Mungo…
The Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation respectfully acknowledge the traditional
owners of the land we meet on, the Yalukit Wilam people of the Boon Wurrung.
This newsletter is supported by a Community Grant from the City of Port Phillip and printed with the assistance of the Member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, MP. February 2012
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FROM THE CO-CHAIR
Firstly, I’d like to wish all PPCfR members a happy and prosperous New Year.
Challenges: There are several major events of focus for those interested in reconciliation this year, all of which are challenging, to say the least. The main focus is reforming the existing Constitution to include recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The other is inter-related: the proposed Referendum, knowing as we do that the majority of Referendums held in Australia have failed. There is a great deal of good will towards making this current one return a favourable response. PPCfR, in common with most other groups around the country, will be doing what we can to be involved and educate those we can with our fairly limited resources. Another challenge for us during 2012 will be to continue to work with local schools, encouraging them to learn more about Aboriginal history and culture. If you’d like to learn more and/or become involved in our work - even if you only have limited time available, please come along to one of our meetings, or contact me for further information.
Festival: I hope to see many of you at the information stall we’re setting up at this year’s Yalukit Willam Ngargee (YWN) Indigenous Cultural festival in O’Donnell Gardens, St Kilda on 4 February. As well as a range of community stalls, children’s activities, arts and craft, food, the organisers have lined up some terrific talent – and it’s all free! Entertainers include Bart Willoughby Band, The Last Kinection, Emma Donovan and the Gracemakers plus heaps more – including PPCfR Co-Chair Den the Fish reading his poetry. Aunty Carolyn Briggs will give the Welcome to Country. YWN, which means ‘People Gathering Place’ in the Boonwurrung language, kicks off the 9-day St Kilda Festival. For full details, visit www.stkildafestival.com.au
Survival Day: Australia Day, 26th January, is remembered for several things, including the fact that on this day, the
first European settler’s invasion of the land had profound consequences for those already living here, our First Nations People, so it is little wonder that they, along with Torres Strait Islanders, refer to the day as Survival Day with ‘survival’ events held around the country. Members Liz Brumer, Dennis Frankel and I attended one in Melbourne at Belgrave, where in a beautiful garden setting and in perfect weather, hundreds gathered to enjoy a range of activities. They included cultural/history lessons, a warm welcome from Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Dot Nicholson, the wonderful singing of Lou Bennett, the Jindi Worobak Dancers, traditional stories from Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie, the mellifluous voice of ‘Black Elvis’ (methinks the aforesaid story teller in disguise), the hip hop group the Yung Warriors amongst others, all smoothly MC’d by Leila Gurruwiwi from Channel 31’s Marngrook Footy Show. Another Survival Day concert was held in Treasury Gardens with a focus on the 40th anniversary that day, 26th January, of the Aboriginal Embassy’s occupation of the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra, a gathering which made national news headlines, perhaps for all the wrong reasons.
In the News: A striking photo accompanied an interesting interview with Dennis Fisher, aka Den the Fish, in the Melbourne Weekly Port Phillip edition of 25January. Among other things, Den mentioned his involvement with PPCfR. Recommended reading.
Feedback: We welcome feedback, either in person, via phone or email. This could be about an item for Mungo - always welcome, an idea or an activity that we could explore, a group who might like to hear a bit about reconciliation and our work...we’d like to hear from you via 9699 8804 or .
