FREE speech in Australia is increasingly under threat with public-servant whistleblowers and journalists unfairly targeted by the government under the guise of national security, according to an annual report released by Human Rights Watch. Refugee rights, Indigenous rights and aged care are among other issues raising concerns in the 30th edition of The World Report, released on January 14. In ... Read More »
FRIENDS and colleagues remember Indigenous elder and activist Sam Watson as down to earth, courageous and deeply committed to his people. “I can’t remember a time when Sam Watson wasn’t in the public eye – all my life,” Catholic social justice advocate Peter Arndt said. “I cannot remember a time when he wasn’t there at the forefront speaking up for ... Read More »
IT was the end of 12 years of schooling, and Brisbane’s Catholic school Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students were farewelled at a graduation liturgy at St Stephen’s Cathedral on October 11. Vashti Borthwick-Beetson, from St Columban’s College, Caboolture, offered a heartfelt student reflection on behalf of all graduates at the liturgy. She thanked everyone who had helped them achieve ... Read More »
THE future for Indigenous Australians is full of hope, agreed the panellists at the 7th Annual Australian Catholic University Solidarity Dinner at Brisbane’s Hilton Hotel on July 31. Panellists Cape York Land Council chair Richie Ah Mat, Indigenous Corporations registrar Selwyn Button, ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven, 2016 Churchill Fellow Dr Doseena Fergie and Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge shed light ... Read More »
HOW’S this for a job description – “My job is to get out of the way, and let God do His work”? That’s what it boils down to for Toni Janke in her role as Indigenous Services co-ordinator within Centacare Family and Relationship Services’ Brisbane Metropolitan Region. Day to day she’s supporting people in crisis, sometimes facing the toughest time ... Read More »
A BRISBANE indigenous Catholic leader has hailed the appointment of Ken Wyatt as indigenous Australians’ minister as a significant moment for reconciliation in this country. “I think that this is a great milestone and our young people need to see some leadership at the highest level,” Murri Ministry co-ordinator Ravina Waldren said. “They need to see that through reconciliation we ... Read More »
ON January 26, 1788 the British flag was erected on Australian soil. The First Fleet had reached its final destination. One year earlier, more than one thousand convicts, civil officers, crew members and marines had departed England, destined for a new land. It was the land Captain James Cook discovered a decade earlier. There was no flag, no monarchy, and ... Read More »
CYNTHIA Rowan treasures the rosary beads that were blessed by St John Paul II the day he visited Alice Springs 30 years ago. It was the November 29, 1986, and a day of many highlights for Queenslander Ms Rowan who was one of the key organisers of the pope’s meeting with indigenous people from across Australia. The day was to ... Read More »
BRISBANE indigenous community elder Sam Watson has lamented the number of Aboriginal children being taken from their families and locked up. “In 2016 it is the next generation of the stolen generation,” he said, while attending a park event in West End marking 10 years since Closing the Gap was launched to address indigenous disadvantage. “Some areas of disadvantage are ... Read More »
The Catholic Leader Keeping Faith with You
