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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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…