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Join us on the journey to help bring about a reconciled Victoria – read all the latest news and event information from across the state here.

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February eNews

Cabbe melemung’il (Woi wurung greeting)


Truth and justice have been lacking in Australia’s reconciliation process.
 
  
The truth of Australia’s history remains largely invisible.  In our towns and communities our memorials, statues, street names and most public spaces and celebrations largely reflect a white-washed post-1788 story.   Where do we honour our ancient past, commemorate frontier wars and embrace the ongoing cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  
 
We finally saw an apology to the Stolen Generations, eight years ago next Saturday. It was significant and long overdue. But where is the justice?
 
There has been no justice for Aboriginal people and families who had their land stolen. No justice for families who had children stolen. No justice for families who had wages stolen. No justice for the families of those who have died in police custody.
 
In a major report to be launched next week, Reconciliation Australia has drawn on international comparative research into reconciliation experiences in other countries to identify five key dimensions of reconciliation:

  • Historical Acceptance
  • Race Relations
  • Institutional Integrity 
  • Equality and Equity 
  • Unity

Together these interrelated dimensions provide a framework for a cohesive understanding of reconciliation. We look forward to the release of the Report on Tuesday, and encourage you to have a read. The Report will be up on our website in full and summary following Tuesday’s launch.

Erin McKinnon  |  Statewide Coordinator

KEY DATES


6 February 2016  
Yalukit Wilum Ngargee, St Kilda
13 February 2016  
Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations
16-17 April 2016  
Tour and LRG forum at Budj Bim (Lake Condah), S-W Victoria
27 May - 3 June 2016  
National Reconciliation Week: "Our History, Our Story, Our Future"

NEWS

Tour of Budj Bim / LRG Forum

The first combined RecVic/ANTaR Vic LRG forum for 2016 will be held at Budj Bim (Lake Condah) in South West Victoria over the weekend 16-17 April.

Basic accommodation will be available in the area for the Saturday night and we will help coordinate transport (car pooling and small bus from Melbourne). A tour of the World Heritage nominated Budj Bim landscape and the Lake Condah Mission will be organised for the Saturday afternoon, to be conducted by members of the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. The forum will take place on the Sunday morning finishing with lunch.

For those that wish to arrange own accommodation there is a motel in Heywood (20kms) and many options in Portland (50kms). There may be a small cost for accommodation and food on site.

ALL WELCOME!  More details to come over coming weeks. 
To register your interest in attending contact the office

Read more about Budj Bim

Racism and the Australian Dream Speech




Stan Grant delivered a powerful and moving speech on "Racism and the Australian Dream" as part of the 2015 IQ2 Debate Series held by the Ethics Centre. Although the speech was given in October 2015, it recently went viral on social media in the lead up to Survival Day. If you missed it check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEOssW1rw0I#action=share

Survival Day 2016



On January 26 thousands marched through the streets of Melbourne to peacefully protest Invasion Day.  A huge crowd later celebrated Survival Day at the Share the Spirit Festival in the Treasury Gardens and there was another big turnout at the Belgrave Survival Day Festival.

See our Facebook page for a pictorial record of the day and some of the commentary around the inappropriateness of celebrating our national day on that date.

Jason Mifsud to head Aboriginal Victoria


Our congratulations to Jason Mifsud, who is to be the new head of Aboriginal Victoria (formally known as Office of Aboriginal Affairs). Mr Mifsud, a key Australian Football League (AFL) adviser and a member of the Kirrae and Peek Whurrong peoples’ of the Gunditjmara on his mother’s side, will lead the newly-established Aboriginal Victoria.
Read more
 

Victorian Aboriginal Community Forum


Aboriginal Victoria held an open community forum at Federation Square on Wednesday the 3rd of February, attended by a diverse and  large audience of 100+ of Victorian Aboriginal community members and leaders to discuss:
  • What does self-determination mean to you?
  • What do you want to get out of this meeting?
  • How can we work together to establish the Minister's proposed engagement forums?
  • What does the Victorian approach to constitutional recognition look like?
The forum had wide ranging discussions, since an event of this nature had not happened in 20 years and such a consultation was long overdue. The forum was filmed and streamed live across the state to regional centres and the footage can be watched here

EVENTS

Yalukit Wilum Ngargee Festival

The free Yalukit Wilum Ngargee Indigenous Music and Cultural Festival takes place on Saturday 6 February in O’Donnell Gardens, a significant contemporary Indigenous meeting place. The main festival day brings together a deadly program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and arts.

