Bronwyn Sindel, Mullumbimby
I want to thank Mandy for her marvellous column on Mr Sol Bellear last week, especially as January 26 – known to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as Survival Day or Invasion Day – is here once again. It reminds us that a person should be judged by their actions and their achievements in life, and not on superficial and irrelevant facts.
Giving Mr Bellear the respect that is his due I would like to repeat the words of Senator Patrick Dodson (Pat Dodson for PM!) when he remembered him as ‘A true activist and justice warrior for First Nations people’. He was a man of courage, vision, and dedication. Sol Bellear serves as a great example to us all of what a man can aspire to, given the passion and determination powered by a strong mind, a sense of justice, and responsibility towards our fellow human beings.
Rest in peace, Sol – on January 26 I was at your graveside to plant the red, black, and yellow in your honour.