RESPECTED Tamworth Aboriginal elder Joe Trindall has passed away after an illness, aged 87.
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Uncle Joe, as he was fondly known, worked together with Pearl, his wife of 66 years, towards social justice for indigenous people across the New England North West region basically from the time they met.
Over the years Joe and Pearl’s efforts were recognised in a number of different ways, including the presentation of numerous justice and Premier’s awards.
The pair were instrumental in the establishment of the Aboriginal Medical Service in Tamworth, and the Aboriginal Legal Service in Moree, Armidale and Tamworth.
In 2007 they were presented with an Aboriginal Health Hall of Fame Award.
With a passion not only for health but education too, the pair helped establish the Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group, a homework centre in Peel St and also the Birralee MACS Child Care Centre.
Joe and Pearl met as Gomeroi youngsters in Bellata and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in July this year.
Uncle Joe is survived by Aunty Pearl, their seven children as well as their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
![JOE AND PEARL: The couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary last year. This picture is reproduced with the consent of the family. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 260711GOE01 JOE AND PEARL: The couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary last year. This picture is reproduced with the consent of the family. Photo: Geoff O’Neill 260711GOE01](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-7YjsyXB7ExBTuzGHT3fj6J/d68e272c-5064-4320-981e-948f09c4b134.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)