Now in its eleventh year, this annual celebration of Indigenous culture features emerging and established Indigenous musicians, dancers and performers, market stall holders, children’s and festival activities. 
Yalukit Wilum Ngargee is a family-friendly event so please avoid bringing any glass bottles, containers or items onto the Festival site.  
More info

Weaving workshops at the Trust

 
The Koorie Heritage Trust will be running regular Friday lunchtime
weaving workshops on level 3 of the Yarra Building at
Federation Square with Yorta Yorta woman, Donna Blackall.
Donna was taught by Gunditjmara woman and master weaver
Bronwyn Razem and continues to share her knowledge.
These regular workshops give weavers a chance to build projects over the coming months. All skill levels suitable.

Starting Friday 5 February
$16.50 (inc GST) per head, includes tea and coffee. 

Bookings essential via http://www.trybooking.com/178336;
email: rsvp@koorieheritagetrust.com

Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations


Saturday 13th February marks the 8th Anniversary of the National Apology to Australia's First Peoples – a special moment in our nation's history that must never be forgotten. Events will be held around Australia to commemorate this important day.
Check out our website to find out how you can commemorate this important anniversary!
RSVP is necessary to ensure there is breakfast for all.
Register at Eventbrite
Or contact: Dierdre 5821 6600 or Bobby 0434 279 653 

Saturday 13 February

10am-12 noon – Darebin Council, Stolen Generation Marker,
350 High Street, Preston
RSVP contact Link-Up Victoria
Phone (03) 9480 7377   Fax (03) 94793788
Email: linkup@vacca.org
Don’t miss this a free, family event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture in our city. 

Join us at Enterprize Park on Flinders Street, next to Melbourne Aquarium, for music and dance performances and the opportunity to buy traditional artwork directly from the artists.

Event program
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Large range of quality Indigenous art, buy direct from the artist.
Music performances by Darlow, Lady Lash, Monica Weightman and Jayden Lillyst
Didgeridoo and traditional dance performances.
Indigenous Hip Hop Projects performance.
Free workshops: traditional dance, hip hop, basket weaving and didgeridoo.
Free Aboriginal Heritage Walks by Koorie Heritage Trust.
Face painting and kids art activities.
Food, reduced price parking and more.
More info 

The Victorian Indigenous Literary Festival 

18 - 21 FEBRUARY


In February 2016, Blak & Bright, the inaugural Victorian Indigenous Literary Festival, will take over the Wheeler Centre for four days of panels, performances, workshops and more. The festival will feature more than 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander novelists, oral storytellers, poets, songwriters, playwrights and comedians, from Victoria and many other states and territories.

There are readings, panels, a musical gala and amazing workshops and more. Most of the sessions are FREE but you need to book. All welcome.

Check out the full program
Keynote Event:

Big Stories, Big Genres

February 20, 11am - 12 noon
Free
Bruce Pascoe, Tony Briggs, Daniel Browning

What are the big stories that award-winning writers Tony Briggs and Bruce Pascoe are telling, and what are the big urgent stories that are yet to be told? Find out how our leading writers are re-storying our past, and penning new narratives.

Sistas Are Doing It …

February 20, 12.15pm - 1.15pm
Free

How do you build and sustain a career as a Blak writer?
Hear from three inspirational women who have lived extraordinary lives and shared them with the world through the written and performed word. Featuring Tammy Anderson, Anita Heiss and Kate Howarth. Moderated by Ellen van Neerven. In partnership with the Stella Prize.

