Thoughts on Freedom

Australian Libertarian Society Blog

In memoriam Lisa Bellear

aia_lisa_bellear.gifI had the great fortune, in my life, to know writer and Aboriginal activist Lisa Bellear.

 Lisa died two days ago, in her sleep, causes – as yet – unknown. She was 45. Lisa was a stolen child, a child written off by the powers that be in her youth as an automatic failure… yet a woman of many gifts, a lover of cricket and of life. She struggled to achieve and make a difference all her days. A skilled writer, she published a book of poetry, Dreaming in Urban Areas with University of Queensland Press. She also graduated in Social Work from Melbourne University and worked for Radio 3CR, running popular interview segment Not Another Koori Show. She made a difference, something hard to do in these days of cynicism.

My enduring memory of Lisa is seeing her working the crowd at a local comedy night. Her terrible personal history in hand, she went about making a mostly white, middle class audience laugh at themselves and their suppositions. Then watching her afterwards try to hail a taxi… none would stop until a couple of us went outside and stood with her. Then we were just a few girls out on the town. Then all was okay. And we got home all right.

Like me, Lisa was a country person, someone who had a gift for the Australian vernacular, who was a great talker. She was one who treasured the experiences of those who did not have the power to speak for themselves. Like many of Australia’s black people, she died young, but I think her legacy will live on. I’ll leave you with one of her poems, a personal favourite of mine.

Hanover Street Brunswick 3056
(On a bright sunny afternoon)

Cruisin’ – on my way with a keen
sense of purpose: milk (full cream),
toasting bread, cigarettes, papers
…a woman’s day

Sensor rays connect with a thirty
centimetre ‘white’ child who sits
joyously on a three-wheeled
plastic bike

I feel safe enough to share
my smile

As we check each other over
with carefree knowing smiles -
his parents raise their heads
through the pruned rose bush

In twenty years time will
he remember this warrior woman?
I wonder

lisa.jpg 

July 7, 2006 - Posted by skepticlawyer | Indigenous affairs

49 Comments »

  1. People, like Lisa, give humans ‘humanity’. I didn’t know her, but wish I did.

    My thoughts are with you, HD

    Comment by Fiz | July 8, 2006 | Reply

  2. Hey Tidda, it is with much sadness that you depart from us so suddenly in the physical…but your beauty, radiance and light will continue to shine always in the spiritual. You gave love and happiness to many and for that I am so very thankful, you were a true Warrior Woman. Thank You for sharing your smile and time with me, you will be deeply missed by your Murri Tidda’s in Queensland. Love & Peace, Unity & Strength Yvette Holt

    Comment by Yvette | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  3. So sad to hear about Lisa. I knew her for a few years in Brisbane and she taught me a great deal about myself, racism and what it is to be a strong woman.

    Comment by Anonymous | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  4. Why must we lose such outstanding people so young? Thank you for this post.

    Comment by Genevieve Tucker | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  5. Rob said . . .
    So sad, so gut-wrenching, when I heard the news on Thursday. I remember your sweetness, your strength. A privilege to read your poem “Final Warning” last year at La Mama Poetica, in May for Reconciliation Week. I wished you had been there.

    Comment by Anonymous | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  6. Many thanks everyone for your kind words… could you please pass this URL on to everyone who knew Lisa so that this page becomes a true online memorial to her.

    As it takes shape over time I will provide as many links as possible to her poems, photographs and broadcasts.

    Comment by skepticlawyer | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  7. Saddened to hear your news.

    Have linked as per address below, trust that’s okay.

    Ralph

    http://walleahpress.com.au/currajah.htm

    Comment by Ralph | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  8. Much appreciated Ralph. The more people know what a good spirit Lisa was, the more her contribution will be understood as time passes. The blogosphere is as good a place to start as any.

    Comment by skepticlawyer | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  9. Lisa B you truly inspired me

    I met Lisa at the Wimmins Area at the Universiy of Queensland maybe nearly a decade ago and she inspired me not to conform to the white heterosexist classist racist pressure to change the way I wrote, spoke, thought. Also an adoptee she also encouraged me to trace my ancestors, to dig the bones and closet skeletons, to speak up, to chose uncomfortable acts of integrity, to write poems, to get interested in journalism (4zzzfm) and to act with truth.
    She confronted institutionalised racism at the University of Queensland with style and made me laugh and made me cry.
    Almost to this day I remember standing in Melbourne telling her about my mothers oppression, rape, injustice, suicide and she listened with deep respect, compassion and empathy.

