That all changed, when Uncle Bob Brown, known for his impact on the Wreck Bay community, was sworn in as the first Aboriginal JP in Australia in March, 1954, more than a decade before the 1967 referendum.

“Bob Brown was very much a leader in the Aboriginal Community, he was the motivator and everyone listened to him,” former Shoalhaven Shire president Bruce McIntosh said.

Mr Brown later became the first Koori man to manage an Aboriginal station and the first Aboriginal Presiding Officer at a polling booth.

At their appointment at the station, a number of residents expressed their confidence in the Browns.

He dealt with remand, bail and summon matters in the Jervis Bay court relieving Canberra magistrates of the necessity to visit the area regularly.

His wife played a leading role in the social welfare of station residents, and the couple always displayed a genuine interest in the welfare of their own people.

Born in Mogo to a white mother and a full blood Aboriginal father, Mr Brown worked for 55 years in South Coast sawmills.

He worked with Sunny Sims at the Weir brothers sawmill, where Bunnings now stands at South Nowra.

His commonsense approach won him friends in all walks of life and official recognition of his ability and diplomacy was quickly forthcoming.

When Mr Brown died in July, 1981, he was remembered in a special ceremony at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a place that he founded.

In response to a public invitation, and personal invitations, white people joined with Indigenous people outside the centre for a service of thanks and dedication for the example set by an upright Christian gentleman, according to the South Coast Register on July 15, 1981.

“Bob Brown, (was) a gentleman who at all time gave of his best and loved people for what they are, and not who they are,” John Hatton said at the service.

On behalf of the family, Ambrose Brown acknowledged the Christian upbringing afforded to him and his siblings through his parents.

He said that his father set a wonderful example and encouraged them to stand tall in the eyes of the community.