August eNews
Cabbe melemung’il (Woi wurung greeting)
Along with most of Australia we were appalled by the recent Four Corners story exposing the severe mistreatment of young people in the NT youth detention system. Such sickening injustice must stop! A Royal Commission should give confidence that justice will be done, but shamefully many recommendations of past Royal Commissions and inquiries, including those related to Aboriginal Deaths in Custody which were released 25 years ago, continue to be ignored and governments must be held accountable.
Such injustices are directly related to systemic racism and this must be considered by the Royal Commission. We support Change the Record’s Open Statement, which calls for the Royal Commission to be independent and broader in scope. The insidious racism that enables these and many others injustices to continue to be afflicted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia in 2016 was bluntly portrayed in this week's cartoon in The Australian, which unbelievably, perpetuated derogatory stereotypes about Aboriginal people on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. The racism must stop.
NAIDOC Week last month highlighted the strength and vibrancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria, who have again gathered in numbers in recent days to stand in solidarity in protesting the mistreatment of young people in detention. Increased engagement year-after-year in NAIDOC Week events and the large numbers of young people at events such as the Victorian NAIDOC March gives great hope for a bright future. Check out our website for photos and video highlights from the March and other events.
In other news, the Victorian Government continues to progress Treaty talks and the Referendum Council recently held Leadership Meetings to discuss referendum models and the consultation process ahead (read more below). While this past week’s events have been distressing, we continue to be hopeful about the Treaty developments taking place in Victoria and encourage you to continue to progress meaningful reconciliation in your own lives and communities - it’s the only way things will change.
~ Erin McKinnon, Statewide Coordinator
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August Local Groups Forum
ANTaR Victoria is hosting the next Local Reconciliation Groups Forum at the Father Tucker Centre in Fitzroy, right beside their headquarters behind the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The forum will be an opportunity for local group members from across Victoria to gather and discuss past, present and future practices that look to furthering our collective cause for a reconciled nation.
Guest Speakers:
VACCA CEO, Professor Muriel Bamblett: Unfinished Business
Les Thomas, #SOS Blak Australia
Saturday 13th August 2016, 11:00am – 2:30pm
Father Tucker Centre
128 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy 3065
(Rear 67 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065)
The venue is wheelchair accessible via the Fitzroy Street entrance. Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP (with any dietary requirements) to antar@antarvictoria.org.au or chi@antarvictoria.org.au by Wednesday, 10 August.
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BATMAN PARK – Sunday 21 August, 1-3pm
NORTHCOTE PLAZA – Sunday 28 August, 11am-1pm
For more info visit Darebin Council’s website ‘Your Say’
or email Darebin Council at diversity@darebin.vic.gov.au
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During NAIDOC Week 2016 numerous local community celebrations and events were held across Victoria to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our congratulations to the 2016 Victorian NAIDOC Award winners announced at the Awards Ceremony, held on Friday 1 July:
NAIDOC Patron 2016, Robert Thorpe (far right)
Miss NAIDOC 2016, Merinda Dryden (3rd from right)
Mr NAIDOC 2016, Jordan Kamara Edwards (2nd from left)
The inaugural Sports Award 2016, Shantelle Thompson
Also pictured: Reconciliation Victoria Council members Keith Gove (far left) and Kath Travis (3rd from left) and Program Manager Aileen Traynor (2nd from right). Kath is also the proud mother of Jordan. Thank you to James Henry for the photo.
Visit our website page to learn more and to see photos, videos and reports from NAIDOC Week, including highlights of the NAIDOC March and Ball.
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Interpretive signs in Port Phillip
Helping raise awareness of the local Boon Wurrung people and their culture, the City of Port Phillip unveiled a series of Aboriginal interpretive signs as part of National Reconciliation Week 2016.
The ten signs, which form a self-guided tour of Port Phillip, were created with the Boon Wurrung Foundation and include information about significant Aboriginal landmarks.
(Photo: L to R: Gheran Steel and Aunty Judith Jackson - Boon Wurrung Foundation, Todd Condie - Port Phillip Council)
Read more
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City of Yarra Stolen Generations Marker Project
The City of Yarra is inviting Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with links to Victoria to develop a creative outdoor work to commemorate the Stolen Generations and their families.
If you are an artist or know of any artists that would be interested please visit the City of Yarra website
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Constitutional Recognition and Treaty Update
Most voters support Indigenous treaty and constitutional recognition, according to this survey of 1000 people recently published in The Guardian (21 July). Download the full research report
The Referendum Council recently held several Leadership Meetings to discuss referendum models, with the Melbourne meeting focusing upon how to incorporate Treaty.
There has been a growing amount of conversation and commentary around the question of whether we can simultaneously pursue both Treaty and Constitutional Recognition. You can read the opinions of a number of commentators, such as Linda Burney, Mick Gooda, Megan Davies, Stan Grant, Senator Pat Dodson and others, on our website.
National NAIDOC Person of the Year, Aboriginal educator Chris Sarra, laid down a blunt challenge to Malcolm Turnbull on treaty talks, telling a packed awards ball that Indigenous Australia is ready to begin discussions if the Prime Minister and other leaders have the “courage†for it. The Australian (11/07/16)
The Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to advancing self-determination for Aboriginal Victorians has taken another step forward with the commencement of the Treaty Interim Working Group. Read more
Keep up-to-date with the conversation via our website and Facebook page.
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By Giordano Nanni and Andrea James
Performed by Uncle Jack Charles, Jim Daly, Richard Bligh, Glenn Shae, David Patterson, Greg Fryer, Pauline Whyman, Peter Finlay and Liz Jones
In 1881, the people of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station took on the Board for the Protection of Aborigines in a fight for justice, 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. Coranderrk: We Will Show The Country pays tribute to the resilience and adaptability of a people who rose to the challenge despite all odds, and celebrates the spirit of friendship and genuine collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in pursuit of justice.
LA MAMA COURTHOUSE 349 Drummond Street, Carlton
Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 August
Wednesday 6.30pm. Thursday – Saturday 7.30pm. Sunday 4pm.
Info and Tickets
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North West of Nowhere
One ute, two teenagers and a long road ahead. No looking back now.
Presented by Ilbijerra Theatre Company, North West of Nowhere is raw, honest and takes a fresh approach to raising awareness of sexual health and the importance of respectful sexual relationships. Written specifically for secondary school audiences, young people will relate to Wyatt and Nella as they journey from their teenage dreams to proud young adults ready for the world.
Rosina Auditorium, Abbotsford Convent, Monday 8th August at 1pm.
Free event. Find out more
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There will also be a progress report from Council on the City of Stonnington Reconciliation Action Plan.
Refreshments provided
RSVP Ro Bailey 9819 9106 or
kgove@ozemail.com.au
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Deborah Cheetham: 'Creativity in a Culture of Compliance'
With ever increasing pressure on the arts community of Australia to find the means to survive, a culture of compliance has formed like a scar over very deep wound. Is creativity, at its deepest level, possible in such a culture where compliance is often viewed as a destination rather than a departure point. Indigenous artists and art makers face a particular challenge, as those from outside the Indigenous community, having found a way into a funding life raft have washed up on the shores of Indigenous creativity and are now invading our space.
Tuesday 16 August, 6.30pm
Federation Hall,Grant Street, Southbank
More info
RSVP: This is a free event, however bookings are essential. Please visit the Eventbrite page to RSVP
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A night with Uncle Jack
Uncle Jack Charles is an actor, musician, potter and gifted performer, but in his 73 years he has also been homeless, a heroin addict, a thief and a regular in Victoria’s prisons. A member of the Stolen Generation Jack has spent his life in between acting gigs, caught in the addiction/crime/doing time cycle. Today–no longer caught in the cycle–he lives to tell the extraordinary tale.
The John Curtin Hotel will be hosting 'A night with Uncle Jack" where NOTHING is off limits. Uncle Jack's life is an open book and he'll be sharing his stories, insights, frustrations (taxis!) and lessons learnt- followed by a Q&A with the audience.
2 NEW SHOWS ON SALE NOW:
- MONDAY 22nd AUGUST
- TUESDAY 23rd AUGUST
Bookings and info
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Tash and her dad are going home to country were the sky is higher and the world goes on forever. It’s a long way from the wide streets and big hold houses of Tash’s childhood. Dad still thinks he’s the king of cool, but he’s an old fella now. It’s time for Tash to take him home.
Cast Katie Beckett, Tony Briggs
Writer Katie Beckett
Director Rachael Maza
24 August – 3 September at 8pm – Sundays at 5pm
West Wing Studio 1, Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote
$35. Concession $27
Tickets and info
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Bangarra brings you a remarkable triple bill – a new contemporary dance work showcasing the endless choreographic talents of the company and the infinite stories of Australia’s cultural heritage.
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Thursday 1 – Saturday 10 September
Arts Centre, Melbourne
Thursday 1 – Saturday 3 September – 8pm
Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 September – 8pm
Saturday 3 and Saturday 10 September – 2pm
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Artistic director Stephen Page tells the story of internationally acclaimed visual artist Nyapanyapa Yunupingu (pictured) from North East Arnhem Land. This piece draws inspiration from her incredible life story and paintings.
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Daniel Riley and Beau Dean Riley Smith create Miyagan, a poignant dance story mapping their cultural heritage in a discovery of their family background on Wiradjuri country in New South Wales. The dancers’ artistry, athleticism and authenticity drive the company’s reputation as one of Australia’s most loved ensembles. Join them in 2016 as they pass their message stick on to you.
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Macq by Jasmin Sheppard (pictured) was first performed in 2013 during Dance Clan 3, and is now brought to the main stage, exploring the 1816 March of Macquarie – a historical chapter that decimated Sydney’s Aboriginal community.
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This 2016 national tour is a dedication to David Page.
Bookings and info
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Wyndham Art Gallery presents RACE – an extended program of events that unpack, unmask and explore issues around race and what it means.
