TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:40): Today I rise to pay tribute to the life of Ken Saunders, a Gunditjmara man who passed away on country in Heywood in August. Ken Saunders’s path in life from being an early school leaver at Lake Condah Mission was extraordinary, with many firsts: the first Indigenous councillor with the Glenelg shire, first Aboriginal community liaison officer with Victoria Police and a member of Victoria’s first native title body. His involvement in the Lake Condah sustainable development project laid the foundation for the establishment of Budj Bim and its inclusion on the World Heritage List.
Uncle Kenny spent his later decades working to remove the barriers that he had faced growing up in rural western Victoria. Very much focused on improving opportunities for the generations who followed him, he was always interested in young people, aiming to build their skills and confidence, and used sport as a way of elevating young Aboriginal people. He was highly regarded amongst parliamentarians across the political spectrum, comfortable in lobbying government to expand opportunities for Gunditjmara in particular and Aboriginal people in general. I first met Uncle Kenny in 2010 when he was then Cr Saunders. He spoke at a Glenelg shire function, showing all the skills in public speaking for which he was well known. In that speech he developed a common theme – that is, it is essential for Australians to have a shared vision, to work together to bring people together. His passing is a great loss, noted by many at his funeral, but his life will continue to be an inspiration for his community. Vale, Ken Saunders.