YULE RIVER MEETING 2024

BY ASAD KHAN

First Nations leaders in the Pilbara are gathering for the second day of an important discussion on Kariyarra Country.

The annual Yule River meeting focused on key social, political and economic goals for indigenous peoples.

Henry Lockyer, community leader and Aboriginal justice adviser, said gaps have been created and that people are struggling.

Henry Lockyer, addressing Yule River meeign

“We want to make sure that the government is aware of what is happening across the Pilbara,”

Bary Taylor, the Uncle of missing Pilbara man Wesley Lockyer, said it feels like some lives matter more than others.

“When a non-indigenous person is murdered, it’s on the front page, but when a black woman or man dies, you don’t hear about it much,” he said.

Bary Taylor, the Uncle of missing Pilbara man Wesley Lockyer

He said the same applies to all young missing men in the Pilbara.

“Whilst we appreciate that an immediate search radius was activated for the boys, after just seven days, the search was suspended,

“The question remains: should the Police do more?”

Raelene Button of Palkyu and Kariyarra Country said the Pilbara has a high crime rate, and the government needs to do more than “lip service.”

Raelene Button of Palkyu and Kariyarra

“Fund the establishment of a safe space for our young people,” she said.

June Councillor, CEO of Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, said there is a big gap in regional health.

June Councillor, CEO of Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

“If you’re not healthy and don’t have a roof over your head, what chance you’ve got,”

Several government representatives were also present to hear about the problems faced by the local community.

Noticeably, Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney remained missing from the meeting partly because of her retirement, and the Federal Cabinet reshuffle sources have told Ngaarda Media.