Central Land Council

Sad loss of a Warumungu leader

The Central Land Council is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of senior Warumungu man, Kumanjayi Frank. Kumanjayi Frank passed away earlier this week after a long illness.

CLC Director David Ross said Kumantjayi Frank had a remarkable knowledge of his culture and played a vital role in many areas relating to Warumungu country.

"Kumanjayi Frank played an instrumental role throughout the Warumungu Land Claim and continued to play an active role in all issues involving Warumungu land and culture,

"He was a recognised authority on Warumungu culture and had a great interest in keeping Warumungu culture strong and at the forefront of many issues,"he said.

Kumanjayi was a veteran of the Warumungu Land Claim, one of the longest and most bitterly fought land claims in the history of the Land Rights Act.

His extensive knowledge of country and his gift for communication in the Warumungu land claim were noted by Justice Maurice. Kumanjayi Frank was a senior traditional owner for Purrurtu country which includes Phillip Creek Mission Reserve and to the north of Tennant Creek station.

"Kumanjayi was a strong committed family man who took great pride in how much knowledge he passed onto his children," Mr Ross said.

Kumanjayi Frank grew up on Banka Banka in the early 1950's and was sent to St Mary's in Alice Springs for his education. Kumanjayi Frank was a progressive thinker who was involved in native title issues around Tennant Creek and was one of the native title holders to sign an Indigenous Land Use Agreement allowing exploration on nearly 8000 square kilometres of pastoral lease land for the next 25 years.

He also played a significant role in protecting and maintaining sacred sites including working extensively with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.

"On behalf of the Central Land Council I extend our deepest sympathy to Kumanjayi Frank's family and the community of Tennant Creek." Mr Ross said.