Background to the Oombulgurri demolitions commencing 30 September 2014 - 1 October 2014
Newsletter date: 5 March 2015
Contents:
* Open Letter:
To H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of UN General Assembly
From Ghillar Michael Anderson, Sovereign Union
Re: Refugee Camp in Perth and developing Humanitarian Crisis
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Western Australia's Government to bury Oombulgurri
* Media Release: Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: Senate motion condemns Oombulgurri demolition
* Analysis / Opinion: Amnesty International Australia: WA Government must stop Oombulgurri demolitions after forcibly evicting community members
* Analysis / Opinion: Amnesty International Australia: Oombulgurri demolitions: your questions answered
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Questions over mining influence on Oombulgurri demolition decision [Featuring Chair of the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, Cissy Gore-Birch]
* 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)
- Open Letter
To: H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of UN General Assembly, New York, NY 10017 USA
From: Ghillar Michael Anderson, Convenor and Joint Spokesperson of Sovereign Union of First Nations and Peoples in Australia and Head of State of the Euahlayi Peoples Republic
Re: Refugee Camp in Perth and developing Humanitarian Crisis
http://nationalunitygovernment.org/pdf/2015/150303-SU-UN-SG-re%20Refugee...
3 Mar 15: "As the appointed Ambassador of the original Aboriginal Embassy, the Convenor of the Sovereign Union and Head of State, Euahlayi Peoples Republic, I herewith bring to your attention the humanitarian crisis that has now developed in the state of Western Australia. This crisis is a consequence of the Western Australian government's policy of shutting down up to 150 Aboriginal homelands and communities, which they have wrongly stated to be financially 'unsustainable' and economically unviable. We regard these actions as an an act of war and aggression against the various tribal Nations in Western Australia.
Already we have seen the Lockridge Aboriginal community in Perth bulldozed with impunity after the Commonwealth government of Australia had just completed building new dwellings. The people are homeless and have now crowded into other family homes creating massive overcrowding, which leads to family confrontation and lateral violence that affects not only children but adults alike.
In the northern part of Western Australia the Aboriginal community of Oombulgurri was progressively closed down: First, the government closed the services. ... then eventually the electricity and water were turned off. Finally, the 10 residents who resolutely stayed to the end were forcibly evicted, ...
I call upon Your Excellency to make this humanitarian crisis known throughout the world. Furthermore, we ask that Your Excellency assist in the immediate provision of safeguards and protection of the refugee camp and to provide appropriate aid for the health and well-being of the refugees."
- News Analysis
The Stringer: Western Australia’s Government to bury Oombulgurri
http://thestringer.com.au/western-australias-government-to-bury-oombulga...
30 Sep 14: "The remote eastern Kimberley town of Oombulgurri was slated for demolition by the Western Australian Government in November. But the demolition job may have started today. It has been reported by The Australian journalist Andrew Burrell that the demolition could be underway today, "heading off a belated effort by Amnesty International and some Indigenous people to halt the works." Contractor McMahon Services has been hired by the Government “to demolish and bury more than 40 houses, sheds and other buildings at the abandoned Oombulgurri community, near Wyndham”. But the truth is that Oombulgurri was never abandoned. The State Government evicted the residents after closing down Government services." By Gerry Georgatos, a life-long human rights and social justice campaigner, a multi-award winning investigative journalist
- Media Release
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert: Senate motion condemns Oombulgurri demolition
http://rachel-siewert.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/senate-mot...
2 Oct 14: "The Senate has backed an Australian Greens motion condemning the demolition of the remote community of Oombulgurri in Western Australia.
"The Senate has supported my motion, which calls for an immediate suspension to the demolition of Oombulgurri and for a dialogue to begin with residents and Traditional Owners," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said today.
"The action being taken in Oombulgurri has caused deep concern.
"Communities cannot be strengthened if the underlying causes of disadvantage are not addressed. Governments at the State and Federal levels need to be investing in services and support for remote communities, to improve health services, ensure children and families safe and provide quality education and employment opportunities. That did not happen in Oombulgurri and this support has not been provided for the residents since they left.
