Banjo's parting

Paul Kelly Performs

 

Lee Morgan performs

 by  PAT CONNELLY. Warrnambool Standard 21st Mar 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard  2000 All rights reserved


      HUNDREDS of people yesterday attended the funeral service of Aboriginal elder Banjo Clarke, who was buried at what he called "the pretty place" on his tribal land at Framlingham.

      The life of the 77-year-old, who died last Tuesday, was celebrated in song, story and speech, culminating in an
      interment amid blackwood and wattle on a high bank overlooking the Hopkins River.

      The crowd was so large that a traffic jam developed after the turnoff to the forested property which Mr Clarke
      loved. The marquee erected could not hold the turnout - his son Len said organisers were catering for 1000.

      One notable absentee was the deceased man's most famous relative, one-time world bantamweight boxing champion Lionel Rose, who could not be contacted.

      Many others who could not be there sent messages. One, from former prime minister Malcolm Fraser and his wife  Tamie, was read by master of ceremonies Derek Guille. It said, in part: "He was greatly respected by all those who knew him and knew of him. His counsel will be sadly missed."

      The eulogy was delivered by David Fligelman, 25, who had been an infant when he met Mr Clarke.

      As well as detailing Mr Clarke's life, Mr Fligelman told how it had affected his own. Mr Fligelman related an eerie
      experience when he and his girlfriend Eliza were holidaying in Mexico in 1998.

      "Banjo was having dreams at this time; his house would be filling with water, rushing in the doors and windows. He'd
      wake up from these nightmares and think of me," Mr Fligelman said.

      "One night he watched a documentary on the TV about natural disasters and immediately after rang up Camilla my
      Mum and said `David has to come home this minute.'"

      During that night, the van occupied by Mr Fligelman and Eliza was swept into the sea in a flash flood. Eliza was
      drowned in the heavy seas, but when he himself was almost spent, he recalled Banjo's parting advice: "just close
      your eyes and I'll be with you."

      Mr Fligelman said he closed his eyes and was inspired to make one last effort to reach shore. "I had no doubt Banjo
      saved my life."

      In one of several other heartfelt tributes, Warrnambool mayor David Atkinson said "Banjo was a special person to
      each of those he met. He clearly developed a very special interaction and rapport with everyone.

      "To me, Banjo always appeared to be at ease with the young as well as with the not so young. He always eager to
      bring the real history of the Koorie history to all, particularly the children."

      State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Keith Hamilton, said that after speaking with Mr Clarke last year he realised
      "one didn't talk to Uncle Banjo, such was his presence that one listened because if you didn't listen you could not
      absorb the wisdom and the spirit of this great man."

      Prominent Aborigine Alf Bamblett paid his respects to the Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong people whose land
      they were all on. He said the attendance of people from so many walks of life was a favorable judgement on the life
      of Banjo.

      Other speakers included the secretary of the South West Trades and Labour Council, Dave Brabender; Wal
      Saunders, whose clan has long-standing links to the Clarkes; and Helen Perkins and Graham Hassall of the Baha'i
      Faith, which Banjo followed.

      Music and song were provided by Andrew Alberts, Shane Howard, Alan Harris Tristan, Lee Morgan and Felicity,    Rebecca Martin, Neil Murray, Archie Roach and David Arden. The Kuyang Yandaa Dance Group also performed