Bob Bellear honoured at Bar Association function

13/03/2008

Philanthropy

Yesterday evening, more than 60 members and guests, including Kaye Bellear and her family, gathered in the Common Room for the unveiling of a photograph of Bob Bellear, the first Aboriginal judge in Australia.�It is the first portrait of a District Court judge to be included in the Bar Association's collection. President Anna Katzmann SC explained to the guests that the portrait had been very kindly donated by their honours Judge Peter Zahra SC and Judge John Nicholson SC. Judge Nicholson described Bellear as "a role model for his people" and "an inspiration to us all". In addition to outlining Bellear’s work as a public defender and District Court judge,�he spoke about his voluntary work with the Matthew Talbot Hostel, his establishment of the Aboriginal Housing Corporation and his involvement with the Aboriginal Medical Service and Aboriginal Legal Service. View a�copy of his Honour's speech�> The unveiling was also an opportunity to support the work of the Indigenous Barristers’ Trust.� Donors who gave more than $25 were eligible for a painting by Maria Josette Orsto of Bathurst Island called Jilimara (armbands). The painting went to the Hon Geoff Graham. **13 March 2008 **