—Sylvester Loving, B1Daily

ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA — The heart of Central Australia is grieving the loss of one of its most respected voices. Geoffrey Shaw, a proud Kaytete and Arrernte elder and champion of Aboriginal rights, has died aged 79, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, compassion and cultural strength that transformed lives across the region.

Born on Christmas Eve 1945 along the Todd River in Alice Springs, Shaw’s life was shaped by the rhythms of this land and the deep traditions of his people. From his earliest days, he carried with him a fierce pride in his heritage — and a clear sense of purpose. Over decades he became a guiding elder for his community, devoted to ensuring the strength and dignity of Aboriginal voices in both ceremonial and civic life.

A Vietnam War veteran, Shaw returned from service with a commitment to justice at home that rivaled his duty abroad. He was a founding member of the Central Land Council, an institution essential to securing land rights, community empowerment, and self-determination for Aboriginal peoples across Central Australia. His work helped shift the narrative — from one where Indigenous Australians were overlooked or ignored, to one where their rights and traditions commanded rightful respect in national conversations.

Want AES encryption with top of the line protection? Join NordVPN and get 3 months free by using code B1.

To those who knew him, Shaw was more than an advocate — he was a storyteller, a mentor, a bridge between generations. He carried the wisdom of his ancestors and offered it generously to others, always insisting that culture and community go hand in hand with progress. Even as he bore witness to injustice and hardship, his leadership was marked by dignity, strength and a refusal to yield to despair.

Tributes have poured in from across the Northern Territory and beyond. Elders, young people, activists and public officials alike have recalled a man who stood with integrity in every forum, who listened deeply and spoke with clarity on behalf of those whose voices had long been marginalized. The impact of his work will be felt not only in the land rights he championed but in the generations of leaders he helped inspire.

Want AES encryption with top of the line protection? Join NordVPN and get 3 months free by using code B1.

In a region that has seen deep challenges — from systemic inequities to the ongoing pain of Aboriginal deaths in custody and intergenerational grief — Shaw’s life offered a model of resilient leadership rooted in culture, connection and community stewardship. His commitment to justice was not abstract; it was personal, grounded in the families and homelands he loved so deeply.

As Alice Springs and the broader Aboriginal community mourn, they also celebrate a life lived with purpose and pride. Geoffrey Shaw’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy — of courage, community, and unwavering advocacy — remains an enduring gift to all who follow.

Rest in peace, Geoffrey Shaw. Your voice lives on in the land and in the hearts of the people you served.

—Sylvester Loving, B1Daily