Darwin rally supports indigenous Australians

By Tom Flanagan

Darwin -- More than 1200 people turned out here to express solidarity with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders on Saturday, August 2. “Walking Together”, a march and concert, was organised as a community response to the racist push by politicians and corporations intent on furthering their own agendas at the expense of indigenous Australians.

The size of the turnout, the biggest for a march in Darwin for a long time, indicates a strong anti-racist sentiment in the community. Significantly, the crowd was largest for the 5pm march and opening speakers, despite the strong line-up of performers throughout the evening.

Marchers were welcomed to Mindil Beach by Gail Williams and Jeff May, spokespersons for the Larrakia people, traditional owners of the region.

Speakers from community, church and indigenous organisations were interspersed with bands including Wild Water, Crimplene, Trebles Without Accord and Drum Drum. Doug Bon, a member of the organising committee and a Murray Island traditional owner, wound up the event, singing a traditional Murray Island song.

With a Northern Territory election apparently imminent, the success of “Walking Together” may cause the governing Country Liberal Party to think twice about running its standard racist election campaign.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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