Grandmothers Against Detention of Refugee Children (GADRC) Bendigo has decided to cancel an information stall that was to be held at Lake Weeroona on Australia Day.
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Di O’Neil GADRC Bendigo convenor said the movement can’t be concerned about the social justice issues of one group and not focus on the circumstances of some Indigenous children in Australia.
“We are completely in favour of celebrating Australia. We’re doing our business because we see the government doing the things we don’t think are Australian, in the true sense of dignity, trust, respect and compassion.”
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Ms O’Neil said historically the method in which the country was colonised was not unusual for the era but it unfortunately represents a time when Indigenous people were highly disregarded.
“There are high rates of Indigenous children caught up in the legal system, in detention, coming into care for protective reasons and I think this all follows from the white man’s treatment and view of Indigenous people.”
There are many people who are still affected by that day...many local Indigenous people still feel different because of those beginnings and the treatment they’ve received.
- Di O'Neil GADRC convenor