From flour, sugar and tea to the Basics Card – Enough! Be Counted!

Enough - No More Tricks - No More Lies - No More Intervention = As a community we are now making progress to Stand up for our rights for our cultural Revolution - our movement towards self-determination - We Remember the Wave Hill Strike and we are ready to be revolutionary again. Gurindji worker Peter Inverway said: “Our people walked off Wave Hill Station for getting paid in flour, tea and sugar. Now we are getting paid on the Basics Card. We need to continue with this strike action."

Show your support and find out more at: http://www.gurindjifreedomday.com/

Back the Intervention - Homeland Movement

On July 14 2009, the Elders from the Ampilatwatja community just three hours north-east of Alice Springs, walked out of Ampilatwatja in protest and set up camp in the bush. The Alyawarr people are fed up with the federal governments Northern Territory Intervention, controls and measures, visions and goals forced onto us from outside. We felt we were an outcaste and isolated from all decision making – there has been no meaningful consultation.

We had been waiting with patience to see where this Intervention was heading, hoping there may be some humanity and compassion towards our Indigenous people, some respect to bring us back into the discussion process to have a say in what is happening on our community. Instead our leaders and elders are treated with contempt, shown no respect, degraded, treated as lower class outsiders.

The NT Intervention hasn’t brought any improvements to our people’s lives. It hasn’t brought us any new houses. And, despite the fact that in Ampilatwatja, many of us are living in tin sheds with leaking sewerage, Aboriginal affairs minister Jenny Macklin has told us Ampilatwatja won’t be one of the communities to get new houses built.

The Ampilatwatja Community members are living permanently at the protest camp. We therefore have no intention of going back there. We intend to stay here until our demands are met. We demand the federal government:

- Stop the NT Intervention
- Genuinely consult with us on any plans that will affect our lives now and for the future
- Reinstate the full Racial Discrimination Act without conditions or measures
- Fund housing and community development, not intervention
- Stop the compulsory five-year leases and restore Aboriginal land rights

Until these demands are met, we are asking for the help of trade unions and any other organisations to establish and maintain our new camp.
We seek your assistance in obtaining:

- $20,000 to get a bore running so we have drinking water at the camp
- $10,000 to set up toilets and showers
- Tents to provide shelter for the elders and families. We need 10 and they are $250 each
- Money and donations of food
- A long-term loan/donation of a marquee, chairs and table for an open day and public meeting we are planning.

Through our own savings and community grants we are currently able to contribute $8,000 towards these costs. For the remainder, we will be relying on the generosity of supporters around the country. YOU can help by making a donation, email us to find out how to help or visit facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=138704493989

AFFECT: Alyawarr Futures - Freedom, Empowerment, Community and Truth. For those who are familiar with the Alyawarr people's actions over the last year, AFFECT is the new face of the Alyawarr action, and was created to be a separate entity focussing on building the future rather than the politics of the situation. AFFECT is led by Richard Downs, the Alyawarr spokesman. While the Alyawarr are appreciative of support from political activists, Richard has stepped back from political action to focus on the work of building the new community.
Support the Alternative to the Intervention

Visit Stop the Intervention Sydney to read the statement‘Rebuilding from the Ground Up: An Alternative to the NT Intervention four years since the announcement of the Intervention. Rallies to protest four years of Intervention and support ‘Rebuilding from the Ground Up' will also be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. If you or your organisation would like to endorse the document, please email Alt2Intervention@gmail.com. To find out more go to: http://www.stoptheintervention.org/

The Racist Card (Basics Card) here to stay?

