Event: 10am Sat 5 January 2013: Post Office Square, Brisbane, Qld Dundalli Remembrance Resistance leader for his land, people and culture – executed 1855 All welcome! Facebook: Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy Event details: [scroll down page] http://workersbushtelegraph.com.au/
Event: Fri 11 until Sat 19 January 2013: Footscray, Melbourne, Vic Wominjeka 2013 Koorie Space – Footscray Community Arts Centre “Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the language of the Kulin Nation. Wominjeka has developed as FCAC’s annual celebration of Australia’s Indigenous artistic and cultural practices; and the launch of the Centre’s annual program.” Event details: http://footscrayarts.com/access-blog-event/wominjeka-2013/ [From this link there are links to other activities, including: Fri 11 January until Sun 24 March: Reflect Exhibition Tue 15 January: Black Screen January Screening Tue 15 - Wed 16 January: KOPI Workshop Sat 19 January: Dirtsong Musical] Event details: http://footscrayarts.com/koorie-space/upcoming-events/
Event: 23 November 2012 to 20 January 2013: Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative presents: Ripple Effect: Boomalli Founding Members Exhibition 25th Anniversary Exhibition * Officially opened by Gary Foley. * Exhibition runs until January 20 (gallery closed over Christmas & New Years). Featuring works by: * Bronwyn Bancroft, * Euphemia Bostock, * Brenda L Croft, * Fiona Foley, * Fernanda Martins, * Arone Raymond Meeks, * Tracey Moffatt, * Avril Quaill, * Michael Riley, * Jeffrey Samuels. Event details: http://www.boomalli.com.au/ Event details: http://www.artguide.com.au/features/recommended/ripple-effect-boomalli-founding-members-exhibition/ Interview with Curator Keith Munro: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/keith-munro/
Event: 26 January 2013: various locations in Australia Sovereignty Day / Invasion Day / Survival Day “‘Australia Day’, also known as Survival Day, Invasion Day and Sovereignty Day: a commemmoration of the day white settlers landed in Australia and a day to reflect on the controversial past of Australia and steer towards a better society.” “Australia Day – No time to celebrate: Australia Day is traditionally the most racist day of the year for Aboriginal people. When people celebrate on January 26, there is no escaping the fact they are celebrating the day that one race of people invaded another race of people’s country and took control of Aboriginal lands and tried to dominate Aboriginal people. Invasion Day, as it should be called, celebrates the dispossession of land, culture, and way of life of Aborigines.” Jay McDonald, GLW Event details: http://www.atsisupport.org.au/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=223015 Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/46475
Event: 26 January 2013: Belgrave, Melbourne Vic Belgrave Survival Day: A concert to celebrate survival of indigenous culture locally and nationally “The sixth annual Belgrave Survival Day will this year focus on children’s activities, hip hop and the 150th anniversary of Cooranderrk as a we again celebrate the survival of the oldest living culture on earth.” “The Wurundjeri: The land that Belgrave Survival Day falls upon is part of the Wurundjeri nation that lived here for tens of thousands of years before the colonial settlers re-named the area Belgrave in the late 19th century.” Event details: http://belgravesurvivalday.org/ Flyer: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/images/2012/gatherings/survival-day.jpg
Event: 7 December 2012 to 26 January 2013: Wooloongabba, Qld Art Exhibition: Claudia’s Story featuring Claudia Janice Moodoonuthi Woolloongabba Art Gallery “Throughout the development of modern Aboriginal art there are many instances of Indigenous people reconnecting to their heritage through art. Rarely though, does one witness this in an artist of such a young age as Claudia Moodoonuthi. Born on the small and largely isolated Bentinck Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1995 Moodoonoothi is already proving a formidable art talent.” By Susan McCulloch Event details: http://wag.com.au/ Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Invite: http://wag.com.au/index.php/download_file/view/530/1/ Catalogue: http://wag.com.au/index.php/download_file/view/531/1/
Event: Fri 1 March 2013: Adelaide, SA 146th Justice and Peace Candle Light Walk around Government House Gather at dusk on the first Friday of the month (except January and February) “Join us on the Candle Light Walk to call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other Aboriginal people and the Stolen Generations, their families and communities left behind, in their call for Peace and Justice.” Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/ Background to the Candle Light Walk: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rmclc/CandleLightWalkHistory.htm
Event: Mon 18 March 2013: Qld Annual ANTaR Qld Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Award “We are happy to announce that the Annual ANTaR Qld Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Award will continue to be hosted with a Parliamentary sponsor and will continue to highlight the wonderful success stories in health from around our State.” “In negotiation with the new Government and Minister Elmes, the Award ceremony has been rescheduled to coincide with National Close the Gap Day in March 2013. Details will be sent out closer to the date.” Event summary: http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Event details: http://antarqld.org.au/
Event: Fri 5 April 2013: Adelaide, SA 147th Justice and Peace Candle Light Walk around Government House Gather at dusk on the first Friday of the month (except January and February) “Join us on the Candle Light Walk to call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other Aboriginal people and the Stolen Generations, their families and communities left behind, in their call for Peace and Justice.” Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/ Background to the Candle Light Walk: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rmclc/CandleLightWalkHistory.htm
Event: 30 Sep 2012 – 19 April 2013: Qld State of Emergency Exhibition “During the Commonwealth Games in 1982, Brisbane came alive with political demonstrations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil liberties and land rights. This incredible exhibition allows you to relive and reflect on this politically significant time through original footage and photographs, and personal stories from the advocates of this revolutionary movement.” Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/201 Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/206 Commonwealth Games Demonstrations- Brisbane 1982: http://www.kooriweb.org/foley/images/history/1980s/82games/gamesppdx.html
Event: 4 to 6 June 2013: Cairns, Qld SNAICC’s Fifth National Conference For Our Children: Living and Learning Together Organised by SNAICC: Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Keynote Speakers: * Marta Maurás Perez (Chile) * Cindy Blackstock (Canada) * Assoc. Prof. Cynthia Kiro (New Zealand) – of Maori descent * Prof. Judy Atkinson – a Jiman and Bundjalung woman * Kathy Guthadjaka (Gotha) – a Gatjirrk Warramiri woman living at Gawa (north-east Arnhem Land) “The SNAICC National Conference is the largest conference of its type in the southern hemisphere and provides the opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, policy makers, researchers, government representatives, other non-government organisations and industry representatives to gather and make renewed commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.” Keynote Speakers: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=931 Event details: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=67
Event: 7 to 14 July 2013: various locations in Australia National NAIDOC Week The focus city for National NAIDOC celebrations is Perth Event details: http://www.naidoc.org.au/
* NITV News Video: Living Allowance Row * Bianca Hall, The Age: ACOSS calls on Macklin to ‘please do your job’ * Greens Acting Leader, Adam Bandt: Join me on the dole, Minister * Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens urge Minister Macklin to live on Newstart * Greens MPs Petition: Could you really live on $35 a day, Minister? * John Passant, En Passant: I could live on $6321 a week * Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws * Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Jeremy Geia, NITV News: Sovereign Union may set up its first international office in Fiji * Background to the Aboriginal sovereignty movement
* CAAMA: National Congress puts Abbott on notice! * Background to National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
* Joanne Fosdike, Murray Valley Standard: Aboriginal group challenges constitution * Background to Mabo and Native Title
* BIANCA HALL, THE AGE: ACOSS CALLS ON MACKLIN TO ‘PLEASE DO YOUR JOB’
- Analysis / Opinion
The Age: ACOSS calls on Macklin to ‘please do your job’ http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/acoss-calls-on-macklin-to-please-do-your-job-20130102-2c5mt.html 3 Jan 12: “AUSTRALIA’S leading social service agency yesterday called for Families Minister Jenny Macklin to “please do your job”, as the furore over Ms Macklin’s performance grew. Ms Macklin – who earns $903 a day – told reporters on Tuesday that she could live on the Newstart Allowance of $35 a day, … But [ACOSS CEO] Dr Goldie was lukewarm when asked about Mr Bandt’s challenge to Ms Macklin. “Well, look, there’s a lot of people out there challenging the minister today to endeavour to live on $35 a day, [but] you can’t replicate that experience if you are a senior member of government.” By Bianca Hall, immigration correspondent based in Canberra
See:
ACOSS – Who We Are http://www.acoss.org.au/about_us/who_we_are/ “The Australian Council of Social Service is the peak body of the community services and welfare sector and the national voice for the needs of people affected by poverty and inequality.”
* GREENS ACTING LEADER, ADAM BANDT: JOIN ME ON THE DOLE, MINISTER
- Media Release
Greens Adam Bandt: Join me on the dole, Minister: Bandt http://adam-bandt.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/join-me-dole-minister-bandt 2 Jan 13: “Greens Acting Leader and MP for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, will try to live on the dole for a week in February and has invited Minister Jenny Macklin to join him. “In a shocking start to the New Year, Labor has kicked almost 100,000 single parents off their benefits and onto the dole,” said Mr Bandt. “To add insult to injury, Minister Jenny Macklin believes Newstart’s $35 a day is enough to live on.” “Living on the dole isn’t living, it’s surviving. Newstart is below the poverty line and is a barrier to people finding work.” “To show how hard it is for many people to make ends meet, I will try living on Newstart for a week in February and I invite the Minister to join me.” “On $35 a day, I don’t expect there will be much left over after paying for food, rent and bills.” … “
* SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT: GREENS URGE MINISTER MACKLIN TO LIVE ON NEWSTART
- Media Release
Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens urge Minister Macklin to live on Newstart http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-urge-minister-macklin-live-newstart 1 Jan 13: “Responding to Minister Macklin’s comments in Melbourne on New Year’s Day, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Family and Community Services said, “If Minister Macklin really believes that she could live on Newstart for an extended period of time, she has demonstrated how little she understands of life below the poverty line. “Minister Macklin obviously has little understanding of the cost of living and the problems of trying to make ends meet when living on income support. If she did she wouldn’t be making claims that she could live on it. “I would urge Minister Macklin to follow my example and try living on Newstart, for even just a week, and get a better understanding of the difference fifty dollars a week would make to the lives of people who are slowing sinking further into poverty. The Newstart payment is now 45% of the minimum wage and the single rate is more than $133 a week below the poverty line.”
