Newsletter date: 29 June 2015
Ed. Note: This newsletter was last updated on 29 June 2015 at 10.40pm AEST. It may be updated further with news from Berlin and Sydney as it comes to hand.
Contents:
Berlin Protest:
* facebook: 2nd Berlin Action - Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/events/1585337031740518/
* facebook: Berlin Solidarity - #sosblakaustralia: https://www.facebook.com/berlinsosblakaustralia
* facebook: Berlin Aboriginal Solidarität Netzwerk
* Petition: Gesellschaft für Bedrohte Völker (Society for Threatened Peoples): Support the Demands of the Australian Aboriginal Nations
* Actions: Respect and Listen: Berlin: http://www.respectandlisten.org/landrights/homeland-closures/berlin.html
* Event: Linksunten Indymedia: Berlin from 26-28 June: An art installation about the Yolngu people: S.O.S. Australia - restoring dignity: https://linksunten.indymedia.org/en/node/146175
Sydney Protest:
* News Analysis: Pallavi Singhal, Sydney Morning Herald: CBD closures as protest shuts down George Street
* News Analysis & Photos: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: Sydney streets blocked by protest against WA remote community closures
* Video: Newzulu Australia: Sydney: Aboriginal dancers begin rally against community closures
* Video of March: Samantha Whittingham - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures of First Nations Communities
* Video of March: Newzulu Australia: [Video] Sydney: Aboriginal protesters lead rally to Redfern tent embassy
* Photos: Zimbio: Sydney Rallies Against Closure Of Western Australian Aboriginal Communities
* Photos: Jarek Gasiorek - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures; at Town Hall part 1, facebook
* Photos: Jarek Gasiorek - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures, part 2, facebook
* Photos: Jarek Gasiorek - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures part 3, facebook
* Photos: Peter Boyle - Stop forced closures of Aboriginal communities, facebook
* Photos: Newzulu Australia: Sydney: 600 rally against forced closure of Aboriginal communities
* Photos: Newzulu Australia: Sydney: Railway Square blocked by protest against community closures
* facebook Event: Sunday June 28 2015: Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures of First Nations Communities: https://www.facebook.com/events/426350344203727/
Brisbane Protest:
* Photos: John Key - The night they took over Brisbane, facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.kee.au/posts/675456209265979
Perth Protest:
* Photos: Newzulu Australia: Perth: Protest upholds calls against forced closure of Aboriginal communities
Adelaide Protest:
* Photos: 26 June 2015 - STOP the forced closure of Aboriginal Communities - Adelaide, South Australia - photographs by Fernando M. Gonçalves, facebook
* facebook Event: 26-27-28 June 2015: SOSBlakAustralia Third Global Call To Action: https://www.facebook.com/events/434149830098436/
* facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
Background:
* WGAR News: Protests in Adelaide, Darwin & Melbourne against cuts to Aboriginal services & closure of Aboriginal communities
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA (and NT?)
* WGAR Background: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the Federal Budget
* WGAR Background to Treaties with Aboriginal Sovereign Nations of Australia
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
WGAR News Public Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/wgar-news
WGAR News - Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
Berlin Protest:
2nd Berlin Action - Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
Hosted by Berlin Solidarity - #sosblakaustralia
https://www.facebook.com/events/1585337031740518/
"#SOSBLAKAUSTRALIA’s third global call to action is June 26-28th. It’s time for Berliners to stand united again to show Tony Abbott, Colin Barnett and the rest of the Australian government that the whole world is watching. We will join this call-to-action by holding a Protest Picnic in the form of a cultural event on Saturday 27th June at Lustgarten from 17:00-19:00. It will be a celebration of indigenous culture, featuring readings and music as we gather together in peaceful protest and solidarity. In conjunction with Gesellschaft für Bedrohte Völker (Society for Threatened Peoples), we will have on hand a treaty petition to be signed as well as an interactive artwork to accompany the signatures. ... "
Berlin Solidarity - #sosblakaustralia, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/berlinsosblakaustralia
"Stand with us to show your opposition to the threatened closure of remote Aboriginal communities by the WA State Government & Federal Australian Government"
Berlin Aboriginal Solidarität Netzwerk, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Aboriginal-Solidarit%C3%A4t-Netzwe...
"Berlin action group to raise awareness of the issues affecting Indigenous Australians."
- Petition
Gesellschaft für Bedrohte Völker (Society for Threatened Peoples): Support the Demands of the Australian Aboriginal Nations
English: https://www.gfbv.de/en/information/kampagnen/land-rights-for-australian-...
German: https://www.gfbv.de/de/informieren/kampagnen/landrechte-fuer-aboriginals...
"The Aboriginals Peoples in Australia have no common law! They have simply been ousted!
Demand from the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma to make his weight felt for the Aboriginal Peoples in Australia!"