Income Management is a policy that quarantines 50-70 per cent of people’s Centrelink payments onto a BasicsCard that can only be used to buy 'priority items' at government approved stores. In Bankstown, it will be applied to people against their will who have been referred by child protection authorities or deemed 'vulnerable to financial crisis'. Bonuses will be offered to people who join voluntarily. This policy stigmatises and humiliates people. It undermines their dignity and civil rights. We have heard first hand of how communities in the Northern Territory have been suffering on the BasicsCard for four years. We need to be winding back this punitive, failed policy not expanding it. Join us in saying no to the government's modern day rations in the form of the Income Management policy. http://www.sayno2gim.info/

Future of the Kimberley

Save the Kimberley supports appropriate development that looks after people and the environment of the Kimberley. We seek to ensure that the Kimberley is protected for the enjoyment and well-being of current and future generations.

The unique and magnificent Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of our least damaged environmental areas. It spans an area twice the size of Victoria, and is home to several endangered species including the iconic Gouldian Finch. Ancient rock art is found throughout the region, along with perfectly preserved dinosaur footprints.

But the Kimberley is under threat from the juggernaut of industrial development. In just a few weeks Environment Minister Tony Burke will decide whether or not to include the Kimberley on the National Heritage list. This would protect its natural and cultural values for future generations to enjoy, create jobs and deliver a positive future for the region.

Save the Kimberley does not oppose development. We are not-for-profit, volunteer run and unlike any environmental, cultural, social or community group you have ever seen before – this is Traditional Custodians, local community, high profile media stars, caring individuals and influential individuals all working together to Save The Kimberley.

The time is now, we invite you to be part of a better future for the Kimberley, Australia and the world. Protest update: The Protest camp and blockade stopped all work for 30 days – now over 100 days later there are significant and regular delays to work and the protest camps are growing larger, stronger and more committed every day. To read more about the protest camps and the incredible events of what later became known as ‘black Tuesday’ Click this link for access to photos, video, media coverage and more. http://www.savethekimberley.com/
Martin Won’t Listen, Community Says No To Waste Dump At Muckaty

There is growing community concern towards the proposed dump. Other groups such as the ACTU, Oxfam and leading medical groups and human rights are also speaking out. Despite this, the federal Resources Minister, Martin Ferguson, is advancing plans for the dump. We now have a new Senate, but bi-partisan support for the legislation remains strong. It’s shaping up as a key time in the campaign.

Now the new phase of the campaign begins and we’re asking for your input. If you have ideas on how to raise awareness and support the Traditional Owners who oppose the dump, we’d love you hear from you. Please send us an email with any ideas you have – big or small. Our message remains the same: the Federal Government must dump the dump.

Campaign achievements:
• You funded the design the display of a billboard in an influential location in Melbourne;
• You funded the design and placement of ads in prominent, local Melbourne newspapers;
• You funded the cost of bringing the Traditional Owners to Melbourne to voice their concerns;
• You helped delay the reintroduction of this flawed and heavy handed legislation;
• You gathered the signatures of 2700 concerned Australians petitioning against the radioactive waste dump at Muckaty;
• You showed Traditional Owners and the wider NT community that they are not alone in this struggle; and
• We’ve stood alongside the Traditional Owners in Muckaty, Melbourne and Canberra to amplify their concerns.

This is no small feat. On the site are some photos of local members and our nuclear-free campaigner, Dave Sweeney, handing over the 2700 signatures on the ‘Dump the Dump’ petition to Minister Ferguson’s office. Click the link to find out more: http://acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=2917

Keep Our Wetlands Safe – Save the Murray

The Murray Darling Basin has been sucked dry by decades of over extraction. Despite recent rain and floods the Murray Darling Basin is on the brink of ecosystem collapse. Already over 90% of the floodplain wetlands have been destroyed along with native fish and bird populations.

