MEDIA RELEASE
24 July 2017

Vale Yami Lester

South Australia has lost one of its greatest leaders, but Yami Lester’s legacy will live on. 

Conservation SA, the peak body for SA's environment sector, would like to extend its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to Yami's family and community.

With great wisdom, generosity, strength, wit and humor, Yami has been a powerful advocate for his people, fighting for the human rights and land rights of his people and speaking up as one of history’s most powerful anti-nuclear voices.

Yami was blinded by the British atomic bomb tests in South Australia in the early 1950s. The bomb tests at Maralinga and Emu Junction continue to impact country and community members today. Yami knew firsthand the terrible dangers of radiation and dedicated much of his life to fight for recognition and justice for those impacted.

Recently, Yami and his daughters Karina and Rose were prominent voices against the proposed international waste dump in SA, with Yami an influential patron of the No Dump Alliance.

Around Australia and the world people will be mourning the loss of Yami Lester, an Elder and leader who has inspired Indigenous and non-indigenous people to stand up, find a voice and fight to right the wrongs.

We will continue to work hard and relentlessly in respect for Elders and leaders like Yami.

Vale an extraordinary Australian. Our heart goes out to his family, friends and community at this time.

Release ends
Contact: Cat Beaton 0434 257 359