Latest news with #BarungaFestival
The Age
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
Treaty 1 is only the start. Just don't tell John Howard
There is perhaps no word in Australian politics that gives older, conservative whitefellas the willies quite like treaty. Ever since Bob Hawke committed himself to treaty at the 1988 Barunga Festival in the Northern Territory, the T-word has evoked stories of Indigenous people laying claims over suburban backyards and white Australia losing control over our quarries, farms and rivers. Then-opposition leader John Howard opposed Hawke's treaty on much the same grounds as he opposed the Voice two years ago, arguing it would aggravate racial divisions in Australia rather than bring us together. As Fred Chaney, a former minister for Aboriginal affairs, Native Title Tribunal member and chair of Reconciliation Australia, told the ABC during the 2023 referendum campaign: 'It just seems to me that the word treaty is the thing that some people find poisonous – and some people of John Howard's generation think is going to be the end of the world.' It is for this reason that the authors of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in an attempt to win conservative support for their cause, left the T-word out of their final statement in favour of a less triggering reference to 'agreement-making'. When Yothu Yindi and Paul Kelly wrote their Treaty anthem in 1991, Hawke had already broken his promise to treaty within two years. The opening verse was laced with cynicism. Words are easy, words are cheap Much cheaper than our priceless land But promises can disappear Just like writing in the sand. Treaty 1, as the First Peoples' Assembly refers to the statewide agreement it is close to finalising with the Victorian government, is unlikely to inspire another song. At a time when Indigenous communities are confronting significantly poorer health outcomes, lower education rates, greater rates of family violence, homelessness, incarceration and suicide, and lower life expectancies that white Australians, the treaty is preoccupied with the future power and authority of the body negotiating it. The assembly's likely powers will include decision-making on matters of cultural heritage and indigeneity, making First Nations appointments to government boards and running NAIDOC Week events. This is jarring for Indigenous people who had greater aspirations for what such an historic agreement might look like, and it offers little – at least, in the immediate term – for communities experiencing chronic disadvantage in places like Mooroopna, Lake Tyers and Framlingham. Even the lyrical genius of Paul Kelly would struggle to pen a catchy tune about the creation of new Indigenous bureaucracy. The assembly makes no qualms about the focus of Treaty 1. In its most recent update on negotiations, it made clear its view that securing agreement on an empowered, enduring assembly is a crucial first step towards future agreements on things that directly impact the lives of First Nations people. 'We aren't stopping here,' the assembly wrote last month. 'In fact, this is the beginning of a new Treaty era.' A member of the assembly unauthorised to publicly discuss treaty negotiations said the elected Indigenous leadership, rather than present an ambit claim, was playing a longer game about what it was likely to secure now and what it hoped to gain through future agreements. 'We are not going to get everything but whatever we do, we have got to make sure we have the body to continue the process,' they said. To return to the question posed by our English backpacker on the Greek hillside, no, this isn't it. The treaty expected to be completed by November is planned as the first of multiple state treaties which will negotiate greater self-determination for Indigenous people in policy areas like health, housing and eduction. It will also be followed by separate treaties between the government and each of Victoria's 38 recognised First Nations. Despite the narrow focus and deferred ambition of Australia's first treaty, the nearing of its completion stirred the usual arguments and dark predictions about where it would lead. Whatever you read or hear in the coming fray, rest assured that your backyard and BHP shares are safe.
SBS Australia
10-06-2025
- SBS Australia
NITV News: 10 June, 2025
Another death in custody in the Northern Territory. Mob honoured in the King's Birthday Awards. And jarjums getting into the spirit of the Barunga Festival.
News.com.au
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
What's on: Barunga, Beer Can Regatta, Finke and GleNTi equals plenty of fun for Territorians
WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND It's arguably the fullest weekend of the year, so if I am honest, I really hope you've already got your plans sorted, Darwin. The Barunga Festival is on this weekend, which will see people pack up and head just a little way out the Central Arnhem Rd (It's far enough to play 'Let's Go' by King Stingray, for sure) to enjoy a three-day program of music, sport, and cultural events. And if you're lucky enough to be heading to the Red Centre for the adrenaline-pumping Finke Desert Race, you're in for a good time. But what if you're staying in town? Have you heard of the Over 30s Club? If it sounds lame, you're probably still in your kebab at 3am on Mitchell St era and I'm so happy for you – but if you're interested in a boogie without the late-night taxi home: The Over 30s starts at 5pm on Saturday at Discovery – and wraps up at 9pm. Delightful. For even more wholesome fun, please head to Mindil Beach on Sunday for the iconic Beer Can Regatta. This event is one of those ones that makes you look around and laugh and think 'gosh I love you Darwin'. It's equal parts chaos and hilarity – it's unpolished community spirit and classic Darwin fun. SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO EAT If you thought I was missing something in the what's on section … don't worry – how could I miss the GleNTi. The Greek GleNTi is a huge festival where the Greek community share their culture … and amazing food, all day Saturday and Sunday. Last year we went for lunch, then came back for an early dinner to try something else, and then stayed for the Ouzo and Loukoumades, which is how I highly recommend you experience all of the food. LOCALS TIP Reminiscing about the Finke while writing this article got me thinking about Central Australia. I've been seeing a lot of love letters to Alice lately, and I also agree that there's just something about the Centre – I still can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel it every time. I think it might be something to do with the complete stillness when you stop for a moment at the top of Kings Canyon, and the feeling you get when floating above the contrasting reds and greens at sunrise. It's probably also the warm days but crisp air at night, and how fresh it feels to dive into a cold desert oasis after a day in the sun. It's the culture and the stories, learning about Arrernte country. Maybe it's the feeling when you're driving through the ranges, and every corner you turn makes you say 'wow look at that' out loud – again. So if this long weekend has you thinking about planning a trip for the next one – consider a trip south down the Stuart Highway.
