OBITUARY: Dr Neville Green AO (1933 – 2026)
PHA (WA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Neville Green AO.
Dr Green had many careers including in the Royal Australian Air Force and then as a teacher. Acknowledging his work across many fields, his work as an Historian and member of PHA (WA) is significant. The majority of his publications were on various aspects of Australian Aboriginal history. His research was always based on a rigorous examination of archival sources and exposed past practices and the adverse impact of these practices on Indigenous people.
Dr Green’s research on Aboriginal prisoners at Wadjemup/Rottnest Island as part of the Dictionary of Western Australians series was groundbreaking and later published in collaboration with his daughter as the book Far from home: Aboriginal prisoners of Rottnest Island 1838-1931. Twelve other publications including the seminal work Broken Spears are all evidence of his significant contribution to historical research.
Dr Green was awarded an Order of Australia for ‘service to the community as a historian specialising in Native title and Indigenous projects, as an author, and to professional associations.’
One of Neville’s entries in the PHA (WA) Consultant Register read: “Have expertise – willing to travel”. Passionate and articulate, this short summation reflects his professional energy as well as a devotion to his craft. We celebrate the legacy of his extensive research while mourning the loss of a highly respected Historian.
