The Central Australian community is in mourning following the death of one of its most respected Aboriginal leaders, Geoffrey Shaw OAM. The Kaytetye and Arrernte man, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and a foundational figure in the land rights movement, passed away in Alice Springs on Thursday. He was 79 years old.
From the Todd Riverbed to the Battlefields of Vietnam
Geoffrey Shaw was born in the dry bed of the Todd River in 1945. His path of service began early when, at the age of 18 in 1964, he enlisted in the Australian Army. Shaw's military career was distinguished and arduous. He first served for 18 months in the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation as a commander with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
He later joined the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment, undertaking two tours of duty in Vietnam after Australia entered the conflict. His service was cut short by a battlefield injury, leading to a transfer to the 9th Battalion where he served as a section commander and acting platoon sergeant before his discharge in the early 1970s.
A Founding Force for Land Rights and Community
Returning home to the Mount Nancy town camp outside Alice Springs, Shaw channeled the discipline and leadership honed in the military into advocacy for his people. He became a pivotal figure in the struggle for Aboriginal land rights. From 1973 to 1975, he attended the landmark meetings that followed the Woodward Royal Commission, which was established by the Whitlam government to investigate Aboriginal land rights in the Northern Territory.
This process led directly to the creation of the Central Land Council (CLC), of which Shaw was a founding member. He served as a delegate from its inception in the mid-1970s until 2006, most recently holding the position of deputy chair. His community leadership extended to roles as president of the Tangentyere Council, which supports Alice Springs town camps, and as the first ATSIC commissioner for Central Australia. In 1993, his immense contribution was recognised with an Order of Australia medal.
A Legacy of Leadership and Unwavering Principle
Tributes have flowed for a man described as a mentor and a fierce champion. The current CLC chair, Warren Williams, said Shaw "believed deeply in service" and that his military experience shaped a strong sense of responsibility he brought to his advocacy. "Mr Shaw's contribution to this organisation, the land rights movement and the wider Central Australian community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude," Williams stated.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said she was "deeply saddened," calling Shaw a "fierce and principled champion who always stood up for what was right." Kevin Rockemer, secretary of the Alice Springs Returned and Services League, confirmed Shaw was a long-time member who would be "well-remembered amongst those of us in the RSL."
Geoffrey Shaw's life journey—from the Todd riverbed, through the jungles of Southeast Asia, to the forefront of the fight for Aboriginal justice—leaves a powerful legacy. He is remembered as a veteran who served his nation and a leader who devoted his life to serving his people, inspiring future generations to continue the pursuit of equality and recognition.
