Kumantjay Perkins: A life of dignified struggle for his people
19 October 2000
The National Tertiary Education Union, representing 25,000 members in higher education, extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and community of Aboriginal leader Kumantjay Perkins, who passed away this morning.
NTEU President Dr. Carolyn Allport said that it is important for all Australians to recognise the outstanding contribution he has made to Australian society, and the sadness of many Indigenous Australians at his passing.
\"The passing of an Aboriginal community leader is always a profoundly sad event for their community. For the Arrernte people of Central Australia, today must be a particularly sad day. I wish to extend the sincere condolences of the NTEU and its members to all Indigenous Australians and to Arrernte people in particular, in this time of sorrow.\"
\"As one of the leaders of the \'Freedom Ride\' in 1965, Kumantjay helped to highlight the discrimination and segregation visited on Aboriginal people. As an Arts graduate of the University of Sydney, he served as a role model for many Indigenous Australians seeking to improve the situation of their communities through education. NTEU members will remember that he was one of the first Indigenous Australians to participate in tertiary education, and to bring his perspective and knowledge as an Arrernte man to the university system. His contribution to Australian society was recognised by both the University of New South Wales and the University of Western Sydney in awarding him Honorary Doctorates. \"
\"Kumantjay fought long and hard for many years, and Australia is a changed place as a result of the efforts of Kumantjay and his contemporaries. During his lifetime many gains have been made by Indigenous Australians, but there is still much to be achieved. We should all draw inspiration from his life, and a greater sense of purpose in our efforts to achieve justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.\" Dr. Allport concluded.