Gertie Deeral is an important leader and elder from the Dingaal clan and is a traditional owner of the country around Lizard Island.
Gertie was born in Woorabinda in 1944. Her family were interned there during WW2. Gertie and her family moved back to Hope Vale when she was a young girl after the war ended. Gertie’s totems are Bunjarr (Owl) from her father's side and Walmbaar (Stingray) from her mother's side.