Rosemary Rule
Rec Vic News
On January 16, 2012, the Expert Panel on the Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presented its report to the Prime Minister and major political parties. However, history demonstrates that for a referendum proposal to be successful there must be bipartisan support. Such political support will only be achieved if there is a groundswell of public backing across the political spectrum for the referendum. Reconciliation Victoria, in collaboration with reconciliation groups such as yours, ANTaR Victoria, VCOSS, NGOs, faith-based organisations, student organisations, unions and a range of other organisations, plans to mount a significant grass-roots campaign to show our politicians that the public endorses the meaningful constitutional recognition that we believe will be proposed by the panel. The Report can be accessed via http://www.youmeunity.org.au/final-report. Reconciliation Victoria will release a detailed response after reading through the Report and Recommendations. Oonce we have the go-ahead from the PM/Parliament, the campaign for a YES vote begins! Growing the reconciliation movement in 2012 will be supported by some important anniversaries - the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on 26th January, and the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision on 3rd June. RecVic has begun to look at opportunities throughout the year to build widespread community engagement in reconciliation, through supporting and participating in a series of events which we hope will build momentum in the lead up to a potentially historic referendum:
Feb 13 - Anniversary of National Apology. RecVic hopes to re-create the public screening of the National Apology– e.g. show it on the big screen at Fed Square with some related speeches/entertainment to raise awareness of the ‘unfinished business’….an opportunity to promote Sorry Day and NRW events.
Feb 18 - Local Reconciliation Group forum. RecVic has begun to develop a Victorian Reconciliation Framework, to guide action across all sectors of the community towards a shared vision. We look forward to discussing this with you and hearing your thoughts and ideas on how we can best progress this work. For further information, contact Erin McKinnon, Statewide Coordinator, Reconciliation Victoria, ,
Tel No: 04199 43520.
ANTaR News
ANTaR Vic will be hosting stalls at all sorts of community events and needs volunteers to help sell merchandise, talk about ANTaR Vic, Constitutional Recognition etc. The events will be held on 4 Feb, 8am-2pm, St Andrew's Community Market; 11 Feb, 9am-CERES Saturday Market; 10-12 Feb, ongoing Indigenous Arts Festival, Federation Square; 18 Feb 9am-1pm , CERES Saturday Market; 25 Feb, 9am-1pm, CERES Saturday Market. To become involved, contact ANTaR - 9419 3613 or visit .
Outdoor film -Our Generation
OUR GENERATION, a documentary made by Sinem Saban & Damien Curtis, and short films about the Kimberley Campaign opposing the proposed Gas Hub at James Price Point in the Kimberley, plus live music and speakers with a focus on issues affecting indigenous communities in northern Australia – making connections and involving us all in finding solutions will be held at CERES Environment Park, Cnr Roberts and Stewart Streets Brunswick East on Friday, 17 February, from 6pm with speakers and live music until dark, feature starts at 9pm. Food available including barbecues with meat and vegetarian options. Bar open from 6pm. Fundraising for NT Greens campaigns in 2012. Money raised by film ticket sales will go to community projects in Arnhem Land and Kimberley campaigners. Bring Picnic, rugs, cushions, clothing for all weather! For details, contact CERES Reception - 9389 0100, or
Indigenous Writers Talk
Melbourne’s own Yorta Yorta woman, Kylie Belling, hosts some of Australia’s most talented storytellers at this session. Contemporary poets, songwriters, rappers, playwrights, scriptwriters and novelists will read, perform and talk about their work. The talks celebrate Indigneous writing and the legacy and traditon of David Unaipon, Kevin Gilbert and Oodgeroo Noonuccal. Writers will discuss the topics, “Who do Indigenous writers write for?" and "How do contemporary Indigenous writers move between the oral tradition and the written word?” Panelists: 11am Poets: Tony Birch, Robbie Thorpe, Kim Walker and John Harding; Noon Rappers: Tjimba Possum-Burns and Patrick Mau (Maupower); 12.30pm Writers panel: Larissa Behrendt, Tony Briggs, Richard Frankland, Patrick Mau and Tjimba Possum-Burns. Moderated by John Harding. Date: Saturday 11 February, 11am to 2pm. Entry from 10.30am. Venue: BMW Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne. Free entry, no bookings.
Indigenous Visual Artists Talks
Join the conversation as contemporary Indigenous artists discuss arts practice and the Blak experience. The sessions explore various media, ideas and concerns and examine the nature and impact of politically charged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual art.
11am Rights and Protocols: ABC Radio National’s Daniel Browning will delve into the personal journey of Terri Janke, a lawyer and champion for the rights of Indigenous artists.
