Daily news digest June 19

Indigenous news headlines for June 19 centres on cultural heritage protections, significant community infrastructure funding, local cultural events, and healthcare updates.

Heritage & Environmental Protections

Lal Lal Falls Sacred Site Conflict:
Indigenous and environmental groups have publicly accused a Chinese company of hoarding water on a Victorian property, causing the sacred Aboriginal site Lal Lal Falls to run completely dry.

Corporate & Community Infrastructure

Record Mining Community Spend:
Major mining corporations have announced a record-breaking community infrastructure expenditure program directly aimed at benefiting hundreds of Indigenous students through regional educational and facilities upgrades.

Snake-Proof Infrastructure for Elders:
Certified First Nations businesses Intract Australia and Hardy Fencing have partnered to install critical snake-proof fencing at an aged care facility in Kaltukatjara. This joint effort allows local Elders to safely age on Country with dignity.

Community & Cultural Events

Alice Springs Beanie Festival:
Today marks the opening of the final annual Alice Springs Beanie Festival, running from June 19 to June 22 at the Araluen Arts Centre, celebrating its 30th anniversary of central Australian Indigenous craft.

Barooga, NSW:
The Echoes of Bullanginya Dreaming evening outdoor journey opens tonight, blending multimedia storytelling with contemporary art by Bangerang artists.

Burleigh Heads, QLD:
The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is hosting its regular “Unity in Community” gathering, led by Elder Uncle John Graham on Yugambeh Country.

Coffs Harbour, NSW:
Guided cultural deep-dives exploring local Gumbaynggirr language and song are running today at the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience.

Health & Governance

Indigenous Health & Sports Push:
The health initiative Deadly Choices has officially ramped up its health checks during Men’s Health Week, leveraging the excitement of the State of Origin period to boost 715 health checks among First Nations men.

All-Indigenous Board Appointed:
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) has announced a milestone governance update with the appointment of a brand new, all-Indigenous corporate board.