feedback or comments.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Perry was known for his culinary skills. “He’d always cook up a big feed … just quietly behind the scenes,” Newham shared.
A Tragic Loss
Perry’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 54 in a car crash south of Stuarts Well on the Stuart Highway, just days before Christmas. The accident also involved his partner, Di Newham, and their 16-year-old daughter, Ella Newham-Perry. While Ella was physically uninjured, Newham suffered severe injuries, including broken ankles and a fractured knee.
“It’s a huge loss to lose your dad at 16 in that way, where you don’t get a chance to say goodbye,” Newham expressed, reflecting on the impact of Perry’s passing on their daughter.
At the funeral, Ella spoke of her father’s resilience and determination, recounting a memory from an overnight hike on the Larapinta Trail where he dislocated his finger but continued undeterred.
Community Support and Legacy
The community’s response to Perry’s passing has been overwhelming. A fundraiser for the family has raised approximately $70,000, with a notable $10,000 contribution from an anonymous donor. “I’ve been really overwhelmed by the amount of support that we’ve got,” Newham said, highlighting the respect and admiration Perry commanded.
Community members have also organized meal deliveries and installed a ramp at the family home to aid Newham’s recovery. “It’s a huge comfort,” she acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of community support during this challenging time.
As Alice Springs mourns the loss of Chris Perry, his legacy of kindness, intellectual curiosity, and community service continues to inspire those who knew him. His life serves as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community.
