6 November, 2024

NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Land Rights Network mourn the passing of John Delaney, a proud Kamilaroi man and legendary fighter for his people.

A former NSWALC Councillor for Western Metropolitan, John was a member of the first elected NSWALC Council.

John will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Aboriginal Health, Land Rights, Aboriginal Housing, Aboriginal Medical, Legal and Children’s Services, Aboriginal Culture and Heritage, and Aboriginal Business Development.

He was on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Sydney Region for 9 years (three years as Chairperson) and as a former ATSIC commissioner, he pushed for the government to adopt the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

A great grandson of Mary Jane “Queenie’’ Cain, John was born on Burra Bee Dee Mission in 1934. As a young boy, John’s Mumma took him to the 26 January 1938 Day of Mourning meeting held at the Australian Hall in Sydney. His family knew famous legends of Land Rights such as Jack Patten, William Cooper, William Ferguson and Aunty Pearl Gibbs, who his family would often visit at La Pa.

John was ATSIC’s nominee to the National Health & Medical Council, a Councillor on the NSW Heritage Council, on the board of directors for the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board, and Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Heritage Committee. Uncle John had a particular interest in health, especially Aboriginal Health Services which he credits for his longevity in his fight against lung cancer and his family’s journey with breast cancer.

He was a board member of Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service, founding board member of Daruk Aboriginal Medical Service, founding board member of Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, board member of the Southern Western Area Health Service and a community member of the NSW Cancer Institute’s Aboriginal Cancer Plan Governance Committee.

NSWALC Chairperson Cr Raymond Kelly said: “Uncle John dedicated his life to improving the lives of First Nations people. His political acumen and feistiness served his community well and he was a great support to my father in the establishment period of the NSW Aboriginal Culture and Heritage protection period.

“On behalf of the Land Rights Network, I send my deep condolences to John’s family at this very sad time.”

NSWALC Deputy Chairperson Cr Ross Hampton said: “Uncle John understood the value and importance of Aboriginal community controlled organisations in advancing self-determination. I worked with him extensively when he was on the board of directors for the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board and his advice was always greatly trusted and respected.’’

A memorial service for John Delaney will be held on Friday, 8 November at 11am at the Whitlam Leisure Centre, Memorial Avenue, Liverpool. Burial will follow at the Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury.