Red Ochre for Archie

96 Pages·2015·29.95 MB·English

Koori Mail
The Voice of Indigenous Australia
THE FORTNIGHTLY NATIONAL INDIGENOUS NEWSPAPER - 100% ABORIGINAL-OWNED 100% SELF-FUNDING
EDITION 502 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011 PUBLISHED SINCE 1991
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Red Ochre
for Archie
AN emotional
Archie Roach
received the
$50,000 Red Ochre
Award at last weekʼs
National Indigenous
Art Awards. The
award honours
outstanding
Indigenous artists as
nominated and
selected by their
peers. During his
acceptance speech
Archie played tribute
to his partner Ruby
Hunter, who
passed away
last year.
“She saw
something
about me
that I
couldnʼt
quite see
myself,” he
said. “I canʼt help
thinking sheʼs here
tonight, and she
had a hand in this
somehow.”
lMore Pages 50-51
Our UN voices
AT home and Aboriginal leaders from the NT of the Governmentʼs woes on the to task on everything from the
lUN heavyweight pulls
abroad, the had told her that the intervention issue. Yolngu Elder Rev Dr Intervention and support for
Australian ʻhad made things worseʼ. no punches –Page 9 Djiniyini Gondarra also drew homelands, to deaths in custody,
Government “I find that (Aboriginal) people lYolngu Elderʼs protest international attention to the rights to water, and Stolen
continues to cop have not been consulted (about failings of the NT Intervention, Generations justice.
at high commission in
criticism over its measures such as income standing outside the Australian The only respite for the
London –Page 9
treatment of Aboriginal and Torres management, housing and health High Commission in London Government was some
Strait Islander peoples. measures), and they see the lFull UNPFII coverage to unveil a global campaign short-lived kudos over its national
Last week, a senior intervention as a land grab,” the and photos –Page 12-13 opposing the controversial apology to the Stolen
international human rights envoy former judge said. regime. Generations, reflected upon on
lobbed a major salvo at the She said such matters would lEditorial –Page 20 And at the tenth annual Sorry Day last Thursday.
Gillard Government over the not be improved unless the session of the UN Permanent However, Stolen Generations
ongoing Northern Territory Government earned the trust and I would remind the Government of Forum on Indigenous Issues advocates seized upon the
Intervention. confidence of, and worked with, the (international) laws they have (UNPFII) in New York, a occasion to renew calls for full
United Nations (UN) High the people of the NT. She called ratified because the law should be delegation of around 40 reparations for the Stolen
Commissioner for Human Rights for a ʻfundamental rethinkʼ of the applied without discrimination,” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Generations, including financial
Navi Pillay told audiences in Governmentʼs approach. Ms Pillay said bluntly. Islander delegates took the compensation, which the
Sydney and Canberra that “I donʼt do politics, I do law and However, that wasnʼt the end Australian and NT governments Government has so far rejected.
Delegates named for first Congress meeting – Page 13
IINNSSIIDDEE
M F
Y AMILY FRED BULSEY, Palm Island Qld
Vic Premier’s call
is not welcomed
l Page 16
FAMILY life is very important to me. photo was before the game started. It was lPictured: Fred Bulsey with wife
Whenever I leave Palm Island, I try and important for my family to be there. Krishna, and children Isaac, 10, baby
take my wife and our children with me. We played a 24-all draw with Bowen Zaquan, 2, and nephew Ben Kennedy,
I have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander district, after which a side was picked for our 8, in front.
descent and thereʼs a big mob of my family debut in the north Queensland Foley Shield
on Palm and over in Townsville. competition. Share your
I love my beautiful island home and my job Hundreds of Palm Islanders watched us
as an animal control officer. from the sideline. I just love representing my
When I have time off, I like going pig Aboriginal community. family with
hunting. We got a really big one here on 15 While I am a patriotic Palm Islander, I am
May. also proud of my Torres Strait Islander
I married Krishna (nee Hughes) on Easter heritage and in June last year I travelled to
our readers
Sunday in 2010 and more than 250 people Badu Island for the silver jubilee of the Island
Long Walk and packed into St Anthonyʼs Catholic Church at of Origin.
Palm Island to witness it. I was lucky enough to be a member of the
Soon after we drove around the streets winning team Mua Razorbacks and we beat a
Dreamtime at ‘G with groomsmen and bridesmaids, even Boigu Island team Malu Kiai in the final. The If you would like to see your family
featured in the ʻMy Familyʼ section of
though it started to rain. Then, more than 800 Razorbacks represented Moa Island, where
the Koori Mail, email a high-resolution
men, women and children packed into the Iʼm descended from. They really looked after
digital photo to myfamily@koorimail.
l Page 18 Palm Island PCYC for the reception. us up there.
com along with a full caption (always
Iʼm the son of Fred and Tessa Bulsey, who I also play football for Skipjacks club in the reading from left to right) and between
is of Torres Strait Islander descent, and six-team domestic Palm Island competition 350 and 400 words about your family.
Krishna is the daughter of Franklyn Hughes and we are a big chance to win the Tell us who is in your family, what you
and the late Eunice Friday. premiership in September. like to do as a family, your traditions
Last month at Ayr, I played for the Palm It would be great to hold the trophy aloft and achievements, and what is
Island Barracudas in a rugby league Foley with my wonderful family looking on. important to you.
Shield selection trial against Bowen and this –As told to ALF WILSON
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2 THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. The Voice of Indigenous Australia
Crew
step
up at
Inala
THEIR latest
single Talk of the
Towntells
audiences to
QLD ‘have no shameʼ
and ‘step up to
the plateʼ, and
that’s exactly what rapping
sensation the Colly Crew did at
the annual Stylinʼ Up Festival at
Inala in Brisbane at the
weekend.
The youngsters from
Collarenebri Central School, in
western NSW, wowed the big
crowd and gave them food for
thought. The song, also
featuring Aboriginal
singer/songwriter Evie J Willie
from Wellington in NSW, can be
viewed on YouTube.
It is the fifth instalment from
the Colly Crew and was
produced earlier this year after a
one-week mentoring program
with Desert Pea Media.
lSee our next edition for
more on this talented mob
and Stylinʼ Up.
Photo by THERESA DALTON
Gove mining
agreement
Temporary Affordable Accommodation
is welcomed
PERTH
Aboriginal Hostels Limited
Western Australia
08 9349 2548
Aboriginal Hostels Limited improves CAIRNS
Northern Queensland
Indigenous quality of life through the delivery of
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ARNHEM Land Peninsula had led to some of
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agreement that includes a range of financial,
has righted past contractual, asset and accommodation for a range of reasons including: ADELAIDE
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Council (NLC) says. Aboriginal traditional owners,” 08 8342 6950
• seeking medical treatment
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Minister Jenny Macklin on Mr Hillʼs sentiments were DARWIN
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Thursday announced her echoed by senior leaders of the Northern Australia
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NLC chief executive Kim Hill delivering this historic outcome “We have been direct as to Victoria and Tasmania
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development has operated Ms Macklin said the dispute of East Arnhem Land –our land www.ahl.gov.au
without any agreement with over mining on the Gove is a shared future.” –AAP
The Voice of Indigenous Australia THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. 3
NAIDOC poster winner named
INDIGENOUS artist Matthew
Humphries, from Mackay in central
Queensland, has been named the
winner of this yearʼs national
NAIDOC poster competition.
Entries had to reflect this yearʼs
NAIDOC theme of ʻChange –the next step is
oursʼ. Mr Humphriesʼ artwork depicts a First
Australian family linking hands as they step out on
the road to change –proud of who they are,
encouraged by what has already been achieved
and united in their goal to be change-makers for a
bright new future.
More than 180 entries were received, but
National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Anne Martin
said the committee was unanimous in choosing Mr
Humphriesʼ Road to Changeas the winner.
“His artwork embodies this yearʼs theme in a
powerful way –understanding where we have
come from is an important part of our journey
together on the road to change,” she said.
Interests
Mr Humphries, who will receive $5000 in
prizemoney, said his design incorporated his
interests in painting, sketching and airbrushing
together with his recent experience working with
digital media.
“I spent a week thinking of a design that would
reflect the 2011 theme and once I had a clear idea
what I wanted to do, started to transfer the design
onto a digital canvas,” he said.
“It has been quite a big learning curve for me. I
spent a lot of time squinting at my laptop but was
more than pleased with the outcome and
honoured to be selected among so many great
artists.”
To order free copies of the NAIDOC Week
poster call 1800 050 009 or visit
www.naidoc.org.au
For more information about the artist and his
Matthew Humphries with the 2011 NAIDOC poster bearing his winning artwork. winning entry, visit www.indigenous.gov.au
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4 THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. The Voice of Indigenous Australia
Jake’s set for Bangarra
INDIGENOUS set Government). to print, the Sydney Opera Other funding
designer Jake Nash will For 28-year-old Mr House was planning to recipients are:
be spending a year as a Nash from Brisbane, it launch its first l$100,000 for the
full-time artist in residence means a year working in a Reconciliation Action Plan NSW Aboriginal Regional
at Sydneyʼs Bangarra performing arts company, on 30 May. Arts Fund (ARAF).
Dance Theatre, thanks to without the distraction and Mr Evans said the plan l$50,000 for the
a NSW Government pressure of having to do followed 12 months of Aboriginal Talent
funding initiative. other work to get by. consultation with the wider Identification Residency
Last month, Arts Mr Nash, who Indigenous community, Program in dance.
Minister George Souris graduated from the NIDA and would provide a l$50,000 for the NSW
announced a funding Design Course in 2005, roadmap for increasing Aboriginal Dance
package of more than $1 designed the set for earth Indigenous employment Symposium –a one-day
million to foster Aboriginal & skyfor Bangarra in and participation in the event to be aligned with
arts and culture, with 2010, winning a performing arts in the the 2012 Message Sticks
Bangarra receiving Greenroom Award for best future. Festival.
$200,000 over two years design, and also created Mr Souris said the l$30,000 for the
for its traineeship the set design for WA project being undertaken Accelerate Indigenous
program. theatre company Yirra by the Sydney Opera Australian Leadership
Other recipients include Yaakinʼs production House to expand the Program –a partnership
the Sydney Opera House, Waltzing the Wilarra. Message Sticks Festival with the British Council
which will also receive “(Bangarra) is my home was a great example of which will partner five
$200,000 over two years this year, which is good. I what the Governmentʼs NSW Aboriginal creatives
to extend its Message get to hang out with the Aboriginal Arts and with high-profile
Sticks festival, $120,000 other artists,” he said. Cultural Strategy was Indigenous mentors and
for Museums and “(Itʼs) amazing because ... trying to achieve. involve a three-week
Galleries NSW to hold a you get to focus on ideas “The project will involve placement in the UK.
