The Australian Bite
Aboriginal group takes complaint to UN
21 February 2009
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Prescribed Area sign in Australia's Northern Territory. Photo by manniac aka Manfred Renner
This week on the Bite, we hear why a group of Northern Territory Aboriginal people are taking a complaint against the Australian Government to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. And we take a look at a travelling exhibition featuring the work of one of Australia’s best known photographers, the late Max Dupain, best known for his picture of “The Sunbaker”.
Aboriginal group seeks UN intervention on race
A group of 20 Aboriginal people from in and around the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs, are taking the Australian Government to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s all to do with the controversial Northern Territory Emergency Response, and Heather Jarvis talks to Professor George Williams from the University of New South Wales to find out more.
The full text of the complaint can be found at the National Indigenous Times website http://www.nit.com.au/downloads/files/Download_192.pdf
Professor George Williams’ opinion piece can be found at http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/rudd-must-act-if-race-complaint-upheld-20090209-8280.html
The report of the Australian Government’s NTER review in October 2008 can be viewed at http://www.nterreview.gov.au/docs/report_nter_review/execsumm.htm
Australian photographer Max Dupain
One of the most iconic images of Australia is the photo of the Sunbaker lying on the beach, taken in 1937 by one of Australia’s most well known photographers, the late Max Dupain. An exhibition of Max Dupain’s photographic work has been travelling the country, and is currently on show at the Public Records Office in Melbourne. Heather Jarvis takes a look with the PROV’s Diane Gardiner.
More information on the exhibition, along with photos and an education kit can be found at the National Archives of Australia website http://www.naa.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/dupain.aspx
Choir sings for bushfire relief
Rain clouds didn’t dampen enthusiasm for a bushfire appeal held earlier this week on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. A small but generous crowd gathered to listen to the Sydney Philharmonic Choir at 6am in the morning. The choir had sung as part of the Sydney festival in January, but they wanted to perform again to raise money for affected Victorians. Melanie Simm donned her raincoat to soak up the music.
Music (not in podcast)
Nabarlek, from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, last year released their third studio album, Manmoyi Radio. This track, “Dilebang” is about a sacred Aboriginal Dreaming place which community members are warned to stay away from, or die.
Artist: Nabarlek
Track: Dilebang
Album: Manmoyi Radio
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