Cross Continental Conversations

February 20, 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Free

What do readers get from Indigenous stories and who in the world is clamouring for them?
Find out what happened when a contingent of Aboriginal writers travelled to the Native American literary organisation Wordcraft Circle and the Literary Commons exchange in India.
Featuring:
Lee Francis IV, Bruce Pascoe and Ali Cobby Eckermann.
Moderator: Cathy Craigie

Yung, Blak & Bold

February 20, 12.45pm - 3.45pm
Free

What does it mean to be young and Blak in a world where old approaches and paradigms haven’t worked?
Listen as we bust stereotypes and discuss how words in new contexts can activate change. Featuring Benson Saulo, Amelia Telford and Nayuka Gorrie. Moderator Tim Goodwin. In partnership with Emerging Writers’ Festival.

The Bogong

February 21, 4.30pm - 6.30pm
$8 – $12

Come feast on stories at our final event. Traditionally, when the Bogong moth swarmed in the cool regions of Mount Bogong during summer, local tribes would gather to conduct ceremonies and feast on this protein-rich food source. Our Bogong is a celebration and sharing of crafted spoken word pieces from master storytellers. This event is followed by our Blak & Bright artist’s party.
Featuring Bruce PascoeAli Cobby EckermannNatalie HarkinSam Wagan WatsonKat Clarke and Jane Harrison.

SPEAR 

"A foot in each world. A heart in none."

Directed by Artistic Director Stephen Page and starring the incredible Bangarra dance ensemble, alongside Hunter Page-Lochard, Aaron Pederson and Djakapurra Munyarryun, this film is an adaptation of the Bangarra dance work from 2000 of the same name. Since its international premiere at the International Toronto Film Festival, Spear has received rave reviews and a special mention UNESCO Award at the 2015 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. You can read The Guardian's review here
Watch the trailer

ACMI, Federation Square
6 & 7 February  â€“  13 & 14 February 2016

Tickets from $13*  Bookings and info

The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars 


From the oldest culture on earth comes the freshest and funniest standup comedy around. It’s the all-original Aboriginal Comedy Allstars showcase – featuring four of the brightest comedy stars under the Milky Way. It doesn’t get more Aussie than this!

Presented by Darebin Arts, The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars and Dirty Work Comedy, The Aboriginal Comedy Allstars is cheeky, playful, irreverent, and hilarious. An utterly unique comedy experience – great, big belly laughs from the heart of the wide, brown land. Welcome to comedy, everyone.

Featuring Kevin Kropinyeri (South Australia/Victoria), Shiralee Hood (Victoria), Matt Ford (Queensland), and Dane Simpson (NSW)

Friday 19 February
7.30pm
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre
More info

White Night Melbourne 2016


Saturday 20 February 7pm – Sunday 21 February 7am

If there's one path you should wander down this White Night Melbourne, it's the one that leads to the Royal Exhibition Building. Together, indigenous artists Pitcha Makin' Fellas and internationally-acclaimed Portuguese projectionists OCUBO are bringing you a breathtaking illumination that tells the stories of the six Aboriginal seasons.
 
Head to the White Night Melbourne blog to discover more about the collaboration that's lighting up one of the city's most iconic architectural gems in the heart of the Carlton Gardens. 

Wominjeka: Blak Nite 


Black Nite returns to light Melbourne’s White Night. Visit the award-winning First Peoples exhibition and uncover the dynamic and living culture of Victoria’s Koorie people. For one night only the beautiful outdoor Milarri Garden will be transformed by spectacular projections and live music. Satisfy your curiosity and (re)discover Melbourne.

As part of this year’s White Night, images by the Pitcha Makin' Fellas will project onto the facade of the Exhibition Buildings. Reko Rennie will project onto the facade of Federation Square buildings and Josh Muir will project onto the St Kilda Road facade of the National Gallery of Victoria after dark.

Bunjilaka, Melbourne Museum
FREE

Experience the inspiring life and music of Songman, Kev Carmody

 
Kev Carmody, the musician who penned one of Australia’s most famous songs, ‘From Little Things, Big Things Grow', lights up the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall stage for an intimate live performance and screening of Brendan Fletcher’s acclaimed new documentary, Songman.

Carmody is one of Australia’s pre-eminent singer songwriters, a wordsmith whose often politically charged and socially aware lyrics early in his career found him described as 'Australia’s black Bob Dylan'. Of Aboriginal and Irish heritage, both cultures famous for oral histories in song, Kev was born to be a story-teller.

