The Passing of Uncle Jacko Smith

3 February, 2011

The Passing of Uncle Jacko Smith

3 February 2011   

Commiserations have flooded in this week following the passing of Gamilaroi land rights icon Uncle Jack Smith.

The entire NSW land rights network would like to join together in conveying their deep sadness at the passing of a true warrior for Aboriginal rights.

After a stint in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Inverell, Jacko moved to Sydney then onto the central coast following his passion for Aboriginal equality. And it was Jacko's work on the coast that singlehandedly changed the direction of land rights in that region forever.

He worked relentlessly day and night to enable the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council to become one of the most successful in the history of NSW land rights. His achievements at this local level by far his greatest, and his legacy on the coast is certainly enduring.

Jacko wasn't all work and no play though. He had an unwavering passion for the 'working man's game' So much so, he became the team manager to the first Aboriginal rugby league side to tour New Zealand back in 1969, paving the way for the popular All Stars format we know and love today. And it was during that tour he developed some of his closest friendships and allegiances in Aboriginal affairs.

Uncle Jacko was a tireless advocate of Aboriginal rights in all their forms, and his lifetime of struggle is to be respected, celebrated and most importantly, never forgotten.

FURTHER DETAILS: DARKINJUNG LALC (02) 4351 2930

FUNERAL DETAILS:

Moree:

Friday, February 11 at 11am
Mehi River bank, Moree (near the Service Club)
Burial to take place at the Moree cemetery (near the Golf Club)
Refreshments following at the Lifestyle Centre in Anne Street

Central Coast:

Monday February 7 at 1pm
Mingara Recreation Club, main Auditorium

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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