Indigenous set designer Jake Nash
two-day summit on and explore things without commissioning, l$40,000 for
Aboriginal keeping places the pressure of working or Indigenous films, which of developing a strategy developing and Performance Space –
and cultural knowledge not working, which is a had been the focus of the for incorporating showcasing new IndigeSpace to develop
centres and $72,750 to luxury.” festival for many years. Indigenous work into their Aboriginal work from works for performance
fund two 18-month The Sydney Opera Sydney Opera House programs more broadly. around NSW and and touring.
professional internships House said its funding CEO Richard Evans said “This investment by the presenting a full multi- l$30,000 for The
for emerging Aboriginal would assist in expanding to further consolidate NSW Government will media program with a full Kooringal Empty House
arts workers with the and revitalising the Indigenous programming, help us showcase more of multi-arts festival by projectʼs Wagga Wiradiri
Biennale of Sydney Message Sticks festival to the Opera House would the diversity that exists 2015,” he said. Festival.
starting in July 2011 include talks, debates and also appoint an within Indigenous arts and “A unique Indigenous For more details on the
(with a further $72,750 live performances, in experienced Indigenous culture,” he said. arts ʻumbrella brandʼ will strategy go to
coming from the Federal addition to showcasing arts producer with the aim As the Koori Mailwent also be created.” www.arts.nsw.gov.au
Kimberley
title victory
TRADITIONAL Ruling ‘about Wunambal Gaambera people.
landowners have “Uunguu, meaning living
been granted native home, abounds in native wildlife,
WA title over 26,000 recognition including many threatened
square kilometres in species,” he said.
Western Australiaʼs Mr Burke said there were also
and respect’
north Kimberley significant rock art sites
region. The Wanjina Wunggurr throughout the area.
community immediately declared He said the Federal
an Indigenous Protected Area owners had been fighting for Government had made a
(IPA) in the region after the native title rights for more than ten $23.7 million funding commitment
Federal Court officially made the years. through Working on Country to
determination last Monday. “Native title puts traditional employ more than 65 Aboriginal
The IPA covers more than owners in a stronger position rangers in the Kimberley region
340,000 hectares of country, to negotiate agreements, by June 2013.
which will be managed by the manage their country, and set “Weʼve invested in the Uunguu
Uunguu rangers. terms and conditions for access,” ranger group to provide jobs on
The Wanjina Wunggurr he said. country as part of that
Uunguu native title claim is linked “This is extremely important in commitment,” Mr Burke said.
to the Wanjina Wunggurr light of increased development “Weʼve also invested $740,000
Wilinggin and the Wanjina pressures in the Kimberley. over three years to support the
Wunggurr Dambimangari claims. “As a result of native title, Wunambal Gaambera people to
The Kimberley Land Council governments and industry will be manage their IPA and to work
(KLC) acted on behalf of the required to sit down at the table towards protecting their entire
Wanjina Wunggurr Uunguu with traditional owners to enter country.”
claimants to negotiate the native into agreements before anything Attorney-General Robert
title, which will be mostly for is done on country.” McClelland welcomed the
exclusive possession. Mr Hunter said the IPA also determination, saying the
KLC acting chief executive provided Aboriginal people with agreement on it had been
Nolan Hunter said native title was the opportunity to look after their reached through a constructive
about respect and the recognition country in their own way, while approach, ʻusing mediation rather
of Aboriginal peopleʼs rights to creating jobs and economic than litigationʼ.
country. benefits for communities. “The settlement is a significant
“It also provides traditional The determination hearing was achievement for all involved, and
owners with opportunities to held at Garmbemirri in the an important recognition of the
progress forward and create Kimberley. Wanjina-Wunggurr Uunguu
benefits for themselves and their Federal Environment Minister peopleʼs ongoing relationship with Elder, Janet Oobagooma, with Federal Court Justice John Gilmour at
community,” he said. Tony Burke said it was a ʻground- their traditional lands,” Mr the Wanjina Wunggurr Dambimangari Native Title determination at
Mr Hunter said traditional breakingʼ decision for the McClelland said. Cone Bay in Western Australia. AAP Image
The Voice of Indigenous Australia THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. 5
National Sorry Day
Painting is a thankyou present
MUNGANBANA, or Norman north Queensland, in 1905 when ensure he got the final version of
Miller, wanted to do something he was just five, never to see her the apology right.
special after hearing former Prime or his sister again. “It was certainly a day of
Minister Kevin Ruddʼs apology to During their morning tea, transformation,” he said.
the Stolen Generations three Munganbana explained the Munganbana told the former
years. meaning of the painting, saying the PM that although the painting was
So Munganbana did what he yellow circle in the centre started on the day of the apology,
does best –a painting. represented the Aboriginal flag and 13 February 2008, he did not finish
“I wanted to present this the sun, and within it is the flag it until the 26 May, which was
painting as a gift to the Federal flying above Parliament House. coincidentally the same day a few
Parliament, or Kevin Rudd, to say The hands on the painting are years later when the pair met for
thank you on behalf of both the hands of Thomas Millerʼs three morning tea.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous great, great grandchildren, while He said the apology had been
Australians,” he said. the colourful stripes represent the like ʻa healing river that seemed to
On Sorry Day last week, many Indigenous and non- flow across the nationʼ.
