Often we hear the call for indigenous recognition in the Australian Constitution and ask ‘Is it just a 21st Century concept’. Sadly, we must answer No – It is a concept which has been around for nearly 2 centuries and it never seems to get support from our politicians or advancement towards implementation. The Yirrkala bark petitions of 1963 are historic Australian documents that were the first traditional documents prepared by Indigenous Australians that were recognised by the Australian Parliament and they sought recognition of Indigenous people in Australian law. But earlier in 1834, a fledgling South Australia devised a ‘founding charter’ which recognised and respected the local inhabitants of that new state. Up until Federation in 1901, all South Australians were recognised by law. How long must it take for the Commonwealth to act, is a question seemingly without an answer?

In 1994, the Victorian gay community grew some balls and responded with a legal challenge to the powers of Victoria Police following a raid on the gay “Tasty” nightclub, in which 463 patrons were assaulted and stripped searched. This ‘Stonewall’ moment was a generational change and the turning point in public attitudes and development of healthy and respectful relationships. Substantial financial damages were paid to individuals from our community who had been assaulted, culminating eventually in 2014 with a public apology being given by Victoria Police. Relationships are now on a firm and secure respectful basis.

We celebrate our own community, with advance notice of a GLBTI Coming Back Out Dance social event.

These and many more items …

First broadcast on 8/8/2017.

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