"Aboriginal Peoples have waited 200 years for recognition. Today they still wait for a response. A treaty is a basis for self determination, for the opportunity to live equally and with dignity on the lands they have inhabited for thousands of years. A treaty addresses their political and social challenges and begins to bridge the gaps that exist between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
In contrast to countries such as Canada or New Zealand, there have never been treaties between the British or Australian government and the Aboriginals concerning their common laws. The indigenous peoples have simply been ousted. That’s the reason why the main basis for their existence is missing. ... "
- Actions
Respect and Listen: Berlin
http://www.respectandlisten.org/landrights/homeland-closures/berlin.html
Berlin-Aktionswoche zur Unterstützung der Rechte Ureinwohner Australiens
- Event
Linksunten Indymedia: Berlin from 26-28 June: An art installation about the Yolngu people: S.O.S. Australia - restoring dignity
German Indymedia: https://linksunten.indymedia.org/en/node/146175
Indymedia Australia: https://indymedia.org.au/events/26-28-june-2015-an-art-installation-abou...
Respect and Listen: [scroll down page] http://www.respectandlisten.org/landrights/homeland-closures/berlin.html
"From the 26th till 28th of June the art installation S.O.S. Australia –restoring dignity will take place in Berlin. The installation is about Yolngu people and their struggle for land rights, self-determination and a treaty. The installation was developed in cooperation with Michele Harris, from 'concerned Australians' and with the support of Yolngu people from Arnhem Land. It will be dedicated to Michele Harris, .. "
Sydney Protest:
- News Analysis
Sydney Morning Herald: CBD closures as protest shuts down George Street
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/cbd-closures-as-protest-shuts-down-george-stre...
28 Jun 15, 6.37pm: "An estimated 600 people marched from Sydney Town Hall to The Block in Redfern on Sunday afternoon to protest the forced closure of Aboriginal communities. ... Following a static protest in Town Hall, the group made its way along George, Lee, Regent and Lawson streets to The Block, a small settlement in Redfern. Rolling road closures led to disruptions in traffic in the CBD, with buses reporting delays of up to 30 minutes for some time after the march ended. Sunday's protest follows a smaller demonstration in front of Sydney's Supreme Court earlier this month by the Redfern Aboriginal tent embassy, ... " Pallavi Singhal
- News Analysis & Photos
The Guardian: Sydney streets blocked by protest against WA remote community closures
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/28/sydney-streets-blo...
28 Jun 15, 8.35pm AEST: "About 600 people joined the march against the WA government’s plans for the future of the state’s 247 remote Aboriginal communities ... A protest against the closure of remote Aboriginal communities blocked streets in central Sydney on Sunday, as about 600 people marched against the Western Australian government’s plans to wind back support for communities it deems aren’t viable. The protest began at Town Hall at 1pm on Sunday and moved toward The Block in Redfern, closing George, Lee, Regent and Lawson Streets on the way. ... " Calla Wahlquist, a reporter for Guardian Australia, based in Perth. She covers Western Australia, with a focus on Indigenous issues and legal affairs.
- Video
Newzulu Australia: Sydney: Aboriginal dancers begin rally against community closures
http://www.newzulu.com.au/en/videos/australia/2015-06-28/10862/sydney-ab...
28 Jun 15: "Aboriginal performers conducted a traditional dance before elder and activist Jenny Munro, journalist and author Jeff McMullen and hip hop artist King Brown joined other speakers in addressing about 600 people at a Sydney Town Hall rally on June 28, 2015. The rally and march through the CBD to the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy were part of a third round of global protests against plans announced by WA Premier Colin Barnett's government to forcibly close up to 150 remote communities in the state. ... "
- Video of March
Samantha Whittingham - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures of First Nations Communities
https://www.facebook.com/samantha.whittingham1/videos/o.426350344203727/...
- Video of March
Newzulu Australia: [Video] Sydney: Aboriginal protesters lead rally to Redfern tent embassy
http://www.newzulu.com.au/en/videos/australia/2015-06-28/10861/video-syd...
28 Jun 15: " Elders and other members of Sydney's Aboriginal community lead crowds of chanting protesters into the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy after a march through the CBD on June 28, 2015. ... The protest began at Town Hall ... before arriving at the tent embassy, ... Speakers at the event included Murri poet Ken Canning, Sydney artist King Brown and embassy member Jenny Munro, who along with other elders established the protest camp in 2014 against attempts to develop the land without ensuring the provision of low-cost housing for Aboriginal people."
- Photos
Zimbio: Sydney Rallies Against Closure Of Western Australian Aboriginal Communities
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/fVHUm5L3dIG/Sydney+Rallies+Against+Closur...
"Protesters gather at Sydney Town Hall against the Governments treatment of Aboriginals on June 28, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. A large number of protesters gathered in Sydney today to rally against the Western Australian government plan to close 150 aboriginal communities and the general treatment of Aboriginals across the country."
- Photos
Jarek Gasiorek - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures; at Town Hall part 1, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153353208429360.1073741881.5...
