A Central Queensland champion for Aboriginal issues, Bob Muir has been selected as a finalist for ‘Elder of the Year' in this year's national NAIDOC Week awards.

Informed recently of his selection, Mr Muir said he was unaware of the application put forward by Central Queensland University and was humbled by being considered worthy of inclusion in this prestigious award.

This initiative is an example of CQU's commitment to reconciliation, coinciding with Reconciliation Week this week.

Worthy nominee Bob Muir

The application was accompanied by a number of support letters from local business people, government organisations, politicians and elders.

"On a personal level, it is a privilege to even be in the running for the award.  On a larger scale, I see it as a great opportunity to work with whatever opportunities might flow from it to progress Aboriginal issues throughout the country, and particularly those in Central Queensland.  It's a responsibility that only reinforces my passion for what I do," he said.

CQU Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Angela Delves said CQU was honoured to have been associated with Mr Muir over a number of years in connection with various projects designed to advance the link between Central Queensland's original Dharumbal inhabitants and the wider community. 

"It is our knowledge of his passion for advancing the cause of his people in a calm and steady manner, coupled with his sincerity and integrity that has led us to recommend him for this award," Professor Delves said.

Along with his work with CQU, Mr Muir is on the boards of the Fitzroy Basin Association and the Fitzroy River & Coastal Catchments. He has also worked with the Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee, TAFE, the Education Department and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.  He has mentored young Aborigines and other people through Green Corp., with some outstanding results that have positively changed the course of lives.

His most recent achievement is leading the 14-year campaign to track and then reunite approximately 600 Woppaburra descendants from across Australia.  Once that was done, he walked the often difficult path through consultation with government departments which led to the hand back of traditional land on Great Keppel Island and at Mt Wheeler in 2007.

"He has inspired others to believe that dreams can come true and, in pursuit of his dreams, he has touched many lives and achieved many things for his people and the reconciliation process within Queensland and the nation," Professor Delves said.

Mr Muir and his wife Ros will attend the NAIDOC ceremony on July 12 in Canberra, where the overall winner will be announced.