SNAICC in the News – Three-day Mparntwe/Alice Springs curfew, Qld Opposition’s Adult Crime, Adult Time proposal & NAIDOC Awards
The week of 8 July 2024, media and news stories include coverage of the three-day curfew imposed on Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the Queensland Opposition’s ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ legislation proposal and the NAIDOC Week Awards and activities.
In response to a series of incidents in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy imposed a three-night curfew in Mparntwe/Alice Springs this week, from July 8-10, prohibiting entry to the town centre from 10 pm to 6 am. Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, spoke on the curfew, stating there’s no evidence it addresses underlying social issues and may exacerbate existing problems. She advocates for long-term, community-based solutions, early childhood education and community empowerment. Catherine also called for transparency and accountability in the allocation of $250 million in federal funding for social programs in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, emphasising meaningful community engagement to tackle challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
The Queensland Liberal National Party announced proposed legislation to impose adult sentences on young offenders for serious crimes, if they win the October state election. The plan, introduced by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, targets serious offences like murder and serious assault. Serrina Kenny of the First Nations Women’s Legal Service Queensland warned that this proposal would disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, emphasising that systemic issues, like child removal, contribute to their over-representation in crime statistics.
NAIDOC Week honours the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud, celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The National NAIDOC Awards celebrated First Nations excellence on Kaurna Country/Adelaide. Key winners included:
- Person of the Year: Aunty Muriel Bamblett, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and SNAICC Chairperson.
- Lifetime Achievement: Aunty Dulcie Flowers AM, advocate for health and community services.
This weekend, events across the country are celebrating NAIDOC Week and promoting local Aboriginal communities. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on around Australia:
- New South Wales: Events in Dubbo, Mogo, Blue Mountains, Port Macquarie, Bankstown, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill, Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney and Centennial Park.
- Victoria: Events at Melbourne’s Federation Square, Swan Hill, NGV, Flinders and St Kilda, featuring artist talks and community gatherings.
- Queensland: NAIDOC Golf Day in Chinchilla, workshops at Queensland Art Gallery and Museum of Brisbane and events in Moorooka, Birtinya and Rosemount.
- South Australia: Celebrations include live music by Nancy Bates in Prospect, Yaktunga Indigenous Film Festival in Mt Barker and various government-sponsored events.
- Western Australia: Film screenings, storytelling sessions and other festivities across the state.
- Northern Territory: Events include Arrernte Storytelling, Elders Morning Tea, NAIDOC Splash Party in Alice Springs and the NAIDOC Ball in Katherine.
- Australian Capital Territory: Events at Belconnen, National Gallery and National Film and Sound Archive.
- Tasmania: NAIDOC Street Marches and the NAIDOC Week Ball.
Here is a comprehensive list of upcoming NAIDOC events across the country: Local NAIDOC Week events.
For complete coverage, read the news and media stories linked below.
Topic: Three-day Mparntwe/Alice Springs curfew
In response to a series of incidents in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy imposed a three-night curfew earlier this week, with adults and children prohibited from entering the town centre from 10 pm to 6 am each night between Monday, 8 July to Wednesday, 10 July.
This curfew, unlike the youth curfew in March/April, applies to everyone, with the exception of people who are seeking medical care, fleeing domestic violence or working. People in designated zones, which is primarily the CBD, during curfew hours without a valid reason may face police action, including fines or arrest for noncompliance. It is the second time this year that Mparntwe/Alice Springs has had a curfew enforced, with this curfew being made possible by legislation introduced by the Northern Territory government in May, giving the Police Commissioner the powers to enforce a curfew.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, spoke with a number of media and news outlets about the curfew, saying that there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of snap curfews in addressing underlying social issues. She emphasised that such punitive measures do not provide long-term solutions for community safety and may exacerbate already existing issues. Catherine supports long-term investments in community-based solutions, emphasising the value of early childhood education and community empowerment. She also advocated for transparency and accountability in allocating the $250 million in federal funding promised for social programs in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, emphasising the importance of meaningful community engagement to ensure these initiatives address the complex challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in Central Australia. Catherine has called on the Northern Territory and federal governments to establish a child and family support hub for children aged five and under, as well as to connect families to primary and secondary school education, housing, therapeutic care, finance, employment, return to country, Centrelink and the Department of Social Services. She stated that early childhood programs have the potential to change the course of communities like Alice Springs, and that getting the early years right can break cycles of poverty and violence.
