Geoffrey Shaw, a towering figure in Central Australia’s Aboriginal rights movement and a Vietnam War veteran, has passed away at the age of 79. Shaw, a Kaytetye and Arrernte man, was born in the dry Todd riverbed in 1945 and began his military career at the age of 18. He served with distinction in the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation and later in Vietnam, before dedicating his life to the service of his community in Alice Springs.
Shaw’s military career was marked by his leadership and bravery. He served as a commander with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and later joined the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment, where he completed two tours in Vietnam. After sustaining a battlefield injury, he was transferred to the 9th Battalion, where he continued to lead as a section commander and acting platoon sergeant.
Upon returning to Alice Springs, Shaw became a founding member of the Central Land Council (CLC), an organization that plays a crucial role in advocating for Aboriginal land rights. He served as deputy chair of the CLC, where his leadership and advocacy were deeply appreciated. Warren Williams, the current chair of the CLC, praised Shaw’s lifelong dedication to his people and his country.
“Mr Shaw believed deeply in service. To country, to community and to the nation. His military service shaped his discipline, leadership and strong sense of responsibility, all of which he carried into his work with the CLC,” Williams stated.
Champion of Aboriginal Rights
Shaw’s commitment to Aboriginal rights extended beyond his work with the CLC. From 1973 to 1975, he participated in landmark meetings following the royal commission into Aboriginal land rights, chaired by Justice Edward Woodward. This inquiry, established by the Whitlam government, was pivotal in recognizing Aboriginal land rights in the Northern Territory and led to the creation of the CLC, where Shaw served as a delegate until 2006.
In addition to his role with the CLC, Shaw was a former president of the Tangentyere Council, a community-controlled organization providing essential services to the 17 town camps around Alice Springs. He was also the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) commissioner for Central Australia. In recognition of his service, Shaw was awarded the Order of Australia in 1993.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, expressed her sorrow at Shaw’s passing, describing him as a “fierce and principled champion who always stood up for what was right and never wavered in his commitment to his people.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Shaw’s influence extended to mentoring young leaders and inspiring future generations to continue the struggle for justice, equality, and recognition of Aboriginal rights. His leadership helped shape the Tangentyere Council and transformed the lives of many First Nations families in Alice Springs.
Kevin Rockemer, secretary of the Alice Springs Returned and Services League, noted Shaw’s long-standing membership and the impact he had on the community. “We’re currently, through the president of the RSL, talking with his family with respect to any support that can be offered in his recent passing,” Rockemer said.
Shaw’s passing is a significant loss to the community, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps. His life was a testament to the power of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice.
“Mr Shaw was a strong voice and a champion of Aboriginal rights whose powerful legacy will continue to shape Central Australia for generations to come,” Minister McCarthy stated.
The Path Forward
As the community mourns the loss of Geoffrey Shaw, there is a renewed commitment to continue his work and uphold his legacy. His contributions to the land rights movement and the broader Central Australian community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
In this time of reflection, Shaw’s life serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership, advocacy, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for Aboriginal people in Australia. As the community gathers to honor his memory, the path forward is clear: to continue the fight for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal people, inspired by the legacy of Geoffrey Shaw.