    I am living on Waiheke Island in Aoteoroa now so can’t come home but I am sending my dreaming energy to the place of my birth and also to where my daughter’s placenta is buried on Minjerriba where I reckon your spirit is flying over tidda.

    Thanks for your offerings to me and the world.

    Comment by Hannabella | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  10. This post has been removed by the author.

    Comment by Fuzor | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  11. Hey Guy’s, I would like to thank you for this Tribute. Lisa Is my cousin, my Blood, These event’s have hit us, unexpected, and we have all be saddened by this loss.

    To my Cuzzy Lisa, I speak on behalf of our family The Bellear’s (Follent’s, Sherriff’s, Apanui’s). We will miss you, but our Memories of you and of us will live on forever!

    Till we Met again my Cousin,
    We Love you, We Will Remember you

    Love Forever
    Your Cousin,
    David Follent

    You can shed tears that she is gone,
    or you can smile because she has lived.
    You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,
    or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
    Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
    or you can be full of the love you shared.
    You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
    or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
    You can remember her only that she is gone,
    or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
    You can cry and close your mind,
    be empty and turn your back.
    Or you can do what she’d want:
    smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

    ~ David Harkins

    Comment by Fuzor | July 10, 2006 | Reply

  12. My most vivid memory of Lisa is of standing on the corner of Swanston and Grattan Streets in Melbourne on a rainy Friday afternoon, singing ‘My Boomerang Won’t Come Back’ with her and Destiny Deacon.

    Goodbye gorgeous — and what a waste. You would have been very good at old age.

    Comment by Kerryn Goldsworthy | July 11, 2006 | Reply

  13. I only met Lisa a couple of years back through a job where I was working, then from that day forward, where-ever I went and she was their, she would go out of her way to come across and give myself and who ever I was with, a hug and a kiss on the face then she’d tell us how glad she was that we all ran into each other, then there was the usual photo shoot as well. But out of all the people I have ever met since moving to Melbourne, Lisa was the one who spoke to you unconditionally, and I will always remember her lovely face, and that wicked smile, not to mention the loud laughter…

    To all of her close family, extended families and friends, please take comfort in knowing that she will never be far from our thoughts, she has touched so many of our lives in many different ways, she truly inspired us so that we could go on.

    In my eye’s Lisa Bellear is the closest thing to an “Angel”. Sleep peacfully dear Lisa, we’ll meet again in the dreamtime.xxx

    Comment by Anonymous | July 11, 2006 | Reply

  14. To all those that posted goodbyes to my sister Lisa Marie Bellear, I thank you and will pass it on to my family. The service for the Vic community is Friday 14th at AAL 2 Watt St. Thornbury. She will then be taken to her mother Jocelyn in NSW and placed with her.

    She was my north my south, my east and west
    My working week and my Sunday rest
    My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song
    I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.

    John Harding johnnyharding@yahoo.co.uk

    Comment by john harding | July 11, 2006 | Reply

  15. To all those that posted goodbyes to my sister Lisa Marie Bellear, I thank you and will pass it on to my family. The service for the Vic community is Friday 14th at AAL 2 Watt St. Thornbury. She will then be taken to her mother Jocelyn in NSW and placed with her.

    She was my north my south, my east and west
    My working week and my Sunday rest
    My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song
    I thought that love would last forever, I was wrong.

    John Harding johnnyharding@yahoo.co.uk

    Comment by john harding | July 11, 2006 | Reply

  16. Always ginger with a sharp intelligence and keen wit: she will be greatly missed by the literary world of Australia. Our paths crisscrossed (mainly at literary fests around the country or on planes) for years and, in spite of differences (in those days I worked for a multinational), we were always on friendly terms.

    Comment by bruce | July 11, 2006 | Reply

  17. Lisa was an amazing, beautiful character.
    Brave, smart and honest.
    Inspiring and funny.

    Comment by Anonymous | July 11, 2006 | Reply

  18. Am so sad to hear of Lisa’s death. Have been so inspired and encouraged by her over years. Her writing, her photos, her generous smile and committed spirit. I send my thoughts and love to her families and friends and all those who have been touched by her amazing life. Thankyou Lisa.
    Janet Galbraith

    Comment by Anonymous | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  19. I only met Lisa at a conference in April this year but consider myself fortunate to have shared her beautiful spirit for those three days. A beautiful, smart, funny and brave woman – I will never forget her.

    Comment by Anonymous | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  20. Dear Lisa, you had to fly off in such a hurry, so typical of you! I will always be waiting for that naughty post card to come to my post box for as long as I am lucky enough to live. I miss a true and great long friendship. I am glad I could be with you on that long train ride to Sydney to meet your family for the first time. I am glad I could share that special moment with you. Love to all your family and friends who loved you so much. I am shocked, saddened and terribly impressed at your outro! May your hard work be recalled and your extensive documents; poetry, photography, comedy, essays and radio interviews resonate forever. Well done on this earth, good luck for your future ! Love Rebecca

    Comment by Rebecca | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  21. I have only just heard of Lisa’s death. Such a shock and very hard to believe that such an amazing vibrant woman full of LIFE has been taken from us. I met Lisa at a conference in Winton in 1996 and never forgot it – my little paper made some passing, timid reference to indigenous culture, and she came up afterwards and with a generous openness swept me up into her world, accepting me so openly, like a sister, an ignorant white girl like me! In conversation we discovered mutual acquaintances and I felt drawn further into the awareness of indigenous life and the groundswell/energy flow towards reconciliation, helping me know and realise that Reconciliation belongs and involves and helps ME as much as it does Indigenous people. That short time with Lisa really uplifted me and I was always so glad to hear of her tireless activities, involvements, achievements in the years that follow. I truly believe that she is among the most significant Australians of our times and that her memory and work will continue to bear fruit for a generation and more to come. She was a woman who reached out to connect people wherever she went. A joyous builder and strengthener of our society, which we need so badly. THANK YOU, Lisa…..

    Comment by Lesley Sutherland | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  22. Lisa’s photographs were exhibited at Centre for Contemporary Photography last year with Mervyn Bishop, Gayle Maddigan, Brook Andrew, Dianne Jones and Christian Thompson, in the exhibition Black on White. Her installation – a couple of hundred images pinned to the wall, totally memorable shots of people at demos, gatherings, in the street brimming with confidence, passion, anger, and joy – from ordinary punters to Prime Ministers. Her installation was a triumph. Her use of photography skillful, driven by the heart and by committment to her sisters and brothers.
    Her passing is unspeakably sad. She was so engaged with the world, there was so much more for her to do and be. Lisa will be greatly missed. I will miss her greatly. I am thankful for knowing and working with Lisa. This is unspeakably sad.

    Comment by Naomi Cass | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  23. The staff and members of the NTEU will sadly miss one of our most active and vibrant Indigenous members. Her spirit has inspired many of us and her legacy will serve to inspire many more in the furture. We wish that Lisa’s family and friends can gain strength from her spirit and the love we all have for her. Rest now sister. JW NTEU

    Comment by Joel Wright | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  24. Another sad and unfortunate event for us to experience so suddenly without a chance to say goodbye. Lisa you were a great person to know and associate with, always cheerful and never anti-social – quiet the opposite really. Our time working together allowed me to get to know that person that everyone loves and often refers to. Rest in Peace Lisa and my condolences to your family and close friends. Until we meet again.
    Nicka

    Comment by Anonymous | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  25. We will miss you Lisa. What a wonderful women. Anger, passion, joy and sadness what many things you were to me. Thank you for your energy, I wish I gave you more of mine. It’s an injustice that she is dead, a white world injustice and I am very angry!
    When will it end? I think Lisa would be furious that she died so young. I hope her spirit soars far from this life.

    Comment by Carmen Lahiff-Jenkins | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  26. Lisa’s ‘mother’s country’ funeral is on Wednesday 19 July in Mullimbimby. Once I have more details they will be posted here. She will be buried next to her mum Jocelyn.

    Comment by skepticlawyer | July 12, 2006 | Reply

  27. To all Lisa’s family and friends, my most sincere thoughts are with you.

    I loved Lisa’s poetry and performances, her sense of justice and humour, and her elegance and finesse when deflating disrespect. We spoke about her poetry and work last year. She said she ‘loved talking to students cause students will be successful and then will make a difference in their environment.’ I have talked about Lisa’s work in France – my home country – and people here have been touched by her witty, profound, funny and moving poetry. I was privileged to meet Lisa, a great artist and an inspiring woman. She had ‘‘A Significant Life’’, as one of her poems is called, doing what she encouraged us to do in poetry : ‘‘For the future, if there is to be one, we must listen, talk and share. For the future.’’

