Daily news digest March 14
Indigenous news for today, March 14, highlights local cultural initiatives and ongoing federal inquiries into systemic issues affecting First Nations communities.
Culture & Community
Outback Band Launch:
The DMC Boys, a band from the Aboriginal community of Doomadgee in outback Queensland, have released their debut EP ABC News. Their music is a mix of rock and reggae inspired by their connection to language and country.
Cultural Burning in Yuwibara:
Indigenous elders and Queensland Parks and Wildlife are reintroducing traditional cultural burning practices to Yuwibara Country. These techniques are being used to heal land throughout the region.
Language Revamp:
Reports indicate ongoing efforts led by various institutions to revamp and preserve Indigenous languages across different regions Mirage News.
Aboriginal Cooking Celebration:
St Georges River Council is hosting a special “Cook Up” at Carss Bush Park today to celebrate Harmony Day with Aboriginal cooking demonstrations by Uncle Dean.
National Inquiries & Policy
Inquiry into Racism:
The Federal Parliament is currently examining rising levels of racism and hate directed at Indigenous people National Indigenous Times. Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, initiated the inquiry following high-profile incidents, including an alleged terrorist attack at an Invasion Day rally in Perth earlier this year.
Workplace Racism Research:
New research has recently detailed the significant extent of racism faced by Indigenous people within Australian workplaces, prompting further calls for institutional reform.
Submissions Open:
The Joint Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is actively seeking submissions from the public regarding racism and hate-based violence, with a deadline of 1 May 2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee.
Walama List Pilot:
A specialist sentencing approach for Aboriginal offenders, the Walama List, continues its pilot operations. It allows offenders who plead guilty to participate in therapeutic programs like drug and alcohol treatment before sentencing.
