For Dr Scott

ADAM BENNETT THE legacy of indigenous rights activist Evelyn Scott has been remembered by indigenous leaders and government officials at a state funeral.

The lifelong social justice campaigner died peacefully in her sleep in late September.

Mourners gathered at the Townsville Stadium, where Western Australia Senator Pat Dodson delivered a eulogy acknowledging Dr Scott’s role in the referendum to recognise indigenous Australians in 1967.

“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.

Born in 1935, Dr Scott’s career began in North Queensland, lobbying for legal, housing and medical services, and indigenous women’s rights.

Gracelyn Smallwood, Adjunct Professor at James Cook University, recalled remarks Dr Scott delivered at a Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders meeting in the 1950s.

“I was very impressed, hearing about human rights viola- tions and advocacy for social justice,” Prof Smallwood said.

“It’s helped drive me to where I am today, 55 years down the track as a humanrights activist, but (also) an advocate for all Australians.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk lamented former governments’ opposition to delivering equality.

“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’.