Rick Griffiths
Rick Griffiths | |
---|---|
Born | 1948 Curlewis, Gunnedah, New South Wales |
Died | 13 December 2010 (aged 62) |
Nationality | Aboriginal Australian |
Occupation | Chief Executive |
Employer | Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council |
Title | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner |
Term | 2002–2005 |
Spouse | Robyn |
Children | Five |
Rick Griffiths (1948 – 13 December 2010)
Background
Griffiths was born in 1948 in the town of Curlewis, outside
Career
Griffiths became involved in Aboriginal affairs in 1982 when he co-ordinated the Aboriginal Home Care pilot program.[3]
He was subsequently appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council in 1992,[4] considered by government to be the best of the 119 land councils.[5] In his capacity as CEO, Griffiths became involved in deliberations concerning land development[6] and mining on Aboriginal lands.[7]
In 2002, Griffiths was elected to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) as Commissioner for the Eastern Zone.[8] He remained in that position until ATSIC was abolished by the Howard government in 2005.[9]
In 2005, an image of Griffiths was printed on local school "currency" used to train students about the value of money.[10]
In 2007, Griffiths was described in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as "a man of vast experience and great ability who has long championed the cause of Aboriginal Australians."[11]
In late 2010 Griffiths was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died on 13 December 2010.
References
- ^ "Former ATSIC commissioner Griffiths dies". abc.net.au. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "Proud Aboriginal bridged the gap". maitlandmercury.com.au. 17 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ a b "A land rights legend passes on". alc.org.au. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ Hardie, Alan (22 December 2010). "Aboriginal community farewells its leader and 'hero'". maitlandmercury.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ Price, Roger (1 June 2000). "Maitland Electorate Corroboree 2000 Celebrations". parliament.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "ICAC to probe Aboriginal land developments". abc.net.au. 3 November 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "Community Consultative Committee". doncoal.com.au. 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "Griffiths to take up ATSIC commissioner position". abc.net.au. 5 December 2002. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "No ATSIC, no black voice". nit.com.au. 3 February 2005. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ Swain, Emma (21 May 2005). "Famous faces grace new school money". maitlandmercury.com.au. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ Terenzini, Frank (8 June 2007). "Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council". parliament.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 12 January 2011.