Latest Indigenous Australia

The bushfires have shown us what climate change looks like. A reality millions are facing today all over the world. We reflect on the crisis and what we can do today.

For too long, the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been unheard in Australia’s political landscape. But we’re working with partner organisation Aarnja to make sure that women like Bev Walley are heard, loud and clear.

In this edited extract from the book Practical Visionaries, Susan Blackburn explains how Oxfam’s predecessor, Community Aid Abroad (CAA), began working with Aboriginal communities in Australia more than 40 years ago.

As one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world, Australia Day has become a way of celebrating everything that is great about living in our prosperous, safe and cohesive society. But the current choice of 26 January as Australia’s national day is deeply problematic for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For Australia’s appointment to the United Nations Human Rights Council to have any credibility, the Government should address the significant issues confronting our First Peoples.

Torres Strait Islanders have contributed almost nothing to the causes of climate change, but are being hit first and hardest by its impacts. We visited the archipelago earlier this month to meet with communities and hear their experiences.

As notable Indigenous representatives met in Uluru last week they delivered a statement from the heart: “In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard.” And as these inspiring quotes by influential Indigenous leaders show, it’s time the government listened.

Born and bred in Alice Springs, Donna began her leadership journey at the age of 17, motivated to address the needs of young people in curbing anti-social behaviour. She says Oxfam’s Straight Talk program has given her the tools to become an influencer in her community and stand up for the rights of Aboriginal people.

After tackling his own mental health issues, Cormach Evans is now determined to improve the health and wellbeing of other Indigenous men in the Geelong community – through sport.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are faced with disproportionate rates of preventable disease, injury and mental health challenges. It’s unacceptable. It’s time to Close the Gap!