Vale Jim Downing

Julia's uncle (Norma's brother), Jim Downing, died recently in Darwin. He was someone all the Roffs would have enjoyed meeting and devoted most of his life to indigenous Australian issues. He pulled no punches politically in his assessment of various governments and their indigenous policy, and many politicians won't miss his commentary. Below is the text of a media release issued by the NT's chief minister.

"Chief Minister Paul Henderson said today that he was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Reverend Jim Downing.

“Reverend Downing was a highly respected Minister in the Uniting Church, and a great Australian who made a wonderful contribution to Australia, particularly in the Territory,” Mr Henderson said.

“He was highly respected advocate for Aboriginal rights, from his time at his first parish in Redfern, in Sydney, through to his work in Central Australia and later in the Top End.

“Reverend Downing was instrumental in the establishment of the Institute of Aboriginal Development in Central Australia and the Aboriginal Resource Development Service in the Top End.

“Reverend Downing was also a great service provider for Indigenous people, doing social work in remote areas in the Centre and Top End, and learning Aboriginal languages.

“My condolences go out to Reverend Downing’s wife Shirley, his family and friends.”

Reverend Downing was survived by his wife, Shirley, and four children, John, Sue, Cathy and Bronwyn."