FORD, John

John Ford OAM ~ We mourn the passing of a great retail innovator and Indigenous cultural ambassador ~ Chairman Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, the Board, Staff and Members of the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to John’s wife Margaret, his family and many friends of John Ford. A great man who achieved so much and touched the hearts of many Yolŋu across Arnhem Land. ALPA today is the largest Aboriginal Corporation in the country, with a staff of >1,100 of which more than 80% are indigenous. Much of this success can be attributed to the foundations that John laid during his time as a General Manager of ALPA in the 1970’s and 1980’s. John was ahead of his time in recognising and prioritising traditional Yolŋu family and business structures as an important element of successful store operations. All of ALPA, both Yolŋu and Balanda, mourn his passing and greatly value and appreciate the significance of his contribution to ALPA, his wonderfully productive life and the enormous legacy that he leaves for future generations to come.