STATE FUNERAL FOR ABORIGINAL LEADER

The Premier of New South Wales, Ms Kristina Keneally has offered the family of Charles "Chika" Dixon a state funeral.

Aboriginal people throughout New South Wales and the broader Australian community have welcomed the Premier's offer.

The Aboriginal activist who broke the rules during his life is to be given a ceremonial send-off normally reserved for governors, premiers and ministers.

The last time an Aboriginal person was offered a state funeral in NSW was in 2000, to mark the passing of Charlie Perkins.

Mr Dixon was a national figure and was among many other things was a central figure in the campaign for the YES referendum on citizenship for Aboriginal Australians.

Uncle Chicka was a much-loved Aboriginal leader.

With his death we have lost another of our great fighters for Aboriginal rights.