The Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet advises that a State Funeral for Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi, will take place at 10:30am on Friday, 15 December 2023, at Territory Netball Stadium in Darwin, Northern Territory.
A proud Yolngu and Mayili man, Dr Bush-Blanasi was a strong advocate, and an inspirational leader for Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory and Australia.
Dr Bush-Blanasi was the NT Australian of the Year 2023, who will be remembered for his strong support of Native Title claims, including the handback of remaining ancestral lands at Kakadu to traditional owners.
Dr Bush-Blanasi was also instrumental in securing sea country rights for Yolngu people at Blue Mud Bay in eastern Arnhem Land; and helped to develop the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Friday, 15 December 2023 in the Northern Territory only from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available on the Department's website.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer