John Butcher passed away peacefully on Invasion Day 2025 following a long illness. He is survived by his partner Julie, his son Ben, Ben’s partner Sylvie, and his brother and sister Peter and Marie.
John was a tireless advocate and activist for peace, social justice and the environment.
In particular, John was for many years an active member of the Cooks River Valley Association (CRVA) and its president for seven years (2012–2018).
Many important initiatives were undertaken by the CRVA under John’s leadership. These included the annual Candles on the River event, the container deposit scheme campaign, the Non-Swimming Carnival and the CRVA water testing program.
John was also a founding member of the Gallipoli Centenary Peace Campaign which was established in 2014 to encourage a more critical understanding of Australia’s involvement in overseas wars, along with the Fontier Wars at home and the growing militarisation of Australian history.
As a member of GCPC, John lead a successful campaign to have Richardson’s Lookout renamed ‘Richardson’s Lookout – Marrickville Peace Park’ in 2015.
As well, he helped organise a petition, submitted to the Inner West Council in 2018, that called for the establishment of a Pemulwuy Cooks River Trail – a walking trail around the Cooks River that would acknowledge Pemulwuy as a leader of the resistance movement against the English invasion in 1788.
On Wednesday 5th February, John’s family, friends and comrades came together to celebrate his life and achievements at a public memorial at the Rowers on the Cooks River in Wolli Creek, Sydney.
John’s legacy will forever be an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Reprinted below is a tribute to John which was presented by Jon Atkins at the public memorial.
John Butcher – A Tribute
First of all, I would like to thank Julie and family members for inviting me to say a few words in celebration of John’s life.
I have been asked to focus on John’s involvement with the Gallipoli Centenary Peace Campaign (GCPC for short), his contribution to establishing the Peace Park at Richardson’s Lookout, and his commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and aspirations.
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It was in early 2014 that John and I attended a Marrickville Greens meeting. At that meeting John put forward a proposal that the Greens resist the exploitation of the up-coming Anzac Day Centenary in 2015 by the government of the day for political purposes.
Unfortunately, John’s proposal received a lukewarm reception.
Undeterred, John considered it necessary for independent community action to be taken. So it was that in March, April and May 2014, monthly meetings of like-minded people were held to discuss possible responses to the official Anzac Centenary program.
As a result of these meetings, the name ‘Gallipoli Centenary Peace Campaign’ was adopted and John was elected Convenor of the group.
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Opposed to any glorification of war and the distortion of history associated with the Anzac Legend which does no honour to those that died, John and fellow members set themselves an ambitious program of activities. Here I would like to briefly refer to some key elements of this program that John, in particular, was interested in pursuing.
First was the holding of a public forum on the topic ‘Anzac – Why does it last?’ in August 2014 at Sydney University. This well attended forum was addressed by Prof. Joan Beaumont from the ANU and author of the acclaimed Broken Nation, Australians in the Great War.
Second was the planning of a public forum to be held just prior to Anzac Day 2015 in the Petersham Town Hall. The topic of this forum was ‘Gallipoli and Anzac after 100 Years: Lessons and the Prospects for Peace Today’. The historian Douglas Newton was one of three speakers invited to address this forum.
It was vigorously opposed, however, by one Marrickville councillor, as well as the local RSL branch. In a victory for freedom of speech, Council endorsed the forum going ahead. Despite the atrocious weather, it was a resounding success.
Another project, initiated by John, was the proposal to establish a Peace Park at Richardson’s Lookout overlooking the Cooks River. John played a leading role in negotiations with Jo Haylen who was Mayor of Marrickville Council at the time. With Council’s backing, the Peace Park was formally named ‘Richardson’s Lookout – Marrickville Peace Park’. It was later launched on Sunday 8th November 2015 with John acting as facilitator.
With the establishment of the Peace Park, and with John’s insistence, GCPC proceeded to hold alternative Anzac Day Reflections when possible. From 2016, six successful Anzac Day Reflections were held in the Peace Park, again with John acting as facilitator.
The last two Reflections held in 2022 and 2024 were organised with the help of the Marrickville Peace Group. Unfortunately, John was unable to attend the Reflection in April last year due to his declining health.
The event didn’t seem the same without him.
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Mention should also be made of John’s long-term support for Indigenous rights and aspirations.
In particular, John was at the forefront of promoting local Sorry Day and Reconciliation walks along the Cooks River which were held in May each year.
Organised by the Cooks River Valley Association and supported by GCPC, these walks usually took the form of visiting the river’s Aboriginal Interpretative Sites, with invited speakers giving talks along the way.
John’s regular participation in these events clearly demonstrated the commitment he had to righting the wrongs inflicted upon Indigenous peoples.
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John’s contribution to the social causes I’ve outlined was admirable, as was his moral compass that guided his many community engagements.
John was a well-loved friend and a respected and effective peace and environmental activist. His legacy will forever be an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jon Atkins
5th Feb 2025