"Community closures are already happening - and not just in WA. The latest Commonwealth budget confirmed that there will be no ongoing funding for remote Indigenous communities anywhere in Australia. ... All images copyright Jaroslaw L Gasiorek"
- Photos
Jarek Gasiorek - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures, part 2, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153353450709360.1073741882.5...
"Taken at Sydney Town Hall and Sydney CBD
More images from this protest later on my website: www.yarek.com.au
All images copyright Jaroslaw L Gasiorek"
- Photos
Jarek Gasiorek - Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures part 3, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153353704559360.1073741883.5...
"All images copyright Jaroslaw L Gasiorek"
- Photos
Peter Boyle - Stop forced closures of Aboriginal communities, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153482031164973.1073742067.5...
"3rd Sydney #sosblakaustralia rally and march to stop forced closures of Aboriginal communities. June 28. Sydney Town Hall Square to Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy."
- Photos
Newzulu Australia: Sydney: 600 rally against forced closure of Aboriginal communities
http://www.newzulu.com.au/en/photos/australia/2015-06-28/10863/sydney-60...
28 Jun 15: "As part of a third round of global protests against the proposed closure of Aboriginal communities, about 600 Sydney residents participated in a march that blocked parts of the CBD on June 28, 2015. The protest, one of several held in Australia and around the world over the weekend, ... After leaving Town Hall, marchers paused regularly to conduct traditional dances at busy intersections, including a traffic-clogged Railway Square, before arriving at the Aboriginal tent embassy in Redfern, where crowds enjoyed a blazing bonfire and a musical concert. ... "
- Photos
Newzulu Australia: Sydney: Railway Square blocked by protest against community closures
http://www.newzulu.com.au/en/photos/australia/2015-06-28/10860/sydney-ra...
28 Jun 15: "About 600 Sydney residents rallied against the proposed forced closure of Aboriginal communities during a march through the CBD on June 28, 2015. They were among hundreds rallying across the country and the world this weekend as part of a third round of protests against WA Premier Colin Barnett's plans to close up to 150 remote communities in the state. ... "
- facebook Event
Sydney Stands Up Against Forced Closures of First Nations Communities
Sunday June 28 2015, 1pm - Sydney Town Hall
https://www.facebook.com/events/426350344203727/
Hosted by Alex Pademelon Johnson and 9 others
" ... protests need to escalate. Community closures are already happening - and not just in WA. The latest Commonwealth budget confirmed that there will be no ongoing funding for remote Indigenous communities anywhere in Australia. Funding cuts and attacks on Aboriginal organisations over the past decade have already forced many Aboriginal people to leave remote areas. Here in Sydney Aboriginal houses at the Block in Redfern have been bulldozed to make way for a commercial development, while the government refuses to fund Aboriginal community housing here or anywhere, despite crises of homelessness and overcrowding. ... "
Brisbane Protest:
- Photos
John Key - The night they took over Brisbane, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/john.kee.au/posts/675456209265979
Perth Protest:
- Photos
Newzulu Australia: Perth: Protest upholds calls against forced closure of Aboriginal communities
http://www.newzulu.com.au/en/photos/australia/2015-06-26/10812/perth-pro...
26 Jun 15: " About 100 people rallied in front of WA Parliament House in Perth on June 26, 2015 as part of a third round of protests against government plans for the forced closure of remote Aboriginal communities. Speeches were delivered by Aboriginal heritage advocate Clayton Lewis and Greens MLC Robin Chapple, while Bella Bropho from the Swan Valley Nyungar Community gave the traditional "Welcome to Country". ... "
Adelaide Protest:
- Photos
26 June 2015 - STOP the forced closure of Aboriginal Communities - Adelaide, South Australia
photographs by Fernando M. Gonçalves
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.701198860026657.1073741895.100...
- facebook Event
26-27-28 June 2015: SOSBlakAustralia Third Global Call To Action - Stop the forced closure of Aboriginal Communities
https://www.facebook.com/events/434149830098436/
Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
- Background
WGAR News: Protests in Adelaide, Darwin & Melbourne against cuts to Aboriginal services & closure of Aboriginal communities
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/06/27/wgar-news-protests-in-adelaide-darwi...
WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA (and NT?)
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/08/background-plans-to-close-aboriginal...
(last updated: 27 June 2015)
WGAR Background: Aboriginal Peoples and the impact of the Federal Budget
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/24/wgar-background-aboriginal-peoples-a...
(last updated: 27 June 2015)
WGAR Background to Treaties with Aboriginal Sovereign Nations of Australia
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-background-to-treaties-with-abo...
(last updated: 26 June 2015)
WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
https://indymedia.org.au/2014/12/24/wgar-background-to-the-aboriginal-so...
(last updated: 26 June 2015)
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
About WGAR News:
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'WGAR News' monitors the media, including alternative media, focusing on:
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* Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), [and Northern Territory (NT)?];
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