It is with great sadness that we pay tribute to Tiga Bayles, who lost his long battle with cancer yesterday.

Tiga was an incredible trailblazer and one of a kind.

Over many years, he provided a strong voice for so many of our First Nations peoples, and in doing so, gained great respect from black and white Australia.

The airwaves will never be the same without Tiga’s commentary, and his unwavering strength and commitment to advancing the rights of our people will never be forgotten.

“On a personal note, I will miss terribly my yarns with Tiga, both on, and off radio. He was never stuck for a word, or an opinion, and I am so very proud to call him a friend” said Aboriginal Legal Service of WA (ALSWA) CEO Dennis Eggington.

From Western Australia, we say ‘thank you Tiga’.

Thank you for your continuous and tenacious approach in ensuring that our people had a platform for their voice to be heard. Thank you for your respect of Country and Culture, and thank you for the long lasting legacy, strength and memories that remain, through your friendship and knowledge.

You will be dearly missed Tiga Bayles. Our thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time.

From the Executive Committee, Dennis Eggington and Management, and staff of the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.