Rev Dr DJ Gondarra was a Yolŋu elder known for his principled leadership and efforts in fostering cross-cultural understanding. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night at his home on Elcho Island, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. His legacy as a bridge-builder between cultures will be remembered fondly.
Rev Dr DJ Gondarra’s contributions were diverse and impactful. He notably served as the first Indigenous representative on the World Council of Churches, demonstrating his global influence in promoting understanding and cooperation.
Additionally, his role as a director of Reconciliation Australia underscored his commitment to fostering reconciliation within Australia.
His leadership as the first Yolŋu chairman of the Arnhem Land Progress Association (Alpa) from 1993 to 2023 reflects his dedication to advancing the interests of his community over several decades.
His legacy in these roles exemplifies his enduring impact on both local and international levels.
In a statement, Our Generation Media highlighted Rev Dr DJ Gondarra’s transformative leadership at Alpa, noting that he guided the organization from a modest eight-store retail entity with limited resources to becoming the largest and most diverse Aboriginal corporation in Australia.
His vision and stewardship were instrumental in Alpa’s growth and its significant impact on the Aboriginal community.
“His leadership made the corporation what it is today,” the statement said.
In addition to his leadership roles, Rev Dr DJ Gondarra contributed significantly through the Mawul Rom Project, where he imparted cross-cultural leadership training and traditional mediation practices.
His commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation between cultures was evident in these educational efforts.
Also, his dedication to service was recognized with the Order of Australia Medal in 1995. This prestigious award honored his extensive contributions to the Uniting Church and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, reflecting his deep commitment to both religious and Indigenous communities.
Alpa’s chief executive officer, Alastair King, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Rev Dr DJ Gondarra, describing it as “an immeasurable loss.”
Gondarra’s leadership and influence within Alpa had evidently left a lasting impact, underscoring the deep respect and admiration he garnered within the organization and beyond. His legacy as a visionary and a leader will be remembered with great reverence.
“He was so widely respected … because he understood both worlds so well,” he said.
The Mawul Rom board said he “exemplified how to build bridges and inspired a vision of peace and healing in this country [and] taught many hundreds of people from all walks of life a better way to deal with conflict”.
Rev Dr DJ Gondarra faced personal challenges, including bouts of depression. These challenges were notably heightened after the passing of his wife and in response to significant events such as the announcement of the Northern Territory intervention by the Howard government in 2007.
Rev Dr DJ Gondarra
Despite these difficulties, he continued to contribute actively to his community and to his various roles, leaving a legacy of resilience and dedication amidst personal struggles.
His ability to persevere through adversity underscores the depth of his commitment to his beliefs and causes.
Rev Dr DJ Gondarra was a steadfast advocate against the Northern Territory intervention, aligning himself with journalist and activist Jeff McMullen in a resolute campaign.
McMullen described Gondarra as a beacon of moral clarity, never succumbing to bitterness or hopelessness but instead urging others to follow their moral compass.
Gondarra’s principled stance and prophetic voice warned of the severe damage the intervention would inflict on the rights of Australia’s First Peoples.
His commitment extended beyond traditional political divides, as evidenced by his co-production of the documentary Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land.
This film provided a deeply personal insight into his life’s work and beliefs, portraying him as a leader driven by a quest for justice and spiritual freedom for all humanity.
In essence, Rev Dr DJ Gondarra’s legacy transcends mere activism; it embodies a tireless pursuit of justice and equity, advocating for the inherent rights and freedoms of Indigenous peoples and humanity at large.
