Daily news digest February 19
Key Indigenous news in Australia for today includes significant legal rulings, leadership appointments, and health initiatives.
Legal & Activism
Legal Challenge Defeat:
Indigenous activist Uncle Robbie Thorpe has lost a legal challenge in the Federal Court of Australia regarding the Australian Government’s designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Leadership & Governance
Linda Burney Joins UTS:
Former minister Linda Burney has been appointed to the board of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she will help oversee Indigenous education policies.
Disability Reform Advocacy:
At a national forum marking two years since the Disability Royal Commission, advocate Tahlia-Rose Vanissum emphasised that reform must be led by First Nations people with lived experience to be effective.
Assembly Elections Call-out:
Ahead of the 2026 elections for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, there is a call for Traditional Owners to stand for election to represent their communities in ongoing treaty negotiations.
Environmental Impact on Heritage:
Recent extreme heat and fire events in Victoria have exposed ancient ancestral remains, prompting increased focus on protecting cultural heritage.
Health & Community
Crisis Aid Funding:
The Indigenous-led crisis support service 13YARN has secured new funding to expand its mental health and crisis aid capacity.
HIV Peer Program:
A $200,000 grant from ViiV Healthcare Australia has been awarded to expand ‘Mob+’, a First Nations-led, peer-supported program providing culturally safe care and support for First Nations people living with HIV.
Native Title Symposium (South Coast):
The inaugural Kiarama Southeastern Seaboard Native Title Partnership Symposium concludes today (18–19 February) in Kiama. Funded by NSW Aboriginal Affairs, the event brings together Traditional Custodians and local councils to discuss the pending South Coast Aboriginal Peoples’ Native Title claim.
Galuma-li Dhawun Rangers: An all-women ranger team has been officially welcomed by the Gunnedah Local Aboriginal Land Council to protect local flora, fauna, and Country.
Wangan and Jagalingou Sacred Site Protection:
Following a legal win, the Wangan and Jagalingou traditional owners are waiting for the Queensland government’s next steps regarding investigations into alleged damage to a sacred site near a mine in Central Queensland.
Sports & Health
Taylan May Targets Origin: Indigenous NRL player Taylan May has publicly shared his goal of earning a NSW State of Origin call-up for the 2026 season following his move to the Wests Tigers.
