The Mayor's Column
Suddenly, politicians on all sides have discovered that Indigenous Australians are suffering and that some communities are in dire trouble. The Children are Sacred report holds information which Aboriginal people and concerned others have been calling to attention for many years. Australian statistics have long shown that for many Aboriginal people, life expectancy is 17 years shorter, infant mortality higher, incarceration in jail disproportionate and health and quality of life poorer than for other Australians. The problems are complex, requiring understanding, sensitivity and long-term commitment.
NAIDOC Week is held annually, draws attention to such problems and especially celebrates the survival of Indigenous culture and contribution to modern Australia. This is the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, with the theme, ‘Looking Forward, Looking Blak’.
NAIDOC [National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee] had its origins in the 1920s, when Aboriginal groups formed to call for citizenship rights and draw attention to social injustice and living conditions suffered by Aboriginal people.
In the 30s, Aboriginal activists presented the Prime Minister with a proposed national policy for Aboriginal people. It was rejected on the grounds that the Commonwealth had no responsibility for Aboriginal affairs.
Aboriginal people are still struggling for recognition and justice.
With this goal, Aboriginal culture is showcased annually when NAIDOC recognises outstanding achievements of Indigenous Australians in such categories as Elder and Youth of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and awards in education, art, music, sport and community service.
There are some wonderful stories attached to these people, some of whom are household names, others quiet achievers. There was Aden Ridgeway, a Gumgayngirr man from Macksville and Aboriginal Senator; Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), poet and human rights activist; Justine Saunders, renowned actor and supporter of Aboriginal arts; and Pat and Mick Dodson, brothers and political activists for Aboriginal rights.
Mosman people have demonstrated that they care about Aboriginal Reconciliation, walking across the Bridge with the Kempsey community, and coming to hear Aboriginal speakers arranged by Mosman Reconciliation Group, such as Professor Larissa Behrendt, lawyer and author; John Moriarty, the artist who painted the Qantas plane; Linda Burney and Aden Ridgeway, two of the few Aboriginal representatives in Parliament.
Come to Mosman Reconciliation meetings, held the first Wednesday of each month at 6.30pm in the Mosman Square Seniors Centre, contact 9909 0203.
Celebrate NAIDOC week:
- Look for Mosman children’s artwork in the Library and shopping centre.
- See Aboriginal paintings in Mosman Art Gallery.
- Hear Linda Burney speak at Addison Road Gallery, Addison Road, Marrickville, 2 pm Sunday July 8th
- Write to politicians about reasoned and consultative solutions.
- Participate in NAIDOC Week activities.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
