John Pat Peace Place Memorial

Community Memorial

A Permanent Local Tribute

Thirty-four years after the death of Roebourne teenager John Pat, memories of him remain strong among the people of his home town. Those memories now have a permanent local tribute with the completion of a memorial, the John Pat Peace Place, in a scenic spot outside the Ngurin Cultural Centre.

The garden memorial, with a commemorative plaque, bench and fire pit, is a community testament to the 16-year-old Yindjibarndi boy who died in police custody in Roebourne in 1983 and whose death sparked a 1987 royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody.

Opened

On the anniversary of his death

Location

Outside the Ngurin Cultural Centre, Roebourne

Community

Attended by Pat family, residents, workers and leaders

Significance

Sparked 1987 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

Project Features

Memorial Elements

Commemorative Plaque

A permanent plaque honouring John Pat's memory and legacy, serving as a lasting reminder for future generations.

Memorial Bench

A place for quiet reflection and remembrance, allowing visitors to sit and contemplate the significance of John Pat's story.

Fire Pit

A traditional gathering space for community ceremonies, storytelling, and coming together to honour cultural practices.

Garden Setting

Located in a scenic spot outside the Ngurin Cultural Centre, creating a peaceful and respectful environment for the memorial.

"When Big hART was first invited in (to Roebourne) by the senior women, they said 'we want to look forward, we don't want to look back. We want to celebrate the new Roebourne'. And then they immediately began to talk about John Pat and the sadness of that."

Scott Rankin Big hART Creative Director

The Story

Years in the Making

The memorial has been years in the works for the Pat family and arts group Big hART. It opened on the anniversary of John Pat's death, with a community ceremony attended by Pat family members and residents, workers and leaders from across the region.

The idea for the memorial was born out of the group's theatre production Hipbone Sticking Out in 2014 and the wishes of John's mother, the late Mrs Pat. It represents not just remembrance, but a commitment to healing and looking forward while honouring the past.

This project reflects Acero Construction's commitment to community-focused builds that carry deep cultural significance. We were honoured to contribute our expertise to create a lasting tribute that serves the Roebourne community.

John Pat Peace Place Memorial construction