WGAR News: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum shot on location in Maningrida

Newsletter date: 3 March 2012

Contents:
* Background to 'Stronger Futures' new NT Intervention legislation
* NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum
* Amnesty International Australia: Lobby your MP for homelands
* Speeches from Parliament House Canberra protest against new NT Intervention legislation
* National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples: Aboriginal Communities now subject to 15 Years of Intervention
* New website: "Sovereign Union - National Unity Government"
* The Wire: Indigenous call for help reaches the community
* Other Northern Territory (NT) Intervention articles
* Background to the Northern Territory (NT) Intervention
* Other articles
* Upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia - 20 events from 3 March 2012

* BACKGROUND TO 'STRONGER FUTURES' NEW NT INTERVENTION LEGISLATION:

Human Rights Petition: Australian Government: Stop Stronger Futures and support Aboriginal self-determination in the NT
https://www.change.org/petitions/australian-government-stop-stronger-fut...

WGAR News: Submissions received on Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (8 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/08/wgar-news-four-actions-to-help-stop-t...

WGAR News: More on the Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill (9 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/09/wgar-news-tent-embassy-protest-interv...

WGAR News: Book report launched: "NT Consultations Report 2011: By Quotations" (19 Feb 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...
[Includes link to transcripts of consultations and book of quotations: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/ ]

WGAR News: More on Government’s proposed Stronger Futures legislation (19 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/19/wgar-news-book-report-launched-nt-con...

WGAR News: New Website for Stronger Futures info and submissions (21 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/21/wgar-news-news-of-the-nyoongar-tent-e...

WGAR News: "NT Aboriginal leaders reject Stronger Futures" Tracker (23 Feb 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/02/23/wgar-news-nyoongar-tent-embassy-march...

WGAR News: Press Conference on Stronger Futures legislation by Hon. Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC (1 Mar 12)
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...

Main Government page for Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Bill 2011 and two related bills:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

Direct Government link to view all uploaded submissions
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...

Direct Government link to view all uploaded hearing info
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committee...
[ A hearing is scheduled for Canberra on Mon 6 Mar 12.]

- Related News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Demonstration held in Canberra as Stronger Futures passes Lower House
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6994-demonstration-held-in-canbe...
1 Mar 12: "[Paddy Gibson of the Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney said] "We're actually looking to put a ban on income management. It's going to be a real way that we can assist in trying to push back the Northern Territory Intervention and the terrible suffereing that people there are going through. So, this campaign is just growing in strength here. The Government will push these laws through but the whole of civil society, all the non-government organisations, all the Aboriginal community leaders out there are very, very opposed to it.""

Koori Mail: Australians urged to 'stand for freedom'
[scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php
2 Mar 12: "A CAMPAIGN is gathering momentum against Federal Government plans to extend key elements of the Northern Territory Intervention until 2022. The Government's Stronger Futures legislation, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this week, has been described as 'culturally devastating'. A petition against it has now garnered more than 4000 of a target 10,000 signatures. The video for the campaign can be found at http://standforfreedom.org.au/ "

- Related Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
CAAMA Radio News 01-03-2012
http://caama.com.au/caama-radio-news-01-03-2012
1 Mar 12: "Aboriginal elder has challenged the Stronger futures legislation for Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory claiming the proposed laws are a return to the past."

- Related Draft Statement

Australian Human Rights Commission: Draft - Opening statement to Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee inquiry into the NTER (Stronger Futures) Bills
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/legal/submissions/2012/20120301_stronger.html
1 Mar 12

* NITV CURRENT AFFAIRS PRESENT THE STRONGER FUTURES FORUM:

- Videos

NITV: Stronger Futures Forum Part 1
NITV: http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-story.cfm?sid=25835567-0669-F275-EB0A4B7B0B55354D
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
2 Mar 12: "Part 1 of 2: NITV Current Affairs present the Stronger Futures Forum. An exclusive insight presented as a panel discussion shot on location in Maningrida discussing the various measures that fall under the Stronger Futures Legislation."

NITV: Stronger Futures Forum Part 2
NITV: http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-story.cfm?sid=2669AF2B-E8B0-D4DD-E9F2C9E45CE9BE29
'concerned Australians': http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/
2 Mar 12: "Part 2 of 2: NITV Current Affairs are bringing you the Stronger Futures Forum. An exclusive insight presented as a panel discussion to be shot on location in Maningrida discussing the various measures that fall under the Stronger Futures Legislation."

