Indigenous daily news digest -January 12
Key Indigenous Australian news for January 12, 2026, includes major cultural celebrations, infrastructure milestones, and ongoing debates regarding legal reforms.
Culture & Community
Garabari at Sydney Festival:
Wiradjuri choreographer Joel Bray is set to host Garabari (corroboree) on the Sydney Opera House boardwalk today. The event invites Australians of all backgrounds to participate in dance and storytelling about the creation of the Murrumbidgee River, at the site where Woollarawarre Bennelong held a historic corroboree over 200 years ago.
Australia Day 2026 Preparations:
As January 26 approaches, several local councils are adapting their programs. The Georges River Council announced its “Yarn Up” program starting January 17 to foster truth-telling and reflection, while the Geelong Australia Day Committee has canceled its Free Children’s Fun Day.
Environmental Stewardship:
Rangers in remote areas have successfully removed tonnes of debris from “trashed” beaches, part of ongoing efforts to protect traditional lands.
Housing & Infrastructure
Northern Territory Housing Milestone:
A major milestone was reached today with the completion of the 300th new home built in remote First Nations communities across the NT.
The 300th home was recently completed in Peppimenarti. The four bedroom, two-bathroom house was built through a joint venture between Green River Aboriginal Corporation and Big River Housing.
Murujuga National Park:
A builder has been appointed to construct four new homes for the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) rangers. This $1.78 million investment supports rangers managing the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape.
Legal & Justice
Bail Law Controversy:
One year after the introduction of “Declan’s Law” in the Northern Territory, the government reports a significant drop in crime.
However, Indigenous and human rights organisations continue to criticise the law for dramatically increasing the prison population.
Indigenous Incarceration Rates:
New reports highlight that Indigenous Australians now represent 37.1 per cent of the national prison population, an increase from 33.0 perf cent in 2023.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says prisons held 46,998 adults at 30 June 2025. That was 2,595 more than in June 2024, representing a 5.8% increase and the highest number ever, although not the highest rate per population.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners now number 17,432, up by 1,561 on 2024, a rise of 9.8 per cent.
Sport & Health
AFL Leave of Absence:
Collingwood’s Bobby Hill has been granted a leave of absence from the club for personal reasons.
Hill didn’t return to Collingwood for pre-season training last week.
“We care for Bobby and his health and wellbeing remain the priority as he continues to work through his personal situation,” Collingwood football operations manager Charlie Gardiner said.
Leadership Opportunities:
The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia has issued a call for Indigenous practitioners to apply for national committee roles to ensure culturally safe healthcare. The board says it is omitted to increasing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leadership and voices on its boards and committees and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply.