* GREENS MPS PETITION: COULD YOU REALLY LIVE ON $35 A DAY, MINISTER?
- Petition
Greens MPs Petition: Could you really live on $35 a day, Minister? http://greensmps.org.au/content/petition/could-you-really-live-35-day-minister 2 Jan 13: “The Labor Government started 2013 by taking up to 84,000 single parents who are struggling to find work off parenting support and dumping them on Newstart – or the dole. Rubbing salt in the wound, the Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, said yesterday that she could live on the dole. That’s $35 a day. For food, housing, transport, power bills, and the costs of finding a job. Greens Senator Rachel Siewert spent a week on Newstart last year to see how hard it is. Adam Bandt, our Deputy Leader, has today committed to following her lead to see for himself. After the week is over, our MPs get to return to normal life – Newstart recipients don’t have that option. The Newstart payment is now 45% of the minimum wage and the single rate is more than $133 a week below the poverty line. Government should look after people, and that means standing up to big business, not cutting the welfare payments of those who are already doing it tough. The Greens have long been campaigning to lift Newstart by $50 a week. It’s time to make that happen. “Minister Macklin, we challenge you to live on the dole for a week to see first-hand what a struggle it is and understand why we need to lift Newstart by $50 a week.”"
* JOHN PASSANT, EN PASSANT: I COULD LIVE ON $6321 A WEEK
- Analysis / Opinion
En Passant: I could live on $6321 a week http://enpassant.com.au/2013/01/02/i-could-live-on-6321-a-week/ 2 Jan 13: “Jenny Macklin is a cabinet minister in the Gillard Labor government. Her portfolio is Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. It is Macklin from Labor’s ‘Left’ who is leading the racist Northern Territory intervention. She has spread income management from its test run on Aborigines to some other communities, ie to poor white people. This was always part of the racist strategy to pick the poor and most marginalised and then once the idea of bashing the income of blacks was accepted begin bashing whites’ social security payments.” By John Passant John Passant: “I have been a socialist since I was 16, radicalised by the Vietnam War. I am a liberationist - I believe in Marx’s idea of the self-emancipation of the working class.”
* BACKGROUND TO ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
* JEREMY GEIA, NITV NEWS: SOVEREIGN UNION MAY SET UP ITS FIRST INTERNATIONAL OFFICE IN FIJI
- News
Sovereign Union may set up its first international office in Fiji There is movement on a plan to unite First Nations people in the Pacific Jeremy Geia – Political Reporter NITV News Sovereign Union: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/sovereign-union-may-set-its-first-international-office-fiji Dec 12: “The Sovereign Union, Australia’s interim National Unity Government may set up its first international office in Fiji. Indigenous Fijians are interested in formalising an alliance with Australia’s First Nations people as they fight to retain land and sea rights and there are plans to organise a Pacific parliament on the lines of the European Union. Oni Kirwin, is a First Nations woman from Fiji who is passionate about keeping her sovereign rights alive and is currently in Australia forging links with the Sovereign Union movement.”
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association: National Congress puts Abbott on notice ! http://caama.com.au/national-congress-puts-abbott-on-notice 3 Jan 13: “Australia’s peak Aboriginal and Islander reperesentative body will target both the Government and Opposition about their policies and how they will impact on their people… in the lead up to this years Federal election. National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples co chair Lez Malezer says that 2013 will be a very important year because of the Federal election… and Congress will want to know both parties position in relation to Congress.. and in particular about self detrmination and decision making by Aborignal people.”
See:
About CAAMA http://caama.com.au/ “The Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) began operations in 1980 and was the first Aboriginal group to be allocated a broadcasting license. The Aboriginal people of Central Australia own CAAMA through an association regulated under the Incorporations Act, and its objectives focus on the social, cultural and economic advancement of Aboriginal peoples.”
* BACKGROUND TO NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES:
* JOANNE FOSDIKE, MURRAY VALLEY STANDARD: ABORIGINAL GROUP CHALLENGES CONSTITUTION
- News
Murray Valley Standard: Aboriginal group challenges constitution http://www.murrayvalleystandard.com.au/story/1191131/aboriginal-group-challenges-constitution/?cs=1527 17 Dec 12: “A GROUP of Aboriginal people from Kingston, in the State’s south east, and the Coorong and River Murray is challenging the Australian Constitution in a case that could see it apply for sovereignty status before the United Kingdom Privy Council. The case of Ramindjeri versus State of South Australia and Ngarrindjeri went before the National Native Title Tribunal in the Federal Magistrates Court in South Australia on Friday to ask the court to recognise the Ramindjeri as the true owners of the land and one of many sovereign groups belonging to the area.”
* SBS World News Audio: Year in review: Indigenous affairs in 2012
* SBS World News Video: Black rights campaigners call for more action on social media racism
* Online Save The Kimberley Book: Kimberley at the Crossroads – The case against the gas plant * pindanpost: No Gas at Price’s Point, Broome … marching across Australia * Background to the Save The Kimberley Campaign: James Price Point, north of Broome, WA
* Ian Thorpe and Jeff McMullen, SMH: As a society we must take action
* Russell Skelton, SMH: In spite of Hollows, the dark goes on
* CAAMA: Veteran campaigner questions Native Title amendments! * Background to Mabo and Native Title
* ABC Message Stick: Pemulwuy: Australia’s first ever Aboriginal resistance fighter * Pemulwuy: The Movie Petition
* SBS WORLD NEWS AUDIO: YEAR IN REVIEW: INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS IN 2012
- Audio Reviews
SBS World News Audio: Year in review: Indigenous affairs in 2012 Source: Murray Silby, SBS http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1723716/Year-in-review-Indigenous-affairs-in-2012 31 Dec 12: “Stories relating to Indigenous Australians in 2012 mostly related to a continuing struggle to improve their health, to explain deaths in custody and to satisfy their desire to be recognised as the first custodians of the land. Murray Silby looks back at the past year. … A major focus of politicians in 2012 was the building of support for a referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians in the Constitution, but that plan was put on hold because the Federal Government said there was little prospect for success. Instead, the Government introduced the Act of Recognition in the hope that it could be used to build awareness of the proposed Constitutional change.”
SBS World News Audio: Year in review: Indigenous affairs in 2012 – part 2 Source: Murray Silby, SBS http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1723718/Year-in-review–Indigenous-affairs-in-2012—part-2 31 Dec 12: “In 2012, Indigenous Australians have continued to face a struggle to improve many aspects of their lives, including health and welfare. … In this, the second part of a two part review of Indigenous issues through the year, Murray Silby takes a look back at some controversies, but also the tales of achievement and victory. … Forty years ago, a group of Indigenous activists established an unofficial tent embassy at parliament house in Canberra in an attempt to reclaim their sovereignty over Australia. Controversial then, the embassy has survived to today and a rally on Australia Day, which some Indigenous people prefer to refer to as Invasion Day, was no less controversial.”
* SBS WORLD NEWS VIDEO: BLACK RIGHTS CAMPAIGNERS CALL FOR MORE ACTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA RACISM
- Video
SBS World News: Black rights campaigners call for more action on social media racism http://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/13186115859/Black-rights-campaigners-call-for-more-action-on-s 26 Dec 12: “Black rights campaigners are once again calling on the social media group Facebook and the Federal Government to do more to tackle racism. The latest page to be flagged by Indigenous users, mocks an Aboriginal man, who was killed in Brisbane just weeks ago.”
* ONLINE SAVE THE KIMBERLEY BOOK: KIMBERLEY AT THE CROSSROADS – THE CASE AGAINST THE GAS PLANT
Save The Kimberley: What’s at Stake? Culture and Traditions Under Threat http://www.savethekimberley.com/whats-at-stake/country-culture/ “The importance of culture: Today, more than 30 Aboriginal tribes remain in the Kimberley region, each with its own language and many with unique cultural practices. Nobody owns culture. It is loaned to each generation to preserve and pass on to the next generation. Our culture and traditions tie us to this country and we are obliged by our ancestors to see that it continues. We are obliged by respect of country and the hope for a proper life for our children that we honour the culture and traditions of our people.”
Save The Kimberley: About Us http://www.savethekimberley.com/about-us/ “Save The Kimberley is an independent awareness organisation. We are a not-for-profit, 100% volunteer run group which is made up of a diverse and passionate group of individuals – traditional custodians, local Kimberley community, and other committed Australians from all parts: we are business owners, administrators, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and media professionals.”
* PINDANPOST: NO GAS AT PRICE’S POINT BROOME … MARCHING ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Event: Sat 8 December 2012: Broome, Perth, Adelaide & Melbourne (Inter)national day of solidarity for the Kimberley Broome No Gas Rally and Concert - James Price Point: Pristine and Priceless “On Saturday 8 December, the local community in Broome, Western Australia, will hold a rally and concert to oppose the construction of a giant gas hub on their doorstep. On the same day, we’ll be holding events around the country in solidarity with Broome, and to celebrate a fantastic year’s work protecting our precious environment! Everyone is welcome to join in this (Inter)national day of solidarity for the Kimberley. If you can’t make it to Broome, then attend an event in your local area, or join in online!” The Wilderness Society WA Inc Event details: http://www.wilderness.org.au/campaigns/kimberley/national-day-of-action-for-the-kimberley Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.respectandlisten.org/kimberley.html Broome event details – No Gas Rally and Concert: http://www.savethekimberley.com/events/ Broome flyer – No Gas Rally and Concert: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=459967537373977&set=a.348039841900081.71620.146254135411987&type=1&theater
* BACKGROUND TO THE SAVE THE KIMBERLEY CAMPAIGN - JAMES PRICE POINT, NORTH OF BROOME, WA
* IAN THORPE AND JEFF MCMULLEN, SMH: AS A SOCIETY WE MUST TAKE ACTION
- Analysis / Opinion
SMH: As a society we must take action http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/as-a-society-we-must-take-action-20121229-2c0ak.html 29 Dec 12: “Somehow these [Aboriginal] children are missing out on most of the building blocks of a happy and healthy life, including education, somewhere we can all make a difference. It is time for Australians to awaken from our complacency over the low literacy standard that has one in four primary school children unable to read at their right age level. Indigenous children in remote communities are often three to four years behind city students. Our nation is failing them. If we believe in equality, more of us must champion literacy, an essential tool.” By Ian Thorpe and Jeff McMullen “Ian Thorpe was awarded the 2012 Human Rights Medal for his personal advocacy and work by his foundation to improve the education of Aboriginal children.” “Journalist Jeff McMullen is the foundation’s honorary chief executive.”
* RUSSELL SKELTON, SMH: IN SPITE OF HOLLOWS, THE DARK GOES ON
- Analysis / Opinion
SMH: In spite of Hollows, the dark goes on Trachoma is a blight on Australia, writes Russell Skelton. http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/in-spite-of-hollows-the-dark-goes-on-20121228-2bz45.html 29 Dec 12: “Hugh Taylor’s war on trachoma began 35 years ago. … He sums up the situation this way. Vision loss accounts for about 11 per cent of the health gap between mainstream and indigenous Australia. ”Closing the gap is a 25-year process, yet we estimate trachoma and [related] blindness can be virtually eliminated in five years. That would cost the community around $90 million.” “If we fail to act now, in 20 years the number of blind or visually impaired Aboriginal people will double from 15,000 to 30,000. It is that simple and that tragic.”" By Russell Skelton
* CAAMA: VETERAN CAMPAIGNER QUESTIONS NATIVE TITLE AMENDMENTS!
- News
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association: Veteran campaigner questions Native Title amendments ! http://caama.com.au/veteran-campaigner-questions-native-title-amendments 28 Dec 12: “Aboriginal sovereignty campaigner Michael Anderson says former Prime Minister John Howard amended the Native Title Act in 1998 because he was fully aware of the inherent power of Aboriginal peoples based on their continuing sovereignty. Mr Anderson, leader of the Euahlayi nation and spokesman of the Sovereign Union of First Nations and Peoples in Australia says In his endeavours to protect country for non-Aboriginal people, John Howard was unclear and ambiguous as to “which land areas should be classified in the ‘national interest’, but (this) was done with a clear desire to take away any rights for Aboriginal people”.”
About CAAMA http://caama.com.au/ “The Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) began operations in 1980 and was the first Aboriginal group to be allocated a broadcasting license. The Aboriginal people of Central Australia own CAAMA through an association regulated under the Incorporations Act, and its objectives focus on the social, cultural and economic advancement of Aboriginal peoples.”
ABC Indigenous: Message Stick: Pemulwuy: A War of Two Laws Part 1 http://www.abc.net.au/tv/messagestick/stories/s2893382.htm 9 May 10: “Pemulwuy will chart the history of Australia’s first ever Aboriginal resistance fighter. From his first encounter with the British in Botany Bay, to his 12 year war against the establishment, to his eventual demise in 1802 in Parramatta where he was finally beheaded. The program will attempt to expose one of Australia’s forgotten histories and an unsung hero of the Bidgigal people of the Dharug language group of Sydney.”
GoPetition: Pemulwuy: The Movie Petition http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/pemulwuy-the-movie.html “Petition Background (Preamble): In Australia, there exists a general ignorance about the Aboriginal resistance against colonial invasion. This ignorance is a huge contributing factor in the cultural disrespect which results in the shameful inequality of today’s Australian population. Pemulwuy’s (c.1750–1802) story is an inspirational narrative which permeates the malaise of Australia’s national identity/s. This heroic saga has been aptly depicted by such works as Eric Willmot’s 1987 novel Pemulwuy: The Rainbow Warrior.”
Event: 26 December 2012 – 1 January 2013: Woodford, Qld Songlines Venue at the Woodford Folk Festival “Join in the music, discussions and workshops at the Songlines venue at Woodford this year. A full program including Sam Watson, Herb Wharton, Archie Roach, Stiff Gins and much much more” Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Event details: http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/programme/?genre=34
Event: Fri 11 until Sat 19 January 2013: Footscray, Melbourne, Vic Wominjeka 2013 Koorie Space – Footscray Community Arts Centre “Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the language of the Kulin Nation. Wominjeka has developed as FCAC’s annual celebration of Australia’s Indigenous artistic and cultural practices; and the launch of the Centre’s annual program.” Event details: http://footscrayarts.com/access-blog-event/wominjeka-2013/ [From this link there are links to other activities, including: Fri 11 January until Sun 24 March: Reflect Exhibition Tue 15 January: Black Screen January Screening Sat 19 January: Dirtsong Musical] Event details: http://footscrayarts.com/koorie-space/upcoming-events/
Event: 23 November 2012 to 20 January 2013: Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative presents: Ripple Effect: Boomalli Founding Members Exhibition 25th Anniversary Exhibition * Officially opened by Gary Foley. * Exhibition runs until January 20 (gallery closed over Christmas & New Years). Featuring works by: * Bronwyn Bancroft, * Euphemia Bostock, * Brenda L Croft, * Fiona Foley, * Fernanda Martins, * Arone Raymond Meeks, * Tracey Moffatt, * Avril Quaill, * Michael Riley, * Jeffrey Samuels. Event details: http://www.boomalli.com.au/ Event details: http://www.artguide.com.au/features/recommended/ripple-effect-boomalli-founding-members-exhibition/ Interview with Curator Keith Munro: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/keith-munro/
Event: 26 January 2013: various locations in Australia Sovereignty Day / Invasion Day / Survival Day “‘Australia Day’, also known as Survival Day, Invasion Day and Sovereignty Day: a commemmoration of the day white settlers landed in Australia and a day to reflect on the controversial past of Australia and steer towards a better society.” “Australia Day – No time to celebrate: Australia Day is traditionally the most racist day of the year for Aboriginal people. When people celebrate on January 26, there is no escaping the fact they are celebrating the day that one race of people invaded another race of people’s country and took control of Aboriginal lands and tried to dominate Aboriginal people. Invasion Day, as it should be called, celebrates the dispossession of land, culture, and way of life of Aborigines.” Jay McDonald, GLW Event details: http://www.atsisupport.org.au/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=223015 Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/46475
Event: 26 January 2013: Belgrave, Melbourne Vic Belgrave Survival Day: A concert to celebrate survival of indigenous culture locally and nationally “The sixth annual Belgrave Survival Day will this year focus on children’s activities, hip hop and the 150th anniversary of Cooranderrk as a we again celebrate the survival of the oldest living culture on earth.” “The Wurundjeri: The land that Belgrave Survival Day falls upon is part of the Wurundjeri nation that lived here for tens of thousands of years before the colonial settlers re-named the area Belgrave in the late 19th century.” Event details: http://belgravesurvivalday.org/
Event: 7 December 2012 to 26 January 2013: Wooloongabba, Qld Art Exhibition: Claudia’s Story featuring Claudia Janice Moodoonuthi Woolloongabba Art Gallery “Throughout the development of modern Aboriginal art there are many instances of Indigenous people reconnecting to their heritage through art. Rarely though, does one witness this in an artist of such a young age as Claudia Moodoonuthi. Born on the small and largely isolated Bentinck Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1995 Moodoonoothi is already proving a formidable art talent.” By Susan McCulloch Event details: http://wag.com.au/ Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Invite: http://wag.com.au/index.php/download_file/view/530/1/ Catalogue: http://wag.com.au/index.php/download_file/view/531/1/
Event: Fri 1 March 2013: Adelaide, SA 146th Justice and Peace Candle Light Walk around Government House Gather at dusk on the first Friday of the month (except January and February) “Join us on the Candle Light Walk to call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other Aboriginal people and the Stolen Generations, their families and communities left behind, in their call for Peace and Justice.” Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/ Background to the Candle Light Walk: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rmclc/CandleLightWalkHistory.htm
Event: Mon 18 March 2013: Qld Annual ANTaR Qld Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Award “We are happy to announce that the Annual ANTaR Qld Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Award will continue to be hosted with a Parliamentary sponsor and will continue to highlight the wonderful success stories in health from around our State.” “In negotiation with the new Government and Minister Elmes, the Award ceremony has been rescheduled to coincide with National Close the Gap Day in March 2013. Details will be sent out closer to the date.” Event summary: http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Event details: http://antarqld.org.au/
Event: 28 March to 14 April 2013: Belconnen, Canberra, ACT I Do Have a Belief: Kevin Gilbert (1933-1993) Art Retrospective Location: Belconnen Art Centre “I Do Have a Belief is an exhibition and events celebrating the life of Kevin Gilbert and his contribution to the local community, advancing human and political rights and Aboriginal sovereignty at a national and international level.” “The showcasing of his creative work includes unseen oils, lino‑prints, published poetry, political works, and photographic murals.” Special events will be held on: * 1 April at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and on * 6 April at the Belconnen Arts Centre Event details: http://www.canberra100.com.au/calendar/view/751/i-do-have-a-belief—kevin-gilbert-1933-1993-art-retrospec/ Event details: http://www.belconnenartscentre.com.au/
Event: Fri 5 April 2013: Adelaide, SA 147th Justice and Peace Candle Light Walk around Government House Gather at dusk on the first Friday of the month (except January and February) “Join us on the Candle Light Walk to call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other Aboriginal people and the Stolen Generations, their families and communities left behind, in their call for Peace and Justice.” Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/ Background to the Candle Light Walk: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rmclc/CandleLightWalkHistory.htm
Event: 30 Sep 2012 – 19 April 2013: Qld State of Emergency Exhibition “During the Commonwealth Games in 1982, Brisbane came alive with political demonstrations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil liberties and land rights. This incredible exhibition allows you to relive and reflect on this politically significant time through original footage and photographs, and personal stories from the advocates of this revolutionary movement.” Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207 Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/201 Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/206 Commonwealth Games Demonstrations- Brisbane 1982: http://www.kooriweb.org/foley/images/history/1980s/82games/gamesppdx.html
Event: 4 to 6 June 2013: Cairns, Qld SNAICC’s Fifth National Conference For Our Children: Living and Learning Together Organised by SNAICC: Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Keynote Speakers: * Marta Maurás Perez (Chile) * Cindy Blackstock (Canada) * Assoc. Prof. Cynthia Kiro (New Zealand) – of Maori descent * Prof. Judy Atkinson – a Jiman and Bundjalung woman * Kathy Guthadjaka (Gotha) – a Gatjirrk Warramiri woman living at Gawa (north-east Arnhem Land) “The SNAICC National Conference is the largest conference of its type in the southern hemisphere and provides the opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, policy makers, researchers, government representatives, other non-government organisations and industry representatives to gather and make renewed commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.” Keynote Speakers: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=931 Event details: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=67
Event: 7 to 14 July 2013: various locations in Australia National NAIDOC Week The focus city for National NAIDOC celebrations is Perth Event details: http://www.naidoc.org.au/
Event: 21 December 2012: Canberra, ACT
Sovereignty information meeting
Canberra Tent Embassy
Event details: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/
Event: 17 November – 23 December 2012: Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW
Theatrical Documentary: Beautiful One Day
“Beautiful One Day is a theatrical documentary
about the irrepressible life and times of Palm
Island. Three theatre companies (Belvoir,
Ilbijerri, and version 1.0) came together in 2011
over a shared sense of outrage at the injustices
surrounding a death in custody in 2004. But,
prompted by the Palm Island community,
Beautiful One Day looks for a way to turn outrage
into real understanding and new possibilities.
At its heart is a determined struggle to understand
the persistent heavy-handedness of white Australia.”
Event details: http://belvoir.com.au/productions/beautiful-one-day/
Event: 26 December 2012 – 1 January 2013: Woodford, Qld
Songlines Venue at the Woodford Folk Festival
“Join in the music, discussions and workshops
at the Songlines venue at Woodford this year.
A full program including Sam Watson, Herb Wharton,
Archie Roach, Stiff Gins and much much more”
Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207
Event details: http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/programme/?genre=34
Event: 23 November 2012 to 20 January 2013: Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW
Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative presents:
Ripple Effect: Boomalli Founding Members Exhibition
25th Anniversary Exhibition
* Officially opened by Gary Foley.
* Exhibition runs until January 20
(gallery closed over Christmas & New Years).
Featuring works by:
* Bronwyn Bancroft,
* Euphemia Bostock,
* Brenda L Croft,
* Fiona Foley,
* Fernanda Martins,
* Arone Raymond Meeks,
* Tracey Moffatt,
* Avril Quaill,
* Michael Riley,
* Jeffrey Samuels.
Event details: http://www.boomalli.com.au/
Event details: http://www.artguide.com.au/features/recommended/ripple-effect-boomalli-founding-members-exhibition/
Interview with Curator Keith Munro: http://www.989fm.com.au/podcasts/lets-talk/keith-munro/
Event: 26 January 2013: various locations in Australia
Sovereignty Day / Invasion Day / Survival Day
Event: 26 January 2013: Belgrave, Melbourne Vic
Belgrave Survival Day:
A concert to celebrate survival of indigenous
culture locally and nationally
“The sixth annual Belgrave Survival Day
will this year focus on children’s activities,
hip hop and the 150th anniversary of
Cooranderrk as a we again celebrate the
survival of the oldest living culture on earth.”
“The Wurundjeri:
The land that Belgrave Survival Day falls upon
is part of the Wurundjeri nation that lived here
for tens of thousands of years before the
colonial settlers re-named the area
Belgrave in the late 19th century.”
Event details: http://belgravesurvivalday.org/
Event: 7 December 2012 to 26 January 2013: Wooloongabba, Qld
Art Exhibition: Claudia’s Story
featuring Claudia Janice Moodoonuthi
Woolloongabba Art Gallery
“Throughout the development of modern Aboriginal
art there are many instances of Indigenous people
reconnecting to their heritage through art. Rarely
though, does one witness this in an artist of such
a young age as Claudia Moodoonuthi. Born on
the small and largely isolated Bentinck Island in
the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1995 Moodoonoothi is
already proving a formidable art talent.” By Susan McCulloch
Event details: http://wag.com.au/
Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207
Invite: http://wag.com.au/index.php/download_file/view/530/1/
Catalogue: http://wag.com.au/index.php/download_file/view/531/1/
Event: 13 February 2013: various locations in Australia
National Apology Day
Event details: http://www.nsdc.org.au
Event: Fri 1 March 2013: Adelaide, SA
146th Justice and Peace Candle Light Walk
around Government House
Gather at dusk on the first Friday of the month
(except January and February)
“Join us on the Candle Light Walk to
call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and
to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other
Aboriginal people and the Stolen Generations,
their families and communities left behind,
in their call for Peace and Justice.”
Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/
Background to the Candle Light Walk: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rmclc/CandleLightWalkHistory.htm
Event: Mon 18 March 2013: Qld
Annual ANTaR Qld
Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Award
“We are happy to announce that the
Annual ANTaR Qld Closing the Gap in Indigenous
Health Award will continue to be hosted with a
Parliamentary sponsor and will continue to highlight
the wonderful success stories in health from around
our State.”
“In negotiation with the new Government and Minister Elmes,
the Award ceremony has been rescheduled to
coincide with National Close the Gap Day in March 2013.
Details will be sent out closer to the date.”
Event summary: http://antarqld.org.au/node/207
Event details: http://antarqld.org.au/
Event: 28 March to 14 April 2013: Belconnen, Canberra, ACT
I Do Have a Belief:
Kevin Gilbert (1933-1993) Art Retrospective
Location: Belconnen Art Centre
“I Do Have a Belief is an exhibition and events
celebrating the life of Kevin Gilbert and his contribution
to the local community, advancing human and political
rights and Aboriginal sovereignty at a national and
international level.”
“The showcasing of his creative work includes
unseen oils, lino‑prints, published poetry,
political works, and photographic murals.”
Special events will be held on:
* 1 April at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and on
* 6 April at the Belconnen Arts Centre
Event details: http://www.canberra100.com.au/calendar/view/751/i-do-have-a-belief—kevin-gilbert-1933-1993-art-retrospec/
Event details: http://www.belconnenartscentre.com.au/
Event: Fri 5 April 2013: Adelaide, SA
147th Justice and Peace Candle Light Walk
around Government House
Gather at dusk on the first Friday of the month
(except January and February)
“Join us on the Candle Light Walk to
call for a Treaty and Bill of Rights, and
to support the Ngarrindjeri and all other
Aboriginal people and the Stolen Generations,
their families and communities left behind,
in their call for Peace and Justice.”
Event details: http://antarsa.auspics.org.au/
Background to the Candle Light Walk: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~rmclc/CandleLightWalkHistory.htm
Event: 30 Sep 2012 – 19 April 2013: Qld
State of Emergency Exhibition
“During the Commonwealth Games in 1982,
Brisbane came alive with political demonstrations for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil liberties
and land rights. This incredible exhibition allows you to
relive and reflect on this politically significant time
through original footage and photographs, and
personal stories from the advocates of this
revolutionary movement.”
Event details: [scroll down page] http://antarqld.org.au/node/207
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/201
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.antarqld.org.au/node/206
Commonwealth Games Demonstrations- Brisbane 1982: http://www.kooriweb.org/foley/images/history/1980s/82games/gamesppdx.html
Event: 4 to 6 June 2013: Cairns, Qld
SNAICC’s Fifth National Conference
For Our Children: Living and Learning Together
Organised by SNAICC:
Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Keynote Speakers:
* Marta Maurás Perez (Chile)
* Cindy Blackstock (Canada)
* Assoc. Prof. Cynthia Kiro (New Zealand) – of Maori descent
* Prof. Judy Atkinson – a Jiman and Bundjalung woman
* Kathy Guthadjaka (Gotha) – a Gatjirrk Warramiri woman
living at Gawa (north-east Arnhem Land)
“The SNAICC National Conference is the largest
conference of its type in the southern hemisphere
and provides the opportunity for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander organisations, policy makers,
researchers, government representatives, other
non-government organisations and industry
representatives to gather and make renewed
commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children.”
Keynote Speakers: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=32&id=931
Event details: http://www.snaicc.org.au/news-events/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=67
* Greens Senator Rachel Siewert:
Premier’s approach ostracising all in the push to develop
James Price Point
* The West: Wide-ranging rally
[in opposition to the gas hub at James Price Point]
* Background to the Save The Kimberley Campaign:
James Price Point, north of Broome, WA
* SBS World News:
[National Indigenous Television] NITV goes free to air
* SBS World News Video:
National strategy launched to reduce Indigenous suicide rates
* SBS World News Video:
Indigenous Aussies ‘should vote for their own senators’
* SBS Living Black Audio Interview:
More Trouble In Roeburne?:
That’s the prediction of lawyer Kerry Savas
* SBS Living Black Audio Interview:
Why are Yindjibarndi Still Living In Poverty?
* Background to the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC)
* Background to Mabo and Native Title
* Other Articles
* GREENS SENATOR RACHEL SIEWERT:
PREMIER’S APPROACH OSTRACISING ALL IN THE PUSH TO DEVELOP
JAMES PRICE POINT
- Media Release
Greens Rachel Siewert:
Premier’s approach ostracising all in the push to develop
James Price Point
12 Dec 12: “The Australian Greens say the blinkered vision
of the WA Government in seeking to develop James Price
Point is undermining the project by ostracising Aboriginal
people, community members and Joint Venture partners alike.
“BHP’s sale of its Browse stake is another sign of the toll
this flawed project is taking on all those involved,”
Senator Siewert said today.
“We know that there are other, viable options for
processing Browse LNG that don’t bring with them the
environmental impact and damage to communities, culture
and heritage.
“Despite better options existing, the WA Government is
still more intent on compulsorily acquiring land at James
Price Point than they are on seeing an agreement which
allows processing to occur elsewhere while still ensuring
benefits from the project to flow to the area’s
communities and Traditional Owners. … “
[said Senator Siewert] “
* THE WEST:
WIDE-RANGING RALLY
[IN OPPOSITION TO THE GAS HUB AT JAMES PRICE POINT]
13 Dec 12: “POLITICIANS, musicians and Australians united
at rallies in Broome, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne
and Newcastle against the proposed gas hub at James Price
Point last Saturday. While crowds braved blistering heat to
march through Broome waving banners and placards, people
gathered at Cottlesloe Beach and were joined by Australian
Greens Senators Rachel Siewert and Scott Ludlam and
musician John Butler. Senator Siewert said the day was
about sending a “clear message” to Environment Minister
Tony Burke and his fellow Federal MPs … “
“About NITV:
National Indigenous Television (NITV) is part of the SBS
family of free-to-air channels broadcasting across
Australia providing a nationwide Indigenous television
service via cable, satellite and terrestrial transmission
means and selected online audio visual content. The content
for these services is primarily commissioned or acquired
from the Indigenous production sector.”
12 Dec 12: “Australian television history has been made,
with the launch of the first free to-air national
Indigenous television network. NITV was switched from pay
TV to free-to-air at noon (AEDT) today, with a ceremony at
Uluru to mark the historic day (12/12/12). NITV now airs
on channel 34 (SBS4) on digital TV. It will also broadcast
on Foxtel on channel 180. Launching in 2007 on pay TV, NITV
struggled to find its feet and funding, but a merger with
SBS earlier this year has seen it make Australian
television history.”
SBS World News: The first storytellers: The history of NITV
12 Dec 12: “History was made this week when National Indigenous Television launched on free-to-air television across Australia, bringing news, current affairs, sport, drama and entertainment from an Indigenous perspective. On Wednesday December 12th National Indigenous Television (NITV) began broadcasting on SBS digital marking a historic step for Indigenous media.
In 2006, it was estimated that less than 2 hours per week
of Indigenous-produced content was broadcast across all
media. Since beginning in 2007, National Indigenous
Television has shown approximately 2,000 hours of content
… “
SBS World News:
Ban Ki-Moon congratulates NITV on free-to-air launch
12 Dec 12: “UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has
congratulated National Indigenous Television Network (NITV)
on their historic free-to-air launch. During his message,
Ki-moon applauded NITV for its work in challenging the
stereotypes of Indigenous people. “This is a momentous
achievement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people,” he said in a video message broadcasted on NITV.
“The establishment of NITV will help challenge the
stereotypes of Indigenous peoples and will empower
Indigenous voices and will influence the social and
political agenda. … “”
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
National Indigenous Television SBS Free To Air Launch!
14 Dec 12: “Social commentator Eva Cox has welcomed the
launch of NITV as a free-to-air television channel. The
University of Technology, Sydney academic says she hopes
SBS will continue to allow Indigenous control. Ms. Cox says
if treated respectfully, the channel will help spread
Indigenous affairs to a wider audience. “Hopefully it’ll
give a lot more people in Australia a bit more of an
understanding about the benefits of Indigenous culture and
what we can learn. … “”
* SBS WORLD NEWS VIDEO:
NATIONAL STRATEGY LAUNCHED TO REDUCE INDIGENOUS SUICIDE RATES
- Video
SBS World News:
National strategy launched to reduce Indigenous suicide rates
Source: Jeremy Geia, NITV
14 Dec 12: “Some of the country’s leading healers are
putting together a national strategy they hope will see a
decrease in the tragic suicide rates plaguing black
Australia. They’re promoting community controlled and
operated solutions – it’s an investment governments around
the country are keen to see work. Jeremy Geia reports.
Reducing suicide and distress in black communities is an
arduous task, creating a national policy that has local
control and ticks government boxes can be just as
challenging. But that’s what the national indigenous mental
health advisory group is now working on.”
* SBS WORLD NEWS VIDEO:
INDIGENOUS AUSSIES ‘SHOULD VOTE FOR THEIR OWN SENATORS’
- Video
SBS World News:
Indigenous Aussies ‘should vote for their own senators’
Source: SBS staff
13 Dec 12: “Indigenous Australians should be able to elect
Indigenous senators, human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson
QC told Living Black. … Geoffrey Robertson QC told Living
Black presenter Karla Grant that Australia lags behind
other countries when it comes to recognising the rights of
Aboriginal people. “Other countries have acknowledged
rights of Indigenous people in far more satisfactory ways,”
says Robertson. “I’ve always believed that the best way to
[recognise their rights] is to allow Indigenous people to
vote for their own representatives; to have Australian
senators elected by the Indigenous community.” … “
* SBS LIVING BLACK AUDIO INTERVIEW:
MORE TROUBLE IN ROEBURNE?
- THAT’S THE PREDICTION OF LAWYER KERRY SAVAS
- Audio Interview
SBS Living Black: More Trouble In Roeburne?
By Michelle Lovegrove
13 Dec 12: “That’s the prediction of lawyer Kerry Savas,
over the continuing battle between the Yindjibarndii people
and FMG, in the Pilbara. … Kerry Savas spent more than a
year representing the interests of a group of Yindjibarndi
people, who broke away from their native title
organisation, Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation. The
fractured community in and around Robeurne, destruction of
land, dozens of court battles, and the intervention of a
multi billion dollar mining company is the living story of
the failures of the native title system, and of a
government publicly ignoring its citizen’s calls for an
inquiry into FMG’s activities in the Pilbara. … “
* SBS LIVING BLACK AUDIO INTERVIEW:
WHY ARE YINDJIBARNDI STILL LIVING IN POVERTY?
- Audio Interview
SBS Living Black:
Why are Yindjibarndi Still Living In Poverty?
By Michelle Lovegrove
13 Dec 12: “A native title claimant group has called for a
federal inquiry into its allegations that iron ore miner
Fortescue Metals “heavied” its way onto land in Western
Australia’s Pilbara region. … Bruce Woodley, chairman
Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WMYAC),
has supported recent statements made by solicitor Kerry
Savas, to the National Indigenous Times and the ABC. Mr
Savas is a lawyer who worked for WMYAC and whose fees were
paid by Fortescue. He claims that Wirlu-Murra was put
together hastily, to solidify support for FMG’s Solomon
Mine project. … Michelle Lovegrove speaks with Gerry
Georgatos, a journalist with the National Indigenous Times,
about his latest trip to Roeburne, and what he saw there.”
