He was among Australia’s initial Indigenous barristers and was a determined supporter of his community’s rights and land claims.

Mr Coe joined the Cadets while at Cowra High School, but left after watching members of his family be denied entry to the local RSL.

“Government were scared of a voice that wouldn’t accept the breadcrumbs they were offering,” he said.

“Til the day he died my father carried those bruises on his back from that beating,” his son said.

“In the fight for Aboriginal self-determination and sovereignty, he was unwavering, a true Wiradjuri warrior.”

“Forever cherished, remembered for your contributions. Paul has left a legacy of hope and a path we will maintain and never ignore,” she noted.

The funeral of Wiradjuri man Paul Coe in Erambie, Cowra. Credit: ABC LiveStream

A slideshow of photos of Mr Coe was shown, to the tune of Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,

“We look for you in the stars and find peace knowing you’re resting in the Dreamtime.”

“My Pop was affectionate, gentle, and his laughter made his big belly shake. I miss that warmth, security, and the peace I felt with you, like nothing else really mattered.”

The grandchildren of Wiradjuri man Uncle Paul Coe speaking at his funeral in Erambie, Cowra. Credit: ABC LiveStream

“He was a man of little words and I miss that, being next to someone in silence, and allowing the energy to be the love. It was precious, and you’re precious, you will always be precious.”

As his coffin was borne to the hearse by family members, Wiradjuri dance and ceremonies took place, accompanied by the sound of clapsticks and Sam Cooke’s Change is Gonna Come.