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Wednesday 6 July – Sunday 4 September
Wyndham is one of the most diverse communities in Victoria. Inspired by this diversity, Wyndham Art Gallery will provide a platform for artists to share their diverse voices, perspectives, insights and knowledge. Through exhibitions, film, public discussions and performance, this program aims to break down the barriers and stigma that can surround this topic, and lead the way towards a more understanding, unified, represented and dignified society. RACE is the perfect platform to encounter new ideas, meet new people and build relationships with people of diverse cultures.
Vernon Ah Kee, Richard Bell, Destiny Deacon, Gordon Hookey, Clotilde Jimenez, Dianne Jones, William Kentridge, David Sequeira, Wani Le Frere, Vicki West
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Unpacking RACE
Public Forum
Saturday 27 August, 1pm
Join Daniel Browning and a panel of local, prominent and compelling thinkers for an afternoon of questions and conversations about race and Australian identity. Hear from filmmakers, artists, authors, academics. lawyers, sports people and performers as they speak about their experiences.
Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee
$20. $10 concession
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A conversation about PRACTICE
Public Forum
Thursday 1 September, 6.30pm
Local artists and creative practitioners are invited to a conversation about practice.
Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee
FREE
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E X H I B I T I O N S
Until 28 August
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WELCOME
Deanne Gilson and Anindita Banerjee
Opening Thursday 4 August
Ceremony and contemporary practice come together in WELCOME, an exploration of how we welcome each other to a place, our home, our community and our culture.
Wyndham Vale Community Centre, 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard, Manor Lakes
STONE
Clive Gono
Opening Thursday 11 August
Zimbabwean sculptor Clive Gono presents new works that draw on traditional cultural symbols, finding a new place in the gardens and backyards of suburban Melbourne.
Tarneit Community Centre, 150 Sunset Views Bvd, Tarneit
WEAVE
Group Installation
An experiment in community collaboration and what happens when we weave our different cultures together. Weavers and fibre artists of all cultures are invited to come together led by Gunditjmara artist Bronwyn Razem with Papuan artist Vicki Kinai and Hungarian artist Kinga Kaloumaira.
Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Prom, Point Cook
INTIMACY
Hangameh Ghaderi
Photographic portraits that document and explore different expressions of diversity, from intimate portraits of her family to the spectacle of multicultural festivals.
Point Cook Community Centre, 1-21 Cheetham St, Point Cook
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NOIR FILMS
Friday 2 September, 7pm
Brings together a collection of short films that subvert prejudices and bring humour to the complex issues of race and racism.
Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee
$15. $10 concession
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On Thursday 8 September join us as we announce the winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing. We're also celebrating the languages of Australia's first people; Daniel Browning, Bruce Pascoe and Vicki Couzens will introduce and define a favourite word in language – then talk about why this word is precious and how it defies English translation.
The Wheeler Centre
176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Bookings and info
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Following an international tour, Uncle Jack Charles returns to Australia to perform
Jack Charles v The Crown
15 - 19 November
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From Stolen Generation to Koori theatre in the 70s, from film sets to Her Majesty’s prisons, Jack Charles v The Crown runs the gamut of a life lived to its utmost. Charles’ unswerving optimism transforms this tale of addiction, crime and doing time into a kind of vagabond’s progress – a map of the traps of dispossession and a guide to reaching the age of grey-haired wisdom.
Fairfax Theatre
Victorian Arts Centre, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Bookings and info
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Dave is a Kokatha/Gunditjmara Storyteller & Songman. The Dave Arden Gunditjmara/Kokatha, Songman & Storyteller Show is a full band performance of 12 original songs and stories.This show represents a collective history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
From freedom fighters to Irish settlers, Gunditjmara soldiers in the World Wars to a new generation of culture keepers and leaders, these important stories are interwoven with song and music.
Victorian Tour dates:
BAIRNSDALE – Friday 19 August
Forge Theatre, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale
LAKES ENTRANCE – Saturday 20 August
Lakes Entrance Mechanics’ Hall, 18 Mechanics St, Lakes Entrance
Wednesday 24 August – Warragul
West Gippsland Arts Centre, cnr Albert and Smith Streets, Warragul
SALE – Thursday 25 August
Esso BHP Billiton, Wellington Entertainment Centre
100 Foster Street, Sale
HEYWOOD – Friday 2 September
Heywood Community Hall, Edgar Street, Heywood
WARRNAMBOOL – Saturday 3 September
The Lighthouse Theatre, 195 Timor Street, Warrnambool
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Yingadi Immersion 2016
Yingadi – meaning to come/be invited
You are invited to come, experience and explore Aboriginal spirituality and connection to land by walking with Mutthi Mutthi woman Vicki Clark in the footsteps of her ancestors at Lake Mungo and Balranald.
Sunday 25 to Thursday 29 September
Cost: $1100 all inclusive (transport, accommodation, meals)
Expression of Interest and Application:
Peter Hay – Director: peter@amberley.org.au
Karen Mahoney – Yingadi Immersion Coordinator: karen@amberley.org.au
Phone: 9439 8282 |
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We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Victoria.
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