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Eva Lawler, has defended the curfew as a necessary response to public disorder, supported by recent legislative changes enhancing police powers. She emphasises the temporary nature of the curfew and commits to ongoing evaluations of its impact. However, legal experts and human rights advocates express concerns about potential civil liberties violations and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, particularly Aboriginal communities. Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney echoes calls for long-term solutions and warns against politicising the issue. She stresses that the challenges in Mparntwe/Alice Springs are deeply rooted and require sustained, non-partisan efforts, emphasising community engagement and transparent governance.
As discussions over the curfew’s effectiveness continue, community leaders and advocates urge comprehensive, evidence-based approaches that prioritise community wellbeing and long-term systemic change. They stress the critical role of transparent governance, meaningful community consultation and sustained investments in addressing the challenges faced by Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
For full coverage, view the media stories linked below.
Read Joint Media ReleaseArticle: NT police commissioner declares curfew in Alice Springs after multiple violent incidents – ABC News (released 8 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“The Northern Territory police commissioner has declared another curfew in Alice Springs for three nights, following a string of violent incidents in the outback town.
The curfew will run from Monday to Wednesday, between 10pm to 6am each night, and applies to both children and adults.”
Radio interview: Will another curfew really help Alice Springs? – RN Drive (broadcast 8 July)
Excerpt:
Listen to the full interview“What we’ve seen after the first curfew, which was called back in April, was a response to the need for a circuit breaker…. and what’s really significant is at the time of the first circuit breaker… the families [were] screaming for support… that is where the focus needed to be.
So, I’d be asking the question, “Why haven’t we responded to that?”
Why haven’t we responded to the calls from community that said, ‘let’s make sure that we have safe places for people to go’, ‘let’s make sure that everybody has food to eat’, ‘let’s make sure that we’re bringing in housing and responding to housing crises’… – Catherine Liddle.
Radio story: Alice Springs under crime curfew again – PM (ABC News) (Broadcast 8 July)
Excerpt:
Listen to the full reportJane Bardon: The curfew has disappointed Alice Springs’ indigenous community leader and head of [SNAICC], Catherine Liddle. She feels the $250 million the federal government promised for community support programs targeting social dysfunction hasn’t hit the ground, and NT government supports haven’t materialised.
Catherine Liddle: What we don’t ever want to see is an environment where it’s okay for police just to call the curfew, as opposed to bringing in the interventions that are required to keep the community safe.
Jane Bardon: Both the NT and federal governments have been promising interventions. What have you seen on the ground so far?
Catherine Liddle: What I do know is we haven’t had any update around the solutions that the Northern Territory government called for when they got community into room. What I’d like to know is what has happened since then.
Article: Alice Springs leaders seek evidence of plans to address underlying causes of crime amid snap curfew – ABC News (released 9 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Catherine Liddle, chief executive of SNAICC — the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — said she was disappointed another curfew had been imposed just months after a three-week youth curfew ended in Alice Springs.
“What we don’t want to see is an environment where it’s OK for police just to call a snap curfew, as opposed to bringing in the interventions that are required to keep the community safe,” Ms Liddle said.
The Arrernte-Luritja woman said she was yet to feel the impact of $250 million of federal funding promised for programs targeting social dysfunction in Alice Springs.
“We haven’t had any update around the solutions that the Northern Territory government called for when they got community in the room,” she said.
“What I’d like to know is: what has happened since then?””
Live news update: SNAICC questions where $250m is going in Alice Springs – The Guardian (released 9 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full articleCatherine Liddle says there is a “lack of transparency” around where the $250m in federal funding allocated in Alice Springs is “hitting the ground”.
In a statement, Liddle told Guardian Australia there has not been visible progress made since a meeting held among key community organisations, in response to the first youth curfew in April.
“The April Alice Springs curfew was a circuit-breaker, not a solution. It was enacted in response to escalating issues involving young people, who were not safe and were being exposed to concerning levels of violence.
We need to be looking at sustainable solutions, a view clearly articulated at a meeting organised by the NT and federal governments in April.”
Liddle said the April curfew showed “many families crying out for support,” and “a focus on investing in family and children during the early years is an approach that works and can turn the tide for communities like Alice Springs.”
Article: No evidence snap curfews work, says SNAICC CEO – NIT (released 9 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“On Tuesday, SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said he was disappointed the curfew had been implemented in the town and argued “punitive measures” were not sustainable solutions for community or child safety.
“The April Alice Springs curfew was a circuit breaker, not a solution,” the Arrernte-Luritja woman said. “Experience from then showed many families were crying out for support.”
“A focus on investing in family and children during the early years is an approach that works and can turn the tide for communities like Alice Springs.”
She told Guardian Australia that everyone needed to be looking at “sustainable solutions,” which has been articulated at a meeting organised by the NT and federal governments in April.
“SNAICC said at the time this meeting should have been the first step in designing community-led solutions to issues that have been decades in the making. This does not seem to have happened,” Ms Liddle said.”
Radio story: Solutions for Alice Springs under microscope amid new curfew – The World Today (broadcast 9 July)
Excerpt:
Listen to the full report“After the first night of a new curfew in the outback town of Alice Springs, there’s fresh debate about the causes of crime and possible solutions.
Under the 72-hour curfew, both adults and children are barred from entering the town centre between 10pm and 6am.
And while many community leaders support the emergency measure – the second in three months – they’re concerned it isn’t being backed up by long-term solutions.”
Article: Alice Springs plea: lose lockdowns and focus long term – DailyMail (released 10 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Ms Liddle said SNAICC had raised the need for community run child and family hubs to deliver early education and care and links to services and support.
“This would be a game-changer for struggling families,” she said.
“Long-term solutions must include building a truly comprehensive and supportive early childhood education and care system, one that is accessible by all.””
Article: Sustainable solutions needed for Alice Springs, SNAICC CEO argues – DailyMail (released 10 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full articleMs Liddle argued curfews were “nonsensical to most people, because there’s no evidence that they work,” before adding some in the town didn’t even know it was on.
“I’m getting phone calls from people saying, ‘is there a curfew on? We didn’t know about it’,” the Arrernte-Luritja woman said.
“What’s really hard is the rubber hitting the road and working with your community on sustainable solutions.
“And that’s what we really need in Alice Springs – sustainable solutions that invest in what is genuinely happening, what is genuinely needed, and what will genuinely make a difference.”
Ms Liddle said SNAICC had previously flagged the need for community run child and family hubs, which would help deliver early education and care, as well as links to support and services, calling it a “game-changer for struggling families”.
“Long-term solutions must include building a truly comprehensive and supportive early childhood education and care system, one that is accessible by all,” she said.
She was critical on Tuesday of a “lack of transparency and accountability to the community,” arguing there had not been visible progress since a meeting between the NT and federal governments, and community groups, in March.
“SNAICC said at the time this meeting should have been the first step in designing community-led solutions to issues that have been decades in the making. This does not seem to have happened,” she said on Tuesday.
Article: Alice Springs Curfew to end as scheduled – NIT (released 11 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full articleThe lockdowns came during the school holidays at NAIDOC week, where thousands have flooded into the town, from remote communities and interstate.