- Background

NITV: Stronger Futures Forum: About the Forum
http://www.nitv.org.au/fx-program.cfm?pid=6312D945-DFD1-0FE9-5A358ABD4B5...
"Filmed in Maningrida, NT on the night of the Senate Committee hearings on the Stronger Futures legislation. This forum, hosted by Jeff McMullen, will discuss the policy in-depth with an all-Aboriginal audience. Stronger Futures upholds many of the controversial NT Emergency Response measures and will be debated in Federal Parliament during the Autumn sittings. ... Hosted by acclaimed television journalist Jeff McMullen the forum will hear from mob in the Top End, specifically Arnhem Land about the proposed extension of the Northern Territory Intervention for another 10 years."

* AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA: LOBBY YOUR MP FOR HOMELANDS:

- Action

Amnesty International Australia: Lobby your MP for homelands
http://www.amnesty.org.au/leader/comments/28007/?utm_source=leader_newsl...
28 Feb 12: "Lobby your MP this month:
MPs will be back in their electorate offices from 26 March to 3 May. It is the perfect time for you to meet with your federal MP and ask them to provide equitable funding for homelands in the upcoming federal budget. This funding is essential to ensure that homelands remain vibrant communities where children receive a good education in their local community, the health gap continues to close and Aboriginal families can stay connected to their land."

* SPEECHES FROM PARLIAMENT HOUSE CANBERRA PROTEST AGAINST NEW NT INTERVENTION LEGISLATION:

See:

Stop the Intervention: 28 Feb 2012 Stronger Futures legislation Canberra protest
http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/28-feb-2012-stronger-futures-...

Stand for Freedom and STICS MR: Parliament House protest calls for immediate withdrawal of 'Stronger Futures' NT Intervention legislation
http://stoptheintervention.org/facts/press-releases/parliament-house-pro...

WGAR News: Parliament House Canberra protest called for repeal of the NT intervention (1 Mar 12)
[scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...

- Speeches and Video

Stop the Intervention: 28 Feb 2012 Stronger Futures legislation Canberra protest: Speeches and Video
[scroll down page] http://stoptheintervention.org/past-events/28-feb-2012-stronger-futures-...
"* Rachel Siewert, Greens Senator
* Dr. John Falzon, CEO St Vincent De Paul National Council
* Jeff McMullen AM, Honorary CEO of Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth
* Paddy Gibson, STICS"

- Past Event

Event: Tue 28 February 2012:
Lawns of Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
Major Rally: Stand For Freedom
Stand Against a Decade of Discrimination:
Stop the Second Intervention!
Speakers include:
* Barbara Shaw
* Monica Morgan
* Dr John Falzon
* Daphne Lake
"Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory legislation
currently before parliament would extend the NT
Intervention for a further ten years."
Initiated by:
Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney (STICS) &
Our Generation &
Say No to Government Income Management Coalition
Event details: http://stoptheintervention.org/#StandForFreedom
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/rally-at-lawns-of-parliament-house-canberra-stop...
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/stand-against-a-decade-of-discrimination-stop-th...
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50095
Flyer: http://stoptheintervention.org/uploads/files_to_download/Past%20Events/C...
Flyer: http://standforfreedom.org.au/2012/02/22/stand-for-freedom-rally-canberr...

* NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AUSTRALIA'S FIRST PEOPLES: ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES NOW SUBJECT TO 15 YEARS OF INTERVENTION:

- Media Release

National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples: Aboriginal Communities now subject to 15 Years of Intervention
http://nationalcongress.com.au/aboriginal-communities-now-subject-to-15-...
1 Mar 12: "The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples says the testimony provided to the Senate Committee in the Northern Territory last week has affirmed its concerns regarding the role of the new laws to continue the intervention in the Northern Territory.
Congress Co-Chairs Jody Broun and Les Malezer who appeared before the Committee today, said Congress appreciated the Committee’s visits to talk with communities but were disappointed that House of Representatives has passed the bills without the benefit of the Senate report and its recommendations.
"By any objective standard, the measures in the Stronger Futures bills and amendments to the Social Security Act are punitive and counter-productive cannot be shown to benefit the Aboriginal people it is intended to assist," said Ms Broun.
"Last week’s testimony in the Northern Territory told of the emotional and psychological hurt the intervention measures had placed upon people in the NT. To subject people already experiencing disadvantage and disempowerment to further punitive measures is a violation of our human rights framework. ... " [said Ms Broun]"

* NEW WEBSITE: "SOVEREIGN UNION - NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT":

