Tag: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

On the day our Prime Minister hands down his government’s annual Closing the Gap report into Indigenous disadvantage, Oxfam’s Close the Gap campaign lead, Tom Widdup, considers the public campaign driving action to achieve Indigenous health equality. Read more »

On Sunday, two men painted themselves black to represent ‘Indigenous Australians’ at an Aussie–icon themed party in the regional Victorian town of Ballarat, another partygoer dressed as Cathy Freeman, wore a cape and painted her face black. Read more »

Health professional and proud Noongar woman Vicki Wade reflects on her people’s struggle to overcome generations of disadvantage and the subsequent health burden. Read more »

Oxfam recently partnered with the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) to deliver the ‘Deadly Smiles’ project, a project dedicated to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Hear from the Project Lead, Dr Dumi Medago, who recently received an Appreciation Award from the local community. Read more »

The debate about removing the remaining powers that have been used to discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and replacing these with a text that protects against any further loss of our unique Indigenous cultures, has been going on for decades. Debate is fundamental to working through this issue, but it’s only helpful when we have a proper understanding of the facts and a respect for a process that is ultimately controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Read more »

The 17th Garma festival was held recently in Arnhem Land. The significant forum discussed and debated various issues confronting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples such as constitutional recognition, economic development and the forced closure of remote Aboriginal communities — but it was also a celebration of Indigenous culture. Read more »

NAIDOC Week occurs around Australia in the first week of July each year and is a week to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture and contribution to Australia as a nation. Read more »

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 »