WGAR News: Urgent Action - Remote Homelands and Outstations in WA - Will You Help to Prevent a Crisis?

Newsletter date: 12 March 2015

Contents:

* Urgent Action: 'concerned Australians': Remote homelands and Outstations in WA: Will You Help to Prevent a Crisis?
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: Aboriginals becoming refugees, following WA community closures [Featuring Nicole Culbong from the Nyoongar Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Perth]
* Urgent Action: Jennifer Kaeshagen, The Stringer facebook: "You may wish to consider coming down to Matargarup, ... Residents of the ... refugee camp have been warned that they must move on by midday tomorrow [12 Mar 15]"

* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: Abbott rejects compliance with international law and rebuts the UN's standing

* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Tony Abbott's Australia: From 'Nothing But Bush' to 'Brimming With Choices'
* Audio: Annie Hastwell & Bonnie Parker, The Wire: 'Lifestyle choice' or connection to country? [Featuring Rodney Dillon, Amnesty International Indigenous Rights Campaigner & Jon Altman, emeritus professor, ANU]
* Media Release: Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Remote indigenous communities are not a 'lifestyle choice' and should not be treated as such
* News Analysis: SBS News: Labor slams PM over 'highly offensive' remote communities comments
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Barnett Plays 'Abuse Card' To Defend Closure Of Remote West Australian Communities [Featuring comments by Amnesty International’s Indigenous rights campaigner Tammy Solenec & Noongar activist Marianne McKay]
* Analysis / Opinion & Photos: Calla Wahlquist in the Kimberley, The Guardian: Of three remote communities here, why are only the two Aboriginal ones under threat?

* Video: Sovereign Union: Djurin Nyoongar Swan River Treaty

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

- Urgent Action

'concerned Australians': Remote homelands and Outstations in WA: Will You Help to Prevent a Crisis?
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/uploads/downloads/Misc/Outstation-closur...
Respect and Listen: http://www.respectandlisten.org/landrights.html
SU: http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/remote-homelands-and-outstation-wa-wi...
SU: http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/remote-homelands-and-outstati...
10 Mar 15: "The Commonwealth’s commitment to Homelands and Outstations was surely sealed by the 1967 Referendum. How can it be then that the federal government can consider abandoning their long-held responsibilities by cutting essential funding to these especially vulnerable areas? ... We strongly believe that the Federal funding decision should be reversed. For this we need your urgent help. Can you either send letters or telephone Tony Abbott and Nigel Scullion and tell them that it would be totally unacceptable for funding to Remote Communities to be cut."

- Audio Interview

CAAMA Radio: Aboriginals becoming refugees, following WA community closures
http://caama.com.au/aboriginals-becoming-refugees-following-wa-community...
10 Mar 15: "Aboriginal rights campaigners who have set up a camp for displaced people in Western Australia say they feel like refugees in their own country following the removal of essential services in many remote communities across the state. Nicole Culbong from the Nyoongar Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Perth says her people are being denied essential human rights and are still in the dark about the future of their remote communities. Calling the removal of essential services another form of ‘genocide’, ... "

- Urgent Action

The Stringer facebook: Jennifer Kaeshagen
[scroll down page] https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
11 Mar 15: "Anyone free around midday tomorrow, you may wish to consider coming down to Matargarup, to bear compassionate, responsible witness to wholesale disregard of the urgent concerns of First Nations people of this continent. Residents of the Matargarup First Nations refugee camp have been warned that they must move on by midday tomorrow ... of course meaning - or else .. The more witnesses the less the likelihood that campers will be hurt, in any of the many ways that people can be. Please come. With respect, Jennifer Kaeshagen. [phone number supplied]"

