Newsletter date: 8 April 2015
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 Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
- Analysis / Opinion
The Guardian: Abuse in remote communities is the oldest excuse for catastrophic evictions
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/02/abuse-in-remote-com...
2 Apr 15: "The Western Australian police commissioner’s call to close remote communities because of sexual abuse obscures why the state government really wants to shut towns down, and the poor response to previous abuse inquiries ... Our work at Amnesty on homelands in the Northern Territory showed that when Indigenous people are supported to live on their homelands, it increases their life expectancy, improves health outcomes, reduces rates of domestic and other violence, and allows for participation in decision-making. ... " Tammy Solonec, Amnesty International's Indigenous Peoples' Rights Manager, a proud Nyikina woman from Derby, in the Kimberley of Western Australia
- Analysis / Opinion
Amnesty International Australia: Update: forced closure of homelands communities
http://www.amnesty.org.au/leader/comments/36898/
1 Apr 15: "What we’re doing in 2015:
In 2015 we will continue to implore Governments to tread carefully, consult properly, learn from the past and ensure that what they do complies with the international human rights obligations it owes all its citizens. On Close the Gap day (19 March) we joined with thousands of people around the country to rally against the planned closures, demanding that Governments close the gap and not the communities. This was supported globally through an online protest organised by #SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA. The next rallies are planned on 1 May. ... " Tammy Solonec, Indigenous Rights Manager
- Audio Interviews
NIRS Weekly News-in-Review
http://www.nirs.org.au/_content_data/_files/Weekly%20News%20In%20Review%...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1522ij2og1twf20/Weekly%20News%20In%20Review%20...
http://www.nirs.org.au/PROGRAMS/NIRS-Weekly-News-in-Review
2 Apr 15: "This week's episode is presented by Cassandra Tim.
This week:
* Peter Yu, Chair of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, and Priscilla Collins from the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency speaking about the Indigenous Advancement Strategy;
* Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia CEO Dennis Eggington on re-instated legal funding;
* Noongar elder Margaret Culbong discussing issues around remote community closures;
* Glen Kelly from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council speaks about the outcome of authorisation meetings for the Noongar deal." Producers: Cassandra Tim and Warren Barnsley
- Analysis / Opinion
Revive Magazine: Concern for WA's remote Indigenous communities
http://revivemagazine.org.au/2015/04/06/concern-for-was-remote-indigenou...
6 Apr 15: " ... more hurt was caused when Prime Minister Tony Abbott suggested living in an Aboriginal community was a lifestyle choice, and that Australia could no longer afford to fund those choices. Rev Sealin Garlett, chair of the WA Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, disagrees. "Indigenous people have a deep connection to our land. This is not just a ‘lifestyle choice’, but part of our cultural and spiritual identity. We need to be on country to look after it," he said. ... "
"Revive is the bi-monthly publication of the Uniting Church in Western Australia. We aim to reach out to the community on issues that matter by sharing news and ideas, and opening discussion on relevant topics."
- Analysis / Opinion
Ruth DeSouza - Nurse academic in Australia: The closure of remote Aboriginal communities: What is the role of nurses in Indigenous disadvantage?
http://www.ruthdesouza.com/2015/04/05/the-closure-of-remote-aboriginal-c...
5 Apr 15: "The view expressed by Tony Abbott (Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs), that taxpayers shouldn’t be expected to fund the "lifestyle choices" of Aboriginal people living in remote regions in support of Colin Barnett’s (West Australian Premier) decision to close 150 remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia reflects the repetition of the colonial project and Aboriginal dispossession. One of the mythologies of a white settler society is that white people are the first to arrive and develop the land, with colonisation a benign force ... " Ruth DeSouza, Nurse academic in Australia
- Poster
Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia/photos/a.1042299689120174.1073...
24 Mar 15: "We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015. Actions will begin at 10am in the Kimberley but there will be other times for other states behind this and we will promote the information specific to the locations when confirmed. Any communities wishing to organise an action on this day, please contact us so that we can support you and provide resources."
Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
- 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: 6 April 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.
'WGAR News' publishes information and opinions from a wide range of sources.
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Comments
Marches in Melbourne & Sydney protesting community closures
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
KLC will travel to NY for 20 April UN meeting of permanent forum
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
KALACC Directors Statement - Kimberley
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
Funding for South Australia's Aboriginal Communities
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
Australian PM plans visit to NZ
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