Edition 815 is on sale today!

Edition 815 on sale today!

In our latest edition, ON SALE TODAY, you’ll read about:

• AUSTRALIA’S only national dance competition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural dance groups returned to the Sydney Opera House last weekend. DanceRites was staged over two big days for a chance to win prizes that total $36,000. The winners were due to be announced on Sunday evening. Each group presented a cultural dance and song cycle, representing their local storytelling and language, with many also performing an optional wildcard dance to showcase their unique style. 

• THE number of Indigenous rangers is set to double by 2030. The federal government has announced that the Indigenous rangers program would receive a $359 million boost to increase the number of rangers from 1,900 to 3,800. The funding was announced as part of the federal government efforts to close the gap and centre First Nations knowledge in environmental protection. 

In SPORT:

• ORGANISERS of the resurrected national Indigenous sports awards have confirmed the event will run again next year and with new developments to enhance the show. Indigenous Sports Network’s Nathan Lovett-Murray said that with the success of the 2023 National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards at the MCG earlier this month, the organising committee have locked in a date and venue for 2024. 

• THE non-selection of an Aboriginal cricketer during the WBBL/09 First Nations Round has passed without comment from Brisbane Heat, Cricket Australia and cricket’s national Indigenous advisory committee this week and last. 

Latest News Stories

A highlight of the event was Brolga front man Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith’s induction into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame.

Rusty honoured for keeping the vibe alive

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:28 am

THE Mob in and around Port Augusta certainly punch above their weight when it comes to live music – and it was evident at the Umeewarra Downtown Music Festival earlier this month. 

The one-day event featured local ‘backyard’ bands to award winning line ups. 

A highlight of the event was Brolga front man’s Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith’s induction into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame. 

The Pitjantjatjara man who grew up at Umeewarra Mission in Port Augusta is the fourth First Nation’s artist to be inducted following the late Archie Roach AC, the late Ruby Hunter and band No Fixed Address. 

It was the first time anyone had been inducted outside of Adelaide. 

“Having it as part of Umeewarra Downtown Festival was very important to me,” he said. 

“I want young people to see that an Aboriginal person from Port Augusta, through working hard, can achieve such high stature in their field. Music has been my safe space. In my time of need it is a way to think about who I am and where I have come from – as a boy from an Aboriginal mission to playing music internationally and being recognised in the SA Music Hall of…

Artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey poses for photographs with her artwork at the Australian War Memorial storage facility in Canberra.

Artworks honour Legacy centenary

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:26 am

ARTWORK showcasing Indigenous vessels will adorn the Australian War Memorial in honour of women who supported families through conflict. 

The artwork by Waradgerie sculptor Lorraine Connelly-Northey was made to mark the centenary of the veterans charity Legacy. 

Comprised of up to 100 coolamons – vessels used by Indigenous communities for food preparation – made out of salvaged metal, the sculpture pays tribute to communities on the home front while war was playing out overseas. 

Each of the coolamons represents different soils of Waradgerie country in central NSW. 

Ms Connelly-Northey said the work paid tribute to the strength and resilience of Indigenous women. 

“Coolamons are traditional Aboriginal implements used to winnow native grass seeds into flour for seedcakes to feed the protectors of our country and abroad, including Aboriginal soldiers who fought for freedom, one for every year of Legacy’s history,” she said. 

The work was unveiled at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Friday and the memorial’s head of art Laura Webster said it was a significant…

Uncle Rex and Aunty Lola Greeno, with their son Dean, lit the first fire at the new campus.

A new home opens

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:25 am

THE University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education celebrated their new Launceston home earlier this month. 

The new campus, on the banks of Laykila/North Esk River is a short walk from downtown Launceston. 

Five kilometres down the road from the old one, it’s part of a UTAS $45.5 million development. 

Aboriginal community from across Lutruwita/Tasmania came to the sunset opening of the swanky new learning spaces, offices and cultural garden/gathering space. 

Operating for over three decades, Riawunna is a welcoming space for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and…

Elaine checks out the recycled scooters.

Recycled bikes and scooters head for remote NT Aboriginal communities

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:23 am

A NEW program is bringing free recycled bikes into outback communities. 

The social enterprise program Revolve ReCYCLING has given new life to 106 old bikes and scooters, destined to bring joy to outback riders. 

The bikes and repair tools were donated by Sydneysiders and restored by volunteers and other members of the community at Revolve ReCYCLING’s Alexandria workshop. 

The bikes will now be taken to seven remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, where local partners will distribute them to spread joy, encourage engagement and encourage school…

Happy winners, the Manangoora Magpies, who recently won the Borroloola Barra Cup cricket competition.

Manangoora Magpies kings of the Barra Cup

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:22 am

THERE’S a new king of Gulf country cricket after the Manangoora Magpies took the 20th anniversary edition of the Borroloola Barra Cup at Borroloola. 

This milestone cricket event brought together spirited teams from the region that ended in a thrilling victory for the Magpies. 

The Borroloola Barra Cup, initiated two decades ago, has become a highlight on the local sporting calendar, fostering solidarity and community spirit. 

The Manangoora Magpies emerged victorious in a hard-fought competition, showcasing the talent and dedication of the local teams. 

Initially conceived with the aim of raising awareness about domestic violence against women, the Borroloola Barra Cup has played a pivotal role in starting conversations about this pressing issue within the community. 

The event, made possible through the collaboration of NT Cricket and Roper Gulf Regional Council, not only celebrates the region’s passion for cricket but also serves as a platform to address critical social issues in one of the most remote parts of…

Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney.

Truth-telling, local voices still on government’s radar

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 12:21 am

TRUTH-TELLING along with local and regional voices remain on the government’s agenda despite the failed referendum earlier this year. 

Indigenous Affairs minister Linda Burney made the comments on the eve of a Closing the Gap meeting on Friday with Aboriginal affairs ministers around the nation and peak body representatives. 

Just a month on from the failed Indigenous Voice referendum, Ms Burney acknowledged that how community can move forward from the setback, would be top of the agenda. 

She said there would be specific discussions about housing, education and inland water targets. 

But she wouldn’t close the door on the government’s commitment to the Uluru Statement, which calls for a truth-telling process and a treaty along with a Voice. 

“Very much what I’m hearing moving around the country is ‘what does it mean for the rest of the Uluru statement?’” Ms Burney told ABC Radio. 

“In particular, I’m hearing the importance of truth-telling. I am not saying…