Indigenous News
A big thank you to our Koorie Club captain Rachel Aden for her initiative in setting up this page and contributing content each fortnight.
Indigenous Australians Gain Employment Opportunities:
Over 20 Indigenous Australians have secured employment through a new training academy established by the Darwin Airport Group in the Northern Territory. The academy, housed within the Darwin Airport Resort, provides nationally recognized qualifications in the hospitality and trade sectors. This initiative aligns with the group's plans to expand its operations in the Top End, creating much-needed jobs for Aboriginal Australians.This is amazing for the Indigenous communities as it provides many opportunities to the Australian and Torres Strait Islander community in helping them become successful in life.
Yarra City Council's Flag Decision Stirs Controversy:
Yarra City Council's decision to fly a "vast array of flags" instead of solely the Australian flag has sparked heated debate. The council's statement outlined the flags to be flown, including the Aromantic Flag, Asexual Flag, Bisexual Flag, and several others. This move has drawn criticism from some, including Sky News host Chris Kenny, who questioned the exclusion of the Australian flag.It is important to show respect and display respect towards the Traditional owners of the land on which a building takes place. Ethically, flags should be flown as a sign of respect.
Alleged Assault of Child During Citizen's Arrest Prompts Calls for Action:
Disturbing footage has emerged of an incident in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, where a 12-year-old boy was allegedly sat on and had his head "stomped on" during a citizen's arrest. The video shows Jeffrey McLaughlin, the now-suspended Barkly Regional Council Mayor, restraining the child on the ground. Another man, who is facing charges of aggravated assault, is seen stomping on the boy's head. The child's parents have called for action against those involved.This unfortunate misdemeanour has resulted in legality issues and most likely mental trauma to the boy, our thoughts our with the family at this time.
Western Australia Apologizes for Past Exploitation of Aboriginal Workers:
The Western Australian government has formally apologized to Aboriginal men, women, and children who were subjected to decades of exploitation and underpayment. Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the injustice faced by these workers, who were paid little to none for their labour between 1936 and 1972. The state will provide $180.4 million in compensation to eligible individuals or their families.
While this is an unfortunate situation it is great that the WA government is trying in terms of making amends.
Comedian Faces Backlash for Racist Joke:
US comedian Andrew Schulz has come under fire for a racist joke about Aboriginal people during his Australian tour. Schulz remarked white Australians demanded the return of their land. Social media users have denounced his comment as "textbook racism."We hope that future actions like this are not committed however in future cases like this it is important to challenge discrimination when we see it and put it to rest especially so that communities can become safer and more inclusive.
Didge ya know?
As we enter Ballambak (Season of butterflies; early summer) it is important to learn about the Dreaming. The Dreaming goes by many different names throughout Australia, but they have a similar meaning. The Dreaming refers to the “Spirit World” that accompanies our physical one as well as the time of creation. It is believed that our Creator Spirits and Ancestors reside there and that we will too eventually go there when we pass away.
While the Dreaming is different for each mob, there is similar narrative that is followed across the country. It is said that in the beginning, the land was flat and empty and that the Dreaming signifies the time when our Ancestral and Creator Spirits emerge from the land, the sea, the land, and sky and began to form our countries.
The landscape changed as these Spirits lived out their lives. They left their imprint on the landscape and the rivers, mountains, rocks, and lakes were all created during their travels. When life was created it is believed that the Ancestors and Creator Spirits returned to the land, sky, and the waters where they had originally come from so that they could watch over their creations,
The Dreaming is the basis for all the beliefs and Lore that we chose to live our lives by.
From: https://www.vacca.org/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Koorie Club Leaders.
Rachel Aden (Koorie Club Leader) – ADE0010@sthelena.vic.edu.au
Jamie Humphries (Koorie Club 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/