We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples continuing connection to their lands, skies, waters, plants and animals.
We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their Ancestors, Elders and emerging leaders.
We at Social Justice Advocates live on the lands of the Yuin Nation and as such are dedicated to be staunch Allies and Advocates who walk with the local Yuin peoples including Thaua and Djiringanj Peoples
Sovereignty Never Ceded
“The Uluṟu Statement from the Heart is no less true because of the referendum result. The need for a Voice is no less logical, no less important.
It remains the best way to design policies and laws, giving a Voice to the people who they affect most.”
Thomas Mayo Always Was Always Will Be 2024
The Indigenous Issues subgroup is changing our name! Stay tuned for the change………
As Indigenous Allies we keep abreast of issues affecting Indigenous peoples at a federal, state and local level. Through discussion and collaboration with the local Indigenous communities we contribute as allies and advocates and participate in supporting projects, events and issues of importance.
The subgroup supports projects in the Bega Valley Shire that contribute to well-being and works to promote positive communications and collaborations with Local Indigenous communities.
Since the Voice to Parliament referendum in October 2023 there has been a silence emanating from our political leaders from the Federal, State and Local governments. Worse still there has been in some States and Territories including NSW a regression including the introduction of new bail laws in NSW
We continue to support The Uluru Statement from the Heart and as such work to inform and encourage the broader community to listen, learn, participate and most importantly walk together with the First Peoples of our lands towards a better future.
While we see that Closing the Gap targets are critically important, we understand that without First Peoples voices, embedded participation, the ability to make decisions, and the ability control and distribute funding we will continue to fall short of these targets.
Without effective and broadly encompassed Truth telling and the establishment of Treaties our nation will continue to be diminished and without embracing and celebrating the rich cultures and knowledges of the First Peoples who have successfully flourished for over 65,000 years we will continue to languish in ignorance and witness our lands degraded, our Flora and Fauna destroyed.
On the lands of the Yuin Nation we have the opportunity to lead our country, to show how together we can demonstrate how strong and supportive communities can make a difference. Our group is currently collaborating with the local Yuin Nations groups to develop strategies that continue to assist and support whenever and wherever invited.
We support and participate in many local festivals and events including:
Giiyong Festival – Giiyong means “come to Welcome” in the south coast language spoken by local Elders. The annual Festival is a wonderful celebration of Indigenous culture and connection. Held at Jigamy, Princes Highway between Pambula and Eden. This year’s Festival date is Saturday 22nd November 2025. Register to volunteer, get tickets, become a sponsor and learn all about the festival https://www.giiyong.com.au/
We support and work on projects such as
The Bundian Way – The Bundian Way is a pathway from the sea to the mountains. A 365km pathway of shared Aboriginal and European history that leads between Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) and Targangal (Mount Kosciuszko), the highest point on the Australian mainland. Visit the site to book a guided tour or find information on self guided walking trails in and around Eden. https://www.bundianway.com.au/
Black Duck Foods – Located on Yumburra Farm in Yuin country on the Wallagaraugh River near Genoa in Victoria.Black Duck Foods is an Aboriginal social enterprise committed to traditional food growing processes that care for Country and return economic benefits directly back to Community.
Social Justice Advocates attend regular working bees at Black Duck Foods. Come join us for a great day, get your hands dirty, enjoy some great company and learn. Next working bee will be announced on the website and in our newsletter.
To learn more about Black Duck Foods visit the website https://www.blackduckfoods.com.au/
In 2025 we are currently focused on the following events
JULY 2025 BBQ at JIGAMY Princes Highway between Pambula & Eden. A date will be announced when finalized. After the 2023 Referendum many Allies and First Peoples have been left wondering where to from here. This BBQ is focused on our recommitment to continue working together to build and strengthen our connections and work on ways we can move forward. Come along to catch up with community members, share ideas and be part of moving forward together. Please contact us if you would like to attend. An email will be sent out with as many contact addresses as we have from the Yes 23 campaign please share the email with those you know would be interested in coming and please reply to the email so we can ascertain numbers.
CULTURAL AWARENESS SESSION We are currently working on a suitable date and location for the Cultural Awareness Session with Alison Simpson-Wighton. At the last April meeting of SJA there was a significant showing of hands for those interested in participating. Please contact us if you would like to participate
GIIYONG FESTIVAL 2025
NAIDOC 2025 EVENTS
RESOURCE COLLECTION Do you have books and resources you would like to donate? We are facilitating donations of materials to the resource centre at The Keeping Place Eden LALC for the use of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and learners