Daily news digest March 3
Indigenous news highlights today focus on healthcare funding, significant legal appeals, and cultural preservation across Australia.
Health & Community
Bupa Foundation Funding:
The Bupa Foundation announced new funding to support First Nations health pathways. This includes supporting the Deadly Ed Foundation’s Improve Country program, which integrates Aboriginal knowledge and community leadership into school learning. The foundation is also sponsoring seven delegates from underfunded communities to attend the National Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Conference.
Wagga Wagga Healthcare:
Recent reports highlight the success of local graduates in boosting culturally safe healthcare in the Wagga Wagga region, following a focus on First Nations representation in the medical workforce.
Justice & Legal
High Court Appeal Urged:
Territory politicians and community members are calling for a High Court appeal regarding the sentencing in the Jake Danby hit-and-run case, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the current legal outcome.
Culture & Heritage
Echuca Burial Site:
Leaders from the Yorta Yorta community have raised concerns after human remains were found during the $13 million redevelopment of Victoria Park in Echuca. Community leaders claim they were not adequately consulted about the works on the site.
Eric Holowacz has been appointed as the chief executive officer of the Larrakia Cultural Centre.
Larrakia Cultural Centre:
The Larrakia Development Corporation has announced the inaugural CEO, Eric Holowacz, of the Larrakia Cultural Centre in Darwin. The project is described as one of the most anticipated museum openings of 2026 and represents a shift toward Indigenous-owned and operated cultural institutions.
Truth-Telling in Boorloo:
Discussions on truth-telling continue in Boorloo (Perth), with community leaders emphasizing that Australia is increasingly ready for formal truth-telling processes.
Sports & Arts
AFL Retirement:
Two-time All-Australian defender Steven May has officially retired from the AFL to focus on his family and personal growth. The Darwin-born premiership star stepped away from the Melbourne Demons just days before the start of the season.
Literature:
Author Allanah Hunt released her first novel, Forever & Ever, described as a “Blak love story” that brings First Nations perspectives to the contemporary romance genre.
