Remembering & Honouring Benarrawa Community Members
Read below some recent obituaries and reflections relating to those in our community who have recently passed in 2026. These beloved community members include but not limited to:
Uncle Albert Holt
Frank Dingle
Michele Bourke
Bernadette (Bernie) Jeffrey (work in progress)
Uncle John Tatten
Margaret (Marg) Blaszczyk
We will keep adding to these reflections as time permits with the aim to honour those who have recently passed/died and who each contributed to the Benarrawa journey in both big and small ways. We will endeavour to catchup with reflections on other community members who have died/passed in other years as I’m conscious, we have lost a few Elders and people with whom we have been in relationship with over the years. This will be an ongoing project to do it justice.
Remembering with Deep Gratitude
Uncle Albert Holt
By LARAINE HINDS
Our dear friend, Bidjara Elder Uncle Albert Holt passed early on 22nd January at the age 89 years, surrounded by family members.
I remember meeting Uncle Albert in the 1990s, at Inala. He was always an advocate for his people. Uncle lived a very full life growing up on Barambah Mission Reserve after his family had been forcible removed from Springsure under “The Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897”. The act severely restricted the movement of Aboriginal people around the state. Barambah Mission was later named Cherbourg. The act also meant Aboriginal children were educated to year 4 level. Uncle was grateful he was allowed to be a “camp kid” rather than a “dormitory boy” and grow up with his parents.
Uncle Albert’s first book “Forcibly Removed” was published in 2001 and reprinted in 2011. In it he states that when he and Aunty Marlene wished to marry, they had to seek permission under the Act of 1897.
In the early 1960’s Uncle and Aunty Marlene moved to Inala. He was employed by Rheem at Bulimba and qualified as a boiler maker. Then following the recession of 1983 with a severe downsizing of the company, he was one of the 200 people who were laid off. It was at Rheem that Uncle was invited to play golf with friends, an activity he enjoyed.
Through the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES), Uncle was recruited to work at Telecom, Cooper’s plains where he later became a supervisor. Following an early retirement package from Telecom, Uncle Albert went on to visit local schools and give cultural talks. He was observed and offered and accepted a position in a Youth Detention Centre working from 11pm to 7am Thursday to Monday. Then one day the Commonwealth Employment Service contacted him and asked him to submit a resume as they had a role in mind for him with the Queensland Police Service. Two weeks later he was offered the position of Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Inala. He retired from this work when he turned 65.
Uncle Albert played an integral role in the establishment of the Murri Court in Brisbane in 2006 to 2012 onwards. He also played a foundational role through The Searchlight Education Foundation in the establishment of Hymba Yumba, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focussed school at Springfield, Ipswich and Clarinity Education, southside at Sunnybank, Brisbane.
Uncle’s second book “Murri on a Mission, Gunnan Gunnan”, was published in 2014. His third book “Goondeen, Understanding Australia”, was written with Everald Compton and Henry Palaszczuk, with Sophie Church, published, 2017.
Uncle Albert always supported his Inala community events and was a popular speaker and educator at many schools in Brisbane south-side plus attendance at school and community events. Following Uncle’s retirement, he became a participant with the Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group meetings, also attending events of the Benarrawa Community Development Association Inc. at Graceville. Annual events included Survival Day, 26th January and Sorry Day, 26th May, acknowledging the removal of Aboriginal children from their families and communities, following the tabling in National Parliament of “The National Inquiry into The Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families”. He was a regular attender at Elder’s Lunches and Community Conversations. During the COVID 19 lockdowns Uncle participated with us in the Zoom Solidarity Group Meetings.
For the last years of his life Uncle Albert was a resident at The Georgina Davidson and Margaret Thompson Hostel, Morningside. He enjoyed frequent visits from family and friends, outings and days in Inala and at community events.
Uncle Albert’s smile, generosity, friendly and humble attitude are fondly remembered. We are so grateful that he came into our lives and shared his kindness, time and knowledge.
Vale Frank Dingle
By CHARLES TOPP
On Friday 22nd May at Indooroopilly Uniting Church we attended the Funeral of Frank Renfree Dingle, with a group of other Benarrawa Community Development members.
Frank and his wife Adele joined a Reconciliation Australia Study Circle in 1993 with an interdenominational group and other local participants, at Christ The King Catholic Church, Graceville. This was run by a Community Development Group based at the Catholic Church. Following the Study Circle the group decided to keep meeting and learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history prior to and after the arrival of the First Fleet.
The study group became known as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group, and after the incorporation of Benarrawa CDA, added Benarrawa to its name (ie. the Yagera name for Oxley Creek area).
We have valued the ongoing generosity and input of Frank and Adele over the last 33 years. Frank, who was interested in sailing, joined with the Pamphlett Bridge Sea Scouts, becoming a Leader. No doubt later joined by sons Mark, David and Jonathan. This also led to several events shared with the Sea Scouts, in their hall at the mouth of Oxley Creek and later at the Benarrawa Community House, Graceville.
For many years at the First Nations Elder’s Lunches, Frank and I caught up at the barbeque while cooking sausages, chicken and steak for the Elders and others attending. Frank always had a welcoming smile and was ready to chat with everyone. He will be missed and we remember him fondly.
Frank’s funeral book..
Vale Michele Therese Bourke -
A Benarrawa Founder and Spirit Maker
By PAUL TOON
Michele Therese Bourke, our dear friend, community member and sister in solidarity for social justice died on Tuesday the 7th of July 2026. Michele received a diagnosis during 2025 that 2026 would most likely be her last year on this earth. From that point of diagnosis Michele continued to embrace life with her trademark positivity, joyfulness, compassion and loving-kindness. She was able to receive excellent care and treatment to respond to her symptoms, but this was never going to eliminate her condition.
