Evacuations Underway for Two Northern Territory Aboriginal Communities Amid Severe Flooding
Authorities in Australia's Northern Territory have initiated evacuations for two remote Aboriginal communities, Palumpa (Nganmarriyanga) and Daly River (Nauiyu), as severe flooding continues to threaten the region. This unprecedented flood emergency has prompted around 600 residents to be airlifted to safety in Darwin, where they will remain until conditions improve and floodwaters recede. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has reported that a monsoon trough and a tropical low system are expected to bring continuous wet weather throughout the weekend. The situation is critical in Palumpa, where approximately 400 individuals are being relocated, alongside 200 evacuees from Daly River. Emergency services... [Continue Reading]
Peruvian state responsible for mother’s death in forced sterilisation, court rules
Landmark ruling in Celia Ramos case finds 310,000 women, most Indigenous, were targeted in brutal 1990s campaignThe highest human rights court in Latin America condemned Peru on Thursday over the death of its citizen Celia Ramos, who died at the age of 34 in 1997 after undergoing sterilisation “under coercion”.The landmark ruling by the inter-American court of human rights (IACHR) is the first on Peru’s forced sterilisation programme, which operated between 1996 and 2000 and was directed against poor, rural and Indigenous women. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
NSW coroner ‘very troubled’ by health policy change after Stolen Generations member dies in custody
Yuin man Gregory Merriman did not have a chronic health screening before suffering a fatal heart attack in Silverwater prison in 2022Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA NSW coroner who investigated the death in custody of a member of the Stolen Generations has criticised plans to delay health screenings for Indigenous inmates, saying it could result in problems being missed.Gregory Merriman, a 58-year-old Yuin man and direct descendant of revered Yuin leader Umbarra, died at Silverwater’s Metropolitan Reception and Remand Centre (MRRC) in Sydney’s western suburbs in December 2022.Indigenous Australians can call 13YARN on 13... [Continue Reading]
Family of Indigenous man who died in custody say justice 'won't be done'
The inquest heard that Greg Merriman had a heart attack and died alone in his locked cell after tear gas was deployed by Corrective Services officers in his prison wing. [Continue Reading]
Remote community families going hungry despite grocery subsidy scheme
The head of Australia's biggest independent remote grocery stores network says in 30 years, he's never seen Indigenous communities struggle so much to afford enough food. [Continue Reading]
PM pays tribute to 'formidable advocate' Pat Turner as she retires
Indigenous trailblazer Pat Turner has announced her retirement after a "tireless" career dedicated to championing the rights of First Nations people. [Continue Reading]
Man charged with manslaughter following death during ceremonial ritual at Dreaming Arts Festival
A 52-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the tragic death of Jarrad Antonovich, who passed away during a ceremonial ritual at the Dreaming Arts Festival. This festival, known for its focus on Indigenous and spiritual practices, featured the use of ayahuasca, a South American hallucinogenic brew, and kambo, a secretion from the skin of the giant monkey frog. The incident highlights the complex intersection of cultural practices and health safety. The charge stems from an incident in which Mr. Antonovich, aged 46, suffered a severe medical emergency resulting in a perforated oesophagus. This condition was determined... [Continue Reading]
Federal inquiry launched into racism and hate against Indigenous Australians following attempted bombing at Perth rally
The recent arrest of a man for allegedly attempting to bomb an Invasion Day rally in Perth has ignited a federal parliamentary inquiry into racism and hate directed against Indigenous Australians. Authorities allege that Liam Alexander Hall, 32, threw a homemade device packed with ball bearings and screws into a large crowd on January 26. Although the device did not detonate, the incident marked a disturbing development and led to Hall becoming the first individual in Western Australia to be charged with a terrorism offense. The event occurred in the heart of Perth's Central Business District, a location known for... [Continue Reading]
Wilcannia residents await federal funding to advance long-discussed weir project despite state allocation of $70 million
The residents of Wilcannia, a town located on the Darling River in New South Wales, are facing yet another setback in their long-standing campaign for a new weir. The project, which has been under discussion for over 30 years, has met with delays as both state and federal governments navigate the complexities of funding. While the New South Wales government has allocated $70 million towards the modernization of the weir, it has stated that the project cannot advance without a further $60 million contribution from the federal government. Community frustrations have mounted as the federal government remains non-committal, insisting that... [Continue Reading]
