Sorry Business - Uncle Laddie Timbery Farewelled in Nowra

NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Land Rights network mourns the passing of Dharawal and Yuin Elder Laddie Timbery.

Uncle Laddie was a well-known artist and respected Elder from the Bidjigal clan on the NSW south coast and was farewelled by family and community at a funeral service in Nowra earlier this week.

Uncle Laddie was born at La Perouse in Sydney and was a long-time member of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council.

He specialised in making traditional boomerangs from the mangrove tree and was also an expert in the intricate craftsmanship of burning-in, a technique of burning designs into wood to decorate artefacts and artworks.

NSWALC Chair Anne Dennis said that Uncle Laddie's dedication to traditional craft will be remembered by generations to follow him.

"Uncle Laddie Timbery spent his life perfecting the craftsmanship of his ancestors and keeping it alive and growing."

"He leaves a legacy of traditional skills and beautiful work, and his generosity to communities in La Perouse and on the NSW south coast and beyond, will always be remembered," she said.

"On behalf of the Land Rights network, I send my deepest condolences to the Timbery family."