- New Website

Sovereign Union - National Unity Government:
Sovereign Union' - Asserting Aboriginal Sovereignty into Governance
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/australia-now-real-political-...
"About: This is the official site the Sovereign Union. An official Facebook page is will be coming soon so that all Aboriginal Australians and community representatives can ask questions and/or offer input into a sovereign self governing future. There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes. More details here soon - for advanced information please contact Michael.
Contact: Michael Anderson, ... "

- Related Media Releases

Sovereign Union - National Unity Government: Australia is now in a real political and legal conundrum
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/australia-now-real-political-...
1 Mar 12: "Michael Anderson ... Australia is now in a real political and legal conundrum, not because of the Julia Gillard win nor because we have an unpopular leader of the opposition in Tony Abbott as the possible alternative, but because Australia is also confronted with the fact that two recognized sovereign states now exist on the one land mass. One rules by the sheer weight of numbers, the other has been subjugated by force.
I’ve been having talks with non-Aboriginal people since the 26th January incident at our Tent Embassy in Canberra and can now state that various sections of the non-Aboriginal community acknowledge Aboriginal claims to this country.
Aboriginal claims are validated by the English law that came into existence when Queen Victoria issued an Order in Council to the effect that England did not claim sovereignty over Aboriginal people nor dominion over Aboriginal places.
The solidarity coming from the non-Aboriginal sector is reassuring to Aboriginal people that we can push our claims forward."

Support growing for national unity government
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/support-growing-for-national-unity-go...
1 Mar 12: "There have been many offers of financial and in kind support from individuals and groups very interested in engaging with the Aboriginal movement to form a national unity government, says Euahlayi activist, Michael Anderson.
The movement was launched at the recent 40th anniversary corroboree of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, of which Anderson is the last survivor of the four men who set it up in 1972.
Anderson will be visiting Aboriginal nations and communities across Australia for talks on forming a 'Sovereign Union' and national unity government. He will also warn that the proposed inclusion of Aborigines in the Constitution is "fraudulent and treasonous"."

* THE WIRE: INDIGENOUS CALL FOR HELP REACHES THE COMMUNITY:

- Audio Interview

The Wire: Indigenous call for help reaches the community
Produced by Sarah Spencer and Nicholas Pipe
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=8860
1 Mar 12: "The rates of Aboriginal suicide in Australia are not in decline and are much higher than the rates of non-Indigenous people. With no specific centre for Aboriginal people to go to when in need of help, the struggle for the Indigenous community has been a long and hard road. Now, there are calls to change this. Indigenous activist Tauto Sansbury recently started a community movement to do something about it and he is campaigning for a 24 hour Crisis Centre where Aboriginal people can go for help with serious life issues such as suicide and depression. ...
Featured in story:
Tauto Sansbury - Aboriginal activist, former head of the National Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee
Heather Agius - Aboriginal Elder"

* OTHER NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION ARTICLES:

- Audio

Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association:
Aboriginal People are lost...rethink needed !
http://caama.com.au/aboriginal-people-are-lost-rethink-needed
29 Feb 12: "A respected traditional Aboriginal man from Central Australia has challenged Governments to rethink the concept of work for the dole programs and says there should be other ways that his people can contribute in their communities. Warren H. Williams who grew up in Ntaria, Hermannsburg west of Alice Springs and established himself as a A list performer in Australian country music…says his people are lost because up until a few years ago they were running their own local council..but then the government came in and said they were going to make things better…. "

- Analysis / Opinion

ABC: The NT intervention: undermining equality
http://m.abc.net.au/browse?page=11144&articleid=3855768&cat=Indigenous
28 Feb 12: "In this country we take for the granted that, in theory at least, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and that the law applies irrespective of colour or creed. But the Northern Territory intervention has undermined that fundamental proposition and in doing so created a dangerous precedent." Greg Barns, National President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and a former government adviser

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Rights advocacy group speaks out against Stronger Futures
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7002-rights-advocacy-group-speak...
2 Mar 12: "[National Director Jacqueline Phillips says] "Well the two biggest concerns that ANTaR has is the risk that families will face the penalty of more than three months without social security payments when their kids are not attending school. Now, that is not something that we would see implemented broadly across this country without a major up-cry. The second issue that I am extremely concerned about is the alcohol penalties. People being locked up for one can of beer, I think, is outrageous given everything we know about over-imprisonment.""

