Daily news digest March 1
Key news stories and developments impacting Indigenous Australians today:
NSW Foster Care Reforms:
The NSW Government has announced historic reforms to the out-of-home care system to improve accountability and transparency for the more than 13,500 vulnerable children in NSW, many of whom are Indigenous. This comes after an evaluation showing the previous “Permanency Support Program” failed to meet its goals.
Perth Invasion Day Terror Investigation:
Authorities continue to investigate a January 26 attack on a First Nations protest camp in Perth as a terrorist act. A 31-year-old man remains in custody facing charges related to possessing explosives and endangering life.
Urgent Missing Person Search:
Victoria Police have issued a call for public assistance to find a missing infant, Navanah, from the Mooroopna/Shepparton area.
National Politics and Migration:
Ongoing political debate highlights concerns that “March For Australia” rallies have provided platforms for far-right groups, with First Nations leaders calling for the implementation of a National Anti-Racism Framework to protect communities.
Closing the Gap Initiatives:
The Federal court recently sacked the board of the South West Aboriginal Medical Service in WA, a move community members are claiming as a win for better governance.
- Ochre Ventures, Australia’s first specialist venture capital fund for First Nations businesses, is officially targeting the “missing middle” in business finance.
- Fifteen remote stores in Western Australia have begun offering cheaper groceries to ease cost-of-living pressures for remote communities.
Noongar Seasonal Shift:
In Western Australia March 1 marks a significant transition in the Noongar calendar, as the community observes indicators for the shift from the heat of summer toward cooler nights.
Events Today
Multicultural International Women’s Day Luncheon:
A celebration of multicultural women’s achievements is taking place at Hope Island Golf Course, QLD.
Clean Up Tinchi Tamba:
An annual Clean Up Australia Day event is being held at the Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve in QLD.
