Revered Kaytete and Arrernte leader Geoffrey Shaw dies aged 79

Geoffrey Shaw has been remembered as a tireless advocate for essential services, housing and greater self-determination for Aboriginal communities throughout Central Australia.

Kaytete and Arrernte man Geoffrey Shaw OAM was a respected leader whose work shaped the future of Alice Springs, Central Australia and Northern Territory. Source: Jane Hodson, CLC Collection

Geoffrey Shaw was a proud Kaytete and Arrernte man, who was born in the Todd River in Alice Springs on Christmas Eve, 1945.

He joined the Australian Army at 18 and saw service in the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation and went on to do two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Following his return to Alice Springs Mr Shaw joined the struggle to recognise the rights of Aboriginal Territorians and worked for, led and established many organisations that exist today.

Mr Shaw was a founding member of the Central Land Council, who today represent more than 15 language groups across the region.

He attended the landmark meetings in 1973, 1974 and 1975 that followed the Justice Woodward inquiries and led to the creation of the council and served as a delegate from its inception until 2006.

A legacy of lifelong advocacy and leadership

Central Land Council chair Warren Williams paid tribute to the former deputy chair, for his lifelong advocacy and leadership.

“Mr Shaw believed deeply in service. To country, to community and to the nation,” Mr Williams said.

“Mr Shaw’s contribution to this organisation, the land rights movement and the wider Central Australian community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” he said.

Mr Shaw was also a founder, general manager and president of Tangentyere Council, a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing services to the Alice Springs Town Camps.

His work helped formalise leases and establish proper housing on what were then fringe camps on the outskirts of Alice Springs.

Instrumental in forming largest Aboriginal Legal Service

Mr Shaw was also instrumental in the formation of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, the legal service that is today known as the North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).

He was the first ATSIC Commissioner for Central Australia and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1993 in recognition of his work and advocacy.

He leaves a legacy that has strengthened not only the rights of Aboriginal Territorians, but shaped his home town of Alice Springs and has impacted across the country.

Mr Shaw passed away on December 18, 2025.