Albert Holt facts for kids

Uncle Albert Holt (born in 1936 and passed away on January 22, 2026) was a respected Aboriginal elder from Australia. He belonged to the Bidjara people. Uncle Albert was well-known for his important work helping young Indigenous Australians and his community.

Uncle Albert's Early Life

Albert Holt was born in 1936 in a place called the Barambah Mission Reserve, which is now known as Cherbourg. His family had been moved from their traditional lands near Springsure. His father was part of the Bidjara nation, and his mother came from the Yiman and Wakaman nations.

Championing Community Justice and Education

Throughout his life, Uncle Albert Holt worked hard to make things better for Australian First Nations people. He spoke up for fairness in communities and pushed for improved education and health services. He shared his wisdom with many groups that advised the government on important issues.

Promoting Aboriginal Culture in Schools

For twenty years, Uncle Albert encouraged schools in Queensland to include Aboriginal history in their lessons. He wanted all students to learn about this important part of Australia's past. He also visited many schools often, sharing stories about Aboriginal culture and encouraging understanding between all people. By 2019, many schools had welcomed him as a special elder.

Founding the Hymba Yumba Community Hub

In 2011, Uncle Albert started the Hymba Yumba Community Hub. This is a special independent school for Indigenous students, located in Springfield.

Working with the Queensland Police

In 1995, Uncle Albert Holt made history. He became the very first senior liaison officer to work with the Queensland Police Service. This role helped build bridges between the police and Indigenous communities.

Continued Community Involvement

Uncle Albert retired from full-time work at the end of 2001. Even after retiring, he remained very active and dedicated to helping his community.

Helping Establish Murri Court

In 2006, Uncle Albert helped create the Murri Court in Queensland. This special court allows judges to get advice on cultural matters, ensuring fair decisions for Indigenous people. He also joined a government committee to advise on education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Supporting Health and Education Services

Uncle Albert also played a key role in setting up important health services. These included the Inala Indigenous Health Service and a major center for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care in Southern Queensland. He also helped start the Inala Family Education Centre.

Uncle Albert's Passing

Uncle Albert Holt passed away on January 22, 2026. He was 89 years old and left behind a wonderful legacy of service.

Books by Uncle Albert Holt

Uncle Albert shared his life story in two books. His autobiography, Forcibly Removed, came out in 2001. Later, in 2015, he released Murri on a Mission - Gunnan Gunnan. These books tell about his experiences and his journey.

Honoring Uncle Albert's Legacy

Uncle Albert's important work has been recognized in many ways. A community housing area in Inala was named the Uncle Albert Holt Terraces in his honor.

Awards and Special Honors

In 2005, he was named Male Elder of the Year at the NAIDOC Awards. These awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 2007, he also received the Premier's Senior Citizen Volunteer Award.

Academic Recognition and Building Names

In 2018, Uncle Albert received a special honorary doctorate from the World Indigenous Nations University. This was a high honor for his lifetime of work. Also, a building at the Hymba Yumba Community Hub school was named after him.

Carrying the Queen's Baton

In October 2017, the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, announced a special role for Uncle Albert. He was chosen to be a baton bearer for the Queen's Baton Relay. This event happened before the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Named a Queensland Great

In 2022, Uncle Albert Holt was recognized as a Queensland Great. This award celebrates people who have made outstanding contributions to the state of Queensland.