- Media Release

Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: Abbott rejects compliance with international law and rebuts the UN's standing
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/abbott-rejects-compliance-int...
http://sovereignunion.mobi/pdf/2015/150311-su-abbott-un.pdf
11 Mar 15: "Ghillar, Michael Anderson, Convenor of the Sovereign Union, Head of State of the Euahlayi Republic and co-founder of the 1972 Aboriginal Embassy said from Goodooga today:
Clearly Tony Abbott has been fully briefed on a Queensland Supreme court decision Ngurampaa v Balonne Shire Council where the judge agreed with the Balonne Shire Council submission that Australia is not bound to the UN Charter
[ http://nationalunitygovernment.org/content/charter-united-nations-does-n...
The most recent media comments by Tony Abbott, self-styled 'Prime Minister for Indigenous Australia' demonstrate the voice and opinion of a tyrant, dressed up in a liberal suit. The racist comments by PM Abbott in response to Aboriginal opposition to being forcibly removed form their lands resonates in the most negative of ways. As the ABC reported:
"Yesterday, Mr Abbott backed a plan in Western Australia to close more than 100 remote communities and move more than 12,000 people, saying "what we can't do is endlessly subsidise lifestyle choices"."
[ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-11/abbott-defends-indigenous-communit... ]
We all know that the Western Australian government and Tony Abbott seek to clear the interior land mass of any and every resisting Aboriginal person, so they don't have to deal with Land Rights issues, water rights issues and environmental issues. ... "

- Analysis / Opinion

New Matilda: Tony Abbott's Australia: From 'Nothing But Bush' to 'Brimming With Choices'
https://newmatilda.com/2015/03/11/tony-abbotts-australia-nothing-bush-br...
11 Mar 15: "If you 'choose' to live on the lands that hold your stories, and which sustained your ancestors for 60,000 years, then you're on your own. Amy McQuire weighs in. If Tony Abbott’s claim that he is a friend of black Australia wasn’t already dead, it’s now well and truly not only cremated and buried, but the gravestone has gone up and the flowers are wilting. The obituary of ‘the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs’ follows his comments yesterday that taxpayers shouldn’t be expected to fund the “lifestyle choices” of Aboriginal people living in remote regions. ... " By Amy McQuire, a Darumbul woman from central Queensland, the former editor of the National Indigenous Times and Tracker magazine

- Audio

The Wire: 'Lifestyle choice' or connection to country?
http://www.thewire.org.au/storyDetail.aspx?ID=12498
http://www.thewire.org.au/audio/homelands.mp3
11 Mar 15: "The Prime Minister has inflamed indigenous Australia and come up against his own chief indigenous adviser after saying that remote outstations were a 'lifestyle choice' that could no longer be supported by Australian taxpayers. His critics point out that the rights of indigenous people to occupy their lands are part of international agreements to which Australia is signatory. Research into the Homelands Movement which began with a change in government policy in the late 1970s have showed measurable increases in health and well being." Produced by Annie Hastwell and Bonnie Parker
"Featured in story:
* Rodney Dillon, Amnesty International Indigenous Rights Campaigner
* Jon Altman, emeritus professor, Australian National University"

- Media Release

Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Remote indigenous communities are not a 'lifestyle choice' and should not be treated as such
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/greens-rem...
10 Mar 15: "Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has slammed comments by Tony Abbott referring to remote indigenous communities in Western Australia as a ‘lifestyle choice’, referring to the comments as ‘unbelievably racist and completely out of touch with reality’.
"The comments were made whilst commenting on the WA State Government’s proposed closure of remote communities, which stand as a cheap, racist and unethical budgetary measure", said Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues.
"This is just another example of gross deep-seated racism by the Prime Minister, who is completely out of touch with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in both Western Australia and nationally.
"The cultures that exist within these communities are thousands of years old and stretch far beyond the Prime Ministers bizarre idea of a ‘lifestyle choice’.
"There are massive social and economic costs in closing communities.
"We don't go around closing small rural towns half the size of many of these communities, this short term cut and will have huge short and long term consequences. ... "
"I urge the Prime Minister to apologise and retract his unthoughtful comments which downplay cultures that have stood the test of time. We should be working with communities rather than smashing through them". ... "

