Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to honour an incredible man whose life and legacy left an indelible mark in our region and, indeed, in our nation: Gudju Gudju, also known as Seith Fourmile. Gudju Gudju was not only a dear friend but a mentor, a leader and a source of immense strength and wisdom to many people in my community, myself included. His contributions to the Indigenous sovereignty movement, social justice and environmental advocacy were profound. He was a man deeply committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yidindji people.

Perhaps one of Gudju Gudju's most remarkable achievements was his unwavering determination to bring home the remains of ancestors that had been taken to Germany back in the 19th century. His journey to repatriate those remains was not just an act of cultural preservation; it was an act of restoring dignity and justice to his people. It was a victory for all First Nations Australians.

Gudju Gudju was a powerful figure. Whether in his role in seeing the Aboriginal flag officially flown in Cairns—and we were one of the first cities in Australia to do so—or leading the campaign to rename Blackfellows Creek to Bana Gindarja Creek, Gudju Gudju's actions were bold, meaningful and driven by his deep passion for justice and his commitment to his people's sovereignty. In every conversation I had with him, Gudju Gudju's understanding of land, culture and history left a lasting impact. He had a unique ability to not only communicate the issues facing his people but make you feel the soul behind those issues.

Despite his achievements, Gudju Gudju never ever sought the spotlight. He was a humble man. His laughter and warmth would light up a room. Above all, he was a devoted family man. To his greatest source of pride and joy, his wife, Jenny, and his children, I offer my deepest condolences. Your husband and father was a man of great courage and wisdom, and his legacy will inspire generations to come.

Though we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate the incredible life that he lived and the work that he did to make our region and our country a better place. Rest in peace, my friend. I love you dearly. You are certainly dearly missed, but I can assure you that you will never ever be forgotten.

See this speech in context