Farewell to respected Nyoongar elder

27/4/01
The Nyoongar people and all Western Australians have lost a man of great knowledge and wisdom with the passing of highly respected Elder George Webb, Indigenous Affairs Minister Alan Carpenter said today.
Speaking at the funeral in Busselton, the Minister said Mr Webb had been a tireless worker on behalf of his people.
"Until the day he passed away peacefully at home, Mr Webb had been involved with the work of the South-West Regional Commission of Elders, on which he was an inaugural member," Mr Carpenter said.
"His commitment to and knowledge of Aboriginal cultural matters was utilised on many occasions to solve difficult heritage negotiations.
"Mr Webb will be sadly missed by the entire Nyoongar community, as well as Vilma, his wife of 50 years, their six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Mr Carpenter said that 2000 had been an important year for Mr Webb, who met Queen Elizabeth when she visited Busselton in March, received Commonwealth recognition through an Australia Seniors 2000 award and was an Olympic torch bearer.
Media contact: Owen Cole on 9213 6800