11.30am Birrarung Wilam (River Camp): Liz Liddle will interview and discuss the work of installation artists, Vicky Couzens and Lee Darroch.
Noon Laneway Commissions 2011 Artists: Tony Birch will discuss the work with Destiny Deacon (Where I am), Reko Rennie (Neon Natives), Yhonnie Scarce (Iron Cross), John Harding (Let's Talk Treaty), Steaphan Paton (Urban Doolagahl Project) and the Wurundjeri Council Artist's Collective.
1pm proppaNOW Artists: Kim Kruger will interview and discuss the work of Brisbane’s proppaNOW. Comprising eight Indigenous artists and agitators, the work of the proppaNow collective confronts the mainstream misconceptions, stereotypes, urban myths, romanticised views and institutionalised racism of colonial Australia. Artists speaking include Vernon AhKee, Richard Bell and Laurie Nilsen. Date: Sunday 12 February, 11am to 2pm. Entry from 10.30am, BMW Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne. Free entry, no bookings. For further information: City of Melbourne -
New resource material
To help commemorate the most significant moment in Australia’s history, the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry has prepared an activity for schools, church groups, organisations and community groups. The activity comes on power point that goes for approx. 15minutes, great for staff meetings, assemblies, conclusion of church services. As part of the activity the participants place a badge on their chest to help promote the wider community and families. The theme we have chosen is “I Feel Proud Today” because this is a shared story for all Australians. For further details, contact Vicki Clark, Co-ordinator, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, ph 9480 3849, or
DARWIN – N. T. November 2011
If one can survive the "build up" one can almost take on any challenge.
I have just returned from 6 weeks in Darwin and the humidity is something. Of course it's always 33c down to 29c but the season before the rains is the most curious. People tend to drink a lot and when I went into the supermarket to buy a couple of bottles of wine for my friend who was having a dinner party, low and behold I have to hand over my drivers license to be scanned like every one else. So immediately I realise there is a bit of a thirsty problem.
On contemplating, I decided this was good and the powers that be are really trying to solve, help and guide us wild colonials into a bit of civilised living. Even still there were fights, bashing and murders and the police try very hard to keep peace and calm, and if this fails a little trip in the divvy van seems to settles things down.
One of the highlights of course is the football. These beautiful young bright Indigenous and white kids leaping around in the heat is a sight to enjoy. There was a big draw card --Brendon Fevola was playing, and he did an amazing job of booting goals. A great day. Met my dear friend Michael Long. He does so much work with the sport and keeping kids interested and focused. My hero Michael.
By the time this goes to press the rains will have arrived and cleared the air, filled the rivers and life returns to normal.
Meg. Davoren - Honey (Artist)
Melbourne Museum
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Arnhem Land paintings and objects from the Donald Thomson Collection running till 12 Feb 2012.
This exhibition is entitled Ancestral Power and the Aesthetic and showcases the painted works collected by anthropologist Professor Donald Thomson (1901 – 1970). The paintings show the differences in style between the Dhuwa and Yirritja clans as well as the differences between central and eastern Arnhem Land.
Daily till 12 Feb 2012 10.00am – 5.00pm.
An exhibition entitled Our Children Our Future running until 5 Feb 2012 features the work of Koorie children and youth. It celebrates the strength, diversity and vibrancy of Victoria Aboriginal Culture.
Daily till 5 Feb 2012 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Contact details:
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson St, Carlton, Victoria 3053
Telephone 13 11 02
Lake Mungo Indigenous Immersion 2012
An opportunity to walk the land with Muthi- Muthi woman, Vicki Walker Clark …..
Share story Connect to the Land Experience deeper issues confronting Aboriginal Australians
Time spent around campfires with guitars, under
skies filled with stars and on endless sand dunes - connect with the first people of Australia and with the land we so often forget to embrace
26th to 30th March 2012 $850 per person all inclusive
PREPARATION EVENING Wednesday 29th February 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry 434 St Georges Road Thornbury Light dinner included
For further information contact:
Peter Hay – or 9439 8282 or 0409 008 319
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