Final farewell to Uncle Stevie Goldsmith

A ceremonial fire pit near the Yunggorendi building is amongst plans to honour Kaurna elder Stephen Gadlabardi Warritya Goldsmith, who has died suddenly, aged 60.

Steve had a long and important connection with Flinders University, most recently as part of the Flinders 50th celebrations where he led the Opening Smoking Ceremony of the new Student Hub and Plaza.

Steve has also conducted many Welcome to Country ceremonies on behalf of the Kaurna Nation at Flinders University.

Steve has a been an ambassador, leader, performer and educator for many years on Kaurna land, and long-standing member of the Kaurna Language Committee,  Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi who gifted the Kaurna words to Flinders University.

Steve has acted and starred in many films, plays and festivals and most recently starred in Secret River as part of the 2017 Adelaide Festival.

Steve has also been a guest lecturer for many Indigenous studies topics at Flinders, including ‘Reconciliation and Indigenous Knowledges’.

He was a long-time volunteer on Nunga Wangga Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM and many Flinders students presented on radio with Steve over the last 10 years.

A courageous leader who generously shared cultural truths, Steve was a champion of education in its many forms.

A ceremony to send Stevie on his next journey will be held at Point Pearce on 25 August 2017.

Flinders University pays its sincere respects and condolences to Uncle Stevie’s family, community and friends.

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