"The demolition of Oombulgurri should be halted and the WA Government should immediately start working with residents and Traditional Owners," Senator Siewert concluded."
- Analysis / Opinion
Amnesty International Australia: WA Government must stop Oombulgurri demolitions after forcibly evicting community members
http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/35607/
23 Sep 14: "The WA Government must stop the demolition of an estimated $30 million worth of homes, public buildings and infrastructure in the Oombulgurri community in WA's Kimberley region, said Amnesty International. The organisation’s public action calling for a stop to the demolitions has attracted over 16,000 supporters since it was launched last Wednesday."
- Analysis / Opinion
Amnesty International Australia: Oombulgurri demolitions: your questions answered
http://www.amnesty.org.au/indigenous-rights/comments/35560/
17 Sep 14: "The Government of Western Australia plans to flatten the Aboriginal homelands community of Oombulgurri within days. Amnesty International Australia is calling on the WA Government to stop the demolitions and here we explain why."
- Audio
NIRS: Questions over mining influence on Oombulgurri demolition decision
http://www.nirs.org.au/NEWS/Questions-over-mining-influence-on-Oombulgur...
30 Sep 14: "A body representing Native Title holders over land including the shut-down east Kimberley community of Oombulgurri has criticised the decision to demolish its buildings. Chair of the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, Cissy Gore-Birch (pictured), has suggested mining exploration may be the real reason behind the Western Australian Government closing it down. 62 homes lay vacant in Oombulgarri, with the Government stating it will demolish them in November. Ms Gore-Birch says mining exploration licences have been handed out in recent years, but former residents, many now homeless, want to return to the community." Gerry Georgatos, Correspondent
- 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: 4 March 2015)
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)
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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;
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Comments
Djurin Refugee Camp
WGAR News: Djurin Refugee Camp - Nyoongar People Speak Out about Homelessness: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/10/wgar-news-djurin-refugee-camp-nyoong...
Contents:
* Video: NITV News: Refugees In Their Own Country - Noongars Protest Against Remote Community Closures
* Video: Eleanor Gilbert, Vimeo: 1 March 2015 Djurin Refugee Camp - Nyoongar People Speak Out about Homelessness
* Analysis / Opinion: Ray Jackson, Redfern-Waterloo Community Action: community shutdowns, wa.
* Analysis / Opinion: Miranda Wood, Red Flag: Activists set up camp in WA
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* Video: Yahoo: Protestors stay put on Heirisson
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Premier Barnett, how dare you? - "appalling mistreatment of children"
* Video: NITV News: Colin Barnett a No-show at Kimberley Land Council's Alliance Meeting
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
Maori Television: NZ MP's support Aboriginal protest
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
Support for WA Remote Communities is Going Global
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
Homeless camp raided - City of Perth in disgrace, once again
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
Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth
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
Tammy Solonec, Amnesty International Australia
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
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
ACTU and Homelands Closure
WGAR News: Unions Slam Closure Of Remote Aboriginal Communities In WA: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/18/wgar-news-unions-slam-closure-of-rem...
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Mia Pepper, Eco-Shout: Radioactive racism in the Wild West - WA takes aim at remote communities
* Analysis / Opinion: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: Unions Slam Closure Of Remote Aboriginal Communities In WA
* News Analysis: Shar Adams, Epoch Times: Australia: Indigenous Affairs Take Backward Step [Featuring Jon Altman]
* Audio Interviews: Cassandra Tim & Warren Barnsley, NIRS Weekly News-in-Review:
[Featuring: Pekeri Ruska, Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance & Haydn Bromley, South Australian Aboriginal Lands Trust]
* Interview: Solidarity Online: Aboriginal community closures: 'This is an attempt to destroy our culture'
[Featuring Meriki Onus, protest organiser from the youth group Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance]
* News: Michele Jedlicka, The Inverell Times: Inverell plans second protest march over closing WA Aboriginal communities
* Audio: Kristy McMahon, NIRS: Auckland to rally in support of remote WA communities
* 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."
* Video: Myles Morgan & Andrea Booth, NITV News: NT Minister expects migration if WA communities close
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA