Yalanya – That’s the way it is

A new book shares the life story of prominent Aboriginal leader Pastor Don Brady, a passionate activist and inspirational Methodist pastor whose legacy lives on in the struggle for First Nations justice today.

Yalanya – That’s the way it is was launched at the Queensland State Library on 1 March at a book launch hosted by Pastor Brady’s family and supported by Wesley Mission Queensland.

Having long wanted to tell the story of his life and contributions, Pastor Brady’s children have collaborated to write the book.

A descendant of the Gu Gu Yalanji people from Cape York region, Pastor Don Brady (Kawanji) was significant leader in political campaigns to improve the status and conditions of Aboriginal and Islander people in Queensland in the 1960s and 70s. He was actively involved in the campaign to abolish the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander Act.

His activism eventually clashed with the heated political climate of Queensland under Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. This led to the Methodist church controversially deciding to withdraw its support from Pastor Brady.

A presentation written by Professor Anne Pattel-Gray presented at the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) Conference in Darwin last year highlighted the legacy of Pastor Brady.

Prof Pattel-Gray wrote that Pastor Brady’s life and ministry were pivotal to the development of an Aboriginal theology.

“The driving force behind Brady's convictions—that which made him get up and challenge and lead his People—was the incarnation of Christ into Aboriginal culture,” Prof Pattel-Gray wrote in the presentation read by Rev Dr Chris Budden.

"Don was a catalyst, in the sense that he created a Black church, challenged the institutions and began a Black movement—one which was to be felt right across Australia.  He lit the fire in people; he lit the spark, the will to fight, the need for them to struggle for justice."

Prof Pattel-Gray said Pastor Brady greatly influenced Rev Charles Harris, who took up Brady's mantle and whose vision inspired the establishment of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). 

Pastor Brady grew up on Palm Island Aboriginal Settlement and in his 20s worked as a missionary for the Aborigines Inland Mission. He married Aileen Willis, a Kullilli woman in Cherbourg in 1952. In 1964, he moved to Brisbane to work among the Aboriginal community as a Methodist pastor.

Pastor Brady’s desire to maintain and share his culture saw him lead the revival of traditional dance in eastern Australia with the Yelanji dance group. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Service in Queensland.

While the first print run has sold out, orders are being taken for a second print run. Details can be found at https://www.wmq.org.au/donbrady

Images: Photos from Yalanya book launch with thanks to Wesley Mission Queensland. 1. Kawanji Dancers. 2. Bruce Moore,  Queensland Moderator, Jude Emmer, WMQ CEO, Danielle Sullivan, Executive Manager Office of the CEO and Board Secretary and  Elaine Rae, WMQ Board Chairperson. 3. Hon Leeanne Enoch, State Minister for Treaty and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. 4. Sharon Brady