REPEAT

Birramal Dhin-Galang (Bush Berries) (40.5cm x 40.5cm) By Dylan Barnes

In this artwork I wanted to depict the vibrant colours, complex anatomy and spiritual essence of bush foods, particularly the bush berries that grow on Mother Earth. This artwork captures the spiritual presences that exist within the Dreaming, to which the spirits of humans, animals, the Earth, and bush foods exist on a physical and spiritual continuum.

REPEAT OFFENDERS

Too Much Lip: by Melissa Lucashenko

Described as “gritty and darkly hilarious,” Too Much Lip weaves together drama, family and humour to create this must-read novel. Humour is a great way to approach difficult issues and this book is no exception. Too Much Lip was the winner of the 2019 Miles Franklin Award, so you’ll be in for a great read.

The Yield: by Tara June Winch

Tara June Winch’s The Yield is an emotional and brilliantly written book. Having won many prizes including the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award, it explores the struggles and celebration of the Wiradjuri peoples as they reclaim their identities, language and stories. The cover image is also beautiful, so check it out!

Australia Day: by Stan Grant

What does it mean to be Australian? Stan Grant’s Australia Day raises this question of identity in his beautifully written novel. Grant divides the book into sections which include place, land, family, race, history and nation and, he hopes, that by reading it, it will “give you an idea of what it’s like to be an Australian.”

Catching Teller Crow: by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Love a good crime story? Catching Teller Crow is an award-winning novel written by brother and sister duo Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina. Follow Beth Teller as she helps her father, a detective, solve a crime in a rural Australian town. The twist to this story lies in Beth’s identity; she’s a ghost, and her father is the only person who can communicate with her. Catching Teller Crow confronts some dark themes, but is a must-read for crime junkies.

Books by Aylish Dowsett

The Old Lie: by Claire G. Coleman

Although set within the science fiction realm, Claire Coleman’s The Old Lie explores familiar issues faced by Indigenous peoples today. The book follows a group of Indigenous characters who struggle with discrimination and who seek to return home to their culture and country. Coleman states she wants to “make sure that no one forgets Aborignal people exist” and indeed, you won’t with her emotional novel.

Dark Emu: by Bruce Pascoe

A must-read for all Australians and anyone interested in Indigenous culture, Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu debunks the beliefs held over pre-colonial Australians. Pascoe weaves together diary and record extracts to create his profound novel. He says that by reading the book it is an “opportunity to learn the real history [of Australia] and learn your country,” yet it will also “make [you] proud of such an incredible history.”

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia: Edited by Anita Heiss

An eye-opening and inspiring book, Growing up Aboriginal in Australia is a must read for all Australians and those interested in Aboriginal culture. Well-known authors and new writers combine their voices to show the diverse experiences of being Aboriginal. Todd Philips, a tutor at the university, even has his own story in the book, so you should definitely check it out!

NO SUGAR: by Jack Davis

No Sugar is a play set in 1930’s Northam, Western Australia. It is a part of three plays in Jack Davis’s The First Born Trilogy and follows a Nyoongah family in their opposition against government ‘protection’ policies. Whilst the play highlights the harsh treatment of these peoples, it also shows their strength and determination to preserve their culture.

Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature: Edited by Anita Heiss and Peter Minter

Looking for Aboriginal writing in both fiction and non-fiction? The Macquarie PEN Anthropology of Aboriginal Literature offers a diverse range of work spanning over 200 years. Dive into the book to read petitions, political letters, journalism, poetry, prose, drama and much more.

The White Girl: by Tony Birch

A book driven by love and strength, The White Girl follows Odette and her granddaughter as they navigate the unjust laws in their country town. Tony Birch is an award-winning Indigenous writer and is the author of many books including Ghost River, Shadowboxing, The Promise, Father’s Day and Common people.

TV/Film by Aylish Dowsett

NITV (National Indigenous Television) on SBS

National Indigenous Television (NITV) is a free-to-air channel on SBS. Since its launch in 2007, it now reaches over two million Australians a month, and is continuing to grow. The channel is made for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but it hopes to educate and open a conversation for all Australians. Watch NITV on channel 34 on SBS or through the SBS On Demand app. Black Comedy (2014– present) Executive producers, Kath Shelper and Mark O’Toole Hilarious and politically incorrect, Black Comedy describes itself as a show for everyone to watch. Go on a journey with a cast of amazing writers and performers and, as the show proclaims, “go blackly where no blackfella has gone before.” The Sapphires (2012) Directed by Wayne Blair Fun, bright and full of music, The Sapphires is a film most Australians would have heard of. Follow four intelligent Aboriginal women as they chase their singing dreams across the landscape of the Vietnam war. This film is based on a true story and is a beautiful sentiment to the original soul group. Watch The Sapphires on Netflix or buy on iTunes! Redfern Now (2012-2015) Directed by Rachel Perkins, Wayne Blair, Leah Purcell, Catriona McKenzie, Adrian Russel Wills, and Beck Cole