Saturday 20 February
7.30pm
Melbourne Recital Centre
More info

Fairfield Summer Series


SUNDAYS IN FEBRUARY

Melbourne’s hottest emerging acts are bringing beats from around the globe from groove to modern soul every Sunday in February. 


SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY
Senegambian Jazz Band, Clambe, Dave Arden 

SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY
Cookin’ On 3 Burners, Sapphire Dance, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks
Details …
 
5pm – 7.30pm
Fairfield Amphitheatre,
FREE 

NAIDOC
Country and Western Cabaret


Old style Cabaret for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who love Country and Western

SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY
7.00pm

Tickets $30 includes entry, spit roast, dessert and entertainment.
Drinks at bar prices. Strictly no BYO.
Limited tickets, so be quick.
Collingwood Town Hall
140 Hoddle Street Abbotsford  View Map

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/naidoc-country-western-caberet-tickets-20933556832
 

Coranderrk: We will show the Country


On Country performance at Coranderrk

In 1881, the people of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station took on the Board for the Protection of Aborigines in a fight for dignity and self- determination. Today, we bring their voices back to life through a verbatim reading and live performance of their testimonies before the Coranderrk Parliamentary Inquiry.

This special, one-off performance will be staged on Country, at Coranderrk itself, on the very land where many of the witnesses at the Inquiry gave their evidence - 135 years ago.

February 21st. Gates at 5PM. For more info, bookings and directions visit: http://lamama.com.au/coranderrk
 

FVPLS Victoria invites you to join us at this exciting event to celebrate Aboriginal women and the successful story of the

Sisters Day Out® 

This event will also raise funds for the Sisters Day Out program that is currently facing funding uncertainty.

How can you support the event?

•  Buy tickets to attend the event 
You can book tickets online: $150 per head, $1450 for a table of ten (tickets include 3-course meal, drinks, auction, raffles, entertainment, lucky door prizes, showbags). 
• Sponsor Aboriginal women 
You can sponsor Aboriginal women to attend the event.
• Make a donation 
You can make a donation to support the Sisters Day Out program or to assist Aboriginal women to attend the event. Make a donation online

 An evening with Sisters Day Out® will showcase a range of innovative speakers and great entertainment, including music performance by Casey Donovan, and Anita Heiss as the MC for the event.

Saturday 5 March
6.30 - 11.30pm
CQ Lounge, 113 Queen Street, Melbourne
More info
Book tickets now!

Kate Grenville’s acclaimed novel The Secret River has been adapted for the stage by Andrew Bovell and directed by Neil Armfield.

Winner of six Helpmann Awards, including Best Play, Best Direction and Best New Australian Work, The Secret River has been heralded as “a stunning, shattering piece of theatre that goes to the heart of our history” (The Sunday Telegraph).

Embarking on a national tour starring Trevor Jamieson (Rabbit Proof Fence, Bran Nue Dae), Nathaniel Dean (Puberty Blues, The Secret River), Madeleine Madden (Tomorrow, When the War Began) and more, The Secret River tells a story of two families divided by culture and land.

The Playhouse, 10 - 19 March.
More info and bookings

Lake Bolac Eel Festival

8 - 10 APRIL
Tickets available at: www.trybooking.com/178202
Information: Phone 03 5350 2204
BYO Festival chair. Camping available.

    

Healing Rites for Seven Sites:

A CONTEMPLATIVE WALK


On the waiting day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, the Indigenous Hospitality House invites you to walk the way of the Southern Cross, and visit seven sites from our shared history.  We walk in the midst of suffering and we carry our questions heavy on our shoulders. We hear the words of Christ on the cross, what might his words spoken in pain tell us? In the darkness of this day, we search and stumble, yearning for healing and justice in our land.

Saturday 26 March
2pm (sharp) - 4pm (finish time is approximate)
Meet at Rushall Railway Station, North Fitzroy. 
The walk will end at the House for afternoon tea (about 2.2km). 