Indigenous-led organisations have lamented the use of curfews as a long-term strategy, with SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle saying on Wednesday they were “nonsensical to most people, because there’s no evidence that they work,” before adding long-term thinking was needed, rather than a quick fix.
“What we really need in Alice Springs [is] sustainable solutions that invest in what is genuinely happening, what is genuinely needed, and what will genuinely make a difference,” she said.
“Long-term solutions must include building a truly comprehensive and supportive early childhood education and care system, one that is accessible by all.”
Article: Catherine Liddle says education is ‘key’ to breaking cycle of violence, crime in Alice Springs – NT News (released 11 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full articleSNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said early years programs could “turn the tide for communities like Alice Springs”.
“Getting the early years right can break cycles of poverty and violence,” Ms Liddle said.
“Access means not only having a physical space, but removing barriers such as cost and workforce.
“Aboriginal-community controlled early childhood and family centres provide holistic, wraparound services that support the whole family.”
The Arrernte-Luritja woman said “punitive approaches” such as the current curfew in the Alice Springs CBD was not a sustainable solution for community or child safety.
She said children with access to high-quality, culturally safe education usually had fewer interactions with the justice system.
Having partnered with the Thrive by Five campaign, Ms Liddle called on the NT and federal governments to “urgently set up a child and family support hub” for kids aged five and under.
She also called on the governments to connect families to primary and high school education, accommodation, therapeutic care, finance, employment, return to country, Centrelink and the Department of Social Services.
Topic: Qld Opposition’s Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation proposal
Earlier this week, the Queensland Liberal National Party announced their proposed policy that would sentence young offenders to ‘adult time’ for serious crimes if they win the state election in October.
The Making Our Community Safer plan, announced by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, aims to impose adult sentences on young offenders for crimes like murder, manslaughter, serious assault, grievous bodily harm and the dangerous operation and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Wiradjuri, Yuin and Dhungatti Solicitor at the First Nations Women’s Legal Service Queensland, Serrina Kenny, says that whilst the proposal does not specifically target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in its description, it will impact them disproportionately as they are represented significantly higher in crime and child safety removals. Kenny points to the rate of child removal as one of the key contributing factors to the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in crime statistics. They highlight that such measures will result in longer periods of incarceration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth without addressing the root causes of their offending. Katherine Hayes of the Youth Advocacy Centre emphasises that addressing systemic issues like domestic violence, drug use and homelessness is crucial for reducing crime rates. Saying that tougher sentences alone will not deter serious repeat offenders who often see detention as preferable to their unstable living conditions.
Advocates call for a shift towards healing and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities rather than punitive measures. They stress the importance of providing community support, acknowledging the harm caused by child removals and addressing the systemic issues that lead to youth offending. Without these measures, policies like ‘adult crime, adult time’ will continue to disproportionately harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and fail to reduce crime in the long term.
For full coverage, view the media stories linked below.
Article: LNP promises to amend legislation, sentence young offenders to ‘adult time’ for serious crimes if elected – ABC News (released 7 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Young Queenslanders would be tried as adults for serious crimes if the LNP wins the October state election.
Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli announced his Making Our Community Safer plan on Sunday, including an “adult crime, adult time” court sentencing policy.
Mr Crisafulli said the policy would apply to offences like murder, manslaughter, serious assault, grievous bodily harm and the dangerous operation and unlawful use of a motor vehicle — with the aim of stamping out “the generation of the repeat untouchables”.”
Article: Mandatory life terms for Queensland children who murder would breach Human Rights Act, lawyers say – The Guardian (released 8 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Human rights lawyers and Queensland’s law society say a proposed Liberal National party policy of mandatory life sentences for convicted child murderers would contravene the state’s Human Rights Act.
On Sunday, the opposition leader, David Crisafulli, used the party convention to announce the “adult crime, adult time” policy, which he said would act as a deterrence by subjecting children to much longer potential sentences behind bars.
