WGAR News: Report Back on May 1st rallies protesting Closures of Aboriginal Communities: NITV News Videos; CAAMA Radio; Regional / International News & Photos

Newsletter date: 2 May 2015

Contents:

* 1 May 2015 Videos

NITV News: We Will Not Leave: Wangkatjunka Aboriginal Community
NITV News: Danny TJ and Rachel Siewert on Country in Wangkatjunka
NITV News: No Forced Closures - Social Media Support Across the Globe
NITV News: WA Remote Indigenous Communities Closure - Key Events
NITV News: Redfern Rally: Stop Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities
NITV News: Stop Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities - Rallies in Perth, Canberra and Melbourne

Stacey Kirk, Stuff: New Zealanders march against Australian plans to close Aboriginal communities

* 1 May 2015 Audio & Photos

CAAMA: Alice Springs Against Forced Closures - Rosalie Kunoth Monks Speech 1st May
CAAMA: Alice Springs Against Forced Closures - Trisha Morton Thomas Speech 1st May

* 1 May 2015 News & Photos

Regional Coverage:

Toni Brient, Sunraysia Daily: Rally call: Backlash at push to close communities
Ainslie Drewitt-Smith, ABC News: Wollongong stages rally against forced closures of Aboriginal communities
CAAMA: Central Australia says no to forced closures
Sarah Taillier and staff, ABC News: Rallies held to protest against threat of remote community closures in Western Australia

International Coverage:

Green Left: Rallies demand end to Aboriginal community closures
Online News Team, Maori Television: Hone Harawira accuses Australian PM of being a 'racist b*stard'

Australian Coverage:

Al Jazeera: Human Rights: Australians rally against Aboriginal community closures
Rachel Browne, SMH: Thousands gather in Sydney to protest against denial of 'basic human right'
Helen Davidson, The Guardian: Melbourne city centre blocked by protests over closure of Indigenous communities - as it happened
Melissa Davey, The Guardian: Thousands join protests against WA Indigenous community closures
ABC News: Thousands gather in Melbourne's CBD to protest against proposed WA remote communities closure
Robert Burton-Bradley, NITV News: National day of action to protest closure of remote communities
Craig Butt & Patrick Hatch, The Age: Major headaches for commuters and footy fans as protesters vow to shut Melbourne down
Trevor Paddenburg, Perth Now: Perth protesters rally over plans to close remote Aboriginal communities

* Background

WGAR News: The May 1st rallies have Gone Global: States in Australia, Aotearoa (NZ), Canada, Germany, Hawaii, Hong Kong China, UK, USA
WGAR News: Full list of May 1 2015 Actions in a place near you: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
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)

- 1 May 2015 Videos

NITV News: We Will Not Leave: Wangkatjunka Aboriginal Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uwvGz0Z-vU
1 May 15: "As the 2nd Day of Action rolls around the globe, NITV News Video Journalist Danny Teece-Johnson travelled to Wangkatjunka Aboriginal community in the Kimberleys to speak directly with those affected by the proposed forced closures. The Traditional Owners here say they will not leave their community, despite the plans by the WA Government to look at the possible closures of 150 remote Indigenous communities."

NITV News: Danny TJ and Rachel Siewert on Country in Wangkatjunka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-0NaG1ZeyY
1 May 15: "It is the eve of a nationwide - and worldwide - day of protest against the planned closures of remote communities in Western Australia. NITV News Video Journalist Danny Teece-Johnson is in the Kimberleys, and he and Greens WA Senator Rachel Siewert have been talking to people in the Wangkatjungka community."

NITV News: No Forced Closures - Social Media Support Across the Globe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm1CBS05tT0
1 May 15: "An estimated seventy communities across the world have joined the day of action to send a strong message to the W.A. government. All those in attendance have been encouraged to use the official hash tag #sosblackaustralia and build further awareness online. Here is NITV News journalist Tara Callinan with the latest social media report."

NITV News: WA Remote Indigenous Communities Closure - Key Events
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Aw1Bseq_U
1 May 15: "The 2nd Day Of Action follows months of preparations and mounting anger over the proposed closures of Indigenous communities. Robert Burton-Bradley looks at the build-up to today's national and International rallies."

NITV News: Redfern Rally: Stop Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9DlwMYLMjU
1 May 15: "And this vision has just come through from the Redfern rally in Sydney. Hundreds defied the rain and listened to speeches showing solidarity for Aboriginal communities under threat of closure. Sydney siders sending their message to others across Australia to stay strong for country and culture."

NITV News: Stop Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities - Rallies in Perth, Canberra and Melbourne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvWujnF-hWk
1 May 15: "Thousands of people have marched around Australia in protest of the proposed closures of remote West Australian Indigenous communities."

