Koorie Club News

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

Nation Wide News:

A fellow inmate has revealed that Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri man Clinton Austin was seriously unwell for several days before his tragic death in Loddon Prison, central Victoria. Austin was found unresponsive in his cell on September 11, 2022, despite showing clear signs of distress in the days leading up to his passing

A prisoner, identified only as ‘Prisoner 2’ for legal reasons, testified that Austin had been vomiting and too weak to get out of bed in the nights before his death. "He was in pain," Prisoner 2 recalled, describing how he had given Austin a bin to vomit into two nights before he passed. Austin also appeared to struggle with his breathing, sounding like "someone with emphysema." On the morning of his death, he failed to show up for a routine headcount, raising concern. A prison officer later found him unconscious. A Code Black was called, and CPR was attempted, but he could not be revived.

His twin brother, Shaun Austin, has raised concerns about his medical treatment, saying Clinton had told him his medication had been reduced. Prison records indicate he was receiving treatment, but Shaun believes his brother’s declining mental health was evident in their phone calls.

Yankunytjatjara-Anangu woman and second-generation nuclear test survivor Karina Lester has made a powerful plea for Australia to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Speaking at the Third Meeting of States Parties in New York, Lester shared her family’s harrowing history and the lasting effects of British nuclear testing in South Australia in the 1950s and 60s.

Her father, Yami Lester, was permanently blinded as a child after exposure to radioactive fallout from the 1953 atomic test at Emu Field. "The black mist poisoned our country, poisoned our people," she said. "By 16, my father’s world had turned to complete darkness."

The treaty, in force since 2021, bans nuclear weapons and obligates nations to support affected communities. Lester stressed that survivors still face serious health impacts, saying, "The damage is generational. Radiation-related illnesses continue in our communities."Despite this, Australia has yet to sign the treaty. Lester called this "shameful," urging the government to take responsibility. "Our lands and people have already paid the price. It’s time for repair and justice."

Aboriginal health advocates have welcomed the latest budget’s focus on First Nations healthcare but stress the need for ongoing investment to truly close the health gap. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) praised the $8.5 billion funding boost, which improves access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

"This will strengthen bulk billing and improve medicine access across 550 clinics," said NACCHO CEO, Pat Turner.

Significant funding has also been allocated to remote Aboriginal health initiatives, including $842.6 million for Northern Territory programs and investments in rheumatic heart disease prevention. "These measures show what can be achieved when governments work with us, not around us," said NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills.

However, concerns remain over long-term funding certainty. "We’ve spent years working on a new Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) funding model, yet much of the budget is still tied to outdated allocations," Turner noted.The ACCHO model has proven to deliver better health outcomes while creating jobs. Advocates are urging political leaders to fully implement it. "Every dollar invested in our community-controlled services delivers stronger outcomes," Turner emphasised. "To truly close the health gap, we need governments to commit to long-term funding and meaningful partnerships."

A groundbreaking new virtual reality experience, Julaymba, is offering audiences an Indigenous perspective of the world’s oldest rainforest. Created by a Melbourne-based studio in collaboration with the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and the Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation, this production transports viewers deep into the Daintree Rainforest through a blend of 360-degree video, animation, and aerial cinematography. Narrated by Eastern Kuku Yalanji Elder Uncle Richard Burchill, Julaymba highlights the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the Traditional Owners and their land. "I’ve seen grown men cry after experiencing this VR," said Uncle Richard. "It’s something very special; it brings our story to life. "The journey begins with a traditional smoking ceremony before guiding viewers through breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls and sacred sites. Along the way, audiences are introduced to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji language and cultural knowledge.

For producer Kirsty Burchill, Uncle Richard’s daughter, the project is deeply personal. "This isn’t just about technology; it’s about ensuring our stories are told truthfully and respectfully," she said.

The project has already gained international recognition. Julaymba is now set to expand into schools and public spaces, making indigenous storytelling more accessible than ever.

"We want to ensure that the cultural knowledge of our people is preserved for future generations," said Uncle Richard. "This is more than just VR; it’s a step towards changing the narrative and sharing the true history of our land."

Didge ya know?

March is a significant month for promoting equality and justice, with two important events: National Close the Gap Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

National Close the Gap Day (March 21) is an Australian initiative aimed at addressing the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s a day to raise awareness, support Indigenous led solutions, and push for better access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. The movement emphasises that achieving health equality is simply a human right, not a privilege.

On the same day, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, marking the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, where peaceful protesters against apartheid laws were met with violence. This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and discrimination in all forms.

Whether by educating ourselves, advocating for change, or standing in solidarity, every action counts.

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

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