Maori elder Mr George Te Whakaotinga Hallett receiving the VMC Award for Meritorious Service in the community from Premier Steve Bracks (July 2006)
Since his retirement in 1991, George Te Whakaotinga Hallett or "Koro George" as he is affectionately known, has worked tirelessly as a Maori kaumatua (elder) and leader within his own Maori community. He provides valuable community service work in his own time, visiting individuals and families in hospitals, juvenile justice units, prisons and family homes.
Koro George has lived in Australia since March 1978 becoming an Australian Citizen in 2003. He has taken a leading role in the Maori community as respected kaumatua and minister of the church.
He has also been involved with the Altona Migrant Resource Centre serving as a representative member of the Maori community and has assisted with the restoration of Maori carvings which now stand in the gateway entrance to Bayside College in Altona.
Koro George provided support to the South Pacific Foundation during the submission of a paper to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee in relation to changes to the Coroners Act 1985. He subsequently gave evidence to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee to support the submission presented on behalf of the Pasifika communities. At that hearing the
Koro George has lived in Australia since March 1978 becoming an Australian Citizen in 2003. He has taken a leading role in the Maori community as respected kaumatua and minister of the church.
He has also been involved with the Altona Migrant Resource Centre serving as a representative member of the Maori community and has assisted with the restoration of Maori carvings which now stand in the gateway entrance to Bayside College in Altona.
Koro George provided support to the South Pacific Foundation during the submission of a paper to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee in relation to changes to the Coroners Act 1985. He subsequently gave evidence to the Victorian Parliament Law Reform Committee to support the submission presented on behalf of the Pasifika communities. At that hearing the
Select Committee indicated that two of the submissions presented will be tabled as recommendations to Parliament in regards to the reform of the Coroners Act 1985. His experience and advice as a Maori kaumatua in this process was invaluable.
Koro George can be found where there are those in need of comfort or prayer during an illness or following the death of a loved one, or just simply being there to speak and listen with those who need someone to talk to.
"Ki ahau nei, no mai rano tenei Kaupapa kia tu he Marae mo te iwi Maori o Melbourne. I te wa e ora ana ahau ka awhi ahau i tenei kaupapa tae noa kia puawai te moemoea"
"For me, there has always been one kaupapa for Melbourne and for our people - marae. This is the kaupapa that will have my full support, no matter what and I hope to see this dream come to pass in my lifetime."
Koro George can be found where there are those in need of comfort or prayer during an illness or following the death of a loved one, or just simply being there to speak and listen with those who need someone to talk to.
"Ki ahau nei, no mai rano tenei Kaupapa kia tu he Marae mo te iwi Maori o Melbourne. I te wa e ora ana ahau ka awhi ahau i tenei kaupapa tae noa kia puawai te moemoea"
"For me, there has always been one kaupapa for Melbourne and for our people - marae. This is the kaupapa that will have my full support, no matter what and I hope to see this dream come to pass in my lifetime."
George Te Whakaotinga Hallett
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committed to Marae development in Melbourne based on
Koro George Te Whakaotinga Hallett