Koorie Club News

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

Nation Wide News:

A shocking video of a police officer knocking an Aboriginal elder to the ground has gone viral, sparking outrage and an official investigation by WA Police. The footage, posted on Instagram by Indigenous woman Dreamtime Aroha, captures the elderly man speaking with the officer in a park before the officer appears to trip him. The elder struggles to stand before falling again, while the officer simply gets in his car and drives away.The video, viewed over 150,000 times, has ignited calls for accountability. Witnesses say the altercation began when the officer attempted to search the elder’s bag. WA Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, stating, "The circumstances of this incident will be thoroughly examined." All eyes are on the investigation’s outcome.

A powerful new exhibition at the State Library of Queensland is set to unveil hidden stories of strength, survival, and cultural resilience of the Kalkadoon peoples. The exhibition showcases stunning artworks, animations, and digital storytelling, bringing to life the oral histories of their ancestors’ fight for survival during Queensland’s colonial era. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive learning spaces, including a yarning circle for community discussions, while family-friendly labels make the exhibition accessible for younger audiences. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to connect with the legacy of the Kalkadoon peoples.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro is facing backlash after failing to acknowledge the Larrakia Traditional Owners at the Bombing of Darwin commemoration. While seven other speakers recognised the Traditional Custodians of the land, Finocchiaro chose to mention only veterans and their families. Her omission sparked criticism from politicians and Indigenous leaders, with some calling it "very concerning" or including an acknowledgment to, highlighting Finocchiaro’s lone stance.Defending her decision, she told Sky News, "There is absolutely no need for every speaker to do an acknowledgment of country," adding that under Labour, such acknowledgments have become "less impactful."Her comments have fuelled further debate over the role of Welcome to Country ceremonies in public events.

Chilling details have emerged in the murder trial of 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy Cassius Turvey, who died after a brutal attack in 2022.A key witness described how Cassius and his friends were chased into the bush by men wielding metal weapons. "He was holding his head, and it was wounded," she recalled. Prosecutors say the attackers, driven by anger over a broken car window, launched a violent assault. One accused allegedly bragged afterward: "I was striking him so hard, so he learned his lesson. "The trial continues, with the nation watching as Cassius’ family seeks justice.

Wiradjuri man Paul Towney is fighting trespassing charges after being arrested on land he says was never lawfully transferred from its Traditional Owners. Towney and local Elders reclaimed a 2000-acre site near Charles Sturt University in Orange, locking the gates and erecting signs declaring it "Wiradjuri Nation Sovereignty Lands." "This isn’t just about me, it’s about our people, our healing, and our rights," Towney said. His defence hinges on a legal argument that colonial land grants exceeding 200 acres required direct approval from the British Crown, a requirement often ignored. Towney calls for a "reverse Mabo" ruling, shifting the burden of proof onto institutions to show rightful ownership rather than forcing Indigenous communities to continuously prove connection to their lands. His case is set to be a landmark in Indigenous land rights debates.

Didge ya know?

The 12th of February marks the anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Ride, a historic journey led by Charles Perkins and a group of University of Sydney students to expose racism and discrimination against Aboriginal people in rural Australia. Inspired by the American Civil Rights Movement, the students travelled through New South Wales towns such as Walgett, Moree, and Kempsey, witnessing firsthand the segregation and poor living conditions Aboriginal communities faced. The Freedom Ride brought national attention to these injustices, sparking discussions on Aboriginal rights and paving the way for the 1967 Referendum, which saw Australians vote overwhelmingly to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the federal government to make laws for them. The anniversary of the Freedom Ride is a powerful reminder of the fight for equality and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition for First Nations people.

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

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