Daily news digest January 24
Indigenous news and events for Saturday, January 24 centre on leadership appointments, cultural site disputes, and preparations for upcoming “Invasion Day” commemorations.
Current News & Political Developments
Black Mountain Tower Stalled:
Ngunnawal custodians in Canberra expressed concerns that plans to transform Black Mountain Tower into a cultural site have stalled due to their exclusion from discussions with the ACT government and Telstra.
NTFL Representative Clash:
Former AFL stars Willie Rioli, pictured, and Janet Baird will lead the Indigenous-led “Heat” men’s and women’s teams tonight in a highly anticipated Northern Territory Football League representative match at TIO Stadium.
Candidate Nominations:
Nominations for the 2026 South Australian First Nations Voice Election are scheduled to open on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following the long weekend.
Nipaluna / Hobart:
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) will lead its annual street march starting at 11:00 AM from the TAC building on Elizabeth Street, concluding with a rally at Parliament Lawns at 12:00 PM.
Wind Farm Approval:
Environmental and community concerns have been raised today regarding a new wind farm at St Patricks Plains, which critics argue may impact local species and lacks sufficient Indigenous consultation.
Death of Pioneer Uncle Albert Holt:
Respected Indigenous leader, author, and Bidjara elder Uncle Albert Holt has died at age 89. A “Queensland Great,” Holt was a trailblazer in education and justice, co-founding Queensland’s first Indigenous school and the groundbreaking Murri Court.
New Youth Employment Pathway:
AFL and NRL legends have launched a grassroots program on the Gold Coast aimed at closing the opportunity gap for Indigenous youth. The initiative has already helped over 200 students find employment.
Cultural Events & Commemorations
Sunset Cultural Ceremony:
Held today from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary in Woronora, NSW, inviting community members for reflection, yarning, and listening ahead of January 26.
Bullanginya Dreaming:
An immersive nighttime multimedia exhibition blending contemporary art with Indigenous heritage continues tonight in Barooga, NSW.
Zach Green “The Storyteller Chef”:
Indigenous chef Zach Green, pictured above, is hosting an event at York Town Hall today, January 24, at 10:00am, focusing on Indigenous food, culture, and storytelling.
Albany Bicentenary Commemorations:
The “Albany: Then & Now” exhibition continues at the Museum of the Great Southern, showcasing the history of Kinjarling/Albany as a place of early interaction between Aboriginal and British people.
Stage Productions
Dear Son:
A stage show featuring letters from Indigenous men to their sons/fathers, performing tonight at Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney.
Soul of Possum:
A historical thriller by Brodie Murray set on Wamba Wamba country, performing tonight at fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne.
Guided Cultural Walk:
An informative session on traditional “useful plants” was held this morning at the Tulla-yugaipa Track in Queensland.
