22/09/2026
Vale Uncle Ernie Hoolihan
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Ernie Hoolihan, a respected Elder and visionary leader whose contribution to TAIHS and the broader Townsville community cannot be overstated.
As one of the founding figures behind the establishment of the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS), his leadership, advocacy and belief in community control helped shape not only our organisation, but generations of community leadership and action.
Uncle Ernie played a pivotal role in the establishment of TAIHS in 1974. As Treasurer on the original steering committee, he worked alongside respected Elders and community members to build support for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health service in Townsville.
His late wife, Aunty Maud Hoolihan, was equally committed to this vision. Despite considerable scepticism, she continued to advocate for culturally safe, community-controlled healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Uncle Ernie also sought the support of Uncle Charlie Perkins, whose visit helped bring hundreds of people together for a community meeting. The strong support expressed there confirmed the community’s determination to establish a medical service responsive to its own needs.
Uncle Ernie’s skill as a writer and strategic thinker was instrumental. He prepared submissions, navigated government processes and drafted TAIHS’s first Constitution, providing a strong foundation for the organisation’s governance and growth.
With early funding secured through the Island Women’s Council and premises provided in Wills Street, the service began with limited resources. Elders, families and community members raised funds and contributed whatever they could, creating a foundation for TAIHS and for community-led advocacy across Townsville.
Uncle Ernie’s contribution formed part of a powerful collective effort. The leadership, courage and generosity of Elders, families, staff, community members and local organisations helped shape the activism, advocacy and community leadership that continue in Townsville today.
Uncle Ernie later served TAIHS as an administrator, using his knowledge of government and funding pathways to advocate effectively for the community. As Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood has reflected, “Uncle Ernie played a major role as one of the brains behind the establishment of TAIHS.” Despite his achievements, he remained humble and softly spoken, preferring to let his work speak for itself.
Uncle Ernie’s courage, determination and commitment, together with the collective efforts of many others, helped shape what TAIHS is today. Their legacy has strengthened community voice, inspired generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and encouraged the broader non-Indigenous community to understand and support self-determination and Aboriginal and Islander community-controlled health and wellbeing.
With profound gratitude, we honour Uncle Ernie’s remarkable contribution and the enduring legacy he leaves within TAIHS and across the broader community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who were privileged to know him.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ernie. Your vision, humility and commitment will continue to inspire generations to come.
Image taken TAIHS Garbutt Medical Centre
Grand Opening 12th February 2002
