Published on Wednesday, 23 June 2021 at 11:08:16 AM
George Abdullah: Community Leader by Jill Abdullah
George Cyril Abdullah (1919-1984), community leader, was born on 9 August 1919 at Guildford, Western Australia, youngest of five children of Joseph Benedict Abdul, a labourer from Calcutta, India, and his Aboriginal wife Mary Salina, née Griffin. In 1970 Abdullah was involved in setting up the Aboriginal Rights Council (later Aboriginal Rights League); he was a founding executive member of the National Tribal Council (1970) and Chair of the Aboriginal Publications Foundation (1972-81).
George was an influential person in Geraldton in the 1970’s, speaking to Rotary, and other organisations seeking to educate members on the plight of Aboriginal affairs and identify the issues these organisations could contribute to as a philanthropic gesture. George met with local Geraldton Town Council members to brainstorm ideas and develop collaborative partnerships for a common community cause.
The Geraldton Regional Library is currently exhibiting a display about the many community initiatives that George was involved in. In the New Year (2022) the Local History Team will be proactively seeking further stories of local Aboriginal people who have played an integral part in advocating and supporting community.
Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide to the Library, contact Heritage Services at the Geraldton Regional Library on 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au
Photo Caption: George Abdullah’s citizenship profile 1947, courtesy of the Abdullah Family.
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