The Basin is the food bowl of Australia. It must be managed using the best available science. We urge you to commit to ensuring a scientific review is carried out of the Murray Darling Basin plan and that the plan is based on the best available science. You can contribute to the Murray cause by becoming informed about the environmental threats to the Murray. A small yet effective contribution is simply saving water around the home. You can register your interest with this website project to keep updated with all the latest at: http://www.savethemurray.com/ or join Get Ups campaign at: http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/murray-darling/petition/save-the-basin

Burrup Peninsula & Dampier Rock Art

The Dampier Archipelago in the Pilbara region of north-western Australia features the largest concentration of petroglyphs (pre-historic rock engravings or carvings) in the world. It also possesses a major corpus of standing stones, similar to megalithic monuments in Europe, the largest such occurrence in Australia. This outstanding body of Aboriginal rock art is considered to be the greatest non-European cultural heritage property in Australia, and is thus one of the major heritage sites in the world.

During the 1960s major industrial facilities were established at Dampier. Current plans by the Western Australian government of further extensions to this industrial complex designate 38% of Murujuga (Burrup Peninsula), the archipelago's major land area, to be occupied by petrochemical and other plants, increasing state emissions of air pollution by around 30%.

Between 20% and 25% of the rock art has been destroyed since the 1960s, and there has been marked and quantifiable deterioration of the rest since the late 1980s. It is attributable to increased acidity of the rainwater, which gradually dissolves the natural dark-brown coating of the rock surfaces into which the petroglyphs were hammered. At present levels of atmospheric pollution, most of the Burrup petroglyphs will disappear during the second half of the 21st century. However, if local emissions are trebled, as proposed by the W.A. government, this process will be accelerated greatly, and the scientific data predict that the rock art will begin to disappear by about 2030. Sign the petition to support these simple demands and request that the government of Western Australia reviews its policy concerning Australia's greatest cultural assets, and that it implements a comprehensive management plan that will protect the Dampier rock art galleries in perpetuity.

The International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO) demands that the State Government exercises its responsibility of protecting the rock art, and that it implements a management plan for the Dampier Archipelago after proper consultation of the stakeholders.

http://www.petitiononline.com/dampier/petition.html Friends of Australian Rock Art (FARA) raises awareness about the Burrup Peninsula, Australia's largest cultural monument, an Aboriginal sacred site. FARA asks people around the world to literally stand up at places of cultural significance in their country, wearing T-shirts spelling out the slogan "Stand Up For The Burrup". http://www.standupfortheburrup.com/

'Walk away from uranium mining' From Wiluna to Perth

Walking from Wiluna to Perth (map) Aug – 28 Oct 2011 For our children, for our children's children, and for a peaceful, nuclear free future. Footprints for Peace, an international grassroots group that organises walks, bike rides and runs around the world, invites families and people of all ages, background and cultures to come and support traditional owners in their opposition to uranium mining in Western Australia by taking part in the “Walk away from uranium mining” that begins in Wiluna on August 19 and finishes in Perth on October 28.

We have confirmed walkers from all over Australia. International supporters are coming from New Zealand, France, Greece, Italy and the United States, including Native American people to support Australian traditional owners’ campaign to stop uranium mining. Everyone is welcome to join the walk for a few hours, a day, a few weeks or the whole way. Even if you cannot walk we still require financial assistance, drivers, kitchen crew members, media liaison volunteers, video operators and photographers, musicians, artists, singers and general support for daily events, such as camp set up and pack up, food shopping and water collection. A bus for participants in the 'Walk away from uranium mining' will leave from Perth on August 18 and return on August 26. To book tickets email nffc@footprintsforpeace.org or visit http://nuclearfreefuture.com/ More: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48231 Source: http://treatyrepublic.net/content/about-robbie-thorpe

Save Our Kangaroo - From the National Coat of Arms to Extinction?

Since 1980, 73 million kangaroos have been killed by the kangaroo industry and turned into pet food and sports shoes. Around 14 million pouch joeys have been bashed to death or decapitated and 7 million young at-foot joeys have been orphaned and left to die a slow and lonely death from stress, starvation, predation and exposure. This combined with years of intense drought, floods and bush fires, has seen Red Kangaroos, Western Grey Kangaroos, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Wallaroos and Euros plummet to densities of less than 5k/km2 (quasi extinct) across most of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. These species are now at risk of extinction in these states, and if the commercial industry is allowed to continue, scientific forecasts predict mass extinctions of Red, Western and Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Wallaroos and Euros, across most of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

We need to call for the Australian Government to impose an immediate moratorium on the commercial and non-commercial slaughter of kangaroos across New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland for the sake of our country, for the sake of our environment, for the sake of our economy, for the sake of our reputation, and for the sake of our Icon, now, more than ever before, it’s time to stop killing kangaroos Source: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/save-the-kangaroo/

Food 4 Thought

Light without using power – If your living on country and looking for good ways to generate light with what we have around us this method found on an internet video, could be useful. All you need is a 1.125 ltr soft drink bottle (or there about, bleach, tin from roof, cutting tool and silicone. Fill the bottle with a cap of bleach and the rest water and screw on cap. Cut a hole in the tin just big enough for the bottle, fit, seal with silicon and attach tin to roof. To test brightness of light the light from bottle: turn on a power run light first if you wish just to see there is little difference in brightness -use a bucket to cover bottle while you do this and when you take it away after turning powered light off, you should have enough light throughout the day at your place.

Community X-Change

In our communities we can easily set up exchange points to save residents on tip fees by finding a new home for used building materials and provide essential items at a minimal cost to those who need it most. Many furniture makers use second hand timber as recycled wood is much more stable than new, greener stuff. By reducing waste, we have less land fill to take care of - join in the movement towards zero waste and community capacity building. For our mob though we can be consider undoing past mistakes/mess and turning it around for our own benefit while maintaining conservation practices into the future as an out of the square idea. If there is not keeping place close by, try keeping an eye out on Freecycle for anything you need in the meantime. Freecycle...changing the world, one gift at a time! The Freecycle® concept has taken the world by storm. There are now almost 5000 Freecycle groups, with a combined membership of well over 8,000,000. This group is dedicated to reducing landfill by giving unwanted items to others rather than throwing them away. In doing so we may also be helping someone in need. Please check www.freecycle.org to find your nearest group.

Yarning Circle:

For all mobs wanting to take part in yarns about our issues. For the next edition we are asking what people want to talk most about and assist by presenting the facts for ongoing discussion throughout communities. We hope by getting more information out to our people, talk will begin, first amongst ourselves, here it is hoped we begin to organise steps forward to self-determination and a brighter future for all our people. Please print copies to spread the word wide and far. Next discussion: How familiar with legal terms for example, are we? Like the terms of settlement, sovereignty, Barunga Statement, Magna Carta (term associated with invasion), illegal occupancy, the impacts of the nationally introduced basics card, protests to save our precious land and water, sovereignty, native title, the negative effects of western diet n medicine, the latest findings and statistics relevant to our community. See the Information Pages soon to be released to find out more.

Peace Keepers – Throw up your Kullahs:

We will unite as one In Australia, our home. A strategy suggested by some of the young ones is the wearing of our colours plaited into an arm/leg band across all ages to show our connection to country, people and all that is essential for human thrival.

The Red, Black n Yellow band is a proposed name and plait that can be worn by us who want to be a part of something dynamic and can be thought of and worn symbolically as a stand against the way the world is going, the injustice, loss of culture, pride and is a reminder for those of us to bare our band all that is important about our land, people, animals etc. This is an opportunity for talk to begin for those who think it is a good enough idea. Is it possible to maybe start this concept to be our modern day red headband used by our mob for business? But instead warn by all who acknowledge that by wearing this simple fabric plait itself states that we have one by one reasserted our sovereign rights and by doing this we will only be accountable to our law?

Most importantly, we all need to understand that this suggestion is not meant to be used to get us off the hook completely, we know this/our way is harder than abiding by the rules set out in current justice system. We know we can reclaim our status as the ultimate environmentalist, humanitarians and a thriving race once again. By maybe just wearing this small symbolic body tie, we are suggesting it is possible to again reinforce, reclaim the legacy left by our old people, and begin to really tap into our amazing pride as a people and all the triumphs of our people to go with it. We will keep reminding each other to walk proud and lightly for our children’s, children’s, children. Let’s keep our land, water and air clean, keep any development on country in line with our way of life and stand together to lead the way wearing our colours. Mainly, used as a reminder of our ancient honour and respect for living things and incentive to be a good person, connected to others who are proud of their connectedness and be bound by the rules understood by the young ones in particular, in honour of our great ones before us. Clearly, we can’t have mob muckin around doing the wrong thing, wearing these bands if people in communities want to take this serious, maybe if the line has been crossed after being drawn clearly, the band is taken for a period, until earned again. The “plait” is for warrior-like spirits who want to unify and be noticed for it.

The guiding principles of the band is our old way the way our old people would do whatever it is we are faced with in life. This is a challenge to rise to a new height, for the first time for many of us and make real change, something we can all do, maybe with something as simple as a tiny bit of material and the old ways that made us thrive since our creation. This could be something that might just be the out of the square move we need to unite for a common cause, obviously this will need the careful guidance of older people and a serious commitment to connect, serve and share to keep everything going and ourselves growing.... The pride and spirit of a great nation will always live on! Always was, Always will be, Our Land!

Please feel free add your comments, see email address below. All comments will hopefully be in next fortnight’s issue.

Fact: 394 Aboriginal people have died in custody in Australia since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) report was handed down 20 years ago (the report cost $400 million) and made 339 Recommendations to help tackle the alarming issue of Aboriginal deaths in custody. Most of those recommendations have not been implemented.

Keep the mob safe

We CAN knock child sexual abuse on the head - no one talks about it but we can see its debilitating generation after generation. Addressing this would mean we would be acknowledging all of our fallen children who have suicided from the crippling trauma of surviving child sexual abuse and give hope to survivors that we are feeling it and beginning the battle of uniting and tackling this toxic situation. It makes us proud that a father made this suggestion - to develop a program where we have “trusted” community houses that display a Black Fulla house plate on gate (similar to the safe house tags on front gates). Where kids can run or come to in distress and in confidentiality as we are less likely to go to family or a stranger’s house. Houses/people will have to comply with the outlining conditions, whether they be nominated or appointed.

Developing A Master Plan/s

Surely we have enough visionaries, blackademics, elders, special people and supporters across enough fields to set a plan in action to bring about the real change needed in our backyards. Maybe a boomerang foundation to assist people in returning to traditional country is one idea, it's not the ideal for all mobs but a lot can be achieved from just caring for country where possible and escaping the oppressive fight to mainstream us instead of preserving our way of life.

Boomerang Movement: Ø

Anyone interested in yarning about setting up a movement for returning families to traditional homelands, here’s a starting point for anyone to get involved. One family at a time even, if we have access to our country we can pull together one deadly practical solution at a time. We can do this with cutting edge research results showing that western sickness can be cured for most people in six weeks on our traditional diet; families are happier and healthier on Homelands etc. Facts finally have surfaced to support our traditional way of life as vital for our thrival.

The longer we, those who want to return home, leave it, the harder it will be to get used to the big change in lifestyle. From electricity and water at your fingertips and shops down the corner to a fire, catching your own water and food. We have a lot of willing help already for example: we can talk to groups like Habitats 4 Humanity or simply build low cost, low impact dwellings and form our own communities, complete with our own food co-op, food gardens, water & power. Where language has been extinct, language circles could also be set up to feed playgroup (once introduced also) and schools (or home school group) but all lead by and developed for our mobs. A Brand New Day is coming.

