Daily news digest June 3
Mabo Day is celebrated across Australia. It marks the 34th anniversary of the historic 1992 High Court Mabo decision.
This landmark ruling overturned the fiction of terra nullius (“nobody’s land”). It legally recognised the native title rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The day also concludes National Reconciliation Week, themed “All In”.
National News Stories
Free Mabo Day Concerts:
A major free musical concert hosted by the Koorie Heritage Trust, in partnership with the City of Melbourne, is taking place at Federation Square to honour Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy.
Supreme Court Genocide Appeal:
Krauatatungalung Elder Uncle Robbie Thorpe is appearing before the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal. He is seeking to advance historic legal proceedings to charge King Charles III with the genocide of Aboriginal people.
Wadbilliga Koala Recovery:
An Indigenous-led conservation project has officially confirmed the return of koalas across Wadbilliga National Park, showcasing successful First Nations land management.
Water Justice Gathering:
Aboriginal women are convening on Gamilaraay Country for a historic meeting focused on securing First Nations water justice and river protections.
First Nations Art and Fashion:
The Rubibi (Broome) jetty has been transformed into a runway to showcase Kimberley Aboriginal fashion designers.
Political and Community Updates
First Nations Health Funding:
New funding extensions through to 2029 have been confirmed to back maternal health programs, specifically supporting First Nations mothers and babies via regional health councils.
Calls for Constitutional Progress:
Following the conclusion of the National Indigenous ‘Walk for Truth’ to Canberra, Uluru Dialogue co-chairs are renewing calls for truth-telling frameworks and structural reforms to combat stagnant Closing the Gap metrics.
