1967 referendum in pictures

Thursday, June 21, 2007 - 10:00
By Erin Cameron

The Vote Against Discrimination

Kirrit Barreet Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre, 407 Main Road, Ballarat

Free entry, until August 30

On May 25, The Vote Against Discrimination exhibition was launched. The exhibition is an interpretation using photographs, posters and cartoons of the 1967 referendum plus a film of interviews of local elders who were involved in the campaign.

In his opening speech, local elder and activist Ted Lovett stressed that the referendum was a very significant date in the struggle for justice for Aboriginal people. Some things had been gained, but not enough as Aboriginal people are still suffering.

Lovett attacked the Howard government for its lack of support to Indigenous rights and in particular Indigenous affairs minister Mal Brough, who had said on the morning of the exhibition launch that Aboriginal children had to learn English if they were to have any chance of advancement. Lovett said "if you take our language you have taken all that we have". He finished by saying that the fight for Aboriginal rights and sovereignty must go on.

For more information, visit http://www.aboriginalballarat.com.au.

From GLW issue 715