The Black Lives Matter protests unfurling across the world in response to the senseless murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer has forced Australia to reflect on the systemic racism experienced by First Nations people in this country.
Hundreds of thousands of protestors across the country joined forces over the first weekend of June, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and to protest the systemic suffering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at the hands of police.
The fight for justice isn’t over, it’s only just begun. It is our duty to educate ourselves, and to act. Below is a list of educational documents, donation links and organisations dedicated to seeking justice and supporting First Nations people.
Note to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers: The links featured in the article contain names and images of Indigenous people who have passed.
Campaigns and organisations needing donations:
Justice for Yuendumu: Inquiry on Police Shooting
Kumanjayi Walker was shot by police three times in his home at Yuendumu on November 9th 2019. He was 19 years old. The Warlpiri people are seeking an independent inquiry into the shooting and community policing. Dr. Lisa Watts has organised this fundraiser to cover the costs of lawyers’ travel to Yuendumu.
Justice for David Dungay Junior
Leetona Dungay —mother of David Dungay Jr.— has launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for an appeal with the Director of Public Prosecutions for the NSW Government to take responsibility for the death of her son. Proceeds raised will fund the ongoing expenses for her campaign.
Tane was found unconscious in a Tamworth Correctional Centre cell on the morning of September 20th 2017. Two days later, he passed away in hospital. This GoFundMe aims to raise funds for the family of Chatfield, so they can attend a court hearing and seek justice for the death of Tane in police custody.
Fundraiser for the family of Joyce Clarke
Yamatji mother Joyce Clarke was shot and killed by police on a suburban street in Geraldton on September 17th, 2019. The first-class constable responsible for her death recently entered a not guilty plea ahead of his trial.
This fundraiser was set up by Debbie Kilroy of Sisters Inside. Funds will be donated to Clarke’s family to allow them to travel to court proceedings.
Fundraiser for the family of Tanya Day
A fundraiser for Tanya Day, a Yorta Yorta woman, who died in police custody at the Castlemaine police station on December 5th, 2017. This fundraiser—created by her daughter Apryl Day— will cover legal proceedings, accommodation, and expenses for Day’s extended family, enabling them to attend independent inquest hearings.
A campaign that asks non-Indigenous people to donate a portion of their income for operating on unceded Indigenous land. Funds raised are dispersed to First Nations people across Victoria.
A not-for-profit legal service that aims to advance human rights by representing a the vulnerable who would otherwise be unable to find legal representation.
Barpirdhila Foundation’s First Nations Artists & Community COVID-19 Appeal
A community-run non-for-profit organisation raising money to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sisters Inside
A not-for-profit organisation that “advocates for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison, and their families”.
Organised by Debbie Kilroy of Sisters Inside. The campaign raises funds to free Aboriginal women from prison or pay outstanding warrants.
Black Rainbow
An Indigenous-owned not-for-profit social enterprise that advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+ peoples.
An organisation led by Aboriginal communities that aims to empower First Nations children.
“Djirra provides culturally safe and holistic support and specialist family violence legal assistance and representation for Aboriginal women and their children in Victoria”
First Nations-led organisations to support:
Australia’s leading First Nations performing arts company, widely acclaimed nationally and around the world for our powerful dancing, distinctive theatrical voice and utterly unique soundscapes, music and design.
Represents the Australian Indigenous music sector and provides opportunities for Victorian based musicians and performers to develop skills, showcase their artistic abilities and engage with the arts sector at an industry standard.
Aboriginal Literacy Foundation
Seeks to transform the lives of Indigenous children by focusing on literacy and numeracy education.
Supports the growth and development of original and contemporary music in the Northern Territory.
Supports the enhancement of Indigenous musicians throughout Western Australia, create and produce valuable event activities for the entire community and deliver nationally accredited training in media and events management.
An Australian organisation empowering diverse young people to express their creativity through music and multi-media.
Develops and delivers storytelling and media mentoring programs for young people in marginalised and disadvantaged communities, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME)
Provides an innovative mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to support them through high school and into university.
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL SPORTING CHANCE ACADEMY (NASCA)
Works with young people in New South Wales and in the Northern Territory. We work with our kids to strengthen their resilience, develop their life-skills and ensure they take all the opportunities they can.
This guide will continue to be updated.