- News Analysis

SBS News: Labor slams PM over 'highly offensive' remote communities comments
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/03/10/labor-slams-pm-over-highly...
11 Mar 15: "Labor is demanding Prime Minister Tony Abbott apologise for telling indigenous Australians in remote communities taxpayers shouldn't fund their 'lifestyle choices'. ... Opposition indigenous affairs spokesman Shayne Neumann demanded a public apology to all Australians for the "deeply disturbing and highly offensive" comments. "This is a prime minister who doesn't understand the importance of these people to their connectivity to their land," he told AAP. ... " Source: AAP

- Analysis / Opinion

New Matilda: Barnett Plays 'Abuse Card' To Defend Closure Of Remote West Australian Communities
https://newmatilda.com//2015/03/10/barnett-plays-abuse-card-defend-closu...
10 Mar 15: "The West Australian Premier was arguing 'money' was the reason for closing remote Aboriginal communities. Now he says it's 'abuse'. Amy McQuire reports. Just months after using the tragic suicide of a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy as justification for moving people off their homelands, WA Premier Colin Barnett has tried to justify his government’s plans to close down up to 150 remote communities by claiming a review will uncover cases of child abuse and domestic violence. ... " By Amy McQuire, a senior reporter with New Matilda

- Analysis / Opinion & Photos

The Guardian: Of three remote communities here, why are only the two Aboriginal ones under threat?
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/mar/11/of-three-remote-co...
11 Mar 15: "Tony Abbott says living in remote communities is a ‘lifestyle choice’. For the thousands of Indigenous people who actually live in them, it’s a matter of life and death. ... There are three small communities within 30km of each other in the Kimberley, the isolated north-western corner of Australia. Because of a new funding deal struck between Australia’s state and federal governments, two of those communities could be closed. Two of the communities are Aboriginal. The third is not. It will not be closed." Words and photographs by Calla Wahlquist in the Kimberley

- Video

Sovereign Union: Djurin Nyoongar Swan River Treaty
SU: http://sovereignunion.mobi/content/djurin-nyoongar-swan-river-treaty
Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/121815708
Bruce Skewes, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba3-jyRqIK4&feature=youtu.be
11 Mar 15: "At Matargarup (Heirisson Island) in the Swan River adjacent to Perth City various groups of the Djurin Republic and Nyoongar Nation came together to sign the Swan River Treaty on 1 March 2015."

- Background

WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/08/background-plans-to-close-aboriginal...
(last updated: 10 March 2015)

- - -

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

About WGAR News:

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Subscription to 'WGAR News' is free.

'WGAR News' monitors the media, including alternative media, focusing on:

* The Freedom Summit's National Freedom Movement;
* the Australian Federal government intervention into Northern Territory (NT) Aboriginal communities;
* Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA);
* the Aboriginal sovereignty movement and the Aboriginal tent embassies;
* Justice Reinvestment, Aboriginal imprisonment and Aboriginal Deaths in Custody;
* Aboriginal land rights and mining;
* Suicide and self-harm in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities;
* Removal of Aboriginal children and the continuing Stolen Generation;
* Aboriginal peoples and the impact of the Australian Federal Budget;
* Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing;
* other Aboriginal rights issues; and
* upcoming Aboriginal rights events around Australia.

'WGAR News' gives priority to grassroots Aboriginal voices and grassroots voices in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples' rights.

The role of 'WGAR News' is to facilitate the voices of others, and as such, 'WGAR News' rarely writes its own articles.

