Wednesday, 27 May 2020
MOREE’S Aboriginal community has lost one of its most prominent advocates with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today extending his condolences to the family of Gomeroi elder Uncle Lyall Munro Snr, following his passing late last week.
Mr Marshall said Uncle Lyall had been a leading voice for Aboriginal Land Rights his entire life, even joining Charles Perkins during the historic Freedom Rides in 1965.
“Wearing his iconic black hat, Uncle Lyall was a force to be reckoned with, his advocacy paving the way for the establishment of the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service,” Mr Marshall said.
“Present at the ground breaking Freedom Ride in 1965, with activist Charles Perkins, the historic student protest outside Moree Pool resulted in Aboriginal people being allowed into the facility for the first time.
“As a descendant of the victims and survivors of the Myall Creek Massacre, Uncle Lyall was also a founding member of the Myall Creek Memorial Committee, which has developed a fitting tribute and memorial at the massacre site over the past two decades.
“Alongside his wife Carmine, Uncle Lyall advocated on behalf of Aboriginal people for access to employment, education and life free from discrimination.
“The legacy of Uncle Lyall Munro Snr will be felt by many, for many generations to come and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all those whose lives were changed for the better, as a result of his actions.”
Mr Marshall said he had written to Premier Gladys Berejiklian requesting consideration be given to a State Funeral for Uncle Lyall.
“Uncle Lyall is regarded as an important and prominent Aboriginal Land Rights advocate in Australia and especially in NSW. He dedicated his life to advocate for the rights of all Aboriginal people,” Mr Marshall said.
“His life-long and deep commitment to bringing about change for the better to Aboriginal people across NSW should be acknowledged at a State level and I have sought consideration for a State Funeral to be granted.
“It would be a fitting tribute for a prominent and distinguished member of the NSW community.”