Stuff: New Zealanders march against Australian plans to close Aboriginal communities
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/68192307/new-zealanders-march-a...
1 May 15: "More than 1000 protesters have marched through major cities in New Zealand to rally against the planned closure of remote Aboriginal communities across West Australia (WA). ... On Friday, politicians, activists and members of the public marched in five simultaneous protests across New Zealand, to show "solidarity" with the Aboriginal communities in Australia. The protests, in Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Napier and Dunedin, were held to coincide with a major protest in Melbourne. ... " Stacey Kirk

- 1 May 2015 Audio & Photos

CAAMA: Alice Springs Against Forced Closures - Rosalie Kunoth Monks Speech 1st May
http://caama.com.au/alice-springs-against-forced-closures-rosalie-kunoth...
1 May 15

CAAMA: Alice Springs Against Forced Closures - Trisha Morton Thomas Speech 1st May
http://caama.com.au/alice-springs-against-forced-closures-trisha-morton-...
1 May 15

- 1 May 2015 News & Photos

Regional Coverage:

Sunraysia Daily: Rally call: Backlash at push to close communities
http://www.sunraysiadaily.com.au/story/3050961/rally-call-backlash-at-pu...
1 May 15: "ALLOWING the closure of remote indigenous communities would have impacts across the country, says Mildura Aboriginal elder Aunty Janine. ... "It might start off in a little place in WA, but it impacts every one of us," Aunty Janine said. "If they’re moving us off our country, what more are they going to do?" ... Mildura march organisers Luci-Rose Doolan and Rosie Faulkhead-Pettit said they were overwhelmed by the support, and hoped it would send a strong message to all state and federal governments. ... " By Toni Brient

ABC News: Wollongong stages rally against forced closures of Aboriginal communities
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-01/illawarra-residents-oppose-planned...
1 May 15: "Hundreds of people have gathered in Wollongong to lobby against the proposed closures of remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. ... Mr Willis [Michael Willis, SOS Blak Australia] said he's concerned closure of the communities will lead to a loss of Aboriginal culture. "Not only will we lose cultural heritage but we'll lose our identity. If they displace the 150 communities, that's 20,000 Aboriginal people that are going to go into towns that don't have those support networks. ... " he said. ... " Ainslie Drewitt-Smith

CAAMA: Central Australia says no to forced closures
http://caama.com.au/central-australia-says-no-to-forced-closures
1 May 15: "Hundreds of Central Australians have joined national and International protests against the forced closure of 150 remote Aboriginal Communities in Western Australia. With International support growing and rallies held as far away as Berlin, London, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, it sends a clear message that the Australian Government that it needs to reconsider the proposed action of the Western Australian Government. ... "

ABC News: Rallies held to protest against threat of remote community closures in Western Australia
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-01/rallies-protest-against-possible-c...
Updated 2 May 15: "Rallies were also held in regional centres including Geraldton in WA's Mid West, and in small communities such as Warmun, Beagle Bay, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek. Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation's Simon Hawkins said people were frustrated the State Government had not talked to Aboriginal people, five months after announcing the potential closures. "They shouldn't be treated as second-class citizens by virtue of the fact that 'I'm going to close your community and remove you out of your home'," he said. "It's very un-Australian to do that. ... "" By Sarah Taillier and staff.

International Coverage:

Green Left: Rallies demand end to Aboriginal community closures
https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/58903
1 May 15: "From Darwin to Hobart, Sydney to Perth and all points in between, thousands of people marched in rallies across Australia on May 1 to stop the Western Australian government closing 150 remote Aboriginal communities. Rallies were also held overseas in the US, Germany, New Zealand, China, Canada and Britain. This is the second international day of action. Previous rallies were held around Australia on April 10. Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance said: "These forced closures are indisputably an act of genocide ... " ... "

Maori Television: Hone Harawira accuses Australian PM of being a 'racist b*stard'
http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/hone-harawira-accuses-austr...
1 May 15: "MANA Movement leader and former Te Taitokerau MP Hone Harawira has accused the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott of being a 'racist b*stard.' ... In a statement issued by Harawira today he said he will be joining one of the numerous marches organised today protesting against the closure of Aboriginal communities. ... Harawira says, "Tony Abbot is a racist b*stard for supporting racist policies against a people who are not in a position to fight back." ... " By Online News Team. Our Online News Team reports on the latest news stories at local, national and international levels.