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WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

Comments

The Stringer facebook: Jennifer Kaeshagen
[scroll down page] https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
12 Mar 15: "Folks the Matargarup Embassy / First Nations refugee camp has negotiated a 24hr extension. The siege will now instead take place midday this coming Friday the 13th. - Jennifer Kaeshagen [phone number supplied]"

The Stringer facebook: Jennifer Kaeshagen
[scroll down page] https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
11 Mar 15: "Anyone free around midday tomorrow, you may wish to consider coming down to Matargarup, to bear compassionate, responsible witness to wholesale disregard of the urgent concerns of First Nations people of this continent. Residents of the Matargarup First Nations refugee camp have been warned that they must move on by midday tomorrow ... of course meaning - or else .. The more witnesses the less the likelihood that campers will be hurt, in any of the many ways that people can be. Please come. With respect, Jennifer Kaeshagen. [phone number supplied]"

WGAR News: NZ MP's support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities: Heeni Brown, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/13/wgar-news-nz-mps-support-aboriginal-...

Contents:

* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: NZ MP's support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities

* Audio Interview: Paul Wiles, CAAMA Radio: Going backward is the problem - Rosalie Kunoth Monks
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: Support growing for for displaced community mob ... [Featuring Gerry Georgatos]

* Media Release: NAACHO: Closure of WA Aboriginal communities repeats historic failures
* News Analysis: NAACHO News: Will closing Aboriginal communities be detrimental to future health and wellbeing?
* Audio Interview: Sarah Martin, The Wire: Connection to country essential for Aboriginal culture [Featuring Glen Kelly, CEO, SWALSC]
* Analysis / Opinion: Joe Morrison NLC, SMH: Remote communities aren't a utopian lifestyle choice but they are good for our people

* Analysis / Opinion: Michelle Dunne Breen, The Conversation: For the real story on Indigenous Australia, social beats old media
* Analysis / Opinion: Corinne Grant, The Hoopla: Why Can't Black People Live More Like White People?
* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio: PM's comments a bone for the right wing... Shadow Minister Shane Neumann

* Background: Helen Davidson, The Guardian: Explainer: the facts behind the outrage over Tony Abbott's Indigenous 'lifestyle choice' remarks
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Remote Indigenous communities are vital for our fragile ecosystems: Craig Moritz, Emilie-Jane Ens & Jon Altman, The Conversation

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/13/wgar-news-remote-indigenous-communit...

Contents:

* Audio Interview: Steven Riggall, The Wire: The environmental benefits of Indigenous people living on country [Featuring Emillie-Jane Ens]
* Analysis / Opinion: Craig Moritz, Emilie-Jane Ens & Jon Altman, The Conversation: Remote Indigenous communities are vital for our fragile ecosystems
* Analysis / Opinion: Marie McInerney, BBC News: Australia's remote indigenous communities fear closure
* Analysis / Opinion: Dan Tout, arena: Settler Colonial Closures

* Report: Gavin Mooney: Health and Homelands: Good Value for Money?
* Report: Sean Kerins, CAEPR: The Future of homelands/Outstations

* Background: Amnesty International Australia: Homelands
* Background: Jens Korff, Creative Spirits: Aboriginal homelands & outstations
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Matargarup Aboriginal Refugee Camp: About 50 WA police officers have used mounted police and K-9 dogs to seize the tents and valuables

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/15/wgar-news-matargarup-aboriginal-refu...

Contents:

* Petition: Change.org Petition: Stop displacing Indigenous Australians by the closure of Indigenous communities.

* Urgent Action: Jennifer Kaeshagen, The Stringer facebook: "If anyone can donate to the ... Matargarup First Nations refugee camp, then that be good. Really good. Tents, mattresses, bedding, ... cash"
* News Analysis: Alex Bainbridge in Perth, Green Left: Police move in but fail to snuff out sacred fire at Matagarup
* Audio: Adam Evans with CAAMA Radio, NIRS: We have a right to be on Matagarup: Noongar embassy [Featuring Marianne Mackay]
* Photos: Sovereign Union: WA uses mounted police and dogs to seize tents and valuables at Refugee Camp
* Audio Interview: social justice and sustainable living - new media: #Indigenous tent Embassy near #Perth CBD will continue despite eviction by police - yarn with Herbert Bropho
* News: Calla Wahlquist and agencies, The Guardian: Mounted police join effort to dismantle Heirisson Island protest
* News: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: 'Refugee Camp' For Aboriginal People Moved Off Remote Communities Ordered To Close

* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia's reputation abroad - again
* Analysis / Opinion: Jon Altman, 'concerned Australians': Homelands under the hammer, again, from the aspiring PM for indigenous policy
* Analysis / Opinion: Michael Gordon, SMH: Tony Abbott's lifestyle choice remark leaves 'everyone hurting inside' in remote indigenous communities

* News & Photos: Green Left: Rally against Indigenous community closures shuts down Melbourne CBD

* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Forced to dance to the White Man's song - Australia, steeped in racism

* Background: Diet Simon sourcing from WGAR news, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori politicians support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: White cops, Black victims - Perth is to Western Australia, what Birmingham was to Alabama: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/25/wgar-news-white-cops-black-victims-p...

Contents:

* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: White cops, Black victims - Perth is to Western Australia, what Birmingham was to Alabama

* Facebook: The Stringer: "Official statement from Elder Bella Bropho, of the Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp (Heirisson Island, Perth ... )"

* Video: Network Ten: Forced closure rally
* News & Video: Sky News: Protesters clash with police at WA rally
* News & Video: Phil Hickey, Perth Now: Heirisson Island camp Indigenous leaders protest at State Parliament
* News: Brendan Foster, WA Today: Parliament House protest: ugly scenes as police make arrests

* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia

* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Call to Action 19 March 2015: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities - Stop the Genocide!

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/17/wgar-news-call-to-action-19-march-20...

Contents:

* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* Upcoming Event: Flyer: 19 March 2015: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities - call to action - Stop the Genocide!
* Upcoming Event: Thu 19 March 2015 from 11.30am: Rally from Aboriginal Tent Embassy to Parliament House, Canberra: Aboriginal communities in Australia announce a global call to action.
* Upcoming Event: 19 March 2015 at 12.30: Sydney say No Forced Closures of Remote Aboriginal Communities
* Upcoming Event: SOSBlakAustralia: Aboriginal Australian communities announce a global call to action

* Petition: Sarah Jay, Change.org: This petition will be tabled in the federal senate this week

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Aboriginal Australian Communities Send a Powerful Message to Government: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/24/wgar-news-aboriginal-australian-comm...

Contents:

* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Here is part of the list of threatened Homelands - "remote communities"

* Media Release: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: Aboriginal Australian Communities Send a Powerful Message to Government
* News Analysis: Miranda Wood, Red Flag: Thousands join nationwide rallies against community closures
* News Analysis: Alex Bainbridge, Green Left: Resistance builds against plan to close Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Calla Wahlquist & Helen Davidson, The Guardian: Close the Gap day: Colin Barnett tells protesters to 'put yourselves in my shoes'
* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, National Indigenous Radio's 'Weekly News-in-Review':
Proposed community closures in Western Australia [Featuring Graham Merritt, Irene Davey, Nigel Scullion & Kirstie Parker]
* Audio: Lucy Martin, ABC News: Thousands rally in protest of remote community closures
* Video: SBS News: Barnett shouted down at Indigenous rally
* Video: SBS News: SA crowd protests remote closures
* News Analysis: Brendan Foster, SMH: Aboriginal community closure: intense rally at Parliament House
* News Analysis: Nicolas Perpitch, Bonnie Christian & Andrew O'Connor, ABC News: Colin Barnett pushed as anger erupts at protest over remote communities closure

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Eleanor Gilbert's Videos of Canberra Speakers at 19 March 2015 Rally against Homeland Closures; from Aboriginal Tent Embassy to Parliament House

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/24/wgar-news-eleanor-gilberts-videos-of...

