NGAARDA NEWS WEDNESDAY THE THIRD OF AUGUST

The site of a tragic fire in Port Hedland.

FATHER OF CHILDREN WHO PERISHED IN HEDLAND FIRE SPEAKS

Daneyal Jabari is the father of the two oldest children who perished in a Port Hedland fire two weeks ago and is devastated.

He spoke with his children one week before the tragedy when they were staying with their grandmother. 

Police broke the news to Mr Javari at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre after an agonising wait and being told he could not speak to his partner Margaret who had not been charged at the time. 

A petition that supports the release of Mr Javari from the Immigration centre to attend sorry time in the lead up to the funeral has been started by Yindjibarndi man Les Thompson. 

HOMELESSNESS WEEK

This week is national Homelessness Week, held annually to increase awareness and support for those impacted by homelessness.

Pilbara Community Legal Service held a community barbeque in Roebourne yesterday to mark the week.

DEBATE OVER VOICE TO PARLIAMENT

The WA Liberal party has asked the Federal opposition not to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, according to the West Australian.

 Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, told Q and A on Monday that more details on how the Voice would work would be made known before any referendum was held.

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe told ABC Radio National she supports the Voice to Parliament, but that it should be implemented alongside the other parts of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

YAMATJI MAN DENIED ENTRY TO FIONA STANLEY HOSPITAL

Yamatji man Michael Rickhards was denied entry to Fiona Stanley hospital on Saturday when attempting to visit a Martu family member.

A South Metropolitan Health Service spokesperson said Mr Rickhards’ visit was unable to be facilitated due to Covid-19-related visitor restrictions.

BHB WORKER JAILED FOR RAPE

A BHP mine worker, Jonathan David Small, has been jailed for 10 years for raping a co-worker multiple times in Perth while off-swing, according to the West Australian.