Australian Coverage:

Al Jazeera: Human Rights: Australians rally against Aboriginal community closures
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/australians-protest-aboriginal-com...
1 May 15: " ... Thousands of people have converged on Melbourne's central business district to protest against government plans to forcibly close remote Australian Aboriginal communities. It was the largest of dozens of rallies held around Australia and globally on Friday. On Friday, up to 10,000 people marched through Melbourne chanting "shame, Abbott, shame", no pride in genocide" and "always was, always will be, Aboriginal land," according to The Age newspaper. ... " Source: Al Jazeera

SMH: Thousands gather in Sydney to protest against denial of 'basic human right'
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/thousands-gather-in-sydney-to-protest-against-...
1 May 15: "Almost 2,000 people vented their anger about the forced closure of Aboriginal communities at a rally in Sydney which caused extensive traffic delays near Central Station at peak hour on Friday. The peaceful protest was one of 100 rallies held around Australia to draw attention to the plight of Aboriginal people who face eviction from their homes in remote areas." Rachel Browne, a  Social Affairs Reporter for Fairfax Media

The Guardian: Melbourne city centre blocked by protests over closure of Indigenous communities - as it happened
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/may/01/protests-at-p...
1 May 15: "Thousands of people joined rallies in towns and cities around Australia and overseas to protest against threatened withdrawal of funding from remote communities ... We’ll have a news wrap shortly on the day of action, which isn’t over with more rallies scheduled for tomorrow, including in the US. Tens of thousands have attended reportedly peaceful rallies across Australia and New Zealand, protesting against the threat of closure of remote communities in Western Australia. ... " Helen Davidson, a reporter for Guardian Australia

The Guardian: Thousands join protests against WA Indigenous community closures
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/may/01/thousands-join-pro...
1 May 15: "Protests across Australia and overseas held to fight the forced closure of remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia ... Tens of thousands of Australians have taken part in protests throughout the country in a fight against the forced closure of Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, ... protests have been held throughout the country and have been gaining momentum, culminating in the biggest round of protests against the closures to date, including solidarity protests overseas in New Zealand, the US and Europe. ... " Melissa Davey in Melbourne. Melissa Davey is a health and medical reporter who previously worked for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald. She is completing a master's of public health at the University of Sydney

ABC News: Thousands gather in Melbourne's CBD to protest against proposed WA remote communities closure
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-01/thousands-gather-in-melbourne-cbd-...
1 May 15: "About 5,000 marchers have gathered for a vocal but peaceful protest at the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in central Melbourne to protest against the proposed closure of up to 150 remote communities in Western Australia. The marchers, some carrying gum leaves, were led by mounted police to the intersection near Federation Square. The protestors carried signs reading: "Stop moving Aboriginal people on", "Racism is a lifestyle choice" and "Close the gap, not the communities". ... "

SBS News: National day of action to protest closure of remote communities
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/05/01/national-day-action-protes...
1 May 15: "Protests are planned around Australia today in all capital cities as well as regional centres including Cairns, Rockhampton, Albury-Wodonga, Alice Springs, Dubbo, Orange, Geelong and, Moree and Ceduna. They are planned to start taking place from midday (AEST) and into the evening. Protests are also planned across the globe in countries including the US, Canada, New Zealand, Germany and London. ... " By Robert Burton-Bradley; Source: NITV News

The Age: Major headaches for commuters and footy fans as protesters vow to shut Melbourne down
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/major-headaches-for-commuters-and-foot...
1 May 15: "Thousands of people brought Melbourne's CBD to a standstill on Friday, rallying against the closure of remote indigenous communities. The intersection of Flinders Street and Swanston Street was blocked for about two hours by sitting protesters until the area re-opened to trams and cars around 7pm. A large banner saying "Shut Down Melbourne" was strung between a set of traffic lights, while a campfire lit in the centre of the intersection covered the area in eucalyptus leaf smoke. ... " Craig Butt and Patrick Hatch

Perth Now: Perth protesters rally over plans to close remote Aboriginal communities
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/perth-protesters-rally...
1 May 15: "PROTESTS are being held around Australia including in Perth to rally against the forced closure of remote communities. ... as protesters descend on Forrest Chase in Perth and at simultaneous rallies in Geraldton, Newman, Port Hedland and Roebourne, ... The protests, organised by the group SOS Blak Australia, will be held in conjunction with rallies in Los Angeles, London, Berlin and Christchurch. ... " Trevor Paddenburg

- Background

WGAR News: The May 1st rallies have Gone Global: States in Australia, Aotearoa (NZ), Canada, Germany, Hawaii, Hong Kong China, UK, USA
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/05/01/wgar-news-the-may-1st-rallies-have-g...
Newsletter date: 10:20 am, 1 May 2015; Last updated 4:40pm, 1 May 2015

WGAR News: Full list of May 1 2015 Actions in a place near you: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/29/wgar-news-full-list-of-may-1-2015-ac...
Newsletter date: 30 April 2015

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: 29 April 2015)

- - -

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)

About WGAR News:

https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news

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.
These opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of WGAR.

The e-newsletters include media releases, opinion pieces, news items, audio, videos and events.

Subscribers can expect to receive about 5-6 e-newsletters each week.

To subscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "subscribe WGAR News" in the message header.

To unsubscribe, email wgar.news@gmail.com and include the words "unsubscribe WGAR News" in the message header.

WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)