As many of you know, it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Narungga elder Tauto Sansbury, and pay particular tribute to his ongoing dedication to improving services for Aboriginal children and young people, and their families and communities.
Tauto, who also had Kaurna and Wirangu heritage, held a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his fight for social justice. A strong advocate for Aboriginal children and young people through his position as Chairperson of Aboriginal Family Support Services, and his leadership in the national Family Matters campaign, Tauto called for the empowerment and self-determination of Aboriginal families to ensure that at risk Aboriginal children and young people are supported to remain safely at home, and connected to culture and community.
Tauto’s work to support and mentor Aboriginal young people ensures that his legacy will be carried on by the next generation of South Australian Aboriginal leaders.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Tauto’s family, friends, colleagues and community, and thank him for the important role he has played as a voice for reform, justice and respect.