Fraser Island News

Prominent Aboriginal activist laid to rest

Last Update: Monday, January 30, 2006. 12:48 AEDT

A funeral has been held in Brisbane for the prominent Queensland Aboriginal activist, John Dulungdalee Jones.
He was 72 years old.
Mr Jones was from the Dalungbara tribe which covers Fraser Island off the south-east Queensland coast. He was well known for his unsuccessful legal challenge to have the island recognised as Aboriginal land under native title.

He launched many high-profile legal challenges including one that tried to stop the sale of Telstra.

Mr Jones threatened legal action over the State Government's decision to hunt down a dingo that approached a baby in a Fraser Island resort and also fought against moves to remove wild horses from the World Heritage-listed island.

Butchulla tribe elder Marie Wilkinson grew up with Mr Jones and says he was passionate about making sure justice was done.

"His heart was in the right place, even though his methods weren't correct in some ways," she said.

Mr Jones is survived by his three children.