Category: Indigenous Australia

Engaging with the political system can be daunting for most people, but with the help of Oxfam’s Straight Talk program, Aboriginal women like Mayatili Marika are finding their voice and making an impact. Read more »

Reconciliation is about unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s also about respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and valuing justice and equity for all Australians. Read more »

In 2012, Rhett Burraston was selected to participate in the ChangeCourse program — a program run by Oxfam that provides opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to proactively effect change within their communities. Today, Rhett runs an after-school sports program in his hometown of Airds, which works with Aboriginal kids over the long-term, ensuring they are happy, healthy and have goals for the future. Most recently he was awarded the NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year. Read more »

It’s a shocking record – one that’s devastating lives and tearing communities apart. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 13 times more likely to be imprisoned than non-Indigenous people. Arrente man Des Rogers’s story is an all-too-common one. Imprisoned at the age of fourteen, Des was “thrown back into a world of hopelessness” and […] Read more »

This month marks the 24th anniversary of the tabling of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report in federal parliament. Next year the report will be a generation old. We should reflect on what has been done to change the landscape of the criminal ­justice system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait ­Islander people. Read more »

The crisis facing Indigenous health has a long and complex history. While events like National Close the Gap Day bring the issue of Indigenous health equality to the public eye, the fight for health equality still continues. Tom Widdup, Close the Gap National Lead, shares his reflections after National Close the Gay Day 2015. Read more »

Today is National Close the Gap Day, an important day to make your voice heard. With adequate funding, Aboriginal health equality is possible by 2030. Join the thousands who today, are demanding Indigenous health equality within a generation. Read more »

Straight Talk is an Australian program that connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with the political system and builds the capacity of women as change makers. One such woman is Heather Shearer, an Aranda woman from Labrapuntja near Ntaria (Hermannsburg), a member of the Stolen Generation and proud mum/grandmother. Read more »

Instagram may have a reputation as a breeding ground for selfies and photos of brunch, but in March there’s a reason to put those filters to good use. This year’s Student Photo Challenge is running from March 16-20. More details are available in the National Close the Gap Day How to Guide. Read more »

Dr Peter Lewis, Indigenous Policy Advisor Today the Close the Gap Campaign delivered its annual Progress and Priorities Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and well-being at the Parliamentary Breakfast in Canberra. Prime Minister Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Greens leader Christine Milne all emphasised the need for for a long-haul and multi-partisan commitment to end […] Read more »