NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 16/06/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Professor Benjamin Smith, The University of Western Australia (UWA) Professor of World Rock Art, talking about his Press Conference responding to WA government North West Shelf Rock Art Report. A world renowned rock art professor from the University of Western Australia has declared that the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Report (MRAMP) released by the WA government on Friday afternoon has covered up direct evidence of degradation due to industrial pollution and has wilfully misrepresented the important scientific findings in the report. Professor Benjamin Smith made the statement after reviewing the full 800-page report that forms the key piece of evidence in front of federal Environment Minister Murray Watt informing his decision about the North West Shelf extension due this week. Professor Smith, who has published extensive peer-reviewed research on Murujuga’s rock art, finds that the scientific findings contained in the full MRAMP report show unequivocally the impact of industrial emissions on Murujuga’s rock art, conflicting with the presentation of the research in the executive summary and media release that accompanied the report. Professor Smith’s review has found that, contrary to this summary, the full MRAMP Report records that levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrous dioxide are currently at levels that have been proven to cause damage to the rock art. You can find out more via the link below!
https://www.uwa.edu.au/…/how-the-north-west-shelf…
Chris McKenzie, Director, Complaint and Program Coordination, Office of Fair Trading, talking about the Office of Fair Trading pilot program. Free vehicle inspections program that takes away the uncertainty of buying a used vehicle by providing free comprehensive vehicle inspections for First Nations Queenslanders in the state’s north. The Office of Fair Trading has teamed up with RACQ to provide First Nations peoples in Northern Queensland with free comprehensive mechanical inspections for used vehicles being sold by licensed dealers. The pilot program saves each participant about $300 and will run to the end of June 2025 or until the allocated funding has been exhausted. If you find a car you want, call Karen on 0458 973 022 or email karen.denham@goodshep.org.au to organise a mechanical check for you!
Minnie King, Forum organiser and Adjunct Lecturer at UQ’s School of Public Health and Associate Professor Nina Lansbury, from UQ’s School of Public Health, talking about the Western CapeHER Women’s Health Forum. Health challenges faced by women in remote Far North Queensland was brought to the forefront in an inaugural Indigenous-led event. The Western CapeHER Women’s Health Forum was hosted by The University of Queensland, Queensland Health, and Aboriginal-owned and managed business Embley Contracting, in remote Napranum community near Weipa, Cape York. Designed and led by local residents, the event empowered communities to take charge of their wellbeing, share health priorities, and highlight challenges of all women living in the remote region. The event was also sponsored by the Community Controlled Health Service – Apunipima.
https://www.uq.edu.au/…/remote-health-challenges…
Isaac Drandic, renowned First Nations theatre maker, talking about the Cast and creatives behind brand-new theatre work, celebrating First Nations fatherhood. Queensland Theatre’s Dear Son – based on award-winning author Thomas Mayo’s book that is complemented by the contributions of 12 high-profile First Nations men, who penned reflective and heartfelt letters to their sons, fathers or nephews – is making its world premiere next month. Author, editor and proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo invited 12 Indigenous men to write a letter, in a gentle and honest compendium of love and reflection, which accumulated to his book Dear Son. The celebration of First Nations manhood featured letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, Johnny Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas. Now, renowned First Nations theatre makers Isaac Drandic and John Harvey are bringing the work to the Australian stage, adapting these deeply personal letters into a powerful world premiere. Queensland Theatre’s season running from 28 June to 19 July at the Bille Brown Theatre, starring stage and screen actors Jimi Bani, Aaron Pedersen, Trevor Jamieson and Kirk Page. You can find out more via the link below!
https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/dear-son
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