    Comment by Estelle Castro | July 13, 2006 | Reply

  28. I had the priviledge of working with Lisa last year whilst organising the IRF although I never met her everything was through email but she touch me even in this electronic day and age through her kind words and encouragement. Nothing was a problem for her and no matter how many times I asked her something she was patient with me, Thank you Lisa! You are definately an inspiration to me and I will think of you warmly on my graduation day as you are one of the many who has helped me on my journey

    Comment by Kylie Wilson | July 13, 2006 | Reply

  29. Tidda Lisa, Your words and mine met before we did and I knew it was a sign. It was no coincidence that my two Indigenous inspirations were both of the Noonucal – Oodgeroo and you Lisa! I was happy to finally meet you when I moved to Melbourne from Fremantle and felt safe in your acknowledgement, acceptance and beautiful friendship. I soon realised the significance of your very being, grateful and priviliged to call you Tidda and for you to call me Yorga Nellie.

    Your quest for justice and understanding for your people, our people, all people is one of the things that stood you apart from the ordinary folk. Your energy, commitment and dignified Spirit embraced all that you met, inspiring us all to meet the gaze of others – no matter what the situation, challenge or risk. You always stood with those who needed you, ready to defend them and speak for them if needed.

    I can’t imagine a mortal world without you my Tidda. No more smoke of special fires to walk through together, no more priceless postcards slipped into my letterbox, no more flags to raise together in Honour of our peoples, no more lunches to be shouted, no more laughing with each other about those little things.

    Your words and my memories of you shall wrap around me, an invisible cloak, protecting me and reminding me of just how lucky I was to have walked this Mother Earth with you.

    I love you LisaB and will ever look to you for inspiration and guidance to try and be the kind of person that you are. With these words and my tears, I feel the strength that you so generously shared unconditionally with us all.

    My respect and love is extended to Destiny for her loss, and to all those special to Lisa who hold her dear to their hearts. The world is a much sadder place for her passing.

    I was always Honoured to introduce you to my family here, who you also accepted, embraced and made to feel special. They too feel deeply saddened and shocked at your passing. Till we meet again in the sacred, spiritual place LisaB, don’t ever change! And then, it will be my shout! Love, Respect, Hugs and much Spirit my Tidda, xxx Yorga Nellie also on behalf of Shirley, Gina, Justin, Flynn, Tyhg and Jade (PS -Send a post card soon x)

    Comment by Nellie Green | July 13, 2006 | Reply

  30. Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve been a bit stunned and shocked this week, and it was good to read everyone’s love and tributes.

    I met Lisa at UQ a few years ago.

    She was one of those people who made you feel warmer in the world. She had this great knack for making you feel strong, and included, and supported, and encouraging you to join her and laugh at the world.

    It’s shattering that she’s gone.

    Comment by Liss | July 13, 2006 | Reply

  31. Dear Lisa B,

    My heart is so heavy with sadness and tears because your death was so sudden. That I never did get to send you a postcard even though I’ve always wanted to. That I never made it to 3CR to exchange photographs with you.

    I feel so honoured that I met you. That my first spoken word gig was in your presence at the amazing Dykeworld event, organised by my good friend Hinde Ena Burstin, for the Midsumma festival in 2001.

    Your strength, energy, passion and anger that you directed at injustices against Indigenous Australians, and anyone else who has experienced injustice was astounding. At the same time, your capacity to love and to stay positive was so great.

    I have drawn a lot of inspiration from you and your work. To the extent that I prioritise supporting Indigenous events – whether it’s a rally or in the arts.

    I recently bought your book of poetry, ‘Dreaming in Urban Areas’, and I am finding solace in your words.

    My meeting with you has left a huge imprint in my heart – of what I do, where I go and how I see the world.

    My heart extends its deepest sympathies and respect to your family, loved ones and friends.

    Always…

    Love,
    lian

    Comment by Lian Low | July 13, 2006 | Reply

  32. I met Lisa in about 1979 when we were the only two girls in Chisholm Young Labor – and the only non factional members of Young Labor in Victoria at the time. She was vibrantly alive and funny and shone as a beacon in middle suburbia. I caught up on her life in very small snatches as our paths randomly crossed. I always thought there would be time to catch up properly. Reading other peoples words I am glad she wrangled such rich life for herself, and deeply saddened that she didnt get to be feisty old lady.
    love to you comrade
    Doone Clifton

    Comment by Anonymous | July 13, 2006 | Reply

  33. Whenever I got involved, in activism or art, and went to events, readings, rallies, conferences, launches, even school fetes you name it, there Lisa would be. I didn’t know her well, and now that she’s gone I’m humbled and grateful for the chats we had and the warmth and acceptance she showed me as a white woman who can only have a small idea.
    She built bridges, she worked constantly, at so many things, she was prolific, expressive, sweet and expansive. She was a gift and it is utterly tragic that she has gone, and somehow it speaks of the times. I send all my sympathy and love to those close to her. All of us, eveerytime we try to make a difference, try to get it right, or get involved in anything heartfelt poetic and with purpose, we will remember her then and there and know that if she hadn’t been part of so many ‘scenes’ for so long, much of it would have withered on the vine. Such a life force, such an lion heart, such a beautiful soul and always so right.
    Thanks Lisa for all you did. I’ll never forget you.

    Comment by Liz Conor | July 14, 2006 | Reply

  34. I received news of Lisa’s death this morning from a friend, and am deeply saddened.

    I did not, unfortunately, know her well, but remember her speaking forcefully and passionately at a Brisbane Writers’ Festival many years back. We were both in a writing workshop once at the University of Queensland, and I remember Lisa being very supportive and sympathetic towards other writers. She was also uproariously funny, committed, political and creative.

    I sent some of her poems to a friend of mine in the US a few years ago, an African American man on death row, and he really connected with her writing, and got great joy from it.

    I extend my warm wishes to her family and friends, and my sorrow at her death. Here’s a big hug, Lisa, and thank you.

    Comment by thewordygecko | July 14, 2006 | Reply

  35. Thanks for putting a new poem of Lisa’s up on your site, WG.

    Comment by skepticlawyer | July 14, 2006 | Reply

  36. Lisa. a totally selfless person who gave much to everyone. A character never to be missed on her bicycle, with a microphone or a camera. Lisa your spirit will live on forever, thank you for sharing your life with us.

    Comment by Anonymous | July 16, 2006 | Reply

  37. Dear Lisa,
    Now you journey to the dream world, may you forever rest peacefully. Your passing was a shock and very sad.
    To Lisa’s family and close friends, time will heal the pain in your hearts and replace it with loving memories of Lisa.
    God bless!

    Comment by Anonymous | July 17, 2006 | Reply

  38. Just want to add my thoughts and say how much Lisa taught me through my contact with her. I loved her humour and the way that she approached any obstacles in her life. I cant make it up to Mullum for her funeral because my new baby was entering the world just as Lisa left it, but I will be there in spirit.

    Comment by Anonymous | July 17, 2006 | Reply

  39. Lisa
    your spirit,
    your light
    your strength
    your courage
    your sweetness
    your kindness
    your solidarity
    your conviction
    your softness
    your love
    your fire
    your passion
    your smile
    your laughter
    your knowledge
    your committment
    your photos
    your interwiews
    your directness
    your guidnence
    your patience
    your presence
    the list goes on all of these things that are yours are our loss
    i will always love and miss you mary

    Comment by mary | July 18, 2006 | Reply

  40. Love you Lisa! big cheers for a life well lived and so full of love. sending my deepest wishes of strength and compassion to your families and all who loved you.

    i would like to publicly pledge to work with all who are willing to keep your passions and dreams alive.

    this friday, july 21st there will be a memorial for Lisa in brisbane at 10am at the Bringing Them Home plaque in orleigh park (corner of forbes st and hill end tce) hill end (near west end) all welcome. if you need more info ring me on 0407 465 218.

    in tribute,
    gillian

    Comment by gillian | July 19, 2006 | Reply

  41. Thanks Gillian. I won’t be able to get along to the Friday tribute due to work commitments (I’ll actually be in Mackay), but strongly encourage as many people as possible to go.

    If anyone takes digital photographs, please pass them along to Vicki-Ann so I can put a couple up on this page.

    Comment by skepticlawyer | July 20, 2006 | Reply

  42. I was a first year student when i first heard Lisa speak at the NOWSA conference in Brisbane in 1993. She blew my mind and made my pulse race. i loved her humour and her directness and her sense of performance. she got me curious and angry and feeling like i had a responsibility to break out of my white world. she was inspiring and i pay my respects to her and send love to her loved ones

    Comment by Anonymous | July 20, 2006 | Reply

  43. I met Lisa a few times during my uni days and crossed paths at every political action Melbourne hosted. Lisa was everywhere that counted, with a huge amount of energy and committment. Her talent we know. I am saddened by the news and pass on my thoughts to those who loved her. I’ll remeber her as a striking, witty, passionate warrior woman indeed.

    Comment by C.Davis | July 20, 2006 | Reply

  44. Hey sis

    thanks for showin me the way…

    love always….

    Comment by Anonymous | July 24, 2006 | Reply

  45. TO MY SISTER LISA, WE DANCED, WE LAUGHED, WE JOKED, WE HELD HANDS, WE ATE, WE KISSED, AND WE SAID SEE YA,
    I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU DARLIN LADY

    AND I AGREE WITH ALL THE ABOVE AND BELOW WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BLACK STRONG WARRIOR WOMAN XOXOXO

    FROM DAVID DRYDEN YORTA-YORTA

    Comment by DAVID DRYDEN | July 24, 2006 | Reply

  46. We heard the shocking and sad news that our beautiful sister girl Lisa had passed away late last week. We all stood on the film set and cried, holding onto each other. The four of us Tammy Clarkson, Aaron Pedersen, Leroy Parsons and Richard Frankland. After the initial shock and after the first wave of tears and grief, a flood of memories came rushing back to us all. And then we all shared stories about Lisa.

    We talked of her photographs, her poetry, her radio show, her vibrant and giving spirit, her wonderful smile and most of all her golden soul. We talked about how at seemingly every community event she would be there, documenting our people, our struggle, our warriors, our heroes and somehow amidst all of that documenting how she had the time to give voice to the issues that we as a people face, and always giving that beautiful smile.

    We talked about her laughter and we talked about what a wonderful gift to the world she was and how we had all been touched by her. Then we cried some more.

    We all agreed that she was so special that she must have been needed somewhere else and thats why she was taken from us so quickly.

    Without Lisa, the world is a poorer place, any individual who knew her, who was photographed by her, who was touched by her is a lucky person and a wealthier person.

    We are grateful that she was involved in our lives, we are all immensely proud of her achievements and we will all hold a special place in our hearts for her.

    Regretfully we cannot be at the memorial service, nor will we be able to be at the funeral. We send our love and respect to all of her family and her friends.

    Below is a short letter to Lisa.

    Dear Lisa, Sister Girl,

    What a wonderful warrior you were, what a wonderful gift you have given all who knew you and what a beautiful legacy you have left with your photographs, your art and your voice and your wonderful spirit.

    Thank you so much for what you have given us and our people, thank you so much for being a part of our lives and thank you for the love you touched us with.

    We will all miss you.

    Our Love and Respect,

    Aaron, Tammy, Leroy and Richard.

    Comment by Djaambi | July 24, 2006 | Reply

  47. Dear Lisa,
    It was devistating to us to hear that you passed away so suddenly and cut short a full and giving life. Thankyou for being so warm, loving, kind and generous of spirit. There isn’t too many like you around and the world would be a better place with more people like you. We will miss cooking the barbi on Kim’s front porch, and seeing you just about everywhere we went. Love to all who feel her loss, she has left a mark that is undeniable. What a classy woman!!!
    Love from Allirah Dryden and Katrina McAuley

    Comment by Anonymous | July 25, 2006 | Reply

  48. The NAIDOC march rested on the steps of Parliament and a young girl’s beautiful voice sang a song of joy. On the other side of the road,lights at red, we watched and listened. From among ‘us’, came another girl, her beautiful features made ugly and twisted with hatred, as she bellowed out a parody of the anthem, drowning out the sweet song, sucking out life and oxygen. Instinctively, my feet moved away, towards the group on the steps. Lisa was there with a word and a warm smile to welcome me across. Thanks for being the Bridge – Life, love and joy always.

    Comment by Faith | August 21, 2006 | Reply

  49. Hey it’s really great to read this stream of marvellous recollections of Lisa the lighthouse. Coming up towards three years since she slipped away now. For anyone who missed my obituary in the Age/SMH/Green Left Weekly (edited version),there’s a link here

    xJen
    http://australia.poetryinternationalweb.org/piw_cms/cms/cms_module/index.php?obj_id=7931&x=1

    Comment by Jen Jewel Brown | February 9, 2009 | Reply


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