4 years ago
THE SAD DEATHS OF TWO RESPECTED ABORIGINAL WESTERN AUSTRALIANS
SENATOR PATRICK DODSON
The deaths of two talented and much-respected Aboriginal people from Western Australia in the past few days have been deeply saddening.
Ningali Lawford-Wolf, a Wangkatjungka woman only 52 years old, was a distinguished artistic performer. Her acclaimed roles in feature films like Rabbit-Proof Fence, Bran Nue Dae and Last Cab to Darwin were outstanding. The continuing popularity of those titles will ensure that her contribution to the Aboriginal performing arts scene will long endure.
That she died at such a young age and so far from her home country is terribly tragic.
And the death of Graham “Polly” Farmer after a long illness has rightly led to a nationwide recognition of his outstanding football career. I salute his extraordinary record.
I am gladdened that his family has accepted the West Australian Government’s offer of a State Funeral. His legacy is most deserving of such official recognition.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to both families.
Ningali Lawford-Wolf, a Wangkatjungka woman only 52 years old, was a distinguished artistic performer. Her acclaimed roles in feature films like Rabbit-Proof Fence, Bran Nue Dae and Last Cab to Darwin were outstanding. The continuing popularity of those titles will ensure that her contribution to the Aboriginal performing arts scene will long endure.
That she died at such a young age and so far from her home country is terribly tragic.
And the death of Graham “Polly” Farmer after a long illness has rightly led to a nationwide recognition of his outstanding football career. I salute his extraordinary record.
I am gladdened that his family has accepted the West Australian Government’s offer of a State Funeral. His legacy is most deserving of such official recognition.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to both families.