The Mission

Aunty Muriel Bamblett AO, a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, CEO of Victoria Aboriginal Child Care Agency and representative of Closing the Gap, discusses the Australian Government releasing its second Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, alongside the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (Coalition of Peaks) annual Implementation Plan. And Worimi man Professor John Maynard explains the long history of the fight for Indigenous representation in Australia's Parliament. With presenter Daniel James.

Program Page: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/the-mission

Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, proud Bangerang/Wiradjuri warrior woman and Co-Chair of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, explains the complex Treaty process in Victoria. Daniel is also joined by proud Kirrae Whurrong, Gundijitmarra, Gunai Kurnai woman Tanya McDonald, Lecturer in Children's Health and Community, Charles Darwin University, to discuss crime in Alice Springs. With presenter Daniel James.  

Program Page:  https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/the-mission

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode contains the names of people who have died. Nerita Waight, CEO Of Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), talks with Daniel about the Coronial findings into the death of Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. With presenter Daniel James.

Yorta-Yorta man and Chairperson of the First Nations Foundation, Ian Hamm, drops by the studio to talk about the year in review and the challenges 2023 may hold in raising awareness around Indigenous social justice and bringing forth change. He also discusses an update on Treaty and the Uluru Statement heading into the new year. With presenter Daniel James.

Program Page: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/the-mission

Meena Singh, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, joins Daniel to talk about her recent statement delivered to the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Their chat covers why government support for the field is urgent, and the emerging links to the previous Stolen Generation in many young Indigenous children being seized from their families. With presenter Daniel James.

Program Page: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/the-mission

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode contains the names of people who have died. Former Chairperson of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee Glenda Chalker talks to Daniel about her role in promoting awareness around the 1816 Appin massacre and why formally recognising that fatal day matters. Then, Megan Krakouer, Project Director of the National Suicide Prevention & Trauma Recovery Project, joins Daniel to discuss the shocking suicide rates of Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous Australians and why they are continuing to climb. With presenter Daniel James.

Program Page: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/the-mission

Playwright and Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai woman Andrea James discusses her new project ‘Sunshine Supergirl’ at the MTC, and the process in getting it to the theatre stage. Then, speaker, MC and proud Tati Tati, Wadi Wadi, Muti Muti and Wamba Wamba man Troy Benjamin talks with Daniel about this year’s ‘We’re Black Again’ night and the unique importance of Indigenous comedy and entertainment. With presenter Daniel James.

Program Page: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/the-mission

Bunurong-based artist and head of Kaptify Art, Adam Magennis discusses his early influences, his unique creative process, and the Queen Victoria Market’s recent decision to remove and ban “inauthentic” Indigenous Art from their stalls. And Madison Connors, a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi artist, explains how identity and culture shapes art and the ways in which artists can raise awareness surrounding key Indigenous issues through their work. Check out Adam’s work on his Instagram @kaptify_art and Madison’s work via yarlicreative.com.au. With guest presenter Maddi Miller, filling in for Daniel James.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode contains the names of people who have died. In this episode, Daniel reflects on the State funeral service held for Indigenous actor, Elder and activist Uncle Jack Charles. Daniel is also joined by Torres-Strait Islander author Thomas Mayor to discuss his book "Finding the Heart of the Nation” and the Uluru Statement, a call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice in the Constitution. With presenter Daniel James.

Newly-elected WA Senator and Yamatji-Noongar woman Dorinda Cox discusses what her experience of parliament has been like thus far and how we can put a stop to the alarming rates of violence against First Nations women in Australia. And Sarah Schwartz, Principal Lawyer of Police & Prison Accountability at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, examines the lack of police accountability in Victoria and the current failing system of handling police complaints. With presenter Daniel James.