By Kath Gannaway
ABORIGINAL football legend James ‘Juby’ Wandin was farewelled on Friday in front of the type of ‘grand final’ crowd that as a champion AFL and country footballer and coach he had seen on hundreds of occasions, and would have loved being part of just one more time.
As Ngurungaeta (headman) of the Wurundjeri, the last child born on Coranderrk Aboriginal Station in 1933 and a man who was proud of his Aboriginal heritage, he was laid to rest in a moving traditional Aboriginal ceremony at Healesville Cemetery.
A red, yellow and black wreath and a premiership cup decorated the coffin reflecting the influences in his life which came together to make the unique individual who walked with equal respect and friendship in indigenous and non-indigenous circles.
Among many tributes from Aboriginal elders, life-long friends and football greats was a message delivered on behalf of the Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks.
“Not only has Victoria lost an elder of our Indigenous people, but a person who was an example to whom all people could aspire,” it said.
It spoke of the dignity with which Mr Wandin, as Ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri, delivered a moving and poignant address to Parliament in 2000.
Healesville Aboriginal elder Dot Peters spoke of Juby’s sense of humour, almost as legendary as his football achievements, of his love of music, dancing and life and of his contribution as a member of the Aboriginal Elders Association.
Mr Young in his eulogy said Juby was a football freak who rated as ‘the best country footballer around the place’ who was a champion on the field and a great coach whose motivational speeches were as legendary as his on-field achievements.
Former Healesville footballer and AFL Brownlow medalist Gordon Collis said as a young player Juby Wandin and other Healesville players of his era were his heroes. “Juby’s influence was inestimable,” he said.
“He was simply a leader and everyone looked up to him.”
St Kilda Football Club Hall of Fame great Neil Roberts spoke on behalf of the club which Juby joined in 1952.
He remembered Juby as a tough player who was irrepressible, a scallywag, a great bloke, a wonderful fella and a good mate.
At the cemetery, Wurundjeri member and the man who will take on the mantle of Wurundjeri leader, Murrundindi, performed a smoking ceremony, clearing away evil spirits and making the way clear for the spirit of Jimmy Wandin.
Members of the Wandin family, including his mother, Olive, his partner of 18 years, Judy Freeman, and her family and many friends, Indigenous and non-Indigenous took part in the traditional burial.
The Mail will look at the interesting life and times of James ‘Juby’ Wandin in coming weeks.