Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM (b. 1948)
1978 * Award

Aboriginal Leader

Born near Yirrkala, Yunupingu is a Gamatj man of the Yolngu people. He came to national prominence in 1970 for his role in the historic but unsuccessful Yirrkala land rights case before Justice Blackburn - the first legal challenge by Aboriginal people to mining companies' rights to exploit traditional lands. In 1977-79 and 1983-89, as chair of the Northern Land Council, he led the Gagudju people in negotiations with mining and government bodies. Not opposed to mining in principle, Yunupingu sees it as a way for Aboriginal people to escape the welfare trap if it is conducted on the traditional owners' terms. These include a fair distribution of the economic benefits and respect for the land and specific sacred sites. He said: 'We will continue to fight for the right to make our own decisions about our own land.'

He received the Australian of the Year award for negotiating the Ranger uranium mining agreement. He said the award 'would help him to shake off the image of ratbag and radical' and would give him 'greater strength as an individual and as a leader'. It was also a recognition for Aboriginal people as 'the indigenous people of this country who must share in its future'.