Uncle Ted Thomas

Guboo “Uncle Guboo” Ted Thomas (29 January 1909 – 19 May 2002) was a Yuin Elder whose life spanned traditional lore, cultural renewal and Aboriginal activism. Born at Jembaicumbene near Braidwood, he grew up on the Wallaga Lake Reserve and at an early age was immersed in Yuin knowledge through his father, grandfather and grandmother. In his youth, he was selected by his Elders to inherit spiritual and cultural leadership of Yuin people.

Known as “good friend”, the meaning of his tribal name Guboo, he served as teacher, performer and Custodian. Early in his life he toured with the Wallaga Lake Gumleaf Band and later spent decades documenting sacred sites, spearheading land rights and shaping environmental stewardship across Yuin Country. He famously expressed: “The land is our Mother… When I die, I’m going down there. When you die you’re going there too. But what are you doing for the Earth?”

In the late 1970s he led the campaign that halted logging on Mumbulla Mountain, contributing to one of the most significant land rights victories for the South Coast. He also brought Yuin heritage to the global stage, attending the United Nations and meeting the Dalai Lama to affirm Indigenous spiritual and cultural rights.

Uncle Guboo’s legacy lives through the protection of Country, the continuation of Yuin songlines and the thousands who attended his Dreaming camps. He stands as a symbol of how cultural authority, activism and commitment merge in service of Country and community.