How can I help? The most important thing is to become informed!A lack of knowledge, awareness and understanding has been one of the main reasons for the destruction of this place of world heritage significance. If the material on this mailer gets you feeling that urgent action is required to ensure the long term protection of the place, then there are a number of things you can do.
• Keep regularly informed by joining our email information list.
• Inform and involve others in efforts – act locally, think globally.
• Make a donation of time/resources to help the messenger service grow.
• Visit suggested sites, sign petitions and join current campaigns.
• Write a letter expressing your concerns
• Find out about others who are helping.

Shout Outs:

Please help Bernie Terika raise money 4 her daughter Kereesa who lives in WA n has been selected to represent her state in Adelaide. Kareesa has been chosen to participate in the State Netball competition being held in Adelaide during Oct - Nov 2011 (dates to be confirmed).

Volunteers needed in community to contribute news stories and to translate into as many of our languages as possible. Please see email address at bottom of publication.

OUR GENERATION

A documentary film by Sinem Saban & Damien Curtis (73 min)
Hidden from the eyes of the world, Australia’s First Peoples are fighting for freedom. Our Generation is their call to the nation, a fresh and unflinching look at unresolved issues, driven by the Yolngu of Northeast Arnhem Land.
http://www.ourgeneration.org.au/about-2/

Wise Words:

Danika Mackay posted to Save The Kimberley (Facebook)
“I don’t know about you, but I’m concerned with what’s happening in this world. I’m concerned with the structure. I’m concerned with the systems of control, those that control my life and those that seek to control it even more! I want freedom! That’s what I want! And that’s what you should want! It’s up to each and every one of us to turn loose and just shovel the greed, the hatred, the envy and, yes, the insecurities because that is the central mode of control— make us feel pathetic, small… so we’ll willingly give up our sovereignty, our liberty, our destiny.

We have got to realize that we’re being conditioned on a mass scale. Start challenging this corporate slave state! The 21st Century is gonna be a new century, not the century of slavery, not the century of lies and issues of no significance… and classism and statism and all the rest of the modes of control! It’s gonna be the age of humankind standing up for something pure and something right! What a bunch of garbage— Australian Government. It’s all there to control you. Two sides of the same coin. Two management teams bidding for control! The C.E.O. job of Slavery, Incorporated! The truth is out there in front of you, but they lay out this buffet of lies! I’m sick of it, and I’m not gonna take a bite out of it! Do you got me? Resistance is not futile. We’re gonna win this thing. Humankind is too good! We’re not a bunch of underachievers! We’re gonna stand up and we’re gonna be human beings! We’re gonna get fired up about the real things, the things that matter: creativity and the dynamic human spirit that refuses to submit!”

In Europe, as people developed their civilization from the caves to the cathedrals, they left clear evidence of their achievements for future generations to admire. In Australia, the land itself is the cathedral and worship is not confined to any four walls. Each step is a prayer and every form in the landscape-and everything that moves in it-were put there specifically for the people to use and manage. And the mythic beings made clear the responsibility of the people of preserving and nurturing the environment. Their success in managing their world so successfully, and sustaining their culture for so long, is now attracting the worldwide respect it deserves.
Burnum Burnum, Aboriginal Writer

Black Dates In History– October

12th - 1997 First Sea of Hands, Canberra
26th - 1985 Uluru returned to traditional owners
28th - 1834 Battle of Pinjarra, WA
30th - 1975 Racial Discrimination Act takes effect

Calender of Events across the nation:

Melb – Gary Foley - The spirit of resistance
When: 11 – 15 Oct 2011 Where: Melbourne, Vic (map)
Description: Fri 7 & Sat 8, Tue 11 to Sat 15 Oct 2011: Melbourne, Vic Presented by Melbourne Festival in association with Sydney Festival Ilbijerri Theatre Company (Australia): FOLEY "Political agitator Gary Foley presents a swag of stories from a life lived in the spirit of resistance. ... "Event details: http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/program/production?id=3860&idx=1&max=12