National Indigenous Radio Service: Intervention measures forcing people to leave homelands: Elder
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7000-intervention-measures-forci...
1 Mar 12: "Darwin elder and former government policy and liaison officer Eileen Cummings has slammed the legislation as 'unacceptable'. Ms. Cummings says the [Stronger Futures] bill deprives First Nation's people from the right to self-govern and is degrading for NT communities capable of running themselves. "Think about all our people running away from this, from their own communities back into the towns and the elders are trying to say, 'We want our people back home.'""

newsTracker: FaHCSIA under fire over intervention consultations
Tracker: http://tracker.org.au/2012/03/fahcsia-under-fire-over-intervention-consu...
9 News: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8428454
1 Mar 12: "The federal department of indigenous affairs is under fire over reports the consultation process with Aboriginal communities for the next phase of the Northern Territory intervention was deeply flawed. The Gillard government's Stronger Futures draft laws, which extend the Howard government's NT intervention, passed the lower house earlier this week and have now gone to the upper house. ... The National Congress of Australia's First People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner Mick Gooda both slammed the consultation process at a Senate hearing ... "

* BACKGROUND TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT) INTERVENTION:

Creative Spirits: Northern Territory Emergence Response (NTER) - "The Intervention": http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/northern-terr...

'concerned Australians': Without Justice there can be no Reconciliation: http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

CAAMA (Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association) - NT Intervention: http://caama.com.au/?s=NT+Intervention

Stand for Freedom: There can be no reconciliation without justice: http://standforfreedom.org.au/

IRAG (Intervention Rollback Action Group): Mparntwe - Alice Springs: http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/

STICS (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney): http://stoptheintervention.org/

Tracker - NT Intervention: http://tracker.org.au/tag/nt-intervention/

The Greens: Rachel Siewert: Northern Territory Intervention: http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/portfolios/aboriginal-torres-stra...

Treaty Republic - NT Intervention: http://treatyrepublic.net/search/node/NT%20Intervention

Crikey - NT Intervention: http://www.crikey.com.au/topic/nt-intervention/

New Matilda - northern territory intervention: http://newmatilda.com/tag/northern-territory-intervention

Darwin Aboriginal Rights Coalition: http://darwinaboriginalrights.wordpress.com/

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) - NT intervention: http://www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/nt_intervention

MAIC (Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective): http://maicollective.blogspot.com/

The Conversation - After the Intervention: http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/after-the-intervention

Australian Human Rights Commission: Northern Territory ‘Emergency Response' intervention: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/intervention/index.html

Jobs with Justice: http://jobswithjustice.wordpress.com/

Amnesty International Australia: Looking back at the Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/24460/

Students For Indigenous Rights - UQ: The Northern Territory Intervention: http://uqsir.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/stir-uq-intervention-intro-fact...

Defending Indigenous Rights: http://defendingindigenousrights.wordpress.com/

Intervention walk-off's Blog: http://interventionwalkoff.wordpress.com/

FAIRA; Human Rights Law Resource Centre; NACLC: Australia's compliance with CERD - Fact Sheet 2: Northern Territory Intervention: http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/Fact-Sheet-2-NT-Intervention.pdf

Green Left: Northern Territory intervention: myths and facts: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/39732

WGAR (Working Group for Aboriginal Rights): http://wgar.wordpress.com/

* OTHER ARTICLES:

- Audio Interview

SBS Living Black: NSW Minister Acknowledges Importance Of Elders
http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/aboriginal/highlight/page/id/205467/t...
1 Mar 12: "Governments are neglecting the wisdom of older people - elders - when trying to find solutions. ... Governments should utilise the knowledge and experience of community elders when finding solutions to community problems according to a New South Wales Government Minister. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in New South Wales Victor Dominello and a ministerial taskforce have just completed a round of community consultations across New South Wales - on the best way forward to developing an inclusive, healthy and successful Aboriginal Affairs policy in that state." Michelle Lovegrove

- News

National Indigenous Radio Service: Set targets on reducing deaths in custody: ANTaR
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6999-set-targets-on-reducing-dea...
1 Mar 12: "National Director [of Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR)] Jacqueline Phillips says Mr. Briscoe, who died in police custody in Alice Springs earlier this year, was the 270th Aboriginal person to die in custody in the last 20 years - a figure that that has raised serious alarm in the organisation. Ms. Phillips says although a Royal Commission recommended 339 measures to improve Aboriginal imprisonment rates 20 years ago, today's Government has failed to adopt the majority of these. She says it's of major concern that imprisonment rates have increased over the last few years and the Government should set targets to address this."

