It is with heartfelt sadness that the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) pays tribute to the late Honourable Stephen Thackray, former Chief Judge of the Family Court of Western Australia.
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Thackray, who has a long and highly regarded association with our organisation” said ALSWA CEO Dennis Eggington.
In his capacity as WA’s Chief Family Law Judge for over a decade, ALSWA’s Family Law Unit (FLU) saw firsthand his unwavering commitment and dedication to his role.
Magistrate Neil Anderson, ALSWA’s FLU Manager until the retirement of Mr Thackray in January 2019, reflected on the deep void left by Mr Thackray’s passing, and the gratefulness he felt for his leadership and friendship in the establishment of the Jiji Nyirti project, which saw Mr Thackray bring together ALSWA and other organisations to have the Family Court visit the East Pilbara and enable families to come together and yarn about their worries.
“Stephen possessed remarkable intellect, wisdom, patience and empathy, coupled with an irreverent spirit and wonderfully infectious sense of humour. Those qualities were never more plain to see than when Stephen devoted himself to delivering Jiji Nyirti. He will be very sorely missed by many people from all walks of life” said Mr. Anderson.
ALSWA offers its condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances of Mr. Thackray. “We acknowledge that his tireless work and wisdom was both highly respected and appreciated by our organisation and he will be very sadly missed” said Mr. Eggington.