Throughout that journey in 2025 and into 2026 Michele was faithfully supported by her loving and capable sister Liz Bourke. Michele also had the loyal and loving support of her many friends, compatriots and extended family members. So many sought to reciprocate the loving-kindness Michele had offered to others in the course of her life.
Any testimonial to Michele could not do justice to the rich story of her life. It could not capture the depth, breadth and length of her life. Her embrace of living well, loving well and seeking justice and compassion for all.
Michele’s life began on the 22nd of November 1962. She packed so much into her life. As an adult she faithfully lived out her commitment to justice, compassion and loving-kindness. She was a skilled and capable community member, colleague and leader. She worked with and for others to bring fairness and kindness to this world, our country and our communities. It is appropriate that here on Benarrawa’s website, we highlight that one of Michele’s spheres of action and collaboration was within Benarrawa itself.
In the late 1980s Michele was at the planting of seeds and the watering of the seedlings that later evolved into Benarrawa during the mid 1990’s. Michele was central to the dreaming and the labour that gifted the spirit and the structure for Benarrawa to be the positive and generative influence on our world. Into the 2000s and beyond Michele remained faithful, loyal and creative within Benarrawa. This was expressed through membership of the Management Committee, The Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group, through her support, mentoring, guidance and companionship of Benarrawa workers and members. Michele’s role in Benarrawa is unique, she has been on the whole Benarrawa journey. From preconception, conception, birth and growth in life. That is over 40 years.
It can most certainly be said that Michele’s place in the flowing journey of the Benarrawa Dreaming will remain with and within us. Her spirit is inseparably interwined with the spirit of Benarrawa.
We give thanks and express our gratitude for Michele and her enduring legacy.
Some thirty years ago Michele gave me a poster as a gift. The poster featured a quote from nineteenth century USA labour organizer and union activist, Mother Jones. I had the poster mounted and it has remained prominently displayed in our home ever since.
The quote reads –
‘Pray for the dead, fight like hell for the living’
May we indeed pray for our sister Michele and honour her spirit and legacy by working together to fight like hell for the living!
Fondly Remembering Margaret Blaszczyk
By LARAINE HINDS and PAULA CALLAGHAN
Margaret Blaszcyk, (Marg B) was a foundational member of the Benarrawa Dreaming group when we first met at Graceville late in 2023 after the failure of the of the October 2023 Referendum, First Nations Voice to Parliament. The group bubbled out after a session with Aunty Mary Graham who recommended that we gather in groups of non-Indigenous people.
As a group we sought to think about and study how we see life and politics in this country, “through our colonial eyes” as we were educated. Raising our own awareness of other ways to perceive and re-learn.
I loved Marg’s style, thoughtfulness and gentle, wise input to our meetings, gatherings and Benarrawa Choir. She was kindred to me as a soprano, as we could both reach the high notes.
I and probably all, the Dreamers have felt her absence this year. It was only recently that we heard she was seriously ill and then subsequently in palliative care.
Sending my condolences, caring thoughts to her family.
Laraine Hinds
Marg Blaszczyk, was a regular member of the Benarrawa community choir, the Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity group as well as the Benarrawa dreaming group.
Marg loved having the privilege of singing in Yagara language alongside other community members, as part of the Benarrawa Community Choir at many of our solidarity events, as you can see in a few of the photos below, her bright orange hair makes her easy to identify.
I was able to connect with Marg mainly through the dreaming and solidarity group and it was always a lovely experience when I was able to share some words or time alongside and with her. Despite not knowing Marg for long or extremely well, I always admired Marg’s honesty, sense of fun, compassion, and curious spirit. I always looked forward to her reflective and eloquent sharing’s in the dreaming gatherings and admired her support and hard work with UQ Alumni Book Fairs. Marg often had interesting stories to share around her involvement in them.
Marg had a bright persona with bright orange hair to accompany this gentle and strong spirit of hers. I found that Marg always listened attentively and shared openly with us around aspects of her life and the forever learning path towards decolonisation. Marg was evidently deeply passionate about justice for the First Peoples of this Country, and it was a privilege to share a bit of time with her over the past 3 years.
May Marg rest in peace and our thoughts and well wishes go to her family and loved ones.
Much love and light
Vale Reverend Aunty Alex Gater
By PAULA CALLAGHAN
Reverend Aunty Alex Gater was the matriarch of her family, a proud Aboriginal Elder, and above all, a God-loving woman whose faith guided every step of her life. She dedicated her life to serving God, standing up for justice, and fighting fiercely for her people, families, and communities.
She was known throughout Brisbane, South East Queensland, across Australia, and internationally as a fearless advocate. Whether it was fighting for justice in our prisons, standing beside those who had no voice, or protecting her family and community, Aunty Alex never backed down. She wasn't afraid to speak the truth, no matter who was listening. Aunty Alex was a regular participant at our Annual Elders lunches and solidarity events over the years, and we will miss her friendly smile and generous heart.
Aunty Alex was evidently deeply loved by all who knew her and respected by many. Her strength, courage and wisdom will be honoured and celebrated at her funeral on 21st August and I’m positive her legacy will continue on into future generations.
May Aunty Alex rest in eternal peace. We wish her husband Geoff Gater and all her family and loved ones much compassion during this sad time.