Contents:

* Event: Thu 19 March 2015: Rally from Aboriginal Tent Embassy to Parliament House, Canberra:
Aboriginal communities in Australia announce a global call to action.

* Videos: Eleanor Gilbert's Videos on Vimeo
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Abbott for genocide
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands March
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Gerry Georgatos
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Ghillar Michael Anderson
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homeland-Alice Haines
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Hamid Bin Saad
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Rod Liddle
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Nova Peris
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Shaun Harris
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Nicole Culbong
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 150319-Homelands-Senator Rachel Siewert

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: International exposure: Rallies throughout Australia protesting closure of Aboriginal homelands / remote communities

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/25/wgar-news-international-exposure-ral...

Contents:

* Video: NITV News: Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
* Open Letter: Sovereign Union Letter to United Nations - SOS Forced closure of Aboriginal homeland communities in WA
* Photo: Sovereign Union facebook: "Here is Sovereign Union founder and convenor Ghillar Michael Anderson speaking on a Russian TV program on Thursday night by Skype."
* News Analysis: Charlotte Chabas, Le Monde: En Australie, la colère des Aborigènes face au « mépris » de leur culture: "The World: In Australia Aboriginal People's anger faces the 'contempt' of their culture"
* News Analysis: teleSUR: Australians Rally against Closure of Aboriginal Communities

* Media Release: Sisters of Saint Joseph: Josephites express profound concern at proposed Government plans to withdraw basic services to Aboriginal communities
* Media Statement: Bishops Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders: What Choice? Aboriginal peoples have the right to decent services where they live

* Joint Urgent Appeal: Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International: Forced Displacement of Aborigines in West Australia
* Background: Franciscans International - a voice at the United Nations: Indigenous Peoples
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: NZ MP's support Aboriginal protest over proposed closure of indigenous communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Royce Kurmelovs, Al Jazeera: Shutting down Australia's Aboriginal areas
* News Analysis: Alan Austin in France, Independent Australia: Abbott trashes Australia's reputation abroad - again
* Analysis / Opinion: Marie McInerney, BBC News: Australia's remote indigenous communities fear closure

* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* Background: Diet Simon, sourced from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Aboriginal Australian communities send a powerful message to government
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided - City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-news-breaking-news-homeless-cam...

Contents:

* Breaking News & News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Homeless camp raided - City of Perth in disgrace, once again
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Help the First Nations Homelessness Project - help Matargarup refugee camp - help the homeless
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In the heart of Perth, Aboriginal Tent Embassy and a refugee camp
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Jennifer Kaeshagen sets up The First Nations Homelessness Project

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement

WGAR News: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/29/wgar-news-protests-against-closure-o...

Contents:

* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum [Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth]
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: Maori concern grows for remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Taroi Black, Maori Television: Maori students join online protest against the closure of Aboriginal communities
* Action: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Call for support for Australian indigenous rights

* Video: Digital Dreaming Project, facebook: Coroboree Causes Conjestion: Brisbane Unites for the WA Mob.
* Video: Lia Yorkston, facebook‎: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: "Brisbane knows how to protest"

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."

* Background: The Stringer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: May Day marches:

Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent:

Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/30/wgar-news-may-day-marches-forcibly-r...

Contents:

* Media Release: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union: May Day marches: Forcibly removing our Peoples from their lands unacceptable as a remedy for governments trading insolvent
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures - SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight 'Cultural Genocide'

* News: Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Maori supporters entertain indigenous protesters
* Background: Diet Simon, sourcing from WGAR, Linksunten Indymedia: Maori solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth

* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM

Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/31/wgar-news-sa-indigenous-leaders-seek...

