PERFORMER ALLEGES ‘RACIAL VILIFICATION’ AFTER BEING STOPPED FROM BUSKING IN PERTH CBD

Desmond Blurton. Credit: Nancye Miles-Tweedie.

A well-known Noongar performer says he was ‘racially vilified’ by City of Perth Rangers who prevented him from busking.

Ballardong Noongar man Desmond Blurton held a City of Perth busking permit until recently and regularly performs on didgeridoo in the CBD.

A spokesperson for the City of Perth said Mr Blurton’s permit expired in April and on this occasion he was busking in an area where the practice is banned.

Mr Blurton said he was approached while busking earlier this month by a City of Perth ranger who knew him by name and often saw him busking.

Mr Blurton said the ranger demanded he produce a permit because another ranger present was in training.

When Mr Blurton failed to produce the permit, he says he was told he could not busk in the area.

Mr Blurton said he was unfairly targeted due to his race.

“I felt intimidated by their actions,” he said.

“I knew they were one call away to the police, and I myself would be in custody.

“If we want to share our culture in Boorloo, the community should be happy that we are doing that, not push us along, and if we get a dollar chucked at us, that’s more than welcome.”

Note: This story was updated on 29 August to include comment from the City of Perth.