Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (09:49): Today I would like to acknowledge the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Albert Clarke. Alby was a proud Gunditjmara elder in south-west Victoria. Born in Carlton, Alby was raised in Framlingham on Keerray Woorroong land, his mother Alice’s country. Alby’s life was deeply shaped by connection to culture, country and community. He championed health and wellbeing, particularly through exercise as a means of managing diabetes, inspiring many to live healthier lives while reinforcing the healing power of connection to country. If you were living in Warrnambool over the last 20 or 30 years, you would see blue-haired Alby either walking or running on the roads or riding his bike. Alby was a lifelong advocate also for truth-telling and recognition of Aboriginal ownership of land, land cared for by his ancestors for thousands of years. His achievements were formally recognised with two Order of Australia medals, while his sporting feats and advocacy continue to inspire generations. In this historic year, as Victoria prepares to enter the nation’s first treaty with First Peoples, I honour Alby’s voice, his service and his sacrifices. Vale, Alby Clarke.