ABC TV - Nothing Rhymes with Ngapartji
When: Sunday, 16 Oct 2011
Description: Nothing Rhymes with Ngapartji ABC TV Premiere SUNDAY 3rd JULY 3pm ABC1 SUNDAY 10th JULY 8.50pm ABC2 Youtube - Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_lCNO9g6xY Website: http://www.nothingrhymeswithngapartji.com/
Paramatta - Rally - Stop Persecuting the Hickey Family
When: Sunday, 16 Oct 2011 Where: Church Street Mall, Parramatta NSW (map) a>
Rally: DOWN WITH RACIST POLICE ATTACKS! DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST THOSE ARRESTED AT TISHA’S 21ST Date and Time: Sun, 16/10/2011 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm Location: Parramatta's Church Street Mall (Railway Station end – corner with Darcy Street) DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST THOSE ARRESTED AT TISHA’S 21ST - STOP PERSECUTING THE ABORIGINAL HICKEY FAMILY! DOWN WITH RACIST POLICE ATTACKS! Website: http://indymedia.org.au/2011/01/13/campaign-builds-to-defend-persecuted-aboriginal-family-racist-police-harassment-in-wester
Paramatta - Court Case Commences - TISHA’S 21ST - HICKEY FAMILY arrests
When: Monday, 17 Oct 2011 - Court case is due to re-commence in Parramatta on Monday 17 October) and is expected to commence at 10:00am although people will probably arrive from approx 9:00am onwards.

Sydney - STICS Meeting (Stop the Intervention Collective Sydney)
When: Monday, 17 Oct 2011 Where: 23 Mary Street Surry Hills (map)

We meet every Monday to discuss the campaign and plan for actions and awareness-raising. Federation Conference Centre, Level 1, 23-33 Mary Street Surry Hills (turn off Elizabeth st at Albion St and left onto Mary street) - Everyone is welcome. 7:30pm - Local Time Further information, please call Jean: 0449 646 593 or E-mail: stoptheintervention@gmail.com

Melb - Anti-Intervention Collective Meeting
When: Monday, 17 Oct 2011 Where: Lygon and Victoria Streets, Carlton, Victoria (map)

Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective (MAIC) meets every Monday at the New International Bookshop (NIBS). The bookshop is easily found in the basement of the Trades Hall building 6:30pm - Local Time

THE work of Melville Island artists

Jean Baptiste Apuatimi, Susan Wanji Wanji and Justin Puruntatameri wil
be showcased at an upcoming WA exhibition called Munpi Artists of Melville Island.The exhibition opens at Artitja Fine
Art in South Fremantle on 21 October at 6.30pm and runs until 6 November.

Bendigo –A Benefit for the Kimberley
When: October 23rd 2pm -10pm Where: The Golden Vine Hotel 135 King St Bendigo, Australia –
A day of community fun and action - Bands, performers, films and speakers: visit Facebook event page

Darwin - Bridging the Gap
When: 24th – 25th Oct 2011 Where: Darwin Entertainment Centre, Northern Territory (map)

Are you interested in knowing more about Indigenous issues or a professional who wants to make a difference? The Bridging the Gap Seminar is an opportunity to gain insights into Yolngu culture and discover solutions to the problems faced in Indigenous communities today. Acclaimed presenter Richard Trudgen explores the reasons Indigenous people and other ethnic minorities are suffering, and provides the communication and cross-cultural skills essential to working with Indigenous and minority groups. You will walk away with the knowledge that you can create change. By using a model developed with the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land, a model that allows the people to build their future and enables you to have more effective interactions with Indigenous people, you can be part of the solution. Learn how together we can help bridge the gap. URL: http://www.whywarriors.com.au/seminars

14 October: The Long Walk Women’s

Luncheon. All invited to join Michael Long in
celebrating Indigenous women’s achievements
over lunch with entertainment and conversation
at the sixth annual Women’s Luncheon. Cost
involved. Held Peninsula, Central Pier, 161
Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Details: visit
www.thelongwalk.com.au

Sydney - Bridging the Gap
When: 27 – 28 Oct 2011 Where: Australian Museum, New South Wales
See information above for details.

