Untitled | GA-2223

DOB: c. 1920 – 2008

Birthplace: Roper River

Skin name: Gibungurrich



Gerry Blitner was a guide, artist, army scout, pearler, and fighter for land rights. He was from Naiyalrindji country on the mighty Roper River, southeast of Katherine in the Northern Territory.

He was born on the banks of the Roper River in 1920 to an indigenous mother from the Vandalin Islands. His father Frederick Blitner was a trepanger in the Gulf of Carpentaria and an associate of famed writer and bushman W. E. Harney.

At only 4 years old, George was taken from his family by the Church Missionary Society and sent to a Groote Eylandt mission for ‘half-caste’ children at Emerald River where he spent most of his childhood. George was educated here and lived on the island for many years, developing an extensive kinship network. As an adult he reconnected with his people and became a revered and strong elder.

Over his life, he worked in many roles such as: scout for Royal Australian Air Force during WWII; and developed pearling and trepang industries on Groote Eylandt during the war; worked with superintendent Fred Gray at indigenous settlement Umbakumba on Groote Eylandt; guide and translator for the American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt in 1948; skipper; crocodile hunter; artist; chairman and deputy chairman of the Northern Land Council from the 1980’s (alongside Galarrwuy Yunipingu); worked at BHP’s Gemco manganese mine; and was active in Aboriginal politics and Land Rights.

In 1946, Gerald married Jessie Huddleston and brought up a family together until her death in 1991.Mr Blitner died in 2008 at age 87 and was given a traditional burial on Groote Eylandt. Members of his family have continued his artistic lead and his grandson Eddie is a respected indigenous artist.
Gerry Blitner's art is traditional, based on nature, bush foods and animals.