February 17, 2014
Cherbourg’s Jack O’Chin Oval was packed today with mourners for a man remembered as a councillor, activist and horse lover.
More than 800 people – friends, family and work colleagues – travelled from near and far for the memorial service for Cherbourg councillor Bert Claude Button, 64.
Cr Button was born on June 16, 1949, in Cherbourg, the son of Joseph Roderick Button and Gwendoline May Button (both deceased).
He died on February 9 of cancer.
John “Warry” Stanley read the eulogy which detailed Bert’s love for Cherbourg and traditional culture, his activism for the Aboriginal movement and his work with the youth of Cherbourg, particularly the Wakka Wakka Gubbi dancers and the Cherbourg Cowboys rodeo riders.
“During his employment he also helped found, establish and was an active member of many organisations,” Mr Stanley said.
“Some of these include the Cherbourg Rehabilitation Centre, Wakka Wakka Legal Service, Goolburri Land Council, Barambah Aboriginal Child Care Agency (BACCA), Beemar Yumba Children’s Shelter, the Barambah Justice Group and the NATSI Legal Service, just to name a few.”
Mr Stanley noted that it was now up to other people to carry on the work that Cr Button had started.
Other guest speakers included Cherbourg Mayor Ken Bone and fellow activist and “frontline warrior” Lyle Munro Jnr.
The funeral cortege was led by Cherbourg Cowboys wearing yellow shirts.
Cr Button is survived by his longtime partner Mavis Cobbo; he had 11 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
