Neville Thomas Bonner (1922-1999)

Acknowledgement of Country

Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud people.

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Despite a childhood of poverty and little education, Neville had already achieved respect for his work ethic and management ability. In Ipswich he joined the local branch of OPAL – One People of Australia League where he soon rose to the position of state president. Politics beckoned and the 1967 Referendum on Aboriginal matters saw Neville handing out how to vote cards for the Liberal Party. He ended up joining the party and at this time he was working for Moreton Shire Council as a bridge carpenter. When the Senate elections came around in 1970, he nominated for the third spot on the ticket. Although not successful initially, the following year a casual senate vacancy saw him make history when appointed to the Senate where he remained for 12 years. In 1979, Neville Bonner was chosen as Australian of the Year. After leaving politics he was appointed to the board of the ABC and became involved in a range of organisations including the Ipswich Women’s Shelter and World Vision. In 1999, he was named the Ipswich Citizen of the Year and sadly died later that year from lung cancer. When asked about the legacy of his historic election to the Senate, Neville Bonner replied, “It proved to the community that, given an opportunity, there’s no end to where an Aboriginal person can go.”