Redfern Now is a powerful series following six different families whose lives are forever changed by a single incident. With a brilliant cast of actors and writers including Wayne Blair and Deborah Mailman, Redfern Now is a must-watch during these long isolation days. Blue Water Empire (2019) Directed by Steven McGregor Are documentaries your thing? Blue Water Empire is a three-part dramatised documentary of Torres Strait Islander peoples history. An outstanding cast brings this show to life, including writer, producer and actor Aaron Fa’Aoso. Buy the documentary from Bunya Productions and learn your history! Samson & Delilah (2009) Directed by Warick Thornton Amidst a rural town in the central Australian desert, love blooms. Samson & Delilah is a beautifully shot film, with wide, sweeping shots of the stunning Australian landscape. Though it may be beautiful, the film also highlights important issues faced by the Aborignal community, including poverty and the destruction of culture. But where there is love, there is always hope. Watch Samson & Delilah free on ABC Iview or purchase on iTunes!

Cleverman (2016-2017) Written by Ryan Griffen Directed by Wayne Blair and Leah Purcell

Set in a futuristic version of our world, Cleverman is a thrilling series based on Aboriginal peoples Dreamtime stories. Creatures named as the Hairypeople seek protection in ‘the zone,’ an area where humans and Hairypeople coexist. It is here where they hide from other humans that wish to silence and eradicate them. Watch the critically acclaimed show for

free on ABC Iview.

Top End Wedding (2019) Directed by Wayne Blair

Who doesn’t love a good Romcom? Top End Wedding is full of romance, drama and plenty of shenanigans that anyone would enjoy. In only ten days, Lauren and Ned must find Lauren’s missing mother and reunite her parents, all before their wedding. Watch on

Netflix or buy on iTunes and enjoy!

Sweet Country (2017) Directed by Warick Thornton

Based on real events, Sweet Country is a must-see Australian film. After an Aboriginal farm worker kills a white man in self defence, he and his wife are forced to flee their town. Watch Warick Thornton’s stunning film on iTunes.

Opportunities and Resources by Aylish Dowsett

IndigenousX Born from a Twitter account in 2012, IndigenousX is a website that allows Indigenous peoples to have a voice. IndigenousX seeks to challenge stereotypes, by allowing the Indigenous community to share their opinions, experiences and knowledge with the digital world. Visit their website to learn more about politics, history, technology, education and upcoming events.

Overland

In particular, check out issues 230 Autumn 2018, 238 Autumn 2020 and 233 Summer 2018.

Describing itself as “Australia’s only radical literary magazine,” Overland publishes print journals as well as an online magazine. The journal-magazine features a strong focus on underrepresented voices and is always looking for new, original work to publish. Interested? Head on over to their website to submit your fiction, poetry, nonfiction and art.

AIME: Indigenous Mentoring Program The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (also known as AIME), has a website exploding with colours, information and opportunities. AIME provides mentoring for children aged 12-18 in the form of workshops known as imagination factories. The workshops aim to inspire kids, as well as providing much needed support between high school and university. Visit the website to get involved today!

Australians Together Australians Together is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to bring Indigenous and other Australians together. With their voices, they hope to impart the true stories of Australia’s history, its impacts on the present and dreams for the future. Want to get involved? Check out their website and join the movement!

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

Want to learn more about First Nations peoples cul- ture? The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has a collection of over one million items including art, photographs, audio recordings, artefacts, film and much more. AIATSIS aims to promote and preserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by allowing the public access to these materials. You can visit the institute in Canberra, or hop online to explore Australia’s cultures and history. First Nations Australia Writers Network

A resource created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN) is dedicated to helping writers and storytellers. The FNAWN supports and fosters writers by helping to develop their craft and assisting them with opportunities. This service is available through free membership on their website.

National Indigenous Times Starting off as a print newspaper in 2002, The National Indigenous Times (NIT) has since evolved into a thriving online news site. NIT reports on issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across a range of areas including sport, news, business, the arts and culture. They also announce events, advertise jobs and even have an online shop.

KARI: Aboriginal Support Services The Aboriginal Community Support and Preservation Services, also known as KARI, supports Indigenous peoples through KARI Limited and the KARI Foundation. KARI Limited is Australia’s largest Aboriginal foster care agency, whilst KARI Foundation provides opportunities and education. The website also allows you to donate to KARI, and advertises employment opportunities and news.

AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples Looking for a peer reviewed journal? AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, showcases Indigenous perspectives and experiences from all over the world. The journal is internationally peer reviewed and covers a range of issues like health, education, politics, literature, psychology and much more. View the range of articles online by preview or by purchasing.

SEED: Youth Climate Network

Climate change is becoming more visible every day, so why not get involved in creating a better future? SEED is Australia’s first Indigenous youth organisa- tion for climate justice. Make a stand by volunteering with SEED, supporting them by donation or working with them. Create a sustainable future and get involved!

Artist Feature: Leah Flanagan

Leah Flanagan is an Australian singer-songwriter hailing from Darwin. She is of Indigenous, Italian and Irish ancestry, more specifically the Alyawarre people of the Northern Territory and was raised in a melting pot of cultures. Graduating from the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, Leah earned her degree in classical music and has since made her mark on the Australian music scene.