ABC Indigenous: Aboriginal alliance backs petrol sniffing controls
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-01/greens-push-opal-fuel-law-petrol-s...
1 Mar 12: "An alliance of Aboriginal medical organisations has thrown its support behind proposed legislation to ban sniffable fuel in parts of the Northern Territory. The Greens today introduced legislation into Federal Parliament which would give the Commonwealth the power to regulate which fuels are sold in regional areas. John Paterson from the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the NT (AMSANT) says the low aromatic fuel Opal has helped reduce cases of severe psychological illnesses that can arise from sniffing regular fuel."

National Indigenous Radio Service: Smaller communities want access to health services: NACCHO
http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...
1 Mar 12: "Mr. Mohamed [National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) chair] says Aboriginal communities must have a say about how health care is provided to them. "We fundamentally believe that people want their own or they want some of the bigger services to provide services in the smaller communities, but definitely have an Aboriginal community-controlled service being delivered in local communities. It's something we've been advocating for. We believe the government needs to acknowledge this is the only way to close the health gap. ... "

See:

Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...

* UPCOMING ABORIGINAL RIGHTS EVENTS AROUND AUSTRALIA - 20 EVENTS FROM 3 MARCH 2012:

Click on the links for details of the events ...

Event: 11 February 2012 to 26 May 2012: South Bank, Brisbane, Qld
Exhibition: From Little Things Big Things Grow
- Fighting for Indigenous Rights 1920-1970
Event description: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/
Event location: http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/from_little_things_big_things_grow/tra...

Event: Tue 28 February to Sun 25 March 2012: Adelaide, SA
Exhibition: Deadly: in-between heaven and hell
Tandanya NACI and Adelaide Festival
"A major exhibition of newly commissioned works
by eight leading Australian Aboriginal artists and
collectives. ... For many Indigenous peoples,
'heaven on Earth' is the divine world shaped by
ancestral creators, where connection to country
and culture are in harmony with the experience
of self and community. At the other extreme, the
legacies of incursion and assimilation are a
'living hell'. The in-between is uneasy, lined
with hope and echoing with resilience."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27911/

Event: Intermittent 1 March - 3 May 2012: Various Locations
House of Representatives Committees
Inquiry into language learning in Indigenous communities
Public hearings:
Canberra, ACT: 1 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 15 March 2012
Canberra, ACT: 22 March 2012
Adelaide, SA: 2 April 2012
Utopia Homelands, NT: 3 April 2012
Alice Springs, NT: 4 April 2012
Broome, WA: 30 April 2012
Halls Creek, WA: 1 May 2012
Darwin, NT: 2 May 2012
Nhulunbuy, NT: 3 May 2012
Event details: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Represe...

Event: Sat 3 March 2012: Musgrave Park, Brisbane, Qld
Brisbane mob to talk sovereignty
"AN information forum will be held in Brisbane
on Saturday afternoon, aimed at getting
members of the local Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community thinking about
sovereignty."
Event details: [scroll down page] http://www.koorimail.com/index.php

Event: Sat 3 March 2012: Perth, WA
Everybody welcome at Nyoongar Tent Embassy
Special guests:
Michael Anderson & Fred Hooper
Yabu (Rocks) Wadumbah Dance Group
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50203
Background: [scroll down page] http://indymedia.org.au/2012/03/01/wgar-news-press-conference-on-stronge...

Event: Tue 6 March 2012: Steps of Parliament House, West Perth, WA
Justice for Rex Bellotti Jr Rally
Organised by the Bellotti Support Group
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/50031
Event details: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/7001-bellotti-family-and-support...
Event details: http://indymedia.org.au/justice-for-rex-bellotti-jr-3yrs-to-the-day-rally

Event: Sun 11 March 2012: cities across Australia
Rally against uranium
Event details: http://www.acfonline.org.au/get-involved/take-action/renewable-not-radio...

Event: Sat 17 March 2012: Prospect, SA
Amnesty International at the Prospect Fair
"The government is currently deciding whether
they will fund essential services on Aboriginal
homelands in the next Federal Budget.
Nearly one-third of Indigenous people in the
Northern Territory live on homelands.
Research shows that with proper services,
people can be happier, healthier and live
longer and on homelands."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/28019/

Event: 21 March 2012: various locations internationally
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Event details: http://www.un.org/en/events/racialdiscriminationday/
Let's Fight Racism!: http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/

Event: Thu 22 March 2012: various locations across Australia
National Close the Gap Day
"National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD) is a way
for all Australians to join together and remind our
political leaders of their commitments to close
the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
Our focus for 2012 is on the need for genuine,
meaningful partnership with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health peoples at all
stages of health planning and delivery."
Event details: http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day
Attend a Close the Gap event
(various dates and locations throughout March 2012): http://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/close-the-gap-day/attend
NIRS news: http://www.nirs.org.au/news/latest-news/6996-smaller-communities-want-ac...

