Desmond Bowen

Desmond is an elder and traditional landowner from the Guguu Yimidithirr people of Hopevale. He is an elected councillor of Hopevale Aboriginal Shire Council and has a particular responsibility for access to land and resources. This involves him liaising with Australian and overseas bodies to advocate for, and bring awareness to, human rights issues. He has had a long history advocating on behalf of his community through Royal Commission into Black Deaths in Custody Recommendations, negotiating introduction of the Community Development Employment Program as chair of Hopevale Council, acting as chair of Cape York Land Council and as chair of the Hopevale Justice Group. He believes that by understanding his community’s position within the international context, he can help his community to grow and move out of their desperate situation and into the worldwide community. He is currently writing a book about his life experiences and that of his people.