A highly respected elder of the Palawa Nation in lutruwita (Tasmania), Rodney Dillon has dedicated his life to rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He is often asked to speak to the media and sit on Indigenous panels and boards.
Rodney is focused on building economic, social and cultural security for First Nations peoples.
In 2022, he finally persuaded Tasmania’s Government to allow First Nations Tasmanians sea rights to harvest a commercial quota of abalone and profit from their catch. He’s also negotiated the repatriation of Aboriginal artefacts and remains.
Equally important is Rodney’s push for reconciliation and a more compassionate Australia. He co-founded weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation to promote positive working relationships with community groups and was part of the Referendum Working Group for the Voice to parliament.
He continues to make an extraordinary contribution to Australian society and to call out injustice.