The S.E QLD & NTH NSW Warrior March
When: Nov 5th 2011 10.00am Where: Coolangatta to Tweed.
In conjunction with the 1000 Warrior March in Melbourne Calling All Aboriginal & Islander Males! Come Reclaim, Respect and Protect!! Text to be made boldThe purpose of the Warrior March is to:
• To show solidarity amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males
• To reinforce our place in family and community
• To ensure our culture is our way forward
• To show we are role models for our families and our young
• To make a stand for healing our country
• To commit to the rights of Aboriginal & Torres Strait people
Family BBQ afterwards at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour
For more information on the Warrior March please contact: www.mibbinbah.org
Sydney – 19th November - Cans for Country, Songs for change! 8pm Location: Empire Hotel AnnandaleSo we’re putting on a super sick show with super sick bands, to help raise funds and awareness to aid in the fight against the WA Government and Woodsides attempted destruction of the Kimberley Coast…$12 at the door. Acts Appearing: Chris Duke and the Royals, Anarchist Duck, Ebolagoldfish, Steel City All stars, Nudist Colonies of the World http://www.savethekimberley.com/

If you have community announcements, job vacancies, tour/gig dates that you’d like to be included please send us the information and we’ll add it to our next mail out.
Or to add your opinions, ideas or questions please email kaiyumoura@hotmail.com or stay tuned at http://www.facebook.com/groups/230906196967405/#!/groups/230906196967405/ or watch the space at http://thrivalinternational.wordpress.com/

Memo to J.C.

When you were down here JC and walked this earth,
You were a pretty decent sort of bloke,
Although you never owned nothing, but the clothes on your back,
And you were always walking round broke.
But you didn't mind helping the down and out
But these fellows preaching now in your Holy name,
Just what are they on about?
Didn't you tell these fellows to do other things,
Besides all that preaching and praying?
Well, listen JC, there's things ought to be said,
And I might as well get on with the saying.
Didn't you tell them 'don't judge your fellow man'
And 'love ye one another'
And 'not put your faith in worldly goods'
Well, you should see the goods that they got, brother!
They got great big buildings and works of art,
And millions of dollars in real estate,
They got no time to care about human beings,
They forgot what you told 'em, mate;
Things like, 'Whatever ye do to the least of my brothers,
This ye do also unto me'
Yeah, well these people who are using your good name,
They're abusing it, JC,
But there's people still living the way you lived,
And still copping the hypocrisy, racism and hate,
Getting crucified by the fat cats, too,
But they don't call us religious, mate.
Tho' we got the same basic values that you lived by,
Sharin' and carin' about each other,
And the bread and wine that you passed around,
Well, we're still doing that, brother.
Yeah, we share our food and drink and shelter,
Our grief, our happiness, our hopes and plans,
But they don't call us 'Followers of Jesus',
They call us black fellas, man.
But if you're still offering your hand in forgiveness
To the one who's done wrong, and is sorry,
I reckon we'll meet up later on,
And I got no cause to worry.
Just don't seem right somehow that all the good you did,
That people preach, not practise, what you said
I wonder, if it all died with you, that day on the cross,
And if it just never got raised from the dead.
By the late Maureen Watson.

Black Is …
Black is my mother's loving arms
Black is my father's hair
Black is the deepest shades of night
That soften the white day's glare
Black is the babe against my breast
Black is the wild swan's wings,
Black is my love, and my loved ones,
Black is the colour of my skin
Black is knowing that I belong
Wherever I may choose to go
Black is North, South, East or West
There'll be someone there, I know.
Black is sharing, and Black is caring
Black is the place I'm in
Black is my people, my culture
Black is the colour of my skin.
By the late, great Maureen Watson.

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