Geoffrey Shaw, Aboriginal Rights Champion and Vietnam War Veteran, Dies Aged 79
Geoffrey Shaw, a Kaytetye and Arrernte man born in 1945 in the Todd Riverbed, died in Alice Springs on Thursday at the age of 79.
He was a Vietnam War veteran who served 18 months as a commander with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation. Following a battlefield injury, he continued to serve with the 2nd and 9th Battalions, including undertaking two Vietnam tours.
Shaw was a founding member of the Central Land Council (CLC) and served as its deputy chair. He was a delegate from the council's inception in 1973 until 2006. Additionally, he served as president of the Tangentyere Council and was the first ATSIC commissioner for Central Australia.
He played a significant role in landmark meetings following the royal commission into Aboriginal land rights (1973–75) and helped establish the CLC. In recognition of his community service, Shaw was awarded the Order of Australia in 1993.
Tributes from Warren Williams, CLC chair, Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, and RSL secretary Kevin Rockemer highlighted Shaw’s leadership, advocacy for Aboriginal rights, and lifelong commitment to serving his community.
