The legacy of Indigenous rights activist Evelyn Scott has been remembered by high-profile indigenous figures and government officials at a state funeral in Townsville.
The lifelong social justice campaigner died peacefully in her sleep in late September.
Mourners gathered at the Townsville Stadium on Friday, where Western Australian Senator Pat Dodson delivered a eulogy acknowledging Dr Scott’s leading role in the referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians in 1967.
Aboriginal rights campaigner Dr Evelyn Scott (pictured) farewelled at moving state funeral
The legacy of Indigenous rights activist Dr Evelyn Scott was remembered by high-profile indigenous figures and government officials
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (left) and Sam Backo (son of Evelyn – right) deliver tributes at the state funeral of Dr Evelyn Scott
‘I want to thank her family for giving this nation the opportunity to benefit from her grace, her experience and her wisdom,’ Senator Dodson said.
‘She has left our nation a richer, a fairer, a more equal place because of her commitment and her dedication.’
Born in 1935, Dr Scott’s career started in north Queensland where she lobbied for legal, housing and medical services and indigenous women’s rights.
Gracelyn Smallwood, an Adjunct Professor at James Cook University, recalled the lasting impression of remarks Dr Scott delivered at a Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders meeting in the 1950s.
Senator Pat Dodson (pictured) delivers an eulogy at the state funeral of Dr Evelyn Scott
Professor Gracelyn Smallwood (pictured) AM delivers the Welcome to Country at the state funeral
Family and friends pictured at the state funeral held for Dr Evelyn Scott
Senata Prior farewells her cousin Dr Evelyn Scott at the state funeral at Townsville Stadium
‘She was very vocal and she was such a tall, striking Indigenous woman, that I’ve never forgotten,’ Professor Smallwood told AAP.
‘I was very impressed, hearing about human rights violations and advocacy for social justice.
‘It’s helped drive me to where I am today, 55 years down the track as a human rights activist, but (also) an advocate for all Australians, to understand truth and reconciliation in this country.’
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk lamented former governments’ opposition to delivering equality.
Renata Prior (cousin of Evelyn) and Sam Backo (son of Evelyn) farewell Dr Scott
The lifelong social justice crusader (pictured) died peacefully in her sleep late September
‘She has left our nation a richer, fairer and more equal place’ Senator Dodson had said of Dr Scott
‘Too often, the government of the day was focused on the management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, with no objective or ambition to achieve equality of opportunity for all, least of all the First Australians,’ the premier said.
‘As Evelyn said, ‘In true reconciliation, through the remembering, the grieving and the healing, we can come to terms with our conscience and become as one in the dreaming of this land’.
‘Dr Scott, thanks to you, today we reach out our hands and we dare to share your dream.’