Locally owned and independent
August 4, 2022
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS
Clarence community loses a true champion TIM HOWARD It is a testament to the respect the Clarence had for Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman Irene Daley that so how many bowed their head in silence at the news of her passing on July 21. Anywhere people gathered in the days following the sad event, it was mandatory for people to stop for a minute in silence to recall what she meant to the local community. The crowd stood heads bowed before the South Grafton Rebels v Coffs Comets game at McKittrick Park, Clarence mayor Ian Tiley began the July 27 Clarence Valley Council meeting with an acknowledgement of her role in the Clarence community and the celebrations of the Grafton Bridge’s 90th birthday, were paused as a mark of respect to her. The Gumbaynggirr ad Bundjalung matriarch
was one of nine children. She worked on the railway in her early life, until she reached the age of 38 and begin a university degree. In 1993 became art teacher, taught primary, secondary and TAFE students as well as exhibiting her paintings at numerous local art exhibitions. Over the years she was much sought after to deliver many welcomes to country at local gatherings. Cr Tiley said Ms Daley exemplified her motto, “live simply so others can simply live”. Irene’s children Troy Cassar-Daley and Michelle survive her. “Irene will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved her,” Cr Tiley said. Australian country music star Troy CassarDaley gave a moving tribute for his mother on social media: “Well I have to say this last three days has
been an emotional roller coaster/train wreck for me, getting home and not seeing Mum on the veranda waiting for me was truly devastating! Laurel and I started crying from the turn off to Mum’s that’s been the tone of the last two days. People of Grafton have offered their condolences everywhere
I’ve walked while down home they have taken the weight off my heavy heart and I thank them for that. “The public seat that Mum designed with tiles and paint on Skinner Sth Grafton was surrounded by candles with some young people playing music in her honour the night the news broke.
“Also a minute silence at the Sth Grafton Rebels game today and black armbands showed how much love there is for my beautiful Mum in this community. “Mum lived a simple life and her wishes she had written down for me pretty much reflected that, her letter to me read, ‘Son Boy
I do not want a formal funeral. I don’t want an announcement in the paper, I’d like to be cremated and for our immediate Family to have a cuppa to send me off near my beautiful Clarence river’. “These days have been some of the hardest I’ve faced in my life. Her hand writing, her coffee cup, and her memories all set off emotions everywhere I look. “I want to say thank you for all these beautiful messages and tributes to Mum they mean so much. “As I write this I’m Breathing in this beautiful Gumbaynggirr air that Mum loved so much and taking time to reflect and celebrate her life.She said her wish was to pass away on country and head on up to be with my Nan and Pop and her brothers and sisters. “She is now in the care of the old people and I’m at peace with that.”
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