Under current Queensland law, adult murderers are given a mandatory life sentence, with a mandatory non-parole period of up to 30 years, depending on the type of victim.
Crisafulli confirmed on Monday that “murder will have a mandatory life sentence” for youth offenders under their proposed legislation.”
Article: Queensland legal experts compare LNP ‘adult crime, adult time’ policy to failed Newman bikie laws – The Guardian (released 8 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“The Queensland opposition’s latest announcement to combat youth crime has been panned by legal experts, with one comparing it to Campbell Newman’s failed bikie legislation.
The LNP launched its “adult crime, adult time” policy yesterday, which would see minors tried as adults for serious crimes, should the party win government in the October state election.
These include offences like murder, manslaughter, serious assault, grievous bodily harm and the dangerous operation and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Queensland Council for Civil Liberties vice president Terry O’Gorman likened the policy to when the Newman government introduced legislation to crack down on bikies in 2013, without engaging in consultation.
“It was a Newman government law and order gimmick where that government’s rhetoric could not successfully be put into practice,” Mr O’Gorman said.”
Article: Queensland legal experts compare LNP ‘adult crime, adult time’ policy to failed Newman bikie laws – The Guardian (released 8 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“The Queensland opposition’s latest announcement to combat youth crime has been panned by legal experts, with one comparing it to Campbell Newman’s failed bikie legislation.
The LNP launched its “adult crime, adult time” policy yesterday, which would see minors tried as adults for serious crimes, should the party win government in the October state election.
These include offences like murder, manslaughter, serious assault, grievous bodily harm and the dangerous operation and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Queensland Council for Civil Liberties vice president Terry O’Gorman likened the policy to when the Newman government introduced legislation to crack down on bikies in 2013, without engaging in consultation.
“It was a Newman government law and order gimmick where that government’s rhetoric could not successfully be put into practice,” Mr O’Gorman said.”
Article: Qld’s opposition leader has promised harsher punishments for youth crime, solicitor says it misses the point – NITV (released 11 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Wiradjuri, Yuin, and Dhungatti Solicitor at the First Nations Women’s Legal Service Queensland, Serrina Kenny, says that whilst the proposal doesn’t specifically target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in its description, it will impact them disproportionately as they are represented significantly higher in crime and child safety removals.
“All it does is shove these kids away for longer periods to ‘keep them off the streets’ when in reality it’s just a place to put them for a period of time – ‘out of sight, out of mind’.”Kenny points to the rate of child removal as one of the key contributing factors to the over representation in of First Nations youth in crime statistics.
“Youth crime begins from child safety’s involvement, removing them from any responsibilities they have within families, any respect that is to be taught is removed by removing them from families.”
Between 2021-2022, 5.7 per cent of First Nations children were in out of home care compared to 0.8 per cent nationally, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
A further 17 per cent of First Nations children had come into contact with the child protection system during that same period.“The children are the way of the future and yet, no one seems to understand that all of these removals are the same process of the stolen generations, but with a different lens.”
“Most Australians look back at the stolen generations and say how disgraceful those policies were, but what is the difference with the policies we have today?””
Topic: NAIDOC Week Awards
Over the weekend, the National NAIDOC Awards were held on Kaurna Country/Adelaide, celebrating First Nations excellence ahead of NAIDOC Week, which is celebrated throughout Australia.
With a record-breaking crowd of nearly 2,000 people, the event highlighted the resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The awards honoured trailblazers, with 28 finalists chosen from 200 nominations for 10 prestigious awards.
Winners included:
- Person of the Year Award: Aunty Muriel Bamblett, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Boon Wurrung Elder, who has been CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) since 1999 and is chairperson of SNAICC, was named Person of the Year. Under her leadership, VACCA has grown significantly, making strides in child protection and cultural connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. During her acceptance speech, Aunty Muriel spoke of her parents’ influence and her desire to keep children connected to their culture. She emphasised the significance of self-determination in child protection and VACCA’s success in increasing reunification rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Aunty Dulcie Flowers AM, Meriam woman and advocate for health and community services. Aunty Dulcie helped establish the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service and played a key role in the 1967 referendum. Aunty Dulcie is the first Torres Strait Islander woman to receive this award.