Munganbana finally had that Indigenous people who gathered “You were the right person to
opportunity to do so after being on the lawns outside Parliament do that,” he told Mr Rudd.
invited to share morning tea in the House three years ago. Mr Rudd told him that ʻwhatever
office of the now Foreign Minister. He told Mr Rudd that he had the standards of the day were,
Munganbana, who has his own used 120 different colours in the ripping a child away from its
art gallery in Cairns, is from the painting, and wondered whether parents was wrongʼ.
Jirrbal, Bar-Barrum and Yidinji this might be a record for an “The apology was probably 200
tribes of the North Queensland Indigenous art piece. years too late but we got there in
rainforest. Mr Rudd accepted the painting, the end,” he said.
For him, the apology was describing it as ʻwonderfulʼ. To view other examples of
particularly moving as his He also reflected on the Munganbanaʼs art, visit
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd with Munganbana and his wife grandfather, Thomas Miller, was apology, telling Munganbana that www.munganbana.com
Barbara Miller in front of the painting. taken from his mother in Nyleta, he had laboured for five days to –By Darren Coyne
Rudd the
guest at
luncheon
Stolen Generations survivors and workers, back row, Tricia Smith, Lester Maher, Peter
Beale, Stephen Maher, Matilda House, Sandra Kitchens, Lyn Jones and Julie Shelley.
Front row, National Sorry Day Indigenous co-Chair Helen Moran, Janette Milera,
By DARREN COYNE apology had indeed helped heal some of the Rebekah Curtis, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Martha Watts and Jenny Carty.
wounds of being taken away from family,
STOLEN Generations there was plenty more work to be done.
member Martha Watts was Mr Rudd asked about the Link Up
still shaking like a leaf minutes program, and was told in no uncertain terms
after being introduced to the that more resources were needed to really
former Prime Minister. make a difference to peopleʼs lives.
Clutching her newly signed A recurring theme was that family
copies of photographs, taken on the day of reunions were taking too long to organise,
the apology three years ago, Ms Watts told and once they had been, they were far too
the Koori Mailwhat it meant to meet Kevin short, or people were unable to afford return
Rudd, now a globetrotting Foreign Minister. visits.
“Iʼm just so exited and emotional,” she “You get to finally meet your family and
said. then after three days you have to go again.
“I was 11 when I was taken away. It was Itʼs like being stolen for a second time,”
like a death in the family and my family donʼt Sandra Kitchins told Mr Rudd.
even speak about it because itʼs too Lack of funding
upsetting.
“It wasnʼt until 1998 that I was even able National Sorry Day committee Indigenous
to tell my own children what I went through.” co-chair Helen Moran said a lack of funding
Ms Watts was among a group of Stolen and workers was to blame, and she urged Mr
Generations survivors and workers who had Rudd to speak with his colleagues.
lunch with Mr Rudd on Sorry Day last week. Lester Maher, who was taken with his
“I wanted to sit down and have a yack and brothers to Kinchela Boys Home when he
find out how things are going,” Mr Rudd told was just four, was forthright with the former
the gathering. Prime Minister.
He said the annual report to Parliament “I didnʼt meet my parents until I was 12- Sandra Kitchens became emotional as she recounted her experiences as a child who
regarding the state of Indigenous Affairs, years-old and it was very hard because you
was taken away.
which arose out of the apology, was his way had to adjust because you had been brought
of ʻkeeping the country honest with itselfʼ. up in white manʼs society,” he said. messages from the lunch. One, that Link Up shed, said the apology had helped ease her
“Itʼs not a bullshit exercise. Itʼs real, and “I would run away but they would bring was doing good work but needed more pain. Others told stories of being beaten or
we can say where it is getting better and you back and flog you. Thatʼs something you resources, and secondly, whether or not abused, of being trained just as domestic
where it is not getting better,” he said. never forget.” there would be compensation. servants, or of missing the funerals of
“Australians prefer it like that. Mr Maher pressed Mr Rudd on the “I canʼt answer that question, but I can loved ones before having the chance to be
“But I also wanted to sit here with you and ongoing issue of compensation. say that I will be reflecting on it,” he re-united.
hear how itʼs going, emotionally and “Everybody gets compensation but you promised. To those, Mr Rudd said simply: “I have no
psychologically.” give us nothing,” he said. Ms Watts, who was shuttled between experience and it would be arrogant of me to
It quickly became apparent that while the Mr Rudd said he had clearly heard two seven private homes, often forced to live in a say that I understand.”
6 THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. The Voice of Indigenous Australia
National Sorry Day
Calls for compo,
justice reignited
NATIONAL Sorry
Day has re-ignited
calls for
comprehensive
justice for the
thousands of
Aboriginal children forcibly
removed from their families under
discredited government policies.
While tears were shed at
Stolen Generations events around
the country on 26 May, there was
also steely resolve to keep up the
fight.
