Indigenous elder's life honoured

Utmost respect: Pastor Paul Richardson leads the funeral service of Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Rex Marshall at the South Grafton Seventh Day Adventist Church on Friday.

Debrah Novak

THE life of highly respected Grafton indigenous elder, Uncle Rex Marshall, was honoured yesterday at South Grafton’s Seventh Day Adventist Church.

More than 300 people packed the church and surrounding grounds to pay their respects and mourn the loss of a much loved son, husband, father, brother, friend and community leader and member.

Tears and laughter filled the church as many people recounted the life of the man who carved a path for generations of Aboriginal professionals.

Described by all as ‘a family man and a special role model in the indigenous community,’ the service commemorated his decades of work throughout Clarence Valley.

Well known for his work as a mental health nurse, Uncle Rex, a former Baryulgil asbestos mine worker, was also a vocal advocate for indigenous rights and fought for his people through his association with Aboriginal Community Justice.

Pastor Paul Richardson said Uncle Rex wanted to see Aboriginal people, not only locally, but across Australia elevated, educated and with a good foundation for life.

“Uncle Rex paved the road for a positive movement amongst his people,” he said.

“He was as passionate about health and welfare as he was about his family.”

Several friends and family members made personal tributes throughout the service, describing him as an honourable, proud and empathetic individual who loved sharing stories of his culture and stood up for political injustices.

“He was passionate and fought until the end for Aboriginal rights,” one mourner said.

Uncle Rex had several prominent positions throughout the Clarence Valley, including Goorie leader, Justice of the Peace, nurse and mental health worker.

Staff at the Bulgarr Ngaru Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), where Uncle Rex worked, named him a “trailblazer for Aboriginal rights”, in a special tribute.

As well as being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, Rex was a finalist in the 2009 NSW Health Aboriginal Health Awards where he was recognised for his various efforts.

Uncle Rex was the first Aboriginal Mental Health Worker in NSW, as well as contributing 20 years voluntary service to Aboriginal mental health awareness programs and general Aboriginal health.

Uncle Rex died on Tuesday, November 23, at Grafton Base Hospital, after suffering a heart attack outside Grafton’s Saraton Theatre on Thursday, November 18.

He was 67.