Aunty Mary-Lou remembered as a “trailblazer” who created long-lasting change across the country

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned the following article contains images and names of deceased persons.

Flags were flown at half mast outside Kempsey Council Chambers on Thursday in memory of Aunty Mary-Lou Buck.

A “staunch advocate”: Dunghutti Elder, long-term Kempsey Shire resident and Life Member of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultation Group, Aunty Mary-Lou is being remembered as a “staunch advocate” for Aboriginal people across the state and respected community leader who played a crucial role in securing land under Native Title legislation.

1996 to now: On October 9, 1996 – after two years of negotiations – Aunty Mary-Lou Buck and the then-NSW minister for lands, Kim Yeadon, signed an historic agreement at the Sydney office of the National Native Title Tribunal that granted the Dunghutti people 12.4 hectares of Crown land near Crescent Head. 

• At the time, the only other official recognition of native title was the High Court's Mabo ruling, which acknowledged Indigenous ownership of the Torres Strait Island of Mer.

• The agreement also included hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for land that had already been sold for development as residential property. 

Well known through NSW: Chairperson of Dunghutti Elders Council and brother of Buck, Clarry Hoskins, told the Mid North Coaster the Council’s office in South Kempsey was made possible thanks to the compensation – putting his sister at the centre of the positive work the group does for the Dunghutti people.

Hoskins said his sister was also the cultural advisor for the old highway bypass – advising on sites where the new roads would be built.

• “She had a big responsibility,” Hoskins told the Mid North Coaster. “That was a part of her forte. Knowing communities and her acceptance with the other communities to engage with them to identify the sites. She was well known right throughout the state.”

While living in Sydney, Buck was part of the launch of a three-member Aboriginal Liaison Unit, making her the first female in this role at the Redfern office for NSW Police.

• “She was a very staunch advocate not only for Dunghutti people, but for Aboriginal people all over the place,” Hoskins said. 

Inspired to teach: Buck’s impact on the education system, including fighting for Aboriginal people’s rights and culture to be incorporated into NSW Department of Education policies, syllabus and curriculum, is the reason Hoskins has a Bachelor of Secretary Teaching and a Masters in Indigenous Language today.

• “Between her and mum, they inspired me to get my teacher’s degree,” Hoskins said.

Council’s acknowledgement: During the Kempsey Shire Council meeting on Tuesday, Councillors and staff observed a minute of silence for Aunty Mary-Lou Buck.

A mayoral minute was moved acknowledging her “significant contribution to the Kempsey Shire and her pivotal role in advancing outcomes for the First Nations community.”

Trailblazer remembered: Kempsey Shire mayor, Kinne Ring, said Buck was a “trailblazer” whose leadership created longlasting change “not only here in the Shire, but across New South Wales”.

Deputy Mayor Annette Lawrence spoke in support of the mayoral minute in honouring Aunty Mary-Lou’s life, leadership and “remarkable legacy”.

Councillor Lawrence said Aunty Mary-Lou spent her final days at Booroongen Djugun Limited aged Care facility. 

• “[The staff] mentioned to me that she continued her strong leadership through educating staff and community, reminding us that kindness, respect and true partnership must guide our work,” Councillor Lawrence said.

“May her legacy continue to strengthen us, may her courage inspire us, and may her memory be forever held with respect and love.”

Hoskins said his sister is being remembered as a caring person “for not only her community, but for her family as well”.

Aunty Mary-Lou Buck’s Funeral was held on Thursday 19 February, at All Saints Catholic Church in Kempsey, with hundreds in attendance.

Watch Mary-Lou’s service on Walker Funerals website here.

Thumbnail: Aunty Mary-Lou Buck, supplied by Walker Funerals.