Shared with permission from the Ober and extended pamleh
The Office of the Commissioner (Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa) and the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa Advisory Group come together to honour the life and legacy of an extraordinary Torres Strait Islander man, Dana Ober (1952 – 2025).
Dana’s profound influence, tireless advocacy, and dedication to his people, culture, and community have left a lasting imprint on the Torres Strait Islands and beyond. His work as an integral member of the Kupai Omasker Working Party stands as a testament to his commitment to securing legal recognition for Ailan Kastom child-rearing practices, an effort that has paved the way for future generations to thrive.
In honouring Mr Ober’s legacy, Commissioner C’Zarke Maza expressed condolences and honoured Uncle Dana as an inspiration for all.
“Uncle Dana’s work with the Kupai Omasker Working Party was pivotal in the historic passing of legislation that granted legal recognition to Ailan Kastom child-rearing practices in Queensland. This achievement was the result of over three decades of tireless effort, collaboration, and advocacy,” Mr Maza said.
“Uncle Dana was an integral part of a formidable group of advocates who pushed for recognition of cultural practices that have been integral to Torres Strait Islander communities for generations,
“His efforts not only honoured the traditions of his people but also ensured that these cultural practices would be protected by law, securing a legacy FOR OUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN,” Mr Maza added.
Kupai Omasker Working Party member Dr Ivy Trevallion, expressed her gratitude to Dana for his life-long support and advocation.
“I am grateful to have worked side by side with Baba Dana for over thirty years, advocating for legal recognition of our cultural practice so that our families can sleep better at night,” Dr Trevallion shared.
“It was his words ‘Kaziw Kazipa’ that became part of the legislation, because he believed whole-heartedly that everything we do is FOR OUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN,”
Beyond his work on the Kupai Omasker Working Party, Dana was a steadfast advocate for the preservation and promotion of Torres Strait language and culture. Throughout his career, he served on various boards and committees, including the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) board and FATSIL (now First Languages Australia). His contributions to the development of language policy for Queensland, alongside his work in setting up a language program at Tagai State College in the Torres Strait, further solidified his commitment to cultural preservation. Dana understood the power of language as a vehicle for cultural identity and sought to ensure that language programs were accessible to future generations, empowering young people to carry on the traditions of their ancestors.
Dana’s work extended beyond his professional life. He was a mentor and leader to many, providing guidance and support to those who followed in his footsteps. His vision for a brighter future for Torres Strait Islander communities was built on a foundation of cultural pride, resilience, and a deep love for his people. Dana’s leadership was defined not by titles, but by his unwavering dedication to creating a space where the voices of Torres Strait Islanders could be heard, their rights respected, and their culture celebrated.
As we remember Dana Ober, we honour a man whose legacy will continue to resonate for years to come. His tireless advocacy, his commitment to cultural preservation, and his dedication to the Torres Strait Islander community will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations. Though he may no longer be with us in person, Dana’s spirit lives on through the enduring impact of his work, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. May we carry forward his vision, his passion, and his commitment to justice, ensuring that the traditions of the Torres Strait Islands remain protected and celebrated for generations to come.
“My office acknowledged his passing with deep sadness, and extend our condolences to his family,” Mr Maza said.
“Uncle Dana served his community and Zenadth Kes proudly, we will cherish the memories we have with him. Though he may no longer be with us in person, Uncle Dana’s spirit lives on through the enduring impact of his work, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps,”
Vale Dana Ober.
About Mr Dana Ober
Born in 1952, Dana Ober’s life was defined by a steadfast dedication to the betterment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For over two decades, he worked in both State and Commonwealth Government roles, advocating for Indigenous rights and amplifying the voices of those who too often went unheard. Dana’s career was marked by a deep commitment to both policy and education, and he worked across various sectors to improve the lives of Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people.
He held positions in the higher education sector at James Cook University, Batchelor Institute Northern Territory and University of Queensland. In his time Mr Ober served on several boards and committees, including the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) board, FATSIL (now First Languages Australia), and a State Government working party to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language policy for Queensland. Mr Ober was also involved in setting up a language program at Tagai State College in the Torres Strait.
May his legacy beam as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
May we carry forward his vision, his passion, and his commitment to justice, ensuring that the traditions of the Torres Strait Islands remain protected and celebrated for generations to come.