- Creative Talent Award: Naarah
- Female Elder Award: Aunty Millie Ingram
- Male Elder Award: Kim Collard
- Youth Award: Dante Rodrigues
- Education Award: Warlpiri Education and Training Trust
- Sportsperson Award: Alex Winwood
- Caring for Country and Culture Award: Alick Tipoti
- Innovation Award: Tui Nolan
For full coverage, view the media stories linked below.
Article: From nurse to Indigenous rights icon, Aunty Dulcie Flower earns NAIDOC lifetime achievement award – ABC News (released 6 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Aunty Dulcie recalls that in those days, calling out police brutality wasn’t the done thing.
“Mum just said there was nothing we could do at that time.
“That’s when I thought, ‘Oh, yes there is, Mum’,” she says.
The young nurse’s formal complaint at the police station led to an abrupt end to her stint in the emergency department.
But far from stunting her career in health care, it set the then 18-year-old on the path to bringing about great change in the way First Nations people are looked after.
Having been made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019, the now 85-year-old is the recipient of this year’s NAIDOC lifetime achievement award.”
Article: National NAIDOC Awards winners embody 2024 NAIDOC Week theme of ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ – ABC News (released 7 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“Taking out the prestigious NAIDOC Person of the Year Award was Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Boon Wurrung Elder, Aunty Muriel Bamblett.
A longstanding CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), Aunty Muriel was recognised for her strong advocacy for children in out-of-home care.
Among a long list of achievements, some of Aunty Muriel’s most notable work includes championing legislative reforms to the child protection system.
In an Australian first, state powers in Victoria were handed back to Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to help address the high rates of young people in the child protection system, and to help them stay connected to their communities and strong in their culture.”
Article: Naidoc awards celebrate Indigenous excellence as Linda Burney salutes ‘fitting’ theme for 2024 winners – The Guardian (released 7 July)
Excerpt:
Read the full article“The achievements of 10 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Strait Islander people have been recognised at the 2024 Naidoc awards, including one woman’s lifetime of advocating for her people’s health.
The awards, held each July and this year in Adelaide, recognise the contributions of First Nations people in their communities and celebrate Indigenous excellence. They are presented by the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.”
Article: ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’: NAIDOC Week Awards pay tribute to Indigenous trailblazers – SBS (broadcast 7 July)
Excerpt:
Listen to the full report“The National NAIDOC Week awards have paid tribute to Indigenous trailblazers making life-changing contributions to their community. It’s one of the biggest events on the calendar for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and has been held this year in Adelaide.”
Article: Kids need “big auntie energy”, says NAIDOC Person of the year Aunty Muriel Bamblett – SBS (broadcast 7 July)
Excerpt:
Listen to the full report“Aunty Muriel Bamblett was awarded the Person of the Year at the National NAIDOC Awards, held on the lands of the Kaurna people in Tarntanya/Adelaide, on Saturday.
The Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung woman was acknowledged for her tireless work in the community, including as the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) chief executive since 1999, and the chairperson of SNAICC, the peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services nationally.
Speaking to National Indigenous Times, Aunty Muriel said the emotion at the win had been almost overwhelming.
“It was just the sheer emotion of being in that room with so many Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.
“It was just the atmosphere and so many people being nominated for so many great things…you have to experience it; you really can’t describe everything that happens in that room.
“All the hugs I got, all the kisses, all the congratulations…that doesn’t happen with non-Aboriginal people…I just thought it was amazing. Really amazing.”
Under her leadership, VACCA has expanded significantly, and now has more than 1000 employees and over 80 programs.”