Moving farewell to a ‘keeper of the flame’
Uncle Graham’s achievements were enough to fill a library
IN a spiritually moving farewell, loved ones, city leaders and an ex-Prime Minister paid respects to Graham Hamilton Dillon OAM – “keeper of the flame” for the Kombumerri clan.
It was a touching tribute at the funeral on Wednesday for a man deemed a “masterful storyteller”, whose contribution to local Indigenous legacy was “enormous”.
To those gathered at the Coomera Anglican College hall, he was a shining pillar of the local community, a “keeper of the flame” for the Kombumerri clan, Ngarang-Wal custodians and to Yugumbeh people of wider South East Queensland.
In academic circles, he was Dr Dillon, elder in residence at Griffith University. But to those close to him, he was Uncle Graham. Councillors Glenn Tozer, Daphne McDonald and former councillor Peter Turner attended.
Former prime minister John Howard penned a thoughtful tribute, read at the ceremony and described Dr Dillon as having a “remarkable legacy”.
“Dr Dillon lived a proud life working tirelessly for his community,” Mr Howard said. “His achievement in becoming the first elder in residence at Griffith University is one that has inspired similar recognition to be extended by other universities across Australia.”
Emerald Brewer said her grandfather had a “natural ability to tell and share stories” about what it was like to
Billy James eulogy Graham Dillon
grow up in a close-knit Aboriginal family.
“We all looked up to Pop. He had an uncanny ability to capture his audience and keep people of all ages entertained,” she said.
Goompi Ugerabah, a traditional dancer who was mentored by Dr Dillon, said he was instrumental in bringing recognition of Indigenous culture to the Gold Coast. This was achieved, he said, through ventures including the original Paradise Dreaming tours on Jellurgal (Burleigh headland) and by ensuring Indigenous dance would be a permanent fixture at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
“There’s something about his smile that made everyone else connect with him and smile right back,” he said.
Grandson Max Dillon paid tribute to a man he described as “closer to him than anyone else” and “dearest” in his heart.
When Max was just 18 months old, he became ward of Dr Dillon after being rescued from a house fire in Labrador. Max said Dr Dillon ran into the burning building to “save his life”.
“He wasn’t just my mentor in life, he was my hero,” he said. “He rescued me, saved me and took me in.”
Griffith University Pro
Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Cindy Shannon said Dr Dillon’s contributions to the university “had touched almost every aspect of Griffith and his legacy would continue for a very long time”.
Close friend Billy James officiated and in his eulogy said Dr Dillon had a “Mandela-like
persona” and was a “living legend in my lifetime”.
“Uncle Graham’s achievements were enough to fill a library,” he said.
Dr Dillon is survived by sister Rose, children David, Karen and Cherie, nine grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. An Indigenous dance troupe performed an emotional dance to honour the man at the ceremony close.
As attendees stepped outside, a huge thunderstorm broke overhead. It was as if Uncle Graham heard the tribute and sent the cleansing rains down to what he called “his saltwater people”.