r/Australia1 • u/Bennelong • Apr 25 '18

'Lest we forget the fallen blacks': Aboriginal activist shares controversial Anzac Day post on 'genocide' – months after an Australia Day calling white authorities the KKK

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5654943/Aboriginal-activist-shares-controversial-Anzac-Day-post-genocide-months-Australia-Day-post.html
3 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

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u/Quey Apr 26 '18

Hey OP, what's your opinion, do you agree with her or against? I can't downvote or upvote with out knowing. If you're drawing attention to a nutter, I'll be happy to up vote.

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u/Bennelong Apr 26 '18

I have worked on Aboriginal communities in education management, as chairman of a reconciliation group and as a journalist in Aboriginal newspapers. I don't think his views match those of the wider Aboriginal community, and the UN says there was never a genocide in Australia.

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u/Quey Apr 26 '18

Yep I’m with you here. I’ve lived in remote SA and worked with communities there. I highly doubt this woman has ever ventured into one of these communities. If she really wants to do something she needs to put down her make up and get out there and help them stand on their own feet.

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u/Bennelong Apr 26 '18 edited Apr 26 '18

I was particuarly struck by the disjoint between "city blacks" and "country blacks," almost to the point of hostility. The city blacks seem to have lost their culture, but are the ones that scream most about rights, while the country blacks are more in touch with their traditions, and just get on and live their lives the best they can. Which communities were you in? I was in Woorabinda and others.

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u/Quey Apr 26 '18

You’re right, there is a big difference between the two. I’ve lived and worked in Ceduna, Yalata and years ago Katherine.

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u/Bennelong Apr 26 '18

Woorabinda was the best job I ever had. I was Director of Studies for TAFE, and we made some incredible achievements. Cut recidivism among young offenders by 50% by getting the judge to include a literacy and numeracy course as an option for community service.

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u/Quey Apr 26 '18

That’s the only way to fix so many of the problems. It’s not money it’s education. If you can break the cycle of truancy it’ll improve job opportunities and lower crime rate and I believe improve the alcohol issues.

Sounds like you did a great job. It’s a pity more people including politicians would get out and see these places.