SNAICC in the News
2–8 May 2026
This week, we remember Kumanjayi Little Baby. Our hearts remain with her family and the Mparntwe/Alice Springs community as Sorry Business continues.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this edition of SNAICC in the News continues coverage of the passing of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Some of the linked media includes images of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can call 13YARN (13 92 76) to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also call the national counselling line 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), also available 24 hours a day.
Sorry Business for Kumanjayi Little Baby
Healing ceremonies were held across the Northern Territory this week, with the ABC reporting on how Mparntwe and Aboriginal communities have come together to grieve Kumanjayi Little Baby. At the Alice Springs Bangtail Muster, participants wore pink, her favourite colour, at the family’s request.
On Thursday evening, candlelight vigils were held in cities across the country. The family asked those gathering to wear pink and to bring a candle. SBS News provided coverage of the community paying tribute to Kumanjayi Little Baby and her family.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle spoke with ABC News Breakfast and ABC RN Breakfast with Sally Sara about the grief in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, describing the vigil as a quiet and deeply grounding moment of collective mourning.
She spoke about seeing community members dressed in pink, and later a pink sunrise over Mparntwe, as reminders to keep hearts and thoughts with Kumanjayi Little Baby, her family and the healing of community.
Reflecting on pink, Kumanjayi Little Baby’s favourite colour, Catherine said:
“It is the colour of compassion. It is the colour of kindness. It is the colour of care. But it’s also the colour of hope.”
For Catherine, that meaning carried through to the next morning, when she saw the sunrise over Mparntwe.
“This morning, the other thing I saw that really rooted me into where we need to be, and that is our hearts with little Kumanjayi, was the pink sunrise.”
That focus on care, calm and healing has also been reflected in the family’s calls for the community to honour Sorry Business.
Senior Warlpiri Elder Robin Japanangka Granites, spokesperson for the family, called for calm and asked all who are grieving to honour Sorry Business. He said:
“It is time now for sorry business, to show respect for our family and have space for grieving and remembering. This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course while we take the time to mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby and support our family.”
The family has asked that the focus remain on their little baby, and on the grief and healing of community. As the National Indigenous Times reported, Mr Granites said their little baby’s passing must not become a political issue.
Nine News reported on how the Mparntwe/Alice Springs community has wrapped its arms around the family throughout the week. The strength shown by Tangentyere Council, member Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), and the wider community has been extraordinary.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle spoke with the 7am podcast, published by The New Daily, about the grief in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and the questions this tragedy demands be asked, while respecting the family’s call for calm, care and healing.
Read the statement from Robin GranitesConfidential leaks demonise families and obscure system failures
The National Indigenous Times, SBS News and ABC News reported on SNAICC’s call for an immediate investigation into the leaking of confidential child protection information about Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle, an Arrernte and Luritja woman from Central Australia, said she was horrified to read the leaked details in national media.
Catherine Liddle said:
“Leaking these details has only served to demonise a mother trying to keep herself and her children safe. The leaking of this information also erodes trust in the very system that is meant to keep our children safe. I do not know which NT agency is responsible for the leaks but the details leaked to media would narrow it down as to who has access to this information.
“In the NT, exposure to family violence is a mandatory child protection report. This does not necessarily mean a child is at risk and should be removed from the family. Notifications do not mean substantiation.”
SBS News also shared the story on Instagram, highlighting Catherine’s comments that leaking confidential child protection information had served to demonise a mother trying to keep herself and her children safe, and that notifications do not mean substantiation.
View this post on Instagram
The wider questions this tragedy raises must be answered through responses that strengthen, not weaken, protections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The Child Placement Principle exists to keep children safely connected to family, community, culture and Country. The Family Matters Report 2025 shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be disproportionately represented at every stage of child protection systems.
Read our media release here