The sad passing of Uncle John Delaney, a dear friend to OzChild 

WARNING | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that the following post contains the name and image of a deceased person.

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Uncle John Delaney.  

Uncle John made an extraordinary contribution to OzChild. He was instrumental in the formation of our Bridging Cultures Unit, Dhiiyaan Mirri, and throughout our journey to build cultural competence in responding to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families with culturally safe and responsive practices. 

Uncle John Delaney was the oldest living male Kamilaroi Elder, born on Burra Bee Dee Mission, Coonabarabran NSW in May 1934. He was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather—a remarkable achievement considering the life expectancy of First Nations Peoples. He and his wife, Aunty Pat, were also kin carers to four of their grandchildren. 

An invaluable advisor to OzChild, Uncle John was member of our Cultural Advisory Standing Committee and provided extensive guidance on key initiatives, including the development of the TFCO Cultural Practice Guide, our Strategic Framework and our overall Cultural Practice Guide. He also played an advisory role for OzChild on our Local Aboriginal Reference Group for the Campbelltown region. His wisdom and commitment helped shape our work and improve the lives of many. 

His legacy will live on through OzChild’s John Delaney Dhiiyaan Mirri Award, a tribute to Uncle John’s impact on our organisation – recognising OzChild staff who, like Uncle, make outstanding contributions and demonstrate excellence in improving the lives and outcomes of First Nations children, young people, and families, while also championing First Nations issues in the broader community. 

Uncle John’s passing is a significant loss, and our thoughts are with his daughter, Dea Delaney-Thiele, family and the First Nations community as they navigate this period of Sorry Business. Please join me in sending them our heartfelt condolences.  

Read a statement from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Land Rights Network HERE