Pilbara Aboriginal voices unite again for change

Posted: August 29th, 2018

More than 20 Aboriginal people from different language groups across the Pilbara have come together in South Hedland over two days to call for immediate action to improve the lives of Aboriginal people across the region.

Pilbara Aboriginal Voice, Kakurrka Muri (Karriyarra language for Yule River), or PAV, was borne out of the 4th Annual On-Country Bush Meeting at Yule River in 2017.

PAV has already made significant progress working to address issues including language preservation, remote housing, the protection of Aboriginal heritage, Constitutional Recognition, health, education, justice, and the welfare of children.

It was officially endorsed and recognised by both Federal and State Aboriginal Affairs Ministers Ben Wyatt and Senator Nigel Scullion and others at the 5th Annual On-Country Bush Meeting at Yule River in July 2018.

PAV Co-Chairs Danny Brown and Linda Doogiebee said PAV was acknowledged at the meeting as an historic union of language groups working as one voice to call on all levels of government to improve living conditions for Aboriginal West Australians.

“PAV represents the strongest and most unified group of Aboriginal people to form to call for change in the region since the 1946 Pilbara strikes,” Mr Brown said.

“A number of groups that have formed in the Pilbara over recent decades have unfortunately failed, unlike PAV which has been formed by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people, at Yule River meetings.”

Ms Doogiebee said PAV was calling on the State Government, whose Ministers have been in town for regional cabinet meetings, to provide ongoing funding for the group to make meaningful change in the region.

“Despite our differences in language and land, we must work together if we are to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in the Pilbara,” Ms Doogiebee said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jane Grljusich, Communications Manager, 0427 463 796, jgrljusich@ymac.org.au

To download a PDF copy of the media statement click here.