Daily news digest May 23
Here are the key First Nations news stories across Australia today.
Health & Community Crisis
Diphtheria outbreak:
Health officials are monitoring a highly unusual and widespread diphtheria spike impacting remote Aboriginal communities, raising deep concerns over healthcare access.
Kalumburu housing investigation:
A newly published exposé by the ABC News Investigation highlights the dismal state of government-owned homes in Kalumburu, Western Australia, where residents face severe black mould and broken plumbing.
Housing conference fallout:
The Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory peak body publicly condemned both federal and territory housing ministers for failing to attend their crucial biennial conference addressing overcrowding and sub-standard remote living conditions.
Culture, Art & Sport
Dreamtime at the ‘G:
Tens of thousands of fans gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the annual Dreamtime match as part of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Community icon Michael Long led The Long Walk Naarm alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to promote reconciliation, while football legend Michael ‘Magic’ McClean was honoured on-field.
Tony Albert profile:
Renowned First Nations artist Tony Albert, pictured, (from the Girramay, Yidinji, and Kuku-Yalanji peoples) spoke out about his creative mission to remove historical, harmful “Aboriginalia” items from circulation across the country.
Tiwi football pathways:
Concerns have been raised by AFL star Brad Hill regarding a decline in the number of Indigenous players at the elite level, drawing fresh attention to the deep well of talent in the Tiwi Islands currently pushing through junior academies.
Tributes
Vale Professor Peter Buckskin PSM:
Reconciliation Australia officially marked the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin, a highly respected educator and leader who dedicated more than 40 years to advancing educational excellence for Aboriginal peoples.
