Koorie Club News

**WARNING: THIS NEWSLETTER CONTAINS NAMES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED AND SENSITIVE INFORMATION**

Nation Wide News:

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is no stranger to controversy, but it is not about food this time. His latest children’s book, featuring an Indigenous Australian child, has ignited criticism from cultural advocates.

Sky News’ Caleb Bond did not hold back, accusing Oliver of perpetuating damaging stereotypes and failing to represent Indigenous languages accurately. Bond argues this is a case of pandering gone awry: “It proves that even with the best intentions when you try to appease the left, it rarely works.”

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation has expressed concerns, citing the portrayal as harmful. Will Oliver’s culinary charm rescue him from this cultural blunder? The debate continues, stirring questions about authenticity and responsibility in storytelling.

In Sydney’s affluent Mosman, a legal tug-of-war over pristine harbourside parkland has begun. Little Ashton Park, a community gem near Taronga Zoo, is the subject of an Aboriginal land claim filed by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.

Mosman Council has pledged to fight, arguing the park has long served “lawful and essential public purposes” such as recreation and drainage. Critics, however, see this as a crucial test of Aboriginal land rights.The stakes are high, both for preserving public green spaces and acknowledging historical injustices. As the NSW Crown Lands Department reviews the claim, the case highlights the complex intersections of law, history, and community identity.

Queensland’s new Premier, David Crisafulli, has abruptly ended the state’s Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, sparking outrage among Indigenous leaders and advocates. The inquiry aimed to confront the historical impacts of colonisation, offering a platform for First Nations voices.

Crisafulli insists the decision reflects his government’s focus on practical support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. But inquiry chair Joshua Creamer and Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss have slammed the move as “unprecedented” and harmful, arguing it derails years of groundwork for reconciliation and healing.This sudden halt underscores a broader debate: Can we progress without confronting uncomfortable truths?

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price finds herself entangled in a defamation lawsuit, ordered to pay legal costs for a preliminary hearing. Central Land Council CEO Lesley Turner alleges Price defamed him in a media release, accusing him of professional misconduct.

In a tense Federal Court session, Justice Michael Wheelahan reprimanded Price’s legal team for delays, emphasizing the need for accountability in legal proceedings. With high-profile lawyer Sue Chrysanthou representing Turner, the stakes are escalating.As this legal drama unfolds, it raises questions about the intersection of politics, reputation, and Indigenous advocacy.

Sports News:

Once a star on the AFL field, David Wirrpanda now faces a different arena: the courtroom. The former West Coast Eagle pleaded guilty to breaching a family violence restraining order, leading to a $700 fine and a spent conviction.

Though described as a “low-level” breach, Magistrate Lynette Dias emphasized the importance of such orders in protecting vulnerable individuals. Despite his personal misstep, Wirrpanda’s legacy includes impactful work through the Waalitj Foundation, promoting opportunities for Indigenous Australians.This incident offers a stark reminder that public figures are not immune to personal challenges, even as they strive to give back to their communities.

Aliti Namoce, a former NRLW player, faces serious charges after admitting to drug supply and possession. Now stranded in Fiji due to visa issues, her sentencing is delayed, leaving a warrant hanging over her return.

Police allege Namoce was caught in Sydney’s Zetland during a targeted patrol, attempting to delete incriminating messages. Her case underscores the ongoing issue of drug distribution in urban centres and the harsh consequences for those involved.As the legal process drags on, Namoce’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale about choices and their far-reaching consequences.

Didge ya know?

The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) has an online shop on their website available to the public. The VACCA shop holds a range of great products including apparel, accessories, educational resources, and cultural resources including books, posters and greeting cards. Check it out today at vacca.org/shop.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Koorie Group Leaders.

Rachel Aden (Koorie Group Leader) – ADE0010@sthelena.vic.edu.au

Jamie Humphries (Koorie Group Leader) – HUM0004@sthelena.vic.edu.au

For any other support needed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples please visit: https://headspace.org.au/yarn-safe/