- Related News
Wirlu murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC) News:
Response to Recent Claims in the National Indigenous Times
30 Nov 12: “We have only recently been made aware of Mr
Georgatas’ article in the National Indigenous Times and the
purported concerns of our Chairman, Bruce Woodley, which
have not previously been expressed to the Board. The
reported comments do not represent the views of the Board.
For the past week Bruce has been in hospital receiving
treatment. … Bruce Woodley is the Chairperson of
Wirlu-murra but the Board has not endorsed any media
statements. Any public comments need to be endorsed by the
Board.”
14 Dec 12: “This past October, Olga Havnen, the Northern
Territory Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous
Services, released her annual report. The response of the
NT Government was to sack her. It’s her story to tell the
reasons why. What is clear from her report is that Olga
doggedly asked government departments what proportion of
their budget was taken up by administrative overheads. Her
requests were “met with a reluctance to comply and, in some
instances, outright hostility.”"
By Mark Moran and Patrick Sullivan
* Dr Mark Moran, a governance specialist in Indigenous and
international development
* Dr Patrick Sullivan, a political anthropologist who has
studied the engagement of Aboriginal people with the
Australian Public Sector
- News
Koori Mail: Havnen to head health service
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
14 Dec 12: “FORMER Coordinator General for Remote Services
in the NT Olga Haven has been appointed CEO of Darwin’s
Danila Dilba Health Service. The service’s deputy
chairperson John Paterson said Ms Havnen’s experience at
Aboriginal land councils and various health and support
organisations that would be vital in moving Danila Dilba
forward. She replaces Paula Arnol, whom Mr Paterson thanked
for her tireless work. The NT Government scrapped the
Coordinator General position in October after Ms Havnen
issued a report critical of government expenditure,
programs and service delivery in Aboriginal communities.”
National Indigenous Radio Service:
Qld Health Minister praises community-controlled model
14 Dec 12: “A new Indigenous medical clinic has opened this
week in the outer-northern Brisbane suburb of Morayfield.
Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg attended the
opening. Mr. Springborg told 98.9fm the Institute of Urban
Indigenous Health’s newest facility will be a a positive
for the health of south-east Queensland Aboriginal people.”
Koori Mail: Crossin to chair committee
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
14 Dec 12: “LABOR Senator Trish Crossin will chair a new
parliamentary joint select committee on constitutional
recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples. Senator Crossin said the Committee will inquire
into and report on steps that can be taken to progress
towards a successful referendum on Indigenous
constitutional recognition. It will create an advisory
group to guide its work, including consideration of the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition
Bill 2012. Senator Crossin said she was proud of bipartisan
support the issue has received.”
14 Dec 12: “A former Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister
who also served as deputy chairman of the National Native
Title Tribunal has spoken of an intercultural future for
the Northern Territory one which will see both Aboriginal
people an non indigenous Australians working together to
achieve their objectives.”
* National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
High Court Statement
* Human Rights Law Centre:
High Court to hear landmark case on race discrimination
and “special measures”
* The Wire Audio Interviews:
Amelia Kunoth-Monks following in her grandmother’s footsteps
* ABC Alice Springs Audio Interview: Guestroom – Olga Havnen
* 19th Maurice Blackburn Oration: Professor Clare Martin
* VEOHRC: Human Rights Oration 2012: Ron Merkel, QC
* STICS Forum Videos:
After the NT election… The Struggle Against the NT Intervention:
[Speeches by Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM, Amelia Pangarte Kunoth-Monks,
Jeff McMullen and Paddy Gibson]
* Sydney Book Launch Videos: ‘A Decision to Discriminate’:
[Speeches by Jeff McMullen, Graeme Mundine, Barbara Shaw
and Sekai Holland]
* Background to ‘Stronger Futures’ new NT Intervention laws
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* NIRS: Call for treaty to recognise traditional law
* NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PEOPLES:
HIGH COURT STATEMENT
- Statement
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples:
High Court Statement
High Court gives Congress chance to argue equality before the law
11 Dec 12: “Statement by Congress Co-Chairs Jody Broun and
Les Malezer
The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples
(Congress) welcomed the High Court’s acceptance of its
application to present submissions in the case of Maloney v
The Queen and the opportunity to clarify the proper use of
special measures for legislation.
“Congress is the national representative voice of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and it is
appropriate that we assist in this important test case.
“Our ability to be self-determining and have a say over
things that impact on our lives is a basic human right.
“Special measures are used across Australia to enact laws
for the ‘advancement’ of First Peoples without any yard
stick for their effectiveness, duration or community
support and acceptance.
“As ‘amicus curiae’ (a friend of the court), our public
submission will assist the Court in considering special
measures in their ruling on the appeal, Maloney v
The Queen.
“The legal principles, rather than the details of this
case, provide the opportunity for a watershed moment in
Australian history. … “”
11 Dec 12: “A landmark case before the High Court about the
validity of alcohol restrictions for indigenous people on
Palm Island could have broader implications for programs
that target only Aboriginal people. On Tuesday, the High
Court in Canberra began hearing an appeal from indigenous
woman Joan Monica Maloney who was convicted of alcohol
possession on Palm Island in 2010. Ms Maloney is
challenging the Queensland law that restricts alcohol on
Palm Island on the basis that it contravenes the Racial
Discrimination Act and constitution.”
Australian: Alcohol bans ‘are not racially neutral’
12 Dec 12: “ALCOHOL restriction laws in Queensland have
been challenged in the High Court, with lawyers for Palm
Island woman Joan Maloney arguing prohibition cannot be
justified on the basis it may be beneficial for a
particular community. Ms Maloney is appealing against her
conviction for possessing contraband spirits in a public
place on Palm Island in 2008, arguing that the alcohol
restrictions in the predominantly Aboriginal community
breach the Racial Discrimination Act.”
* HUMAN RIGHTS LAW CENTRE:
HIGH COURT TO HEAR LANDMARK CASE ON RACE DISCRIMINATION
AND “SPECIAL MEASURES”
- News
Human Rights Law Centre:
High Court to hear landmark case on race discrimination
and “special measures”
11 Dec 12: “The High Court will today hear a landmark case
on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples rights to
equality, non-discrimination and self-determination. The
Human Rights Law Centre is assisting the National Congress
of Australia’s First Peoples to make an application to be
heard as an “amicus curiae” providing information to
support the High Court in the Maloney v The Queen case.
The HRLC’s Indigenous Rights Director, Ben Schokman, said
it was supporting Congress so all Australians can be
treated equally.”
- Further info about the High Court proceedings
High Court of Australia: Case B57/2012 – Maloney v. The Queen
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to
experience significant disadvantage, discrimination and
disempowerment. The United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides a framework for the
empowerment of Australia’s First Peoples. The Human Rights
Law Centre works with ATSI organisations to ensure that
the principles in this Declaration – including the
principles of self-determination, land and cultural
rights, and participation in decision-making processes
- are reflected and enshrined in Australian law, policy,
practice and institutions.”
Human Rights Law Centre: What we do
Freedom. Respect. Equality. Dignity. Action.
12 Dec 12: “Aboriginal Elder Rosalie Kunoth-Monks is known
to be one of the feistiest warriors against the Northern
Territory Intervention. She was in Adelaide over the
weekend with her granddaughters Amelia and Ruby, to launch
a new book called ‘A Decision to Discriminate’, to
coincide with International Human Rights Day.
Featured in story:
* Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, Central Australian Aboriginal Elder
* Amelia Kunoth-Monks, from Utopia in the Northern Territory”
* ABC ALICE SPRINGS AUDIO INTERVIEW: GUESTROOM – OLGA HAVNEN
- Audio Interview
ABC Alice Springs: Guestroom – Olga Havnen
By Kate O’Toole and Miranda Tetlow
13 Dec 12: “Aboriginal advocate and activist Olga Havnen
has been inspired by the stories of her family and forbears
… Olga Havnen is a descendant of the Western Arrernte
people. Her great grandfather was from China, her
grandmother was the first Aboriginal woman to own a house
in Alice Springs and her father was a Norwegian sailor who
jumped ship in Adelaide! … And just two months ago, Olga
found herself at the centre of a political storm, when she
was sacked as the NT’s Coordinator General for Remote
Services after writing a scathing report on Government
spending.”
[Olga talks about her report about 40 minutes into this
interview.]
See:
WGAR News: “Report finds serious flaws in delivery of
gov’t services to NT Aboriginal communities” (30 Sep 12)
* 19TH MAURICE BLACKBURN ORATION: PROFESSOR CLARE MARTIN
- Speech
Maurice Blackburn Oration: Professor Clare Martin
- An issue of Equity: Is it fair and just that there are
230,000 second class citizens in the Northern Territory?
5 Dec 12: “It’s a great privilege to be invited to give the
Maurice Blackburn Oration and to be the first from the
Northern Territory to do so. … Looking back over the last
34 years, there’s no doubt that we have been challenged and
frustrated by our second-class constitutional status.
There’s no question our political institutions have been
affected by the power of the federal parliament to overturn
our legislation, or impose legislation; no question that
from time to time our political effectiveness
circumscribed; or that Territorian lives have been unfairly
targeted by thoughtless federal policies. Being a state
would have meant I had a different story to tell to you
tonight.” By Professor Clare Martin
* VEOHRC: HUMAN RIGHTS ORATION 2012: RON MERKEL, QC
- Speech
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission:
Human Rights Oration 2012
Audio – Human rights – myths and realities
11 Dec 12: “The 2012 Human Rights Oration was delivered on
Tuesday 11 December 2012 by Ron Merkel, QC – 2011 Human
Rights Medallist, barrister and former Federal Court Judge.
This year’s Oration was titled ‘Human rights – myths and
realities’. Ron is widely recognised as one of Australia’s
leading human rights practitioners with a particular
interest in civil liberties, the rights of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, migration law and equal
opportunity. His recent involvement in both the Eatock v Bolt
decision, which considered the Commonwealth racial hatred
protections, and the Occupy Melbourne case, put him at the
leading edge of human rights law in Australia.”
* STICS FORUM VIDEOS:
AFTER THE NT ELECTION… THE STRUGGLE AGAINST THE NT INTERVENTION
- Video Speeches
STICS Forum Videos:
After the NT election… The Struggle Against the NT Intervention
“Videos from the event:
1. Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM
- Alyawarr Elder from Utopia homelands, NT …
2. Amelia Pangarte Kunoth-Monks
- NT youth leader living on the BasicsCard …
3. Jeff McMullen – Chief Executive Officer (Honorary)
of Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth …
4. Paddy Gibson – Stop The Intervention Collective Sydney”
- Compilation
STICS: Stop The Intervention Collective Sydney
6 Dec 2012 The Struggle Against the NT Intervention
Special STICS public forum marking Human Rights Day:
“Communities in the Northern Territory continue to resist
the NT Intervention, and the policy framework is in deep
crisis. In June, the Labor government passed “Stronger
Futures” legislation, which will continue key
discriminatory Intervention powers for a further ten years.
But Central Australian communities like Amoonguna,
Ampilatwatja and Daguragu are refusing to sign long term
leases with the government. They have issued ultimatums,
demanding a return of community controlled councils and
the eviction of Intervention managers and Shire Councils
from their land.”
* SYDNEY BOOK LAUNCH VIDEOS: ‘A DECISION TO DISCRIMINATE’:
- Video Speeches
Respect and Listen:
‘A Decision to Discriminate’: Sydney Book Launch
“Video clips from the launch:
1. Jeff McMullen …
2. Graeme Mundine …
3. Jeff McMullen – reading the letter from Deni Langman …
4. Barbara Shaw …
5. Sekai Holland”
* BACKGROUND TO ‘STRONGER FUTURES’ NEW NT INTERVENTION LAWS:
12 Dec 12: “A prominent Aboriginal rights campaigner says a
treaty between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
would allow a better legal standing of Indigenous people.
Robbie Thorpe from Melbourne spoke at the Sovereignty and
Land Rights conference in Brisbane recently. Mr. Thorpe
says Indigenous people have fewer rights under Australian
law than they would have under traditional tribal law. He
says a treaty would allow the two separate laws to be
recognised.”
- Related Event
WGAR News: 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference:
Sovereign Union & Treaty Republic (5 Dec 12)
Event: 10am Sun 25 November 2012: Qld State Library
1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference
* BBQ breakfast from 9-9:45am
at Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park
* Conference begins at 10am Queensland State Library
Speakers include:
* Mark McMurtrie
* Adrian Burragubba
* Robbie Thorpe
* Wayne Wharton
* Marshall Bell
* Norman Johnson
* Kevin Arjin
* Gracelyn Smallwood
* Michael Mansell
Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/295153823919301/
* Indymedia Australia:
Powerhouse of Indigenous protest celebrated in art
* NIRS: Sandon Point Embassy to celebrate 12 years:
[15 & 16 Dec 12]
* Background to the Aboriginal tent embassies
* Sovereign Union: Michael Anderson’s urgent letter to
United Nations Ambassadors, New York
Re: 12 Dec 12 Assault on Aboriginal Embassy in Brisbane
by colonial authorities
* ABC Brisbane:
Sacred fire re-lit at Musgrave Park as supporters vow to stay
* SMH Video:
Three arrested in [Brisbane] tent embassy midnight raid
* news.com.au Video:
Police storm Aboriginal tent embassy after Indigenous
activists re-light flame in Musgrave Park, West End
* We will keep the fire burning:
Rally and march to Town Hall [Friday 14 Dec 12]
* Workers BushTelegraph: Save the Sacred Fire in Musgrave Park!
* Videos re Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park, Qld
* News re Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park, Qld
* Background to the Brisbane Sovereign Embassy, Musgrave Park, Qld
* INDYMEDIA AUSTRALIA:
POWERHOUSE OF INDIGENOUS PROTEST CELEBRATED IN ART
- News
Indymedia Australia:
Powerhouse of Indigenous protest celebrated in art
6 Dec 12: “An artwork that will continue to grow is among
the highlights of an art exhibition honouring 40 years of
the Aboriginal tent embassy. … the embassy has become a
heritage-listed landmark for Aboriginal protest. “The
students have grasped a strong understanding of the roots
of the tent embassy … Koori Art Expressions 2012, which
opened last month at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, contains
artworks created by Sydney school students from
Kindergarten to Year 12. More than 70 works and 26 schools
were represented in the exhibition that was inspired by
this year’s theme for NAIDOC Week – the Spirit of the Tent
Embassy: 40 years.”
* NIRS:
SANDON POINT EMBASSY TO CELEBRATE 12 YEARS [15 & 16 DEC 12]
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service:
Sandon Point Embassy to celebrate 12 years
13 Dec 12: “The Sandon Point Aboriginal Embassy at Bulli
in New South Wales will celebrate its 12th anniversary this
weekend. The Embassy will mark the occasion over the 15th
and 16th of December with traditional ceremony and music
from Coloured Stoned, Joe Geia and Bart Willoughby.
Roy ‘Dootch’ Kennedy is the Chair of the Illawarra Local
Aboriginal Land Council and Embassy ambassador. He says
it’s an important occasion for the Embassy, which was set
up to protect a burial site.”
* SOVEREIGN UNION:
MICHAEL ANDERSON’S URGENT LETTER TO
UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADORS, NEW YORK
RE: 12 DEC 12 ASSAULT ON ABORIGINAL EMBASSY IN BRISBANE
BY COLONIAL AUTHORITIES:
- Letter
Sovereign Union: Michael Anderson’s urgent letter to
United Nations Ambassadors, New York
12 Dec 12: “(Letter sent to all UN Ambassadors in New York)
Your Excellency,
Re: 12 December 2012 Assault on Aboriginal Embassy in
Brisbane by colonial authorities
Just after midnight on 12 December 2012 eighty police,
firemen and council workers stormed the Brisbane
Aboriginal Embassy for no justifiable reason. The Embassy
has been established for the last nine months, as a focal
point for Aboriginal expression and representation of
issues. Our Aboriginal Embassies are no longer viewed as
protests, but as an expression of our continuing
sovereignty in our own land.
The government in Australia knows full well that individual
Aboriginal Nations represent their own Nation’s interests.
Musgrave Park was chosen as the site for the Brisbane
Embassy, because it is a well-known gathering place for our
people, who come from different nations. It has been used
as a meeting place by Aboriginal people from all over
Queensland and other states for the last 80 years or more.
Musgrave Park has offered sanctuary as a meeting place for
all that time and is respected as a neutral zone by so many
people from different nations.
The Brisbane Musgrave Park Embassy has been distributing
information and holding discussions expressing the plight
of their respective nations and communities. Recently the
Brisbane Embassy hosted a conference on Sovereignty and the
fraudulent Native Title system. It is not surprising that
the invading colonial state of Queensland seeks to silence
these expressions. … “
See:
WGAR News: 1st Brisbane Sovereignty & Land Rights Conference:
Sovereign Union & Treaty Republic (5 Dec 12)
12 Dec 12: “Supporters of the Aboriginal tent embassy have
gathered in Musgrave Park for a planned community meeting
on the future of the presence of the embassy. Long-time
embassy leader Wayne Coco Wharton addressed the group of
around 50 supporters of the Aboriginal embassy at Musgrave
Park on Wednesday just hours after he was released from
bail following a number of arrests at the site on Tuesday
night. Mr Wharton addressed the crowd from across the road
due to his bail conditions calling for the resignation of
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and canvassing support
for a continued embassy presence.” By Emma Sykes
- Related Audio
ABC Brisbane Drive with Tim Cox:
Brisbane sovereign embassy packed up
12 Dec 12: “After several months of being in existance
Brisbane’s Sovereign Embassy site in Musgrave Park has been
closed down by Council and police. Tim spoke with Lord
Mayor Graham Quirk just before the site was dismantled.”
* SMH VIDEO:
THREE ARRESTED IN [BRISBANE] TENT EMBASSY MIDNIGHT RAID
12 Dec 12: “Indigenous protesters and Brisbane City Council
are at loggerheads, with the protesters vowing to stay at
the Aboriginal Tent Embassy site in Brisbane’s Musgrave
Park “until we die” and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk standing
behind his decision to shut it down. The council shut down
the embassy on Tuesday, extinguishing a “sacred fire” under
the watch of Aboriginal elders, but overnight protesters
tried to re-establish the embassy and police arrested three
people during midnight raids.”
* NEWS.COM.AU VIDEO:
POLICE STORM ABORIGINAL TENT EMBASSY AFTER
INDIGENOUS ACTIVISTS RE-LIGHT FLAME IN MUSGRAVE PARK, WEST END
- Video
news.com.au :
Police storm Aboriginal tent embassy after
Indigenous activists re-light flame in Musgrave Park, West End
12 Dec 12: “PROTESTORS have vowed not to leave the Brisbane
tent embassy site and have called on Lord Mayor Graham
Quirk and police to meet with them. About eight protestors
remain at the tent embassy site on Wednesday morning, with
a small fire continuing to burn. Brisbane City Councils
workers were watching the protestors from about 200 meters
away but left about 8am. … Judulu of the Woomera people
said all property including tents and bedding were taken
away by police during last night’s raid but the protesters
are determined to rebuild their site.”
* WE WILL KEEP THE FIRE BURNING:
RALLY AND MARCH TO TOWN HALL [FRIDAY 14 DEC 12]
- Event
We will keep the fire burning: Rally and march to Town Hall
11 Dec 12: “Call to workers, to unions:
This is a call to workers and their organisations. Do not
participate in this shameful act of dispossession – ask
yourselves what job description as council officer, as
fireman, as social worker says that you must assist is
taking Musgrave Park from people who have always lived
there and for whom it is a sacred place where all tribes
come together.”
* VIDEOS RE BRISBANE SOVEREIGN EMBASSY,
MUSGRAVE PARK, SOUTH BRISBANE, QLD:
- Photos
Courier-Mail Image Gallery: Police raid Musgrave Park
12 Dec 12: “Police have moved in to break up the Brisbane
Tent Embassy at Musgrave Park. Apparently there were
clashes overnight when suporters tried to take back the
site and re-establish the sacred fire.”
Brisbane Times: Three arrested in tent embassy midnight raid
12 Dec 12: “One of the Aboriginal tent embassy protesters
arrested in Musgrave Park overnight has denied the elders
who gave permission for the embassy to be taken down have
the authority to order such a thing. Brisbane City Council
shut down the embassy on Tuesday, extinguishing a “sacred
fire” under the watch of Aboriginal elders, but overnight
protesters tried to re-establish the embassy and police
arrested three people during midnight raids.”
Nine MSN Video:
Police, activists clash over Brisbane tent embassy
%257c%257c%257c
12 Dec 12: “Police and Aboriginal activists have gone
head-to-head at the tent embassy in Brisbane overnight as
officers moved in to dismantle the site.”
Australian: Three arrested in Brisbane tent embassy dispute
12 Dec 12: “BRISBANE’S lord mayor says any further attempts
to re-establish an Aboriginal tent embassy in a city park
will be shut down. Three people were arrested overnight
after Brisbane City Council staff yesterday dismantled the
tent embassy in Musgrave Park. The council said it was
acting at the request of local elders, who believed the
site wasn’t being run in accordance with its original
purpose. But supporters moved back in last night, setting
up new tents and re-lighting a sacred fire.”
12 Dec 12: “Elders agree to have the aboriginal tent
embassy at Musgrave Park removed late Tuesday, saying it
has been “overrun” by people being “disrespectful of
Musgrave Park”.”
* NEWS RE BRISBANE SOVEREIGN EMBASSY,
MUSGRAVE PARK, SOUTH BRISBANE, QLD:
13 Dec 12: “One of three Brisbane Aboriginal Tent Embassy
campaigners who spent a night in jail after being taken
into custody on Tuesday says attempts by the state Premier
and Mayor of Brisbane to remove the campsite are futile.”
- News
National Indigenous Radio Service:
Vows to keep sacred fire burning at Musgrave Park
13 Dec 12: “Brisbane Sovereign Embassy members says they’ll
continue their protest and keep the sacred fire burning
after it was extinguished by the City Council on Tuesday
night. Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says community
elders asked for the fire to be put out and the site to be
dismantled. Embassy members have rejected this and say
those present at a meeting with council didn’t represent
the views of the Embassy. Jagera elder and member Kevin
Vieritz says the Embassy will continue their demands for a
treaty and it was disrespectful to extinguish the fire.”
news.com.au : Activists still guarding tent embassy fire
13 Dec 12: “TWO activists have spent the night guarding the
smouldering coals of a fire at the Aboriginal tent embassy
in Brisbane. Protester Gladys Weazel vowed on Thursday to
stay put and continue the vigil with her father in Musgrave
Park. Brisbane City Council evicted people from the site on
Tuesday, three of whom were later arrested in a midnight
raid. Ms Weazel says the council “just doesn’t like
Aboriginal people”. “We clean up our mess. We don’t hassle
anyone. This is our meeting place. All our people passed
away here,” she told AAP.”
13 Dec 12: “AUTHORITIES have again doused a sacred fire and
attempted to evict Aboriginal activists trying to
re-establish Brisbane’s tent embassy. The Brisbane City
Council shut down the embassy in inner-city Musgrave Park
on Tuesday, extinguishing a sacred fire under the watch of
Aboriginal elders. … But an elder, Judulu, said it was a
peaceful protest and urged council to let the protesters
be. He said they would not be removed from the park. …
Activists who support the embassy say the council has
listened only to some elders to push its own agenda.”
National Indigenous Radio Service:
Shut down of Brisbane Embassy slammed
12 Dec 12: “Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy
campaigner Boe Spearim says the Brisbane City Council
wasn’t justified in dismantling the site at Musgrave Park
last night. … It’s reported the Embassy was being
misused, piling up rubbish and no longer serving its
intended purpose. Mr. Spearim says groups who called for
the Embassy to be shut down have limited involvement with
it and reports of drug and alcohol use there are
misguided. He says there’s always been substance abuse in
the Musgrave Park area and often the Embassy attempts to
help people.”
Perth Now: We won’t budge: tent embassy supporters
12 Dec 12: “A HANDFUL of supporters say they’ll ignore
orders to abandon the site of an Aboriginal tent embassy in
Brisbane. Three people were arrested overnight after
supporters moved back into Musgrave Park in South Brisbane,
in a bid to re-establish a tent embassy dismantled by
council officers on Tuesday. … On Wednesday a few
supporters remained on the site, refusing to budge. They
included Woomera elder Judulu, who said the group had
salvaged a hot coal from the sacred fire authorities had
tried to put out on Tuesday. It was used to light another
nearby.”
Nine News: Protesters remain at Brisbane tent embassy
12 Dec 12: “This week has seen the end of Brisbane’s
Aboriginal tent embassy, with indigenous elders turning on
each other over its unceremonious closure. … A handful of
supporters rekindled the fire again on Wednesday and
guarded it, vowing not to move. … One of the three
arrested in the clashes, Wayne Wharton of the Kooma people,
wants an investigation into the motives behind its closure.
“He (Mr Quirk) has caused irreparable damage to the
Aboriginal community and their relationship with the
broader community,” Mr Wharton told AAP.”
Koori Mail: Arrests after Bris embassy closed
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
12 Dec 12: “THREE people were arrested late yesterday while
trying to re-establish the Aboriginal tent embassy in
Brisbane’s Musgrave Park, which had earlier been closed
down by Brisbane City Council staff. Brisbane lord mayor
Graham Quirk told AAP that Aboriginal Elders had asked for
the site to be closed because it had lost its original
purpose. But Embassy supporters including Wayne ‘Coco’
Wharton insist the embassy has the support of the Brisbane
Aboriginal community. It is understood those arrested were
charged with breaching the peace, and contravening a
police direction.”
12 Dec 12: “The sovereign tent embassy at Musgrave Park was
shut down and cleared up by council officers after Lord
Mayor Graham Quirk revoked permission the site be used for
the purpose of peaceful protest on Tuesday. Following an
afternoon meeting with elders from the Jaggera community Cr
Quirk approached the South Brisbane campsite, formally
withdrew the council’s permission – granted in May – and
called in a rapid response team to pack away tents and the
possessions of those camped there.”
12 Dec 12: “Three people have been arrested during an angry
clash between police and Aboriginal protesters at the
Brisbane tent embassy overnight. The council shut down the
embassy site at Musgrave Park in South Brisbane yesterday
afternoon, at the request of local Indigenous elders. The
elders had expressed serious concerns to the council about
the way it was being run. Later in the evening, a smaller
group of Indigenous embassy supporters returned to
Musgrave Park, set up tents and restarted two sacred
fires.”
ABC Brisbane:
Tent embassy supporters arrested at Musgrave Park
12 Dec 12: “Supporters of the Aboriginal tent embassy in
Brisbane have been arrested after refusing to leave the
site overnight. Three people have been arrested during an
angry clash between police and Aboriginal protesters at the
Brisbane tent embassy on Tuesday night. Officers with
Brisbane City Council were called in to clean up the tent
embassy on Tuesday, after Cnr Quirk formally withdrew the
council’s permission for the embassy at Musgrave Park at
the request of local Indigenous Elders.
SBS World News: Tent embassy won’t rise again: mayor
12 Dec 12: “Any attempts to re-establish an Aboriginal tent
embassy in a Brisbane park will be shut down, the city’s
mayor says. Brisbane City Council staff dismantled the tent
embassy in Musgrave Park on Tuesday. The council said it
was acting at the request of local elders, who believed
the site wasn’t being run in accordance with its original
purpose. But supporters moved back in on Tuesday night,
setting up new tents and re-lighting a sacred fire.”
* BACKGROUND TO THE BRISBANE SOVEREIGN EMBASSY,
MUSGRAVE PARK, SOUTH BRISBANE, QLD:
