The tragic passing of a Tiwi icon

November 17, 2010

A statement from Bev Manton, Chairwoman of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council

It is with sadness that the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council offers its condolences to the family of former Tiwi Island Council chair Mr Wonaeamirri, who tragically passed away in a car crash on Sunday.

Mr Wonaeamirri was also vice chair of the Tiwi Bombers Football Club, and the father of Melbourne Demons player Austin Wonaeamirri.

"Mr Wonaeamirri was a strong community man, and his tragic death came as shock to his family, community and the Northern Territory as a whole," NSWALC Chairwoman Bev Manton said.

"Mr Wonaeamirri's passing is also a loss to Aborginal land rights in Australia more generally, and our thoughts are with his family and all those who knew him."