Daily news digest July 28
Major Indigenous news stories in Australia today feature a landmark climate appeal in the Federal Court, groundbreaking historical demographic research, and key cultural recognitions.
Torres Strait Climate Appeal Begins:
Saibai and Boigu Island elders Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai are in the Full Federal Court in Naarm (Melbourne) to appeal a 2025 decision. They are fighting to prove the Commonwealth owes a legal duty of care to protect Indigenous communities from devastating rising sea levels caused by climate change.
NT Homelessness Service Shutdown:
Indigenous advocacy groups are responding to an NT Government directive ordering the wind-down of the Territory’s largest homelessness accommodation program, YiSSA, managed by Yilli Housing. The closure leaves more than 300 vulnerable people, including 89 children, facing immediate housing uncertainty in a region where Indigenous people make up 87 per cent of the homeless population.
Culture & Community
NIMA Hall of Fame Inductees:
The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) announced that Guguyelandji and Woppaburra blues legend Marlene Cummins and Arnhem Land’s iconic Saltwater Band will be inducted into the Hall of Fame ahead of the August 8 awards ceremony in Darwin.
Magpie Goose Wearable Art:
The Aboriginal Art Co. successfully hosted a sustainable fashion initiative over the weekend featuring Quandamooka artist Leece Carmichael, who led participants in transforming textiles and fabric offcuts into woven Indigenous art and accessories.