For more information contact Samara Pitt. Phone 9387 7557  e:samarapitt@gmail.com

EXHIBITIONS

 

Ngujarn and Nakun: Belonging in the Other


An exhibition showcasing the intergenerational knowledge, cultural continuation and tradition passed down through four generations of the Mullett family.
Curated by Steaphan Paton
Image: Richard Mullett (Gunnai), Kind (Bream), Koorie Heritage Trust Collection

Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery, Level 1, Yarra Building, Federation Square.
12 March – 15 May
 

Koorie Art Show


Join us in the final weeks for the show to vote for your favourite work in the People's Choice Award and check out our public programs!
Artist Talk with Kelly Koumalatsos
 
Join Wergaia/Wemba Wemba artist Kelly Koumalatsos, winner of the Koorie Art Show 2015 Creative Victoria award for excellence in any media, for an artist talk. Working across painting, sculpture and printmaking for over 20 years, Kelly's practice explores cultural tradition and reclaiming cultural heritage in a contemporary context.
 
Saturday 20 February
2pm - 3pm 
Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery
Free
Closing and People's Choice Award announcement 

It's your last chance to check out and vote for your favourite artwork at our closing event for the Koorie Art Show 2015.
The afternoon will feature Torch CEO and Koorie Art Show 2015 judge, Kent Morris (Barkindji), in conversation with Gunai / Gunditjmara / Yorta Yorta artist Raymond Young. We will also be announcing the winner of the Moogji Club People's Choice Award and tunes will be provided by singer/songwriter Makita McNally. With over 120 works presented by over 70 artists we received a record number of works this year so get down early to cast your vote!
 
Sunday 28 February.
2pm - 4pm
Free
Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery

Dhumbadha Munga

(Talking Knowledge)

An exhibition by
Simon Glass, Jeffrey JacksonRobby Knight, Shane Lovett, Paul McCann, Kent Morris, Garry Scott, Steve Verde, Peter Waples Crowe and Raymond Young.

The Alliance Française de Melbourne is proud to be part again of the  Yalukit Wilum Ngargee St Kilda Festival and to partner with The Torch to present Dhumbadha Munga (Talking Knowledge).
 
The Torch Project supports Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders through its Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program. Central to the program is cultural learning, strengthening, expression and sharing.

Dhumbadha Munga (talking knowledge) looks at the two-way relationship between the arts workers and the artists they support. Read more...

Alliance Française's Eildon Gallery
51 Grey Street, St Kilda
Free
3 February – 24 March.
Mon -Thu: 9.30a -7pm
Fri and Sat: 9.30am-6pm 


Kulata Tjuta


Alcaston Gallery is thrilled to present dynamic new paintings by Freddy and Ray Ken to celebrate the beginning of our 2016 exhibition calendar!


Ray Ken’s meticulous and controlled lines are a vast contrast to the vibrant and dynamic gestures of colour that Freddy Ken carves into his canvases, however, both artists express a sophisticated knowledge of country and Anangu culture through their paintings. The story of Kulata Tjuta celebrates the importance of the traditional craft of carving spears and the deep connection to those, past and present, who have fought to protect country. Senior men have always taught young men how to make Kulata, this tradition is alive and strong in these colour soaked contemporary paintings.

27 January – 20 February
Alcaston Gallery
11 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
More info

Above: Ngayuka Ngura – My Country
Ray Ken

Need a 2016 Diary or Calendar?  
Visit ANTaR's online store

Who We Are: Brave New Clan


This series of films celebrates diversity across Australia and gives audiences the chance to find out more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place names, peoples, languages and cultures in their own local area.

'Who We Are: Brave New Clan' follows the lives of six exceptional young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who share stories about their communities, history and cultures in contemporary Australia. The films engage teachers and students in discussions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and allow students to examine the influences of family, kinship, community, Country/place, culture, spirituality, history and modern mainstream Australian society on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Using 'Who We Are: Brave New Clan' in the classroom
Who We Are: Brave New Clan was designed to align with the organising ideas of the Australian Curriculum’s cross curriculum priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Use of the films in a classroom setting will build teachers and students’ knowledge of, understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, contributions and ways of being.
More info www.reconciliation.org.au/schools

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