Contents:

* Audio: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns [Featuring Haydyn Bromley, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust & Tammy Franks, SA Greens MLC]
* News: ABC News: Indigenous elders meet at Port Augusta as federal funding cuts threaten to close remote communities [Featuring Elder Mima Smart]
* Video: NITV News - 30 March 2015: Threats to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in SA
* Video: NITV News: Remote Closures - SA Communities Call Emergency Summit to Fight 'Cultural Genocide'

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

WGAR News: Bella Bropho interviewed by Rewa Harriman - Aboriginal Community Closures: Native Affairs, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/05/wgar-news-bella-bropho-interviewed-b...

Contents:

* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia - Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* Video Interview: Native Affairs, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Native Affairs - Aboriginal Community Closures [Rewa Harriman interviews Bella Bropho]
* News Analysis & Video: Native Affairs, Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Aboriginal people call on John Key to support their communities
* News Analysis & Video: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Support grows for Australian Aboriginal communities from Maori MPs
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Marama Fox denied leave for vote on Australian Aboriginal communities
* Video: Te Karere TVNZ, YouTube: Fox denied leave to vote on forced closure of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Wangkatja elder concerned about mineral wealth of ancestral land
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Nyungah tribe embroiled in familiar battle with Australian Government

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions: Tammy Solonec, The Guardian

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/07/wgar-news-abuse-in-remote-communitie...

Contents:

* Analysis / Opinion: Tammy Solonec, The Guardian: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions
* Analysis / Opinion: Tammy Solonec, Indigenous Rights Manager, Amnesty International Australia: Update: forced closure of homelands communities

* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, NIRS Weekly News-in-Review [Featuring Dennis Eggington & Margaret Culbong: remote community closures]

* Analysis / Opinion: Revive Magazine: Concern for WA's remote Indigenous communities

* Analysis / Opinion: Ruth DeSouza: The closure of remote Aboriginal communities: What is the role of nurses in Indigenous disadvantage?

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Breaking News 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/11/wgar-news-breaking-news-10-april-201...

* Photos, Videos & Media: 10 April 2015 Marches in Melbourne & Sydney: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook

* Audio Interview: Van Nguyen & Sacha Payne, SBS News: Protests over plans to close remote communities [Van Nguyen spoke to Sacha Payne from the Melbourne rally]
* Video: David Hurley, Herald Sun: Flinders Street protest causing traffic, commuter chaos
* Breaking News & Photos: CAAMA: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne
* Breaking News: ABC News: Thousands rally in Melbourne in support of remote Aboriginal communities
* Breaking News: Aisha Dow, The Age: Protests bring city roads to standstill
* Breaking News: Skye News: Aboriginal protest disrupts Melb CBD
* Breaking News: SBS News: Hundreds protest against WA closures in Melbourne, Sydney

* Video: NITV News: We Want the World to Know: Rallies Continue Against Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities
* Breaking News: Brittany Ruppert, SMH: 800 people march in Sydney protest against forced closure of remote Indigenous communities

* News Analysis: Green Left: Good news: Victorian council opposes closures of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: Marches Today In Sydney, Melbourne Against Forced Closures Of Aboriginal Communities
* Photos: Citizenside France: Noosa: Protesters condemn community closures outside Abbott's lunch

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/10/wgar-news-kimberley-land-council-to-...

Contents:

* Video: Rachael Thornton, The Feed, SBS: Indigenous communities facing closure [Featuring Aboriginal people from WA homelands]
* Personal Story: Samantha Martin, Sunday Style, news.com.au: It’s more than just a 'lifestyle choice', it’s my home
* Analysis / Opinion: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures
* Analysis / Opinion: Michelle Lovegrove & Andrea Booth, NITV: Indigenous MP Linda Burney condems WA remote community closures

* Analysis / Opinion: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA Indigenous figures fear funding dispute could lead to 'cultural genocide'
* Analysis / Opinion: Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese: Funding Cuts to Remote WA and SA Communities Will Destroy Aboriginal Life
* News Analysis: Natalie Whiting, ABC News: Remote SA Aboriginal communities reassured they will stay open in face of national funding cuts
* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Aboriginal groups assured communities won't close

* WGAR News: Breaking News - 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA

* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: KALACC Directors: Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/12/wgar-news-kalacc-directors-threatene...

Contents:

* Statement: Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre: KALACC Directors Statement on the Threatened Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities - April 2015
* Background: KALACC is the Kimberley Region's Peak Indigenous Law and Culture Centre

* Background: WGAR News: Kimberley Land Council to ask UN forum to condemn Indigenous community closures: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian
* Background: Kimberley Land Council - About Us

* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia

* Audio: Dom Vukovic, 2SER - Real Radio: "removal of aboriginal communities from their lands in Western Australia"
[Featuring Paddy Gibson, Brenda Croft & Rosalie Kunoth-Monks]

* News: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: 'We'll Be Back': Thousands Protest Forced Closure Of Remote Communities
* News: NZ Herald: Melbourne rocked by protests
* News: Reme Sakr, Press TV: Australians slam govt. over plans against aboriginals
* Video: Seven Local News - Sunshine Coast, facebook: "A group of protesters tried to interrupt the Prime Minister while he lunched in Noosa"

* Event Poster: TangataWhenua.com: Maori solidarity with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Australia
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* Background: Press TV: Australia discontinues water, electricity services for Aboriginals
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Interview with Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga - Radio Adelaide

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-interview-with-haydyn-brom...

Contents:

* Audio Interview: Uncle Stephen Goldsmith, Nunga Wangga - Radio Adelaide: Haydyn Bromley on funding for the 60 SA Aboriginal Communities
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Stephen Goldsmith, Minungka McInerney]

* Audio Interview: CAAMA Radio's Strong Voices: South Australia's Remote Communities Safe for Now!
[Featuring Haydyn Bromley, Aboriginal Lands Trust South Australia]

* Audio: Natalie Whiting, The World Today: SA Indigenous communities safe: state and federal governments strike a deal
[Featuring Nigel Scullion, Haydyn Bromley & Kyam Maher]

* Media Release: Senator Rachel Siewert: Greens: Federal funding for SA remote aboriginal communities secured, WA must receive funding rethink

* Analysis / Opinion: Michele Madigan, Eureka Street: Funding cut signals the destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia

* Breaking News: Natalie Whiting, Nicola Gage & staff, ABC News: Future of remote Aboriginal communities secured by deal between SA and federal governments
* Breaking News: Lauren Novak, The Advertiser: State and Federal Governments sign $15 million funding agreement for services for Aboriginal communities.
* Breaking News: Stephanie Anderson, SBS News: Deal secures future of SA remote Indigenous communities
* Breaking News: Bridie Jabour, The Guardian: SA remote Indigenous communities thrown lifeline by funding deal

* Background: WGAR News: SA Indigenous leaders seek urgent meeting over community closure concerns: Natalie Whiting, ABC PM [Featuring Haydyn Bromley & Tammy Franks]
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA

WGAR News: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand: Online News Team, Maori Television

https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/14/wgar-news-aboriginal-protest-continu...

Contents:

* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia - Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Aboriginal protest continues as Australian PM plans visit to New Zealand
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Maori perform haka in Sydney opposing closure of remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Taiha Molyneux, Maori Television: Maori and Australian artists collaborate to create artwork opposing remote community closure

* Call Out: Melissa Sweet, Croakey - the Crikey health blog: Calling health professionals to stand up on May 1, and join the "Selfish Rabble"
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015."

* News Analysis: Steph Price, Red Flag: The fight for remote communities strengthens
* News Analysis: Rachel Evans & Jemma Nott, Green Left: Huge rallies against WA community closures
* Video: Yupster2501, YouTube: Stop The Forced Closure Of Aboriginal Communities - Sydney 10th April 2015
* Interview: The Guardian: #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA: stop the forced closure of Aboriginal communities - IndigenousX [Featuring Sam Cook]
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia

* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA