One of the Domain’s past best speakers has died.
Donny Dodd was born a Kaanju-Bire man to Katie and Reg Dodd on Palm Island. He moved to Sydney and in 1980 he began speaking in the Domain about Aboriginal affairs. Twenty years later, in 2000, he retired from speaking.
Your scribe met Donny a few times and on each occasion Donny was likeable and well mannered, and a pleasure to be with. When he spoke on his podium he was entertaining, informative, and exasperating.
Thank you, Donny, for your significant contribution to the health of Speakers’ Corner.
For more about Donny read Steve Maxwell’s article about him.
Donny Dodd was about 92 when this photo was taken.
Here are some photos of Donny over the years, courtesy of Steve Maxwell.
At 2pm Donny gets ready to speak at Speakers’ Corner
The people come to listen to Donny.
Here are six photos of the many platforms Donny spoke from:
Donny gets heckled.
Donny heckles too.
Donny gets advice.
Donny gets on the radio. Mirko stands in the background.
Donny lets a good speaker on his platform.
Donny addresses the people on National Soapbox Day.
Sunset on the Domain. Time to go home.
Goodbye, Donny!
If Don started speaking in 1980 & retired in 2000 that would be after 20 years.Also I’m fairly sure (though can’t be certain) that Don was not 95.
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Thanks for the ‘twenty’ correction. Initially I had him speaking to 2010, but when I changed that date I forgot to do my maths again.
With regards to his age, his son Paul didn’t correct me when he read Donny’s obituary. But to be on the safe side I have deleted Donny’s age. Thanks again.
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