The day marks the anniversary
of the tabling of the Bringing Them
Home Report in Federal
Parliament in 1997. These days, it
also gives cause to reflect on the
national apology to Indigenous
Australians, including the
Stolen Generations, by
then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
on 13 February 2008.
While the Government was
talking up its investment in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander healing through funding
for counselling, family tracing and
reunion services, others raised the
issue of full reparation for Stolen
Generations members, including
financial compensation.
Indigenous Affairs Minister
Jenny Macklin and Indigenous
Health Minister Warren
Snowdon said the Government
recognised that healing for the
Stolen Generations was a
continuing process that
required ongoing support and
Children and staff from the Playful Beginnings Aboriginal Early Learning Centre at Liverpool in Sydney observed Sorry Day last week. A banner
understanding.
bearing the message ʻSorry day...We rememberʼ, made by the children was hung at the front of the centre to remind the broader community.
“In 2008, the Australian
Government delivered the national Foundationʼs CEO Richard under the portfolios of Ms Macklin Northern Territory Intervention as invitation to Prime Minister Julia
apology, an important step in Weston. and Mr Snowdon, as well as that an example of policy that was Gillard to join him in Alice Springs
building trust and re-setting “...We (also) need to have a of Minister for the Ageing Mark made –and maintained –without to talk to Aboriginal leaders about
Indigenous and non-Indigenous focus on young people to break Butler, to be lacking. talking to Aboriginal people. social issues there.
relations,” they said. the cycle of grief and loss in our “Many Stolen Generations Social Justice Commissioner Mr Abbott said Sorry Day was
“At the time it was communities.” thought the apology was going to Mick Gooda said this yearʼs Sorry not just about past government
acknowledged that words alone Advocates including the lead to better services and Day theme, ʻSORRY. Still Living failures on Indigenous policies,
were not enough.” National Sorry Day Committee support for them, especially in On Borrowed Time!ʼ was a stark but also about ensuring
Ministers Macklin and (NSDC), Aboriginal and Torres their later years, but unfortunately reminder that more was needed. governments didnʼt make the
Snowdon highlighted a 2011 Strait Islander Social Justice it hasnʼt happened that way,” Ms He said most of the Stolen same mistakes again.
Federal Budget commitment for Commissioner Mick Gooda and Moran said. Generations members were “Itʼs all very well to be sorry for
$54.4 million over five years to the Northern Australian Aboriginal The NSDC is also calling for a Elders and ageing, leaving limited the past problems and the past
continue counselling, mistakes that have
family tracing and ‘While there are many members of the Stolen Generations undoubtedly been
reunion services under made,” he told
the Bringing Them Home Parliament.
who have undertaken their own healing journeys there
and Link Up programs, “That means that it is
and funding for the all the more urgent that
Stolen Generations are many others for which more needs to be done’ we donʼt compound
Testimonies Foundation current problems by
to film 40 oral history making new mistakes.”
testimonies from Stolen Justice Agency (NAJA) agreed ʻfair shareʼ of $1.5 billion allocated time in which to act. The Australian Greens marked
Generationsʼ members. that, while the apology had been a in the Federal Budget for mental The National Congress of Sorry Day by calling for greater
The Aboriginal and Torres welcome step, Sorry Day was a health, and recognition for Stolen Australiaʼs First Peoples thanked investment in Indigenous health
Strait Islander Healing Foundation reminder that there was much Generations history in the national organisations and individuals initiatives.
encouraged all Australians to more to do. curriculum. working to help reunite Indigenous Greens Senator Rachel
commemorate Sorry Day, NSDC co-chair Helen Moran NAAJA Chairperson Dorothy families affected by forced Siewert said it was encouraging to
recognising that forced removals lamented slow progress in Fox said the real work of removals. And Australians for see the nation talking about how
had had a profound impact on implementing the Stolen reconciliation for the Stolen Native Title and Reconciliation best to recognise Aboriginal and
Indigenous Australians. Generations Working Partnership Generations was far from finished. (ANTaR) urged Governments to Torres Strait Islanders in the
“While there are many launched by the Australian “Properly acknowledging the fully implement the Constitution.
members of the Stolen Government on Sorry Day last harm that was done to so many recommendations of the Bringing “But more needs to be done,”
Generations who have undertaken year. Aboriginal people requires Them Home report, ʻincluding she said, highlighting the need for
their own healing journeys there She unveiled a ʻnational compensation and greater through payment of reparationsʼ. better-resourced mental health
are many others for which more scorecardʼ on the partnership, inclusion of Aboriginal people in Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and aged-care services.
needs to be done,” said the which she said found advances policy making,” she said, citing the used Sorry Day to renew his –By KIRSTIE PARKER, and AAP
The Voice of Indigenous Australia THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. 7
National Reconciliation Week
Service held at Townsville school
Story and photos by ALF WILSON
A COMMEMORATIVE service for
former and current Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Defence
personnel was held at Garbutt State
QLD
Primary School in Townsville on 27
May.
Garbutt has a large number of
Indigenous pupils and many watched the service.
It was held in a part of the school where an
Indigenous Garden of Remembrance is located.
Organised by the RSL North Queensland district
and with the theme Lest We Forget, the service was
held during National Reconciliation Week. Students
carried the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
flags.
Retired corporal Keith Walsh was one of a
number of guests to lay a wreath at a memorial
plaque in the gardens.
Special guests
Serving personnel Corporal Anne Dufficy, of 5th
Aviation Regiment, Warrant Officer 2 Ken Nelliman,
from the Combat Training Centre at Lavarack
Barracks, and Private Keiren Marr were special
guests.
Cpl Dufficy has descendants on Badu Island in
the Torres Strait, while WO Nelliman has family on
Murray Island. Private Marrʼs people come from the
Charters Towers district.
“I was an Army cadet and went to Garbutt State
for a while and the Army gives you a sense of
belonging. Today we remember all who have fallen,”
Cpl Dufficy said during her speech.
School captain Kali Close welcomed guests to
country and Townsville City councillor Vern Veitch
spoke.
“Indigenous service people have served with
distinction since the Boer War to current campaigns ABOVE: From left, WO2 Ken Nelliman, Cpl Anne Dufficy, retired Cpl Keith
and in the past were treated badly and suffered Walsh and Private Kieren Marr near the wreaths around the memorial plaque
terrible racism. They deserve recognition and have in the school gardens. RIGHT: Cpl Anne Dufficy with school captain Kali
made a great contribution,” Cr Veitch said. Close who welcomed guests to country.
RAP for fun par ks
NO-ONE would say noticed a pressing desire from Yugumbeh Museum president
itʼs been a roller international visitors to experience Russell Black congratulated
coaster ride, but the the traditional culture of Australia. Dreamworld for developing a plan
journey undertaken “We realise as a business that that ʻboth pays respect to our mob
QLD
by Queenslandʼs there are a number of opportunities and builds a partnership that will
Dreamworld to that we have to showcase the create employment and business
become the first Indigenous culture to locals and opportunitiesʼ.
Australian theme park to launch a international visitors,” he said. Reconciliation Australia (RA)
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) “We would hope that we could CEO Leah Armstrong also
has required staying power and create a growth in the awareness congratulated the park, saying it
steady hands. of the Indigenous culture and also was creating respectful actions that
Having brought the RAP to create a community shift, valued local protocols and cultures,
fruition, both the parkʼs particularly in your people to better and providing opportunities for
management and staff and the understand the traditions of our employment.
local Aboriginal community are now native land holders.” During the RAP launch,
hoping for big things. Dreamworld had developed its Mununjali man Jason Sandy
The plan is intended to drive the RAP because ʻit is the right thing to performed a purification ceremony
creation of training, job and doʼ, Mr Dempsey said. and declared the RAP ʻa new start
business opportunities for the local “We feel that all businesses for Dreamworldʼ. Tyrone Drahm
Three of Dreamworldʼs four current Aboriginal employees, Rocky Aboriginal community, grow staff should feel the same sense of and Alec Warner from Brisbaneʼs
Round, Mark Downey and Adam Clarke. cultural awareness, and expose up obligation to bridge the gap Aboriginal Centre for Performing
to 2.5 million visitors a year to between Indigenous and Arts (ACPA) sang the national
Indigenous heritage and culture. non-Indigenous people. anthem in language.
Specific RAP actions include “Our RAP recognises the
placing Aboriginal totems around corporate commitment to the Next edition...
the park and following an process of involving more
appropriate process to change Indigenous traditions into our
names to the local Yugembeh current business practices. Our
Donʼt miss our next
language. desire is to be a theme park that
edition when weʼll have
The plan was officially launched has deep community roots.
more coverage of
on 23 May at a breakfast ceremony “...We hope that this RAP is a
attended by Aboriginal community start to the further development of National Reconciliation
members including Kombumerri an Indigenous cultural offering Week events.
Elder Patricia OʼConnor and Aunty here.” And see Page 35 of this
Carol Currie of the Mununjali Combined, Dreamworld and its edition for our report on
people, and local politicians. sister park WhiteWater World have a special Reconciliation
Dreamworld and WhiteWater World CEO Noel Dempsey and Aunty Dreamworld and WhiteWater about 1000 staff at various times of Week barbecue held in
Carol Currie of the Mununjali People made their mark on a hand World CEO Noel Dempsey said the the year –less than a handful of Townsville.
painting commemorating the RAP launch. parkʼs staff had increasingly whom are Aboriginal.
8 THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. The Voice of Indigenous Australia
Senior Elder on world stage
By DARREN COYNE breaches of human rights. sign up to long-term government leases
The petition, which can be found at over their land; the re-instatement of the
ASENIOR Elder from Arnhem Land www.ourgeneration.org.au, outlines the Racial Discrimination Act in its original,
recently took to the streets of key demands of Aboriginal people from unqualified form, and compliance with
London to call for social justice for the NT, and human rights advocates. the UN Declaration on the Rights of
Australiaʼs Indigenous people. They are that the intervention ends Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Reverend Dr Djiniyini Gondarra told immediately; a new working relationship Rev Gondarra told the Koori Mailhe
world media outside the Australian High be established with Aboriginal people was well received in London and
Commission of the deep hurt caused by based on the recognition of traditional Geneva.
the Northern Territory intervention, and Aboriginal leadership and customary “I was invited by the Australian High
other policies that breached their law; and that communities be Commissioner in London to come into
human and cultural rights. empowered on the basis of prior and his office,” he said.
