Daily news digest May 1
Major Indigenous news today is dominated by the tragic aftermath of the death of a five-year-old girl in Alice Springs and ongoing community unrest.
Community Tragedy and Unrest
Alice Springs Community in Mourning:
The body of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was discovered yesterday near the Old Timers camp after she was missing for five days.
Arrest and Relocation:
Jefferson Lewis, a suspect in her abduction and death, was arrested yesterday in Alice Springs. For his safety, he was transferred to a Darwin prison in the early hours of Friday morning after community fury led to riots outside Alice Springs Hospital.
Protests and Clashes:
Hundreds of protesters clashed with police in Alice Springs and other locations today, demanding an end to armed police in remote communities. Police reportedly used rubber bullets and tear gas to control the crowd during the hospital riot.
Family’s Plea for Calm:
The girl’s grandfather and other Yapa elders have issued a public message calling for the community to respect cultural sorry business and allow the justice system to proceed without further violence.
Cultural and Environmental News
Native Title Dispute in SA:
Native Title holders on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula have alleged that a mining company has destroyed significant cultural sites and commenced development without a formal agreement.
Indigenous Activity Data:
New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today highlights that Indigenous adults average nearly two hours of moderate physical activity daily, significantly higher than some national averages.
Arts and Media
New Music Release:
The band Mulga Bore Hard Rock released their new single “Big Train” today, ahead of their upcoming album.
Deadly Funny Winner:
A Yarwura and Noongar woman from Broome, known as ‘One Silly Ring’, has won the top prize at the Deadly Funny National Grand Final for her deadpan comedy.