Not only does Leah write and perform her music, she has been part of theatre production and major arts festivals. Collaboration is central to Leah’s art. She has worked with many notable musicians including Archie Roach and Paul Kelly and has toured widely in Australia in a career that spans over a decade. Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, Leah’s own show Midnight Muses at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Shane Howard’s Exile: Songs and Tales of Irish Australia are just a few of Flanagan’s notable projects.

Despite these fabulous collaborative ventures, Leah’s career and work as a singer-songwriter are also noteworthy. Often wielding her trusty ukulele, Leah shares captivating and heartfelt stories to her audiences, shedding light on narratives often hidden by time and distance. A compelling narrative can always be found at the heart of Leah’s lyrics, weaving intricate and nuanced tales that have yet to be discovered.

Leah has released two studio albums, first Nirvana Nights in 2010 and later Saudades in 2016, as well as several singles. In an interview in 2016 Flanagan herself advised against reading too much into her own songs, as despite their autobiographical vibes, they are not. That being said, Leah has released three singles in the last year that speak to key issues facing our continent and in my opinion, they provide a perspective that is interestingly absent from mainstream discourse.

I should preface this as being my own interpretation of the songs; however, I would argue that such an interpretation is reasonable. Two of those singles, Love Like 60 Water and Aralia, feature the Australian landscape as the subject of affection, longing and nostalgia.

It is rare for a land, whose inherent character is wild and untamed, to be the subject of an endearing ballad. Owing to colonial influence, much of our relationship to the land is based on notions of domination and exploitation and so to stumble across an artist like Flanagan who redefines and humanises the Australian landscape is deeply refreshing.

In a fashion similar to renowned Australian poet Judith Wright, Leah reminds us of the beauty of Australia’s harsher edges and does so in the form of crafting endearing ballads. In Love Like Water, released in late 2019, Flanagan addresses Australia’s water crisis. The line “who are you gonna turn to when the well runs dry?” is repeated throughout the song, and reminds us of the vitality of water and its role as a giver of life. In our sunburnt country nothing is more imperative than water.

Aralia on the other hand, speaks to the nostalgic power of your hometown. Grounded in the natural world, the landscape is the main character of this song, the protagonist who undergoes a paradoxical evolution that reveals and hides its nature as time progresses.

What defines Flanagan’s songs for me is the way in which she expertly shifts the lens through which we view the Australian landscape. She espouses a symbiotic and respectful existence with our nurturing continent. This is a perspective not often explored by the majority of artists and is one that provides an understanding of our country too often overlooked. It may be the key to a healthy and enduring presence on this sunburnt land of ours.

To hear more music from First Nations artists, check out the Spotify playlist: Blak Australia.

horoscopes horoscopes horoscopes horoscopes

LEO

I know you’re angry and believe me I’m angry too. Just be careful that your anger doesn’t turn into hate because that’s how we got here. You’re right, so many things need to change. Go out and change them.

SCORPIO

Perhaps you could learn from the past? Nah you’re right, that would never work for Australia nor lil’ old you. I don’t think there’s a mirror big enough for your ego.

Tone that shit down, it’s not about you right now.

AQUARIUS

I would say that you’re a nice person and that genocide is un-Australian but hey, history has me wrong on both accounts. P.S. Orwellian language? Really? How dumb do you think we are?

TAURUS

Damn Taurus, you look really cute in full riot squad get-up, but can you tell me why it’s legal to use chemical weapons on the general public when they’re prohibited in war zones?

Yeah didn’t think so.

VIRGO

Yes love, you posted a black square, now you’re an activist right? I guess it’s a start. But your faith means nothing if it isn’t tested again and again.

You gotta stick to it man.

SAGITTARIUS

Bro chill! We get it, you’d hate to have to admit that we’ve done irreparable damage to Indigenous cultures and peoples. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try.

Heed my words Sagittarius, your privilege is showing. It’s not a good look.

PISCES

Yes Pisces, we know you got a HD on the essay – you’ve told us 3 times. But I think we’ve got bigger problems to deal with, try to keep up love. Congrats though x.

GEMINI

There’s only one thing worse than a person denying being racist. Our government’s denial of racism. Fuck tolerance – people deserve more than your bloody ‘tolerance.’

But you’re not racist right? Really on brand with that denial Gemini.

LIBRA

Maybe if you cared for Indigenous lives as much as you do for Captain Cook statues, we wouldn’t have a problem.

Yeah let’s talk about that…

CAPRICORN

You know what Capricorn? Systemic racism isn’t bringing anyone joy – time to Marie Kondo that shit!

ARIES

For once maybe you could drop the cynicism and actually try and fix things for a change. I’m prescribing you a healthy dose of self-reflection.

CANCER

I know iso sucks, feeling like you’re being wronged by the institutions, but yeah I’d really hate for the government to treat you unfairly. See what I’m doing here? It’s called irony for God’s sake.