Rev Gondarra also visited United informed consent with regards to “(He) was the first ever Australian
Nations High Commissioner for Human decision making about programs and Government official who has invited me
Rights Navi Pillay in Switzerland, and policies. to sit down and have a good yarn about
briefed her and other UN officials on the Protecting rights the situation in Australia. That was very
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra in Geneva, presenting impacts of Australiaʼs non-consultative special to me.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi approach to Indigenous affairs. The petition also demands adequate After returning from Europe, Rev
Pillay with a gift of a galpu (spear thrower) from In London, Rev Gondarra called on support for services to Aboriginal Gondarra joined other Aboriginal
north east Arnhem Land. A galpu symbolises the all citizens of the world to support homelands, thereby protecting the leaders in Darwin to further outline
authority to uphold the law. It is decorated in the Aboriginal rights in Australia. He urged rights of people wanting to live on their concerns to Ms Pillay.
style of the Dhurilli peoples of East Arnhem Land people to sign the Global Call to Action ancestral lands. Given her comments at a Human
and is associated with the Mawul Rom ceremony petition, which calls on Prime Minister And it demands housing and Rights forum in Sydney a few days
that promotes and teaches healing and Julia Gillard to end the NT intervention, services to Aboriginal communities later, it would seem Ms Pillay heard
reconciliation. Photo courtesy Concerned Australians which has been criticised by the UN for without those communities having to their concerns loud and clear.
UN heavyweight
pulls no punches
By DARREN COYNE it had been some time since
human rights had been discussed
THE United within Sydney Town Hall, instead
Nations High of outside on the street.
Commissioner for Speaking about proposed
Human Rights, constitutional recognition of
Navi Pillay, has Indigenous Australians, the
condemned former Federal Court judge said
Australiaʼs treatment of ʻhopefully this will be the first of
Indigenous people. many public forums to be held
Ms Pillay, a former High Court around the country which will
judge in South Africa, pulled no lead to a ʻyesʼ voteʼ.
punches while speaking at the Meanwhile, the Australian
Human Rights 2011 forum at Greens strongly endorsed Ms
Sydney Town Hall on 23 May, to Pillayʼs call for the Federal
about 1700 people. Government to take a new
She urged the Federal approach in the NT.
Government to rethink its “This is another damning
approach to Indigenous affairs criticism of the NT Intervention,
to ensure it abided by which again reflects poorly
international laws. on Australiaʼs commitment to
She was on a panel that human rights,” Senator Rachel
included Professor Patrick Siewert said.
Dodson and Paris Aristotle, from “The UN Universal Periodic
the Victorian Foundation for Review and UN Committee on
Survivors of Torture. the Elimination of Racial
Ms Pillay said after landing Discrimination (CERD) have both
in Australia on her six-day visit raised serious concerns over
that she met a group of 40 The panel, chaired by Indira Naidoo, included UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Australiaʼs failure to meet
Aboriginal leaders from the Professor Patrick Dodson and Paris Aristotle from the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture. international commitments on
Northern Territory, who told her effort to ensure not just their voices against the eliminating discrimination.
that the intervention ʻhad made consultation with the communities intervention had been demonised “Central to this ongoing
things worseʼ. concerned in any future measure, as paedophiles or troublemakers. discrimination is the NT
“I find that (Aboriginal) people but also their consent and active He said intervention measures Intervention and lingering partial
have not been consulted at all participation,” she said. remained a source of constant suspension of the Racial
(about measures such as income “Such a course of action would pain and embarrassment to the Discrimination Act.
management, housing and health be in line with the UN declaration Aboriginal leadership in the NT, “Commissioner Pillay has
measures), and they see the (of human rights).” and for young people. recognised the importance of
intervention as a land grab,” Ms Pillay said Australia was “We still live in this colonial taking action in partnership with
she said. quick to raise human rights relationship where Aboriginal communities and developing
“In this day and age you have issues with other countries but people are the play-things of the programs and strategies through
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
to build trust and confidence and was failing to meet its own Government,” he said. proper consultation.
Islander Social Justice
work with the people in order to responsibilities. Arguing for the constitutional “The Australian Greens remain
Commissioner Mick Gooda with
improve such things.” “I call on the Government to recognition of Indigenous people, absolutely committed to seeing
Professor Patrick Dodson.
The High Commissioner urged enforce the standards that it Prof Dodson said it was about the RDA fully restored and
the Federal Government to do a expects from other people around laws they have ratified because ʻrectifying an historical injusticeʼ. seeing the failed NTER come to
fundamental rethink of its the world,” she said. the law should be applied without The forum was organised by an end in favour of a new
approach, and dismissed recent “I donʼt do politics, I do law discrimination.” the Australian Human Rights approach which learns from the
calls for a second intervention. and I would remind the Prof Dodson agreed, saying Commission, whose president, mistakes of successive
“There should be a major Government of the (international) Aboriginal people who had raised Catherine Branson, quipped that Governments.”
The Voice of Indigenous Australia THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. 9
WA rules out licence to drink
THE West Australian criticised by the WA Opposition. persons with court-imposed a supply reduction measure itself, “He made this decision in haste
Government says it Mr Waldron said there were a prohibition orders from accessing rather a means to enforce alcohol and is not heeding the fact that
will not be number of reasons for his alcohol.” restrictions. Members from both sides of
WA introducing a licence decision. The Minister said providing all WA Shadow Minister for Liquor Parliament are calling on the
to drink card similar “Firstly, the system does not people with access to photo ID Mick Murray said the decision Barnett Government to tighten
to one operating in target problem drinkers per se – able to be scanned by the system should be revisited. alcohol laws as a way of stopping
the Northern only those who have been had been a significant, “Under the card system, violence.
Territory. convicted in court of an alcohol- problematic and costly issue. retailers are supplied with a list of “The Ministerʼs decision not to
WA Racing and Gaming related crime,” he said. people banned from buying trial the system has been criticised
Restrictions
Minister Terry Waldron said the “The inability, so far, to control alcohol by the courts and can by Federal Member of Parliament
State Government believed a secondary supply has limited the Mr Waldron said after two deny service accordingly,” he said. Barry Haase, who cited the
card-based system was at present extent to which the system has personal visits to Alice Springs it “The Minister needs to Minister as unimaginative and out
inappropriate for WA –a view been effective in preventing was clear the card system was not immediately re-think this decision. of touch.”
Tas heritage ban
hits centre plans
By JILLIAN MUNDYin Tasmania Government was committed to working
Aboriginal heritage officer with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community
AN Aboriginal heritage Aaron Everett: on the protection and management of
survey ban in Tasmania “Thereʼs no real its heritage.
TAS could halt plans to protection for Aboriginal “It is a priority for me to ensure we
establish an immigration heritage until we change have broad consultation and input from
detention centre near the legislation, (giving) the Aboriginal community in developing
Hobart to help address the heritage officers the right new legislation,” he said.
nationʼs asylum-seeker issue. to protect it, not just Current Aboriginal heritage legislation,
But the local Aboriginal community record it and allow the 1975 Aboriginal Relics Act, is
says it shouldnʼt be scapegoated over development to proceed.” considered ineffective by the
flawed governmental processes. Government, the Aboriginal community
Aboriginal people imposed the ban in and just about anyone else with an
December, when the Tasmanian interest in it.
Government issued a permit to build a “In early March I wrote to a number of
bridge over a 42,000-year-old Aboriginal statewide and regional Aboriginal
heritage site in the path of Brighton organisations, seeking their advice on
Bypass. how best to involve the Aboriginal
The move is affecting government community in progressing the reform on
plans to upgrade and expand an unused Aboriginal heritage legislation,” Mr
army barracks into a detention centre at Wightman said.
Pontville, 30kms north of Hobart. The Minister said he had
The Federal Immigration Department corresponded and met with the
had hoped to move 400 single male Tasmanian Aboriginal Land and Sea
asylum seekers into the facility last Council on the issue.
month. However, Mr Everett questioned the
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre sincerity of the Governmentʼs
spokesperson, Aboriginal heritage officer consultation, with the Pontville issue
Aaron Everett, said the ban would be being played out in the media.
lifted only when Aboriginal heritage Federal Immigration Department
legislation was changed. Secretary Andrew Metcalfe told a Senate
He said the issue had nothing to do Estimates committee last week that his
with the detention centre and everything department was seeking an Aboriginal
to do with Aboriginal heritage. He said he heritage permit.
welcomed the asylum seekers. Deputy Secretary John Moorehouse
“Thereʼs no real protection for said a study undertaken several years
Aboriginal heritage until we change the ago had found that no significant
legislation, (giving) heritage officers the Indigenous artefacts would be disturbed
right to protect it, not just record it and by development of the detention centre.
allow development to proceed. The last “However, Aboriginal Heritage
time Aboriginal heritage was protected Tasmania requested a new audit be
was in 1986,” Mr Everett said. undertaken to confirm the earlier
“Weʼre sticking by the ban, unless they findings,” Mr Moorehouse said.
come to us with some guarantees and put “The department commissioned a
us in the planning processes, in the early desk audit which confirmed the earlier
stages.” study. A field audit was arranged but the
Mr Everett said there were many stone requirements are that an Aboriginal
tools all around the old army barracks heritage officer accompany the
and a follow-up Aboriginal heritage survey archaeologist during the assessment.
was needed before any new development “A local dispute over the impact of the
on the site. nearby Brighton Highway bypass means
Thereʼve been media reports that a that Aboriginal heritage officers are
ʻstrike-breakingʼ archaeologist had been refusing to take part in any assessments
Flashback to last year and Aboriginal heritage protesters standing firm on their
found from outside of Tasmania to survey in the area.”
opposition to the Brighton bypass, near Hobart.
the area. However, an Immigration An Immigration Department
Department spokesperson said that was would be breaking their professional code when it came to holds-ups caused by a spokesperson said construction work
incorrect and the issue was being of ethics. He said State Minister for flawed process. would not begin until all heritage and
discussed with the state-run Aboriginal Environment, Parks and Heritage Brian “They havenʼt approached us, other environmental clearances were met.
Heritage Tasmania. Wightman had given assurances that the than sling things at us though the media,” They said that, once under way,
Mr Everett said any archaeologist who ban would not be broken Mr Everett said of the heritage issue at construction would take about six weeks,
went ahead with the survey in the He said the Government was using the Pontville. depending on the availability of
absence of an Aboriginal heritage officer Aboriginal community as a scapegoat Minister Wightman said his contractors.
10 THEKOORI MAIL, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011. The Voice of Indigenous Australia