Event: Sat 24 March 2012: Fullarton, SA
Amnesty International Fullarton Markets Group
"The government is currently deciding
whether they will fund essential services
on Aboriginal homelands in the next
Federal Budget.
Nearly one-third of Indigenous people in the
Northern Territory live on homelands.
Research shows that with proper services,
people can be happier, healthier and live
longer and on homelands."
Event details: http://www.amnesty.org.au/sa/event/27913/

Event: Mon 26 March 2012: Burwood
ANTaR Inner West's free screening of an Indigenous film
Film: "Here I Am"
Burwood Westfield Greater Union Cinema
" ... the story of a young Aboriginal woman's
struggle to stay off drugs and reconnect with
her young daughter and her Mother now that
she's out of jail."
Event details: http://www.sydneykin.org.au/pipermail/womenforwik/2012-February/000687.html

Event: Wed 28 March 2012: Parramatta Park, Qld
Black Deaths in Custody Watch Group meeting
Event details: http://www.greenleft.org.au/events/49933

Event: Thu 29 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Discussion with Damien Curtis, Jeff McMullen,
Alec Doomadgee, Rosealee Pearson and John Pilger
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: Fri 30 March 2012: Sydney, NSW
Tent Embassy & Identity
Part of Message Sticks Festival 2012
Film: Ningla A-Na + discussion with Gary Foley and Larissa Behrendt
Event details: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Message_sticks/highlights.aspx

Event: Fri 6 April 2012: University of Melbourne, Vic
Gary Foley will be speaking on his amazing life and times
"The legendary Aboriginal activist has been at the
centre of major political activity for over 40 years.
In the 1970’s he joined the growing circle of Aboriginal
resistance in Australia, and formed the Aboriginal
Legal Service in Sydney. ... "
Part of Marxism 2012 Conference, Easter weekend
Presented by Socialist Alternative & ISO of NZ
Supported by Community Radio 3CR 855 AM
Event details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...
Marxism 2012 details: http://www.marxismconference.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=front...

Event: 7 April 2012: Darwin, NT
Rock Against Racism
Organised by DASSAN and Darwin Aboriginal Rights Collective
Event summary: http://dassan.weebly.com/rock-against-racism.html

Event: Sun 6 May 2012: Sydney, NSW
Our Generation Film Screening
Followed by Q&A with Dr Jeff McMullen
and Dr Thalia Anthony
Part of Sydney Greek Festival 2012
Event details: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/events/
Film info: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/
See bottom of this page for Our Generation film reviews

Event: 12 May 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Autumn Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: 11 August 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Winter Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

Event: 10 November 2012: Melbourne City, Vic
2012 Spring Action:
Stop Aboriginal Death in Custody
Remember all who have died in custody
Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association
Event details: http://www.isja-msg.com/coming_events.htm

- 'Our Generation' Film Reviews

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
Our Generation - Showing in London - page 8
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaWinter2011.pdf
Winter 2011: "The Intervention is yet another example of the appalling treatment the Aboriginal People of Australia have been subjected to in such a short period of time compared to thousands of years of survival. Sinem Saban and Rev. Dr Gondarra supported by the Yolngu people and cinematographer, Damien Curtis, have created a sensitive and realistic view of the plight of those who wish to live a more traditional life in their homelands and of those who appear to be dispossessed." Christine Waterer

Elimatta:
Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater:
ASG Information Night: Our Generation - page 6
http://www.asgmwp.net/ElimattaSummer2010.pdf
Summer 2010: "Local resident and journalist, Jeff McMullen introduced "Our Generation", the film by Sinem Saban and Damien Curtis which we were there to see. The film explored in depth the Federal Government Intervention into Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory. Jeff had told us that the film’s producers were not having any success in having the film shown on government or commercial media outlets and they were having to screen it in local community halls to show the community at large just what was involved in the Intervention. It is basically a war on Aboriginal culture. The dispossession of the Aboriginal people is simply continuing in a new guise." Carol Gerrard

See:

Our Generation: http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/

Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater: http://www.asgmwp.net/index.htm

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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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