Region in mourning after shock death
Tributes flood in for respected Cherbourg elder, mentor
THE devastating death of Cherbourg community elder Bevan Costello has left residents of the South Burnett reeling.
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council announced Uncle Bevan’s death on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of community grief and messages of love for the beloved elder and his family.
The council described Uncle Bevan as a “proud Wakka Wakka man”.
“Respected elder, mentor and champion, his voice heard far and wide – a tragic loss for us all,” the council post read.
“His tireless devotion and dedication to our community cannot be understated.
“Our sincerest condolences and sympathy are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
A tireless champion for his community, Uncle Bevan was well-known throughout the South Burnett for his work to create positive change in his town.
The news of his sudden death led to an outpouring of grief on social media.
Queensland AttorneyGeneral and Justice Minister Shannon Fentiman also paid tribute to Uncle Bevan, a member of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council.
“Mr Costello worked at QSAC as the chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel and was one of 12 independent members appointed to the Council,” Ms Fentiman said.
“As a proud Wakka Wakka man and elder within the Cherbourg community, along with his extensive experience in the education industry, Mr Costello brought to the council a unique insight into cultural and Indigenous history aspects of sentencing.
“He was also a passionate advocate for his local community and worked tirelessly to help promote positive change in Cherbourg and the surrounding area.
“Mr Costello was a highly admired leader, elder and Traditional Owner and will be greatly missed.”
A qualified secondary teacher and principal at the Silver Lining School in the South Burnett, Uncle Costello was also chair of the Barambah Justice Group in Cherbourg.
He also sat on the local Murri Court, helping magistrates understand the lives and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who came before the court.
Uncle Costello was also a founding member of the Ration Shed Museum, represented Queensland in rugby league and served two terms as a local government councillor for Cherbourg.