Acknowledgement of Country//

Headlines//

Masafer Yatta//

We heared updates from an 'australian' activist currently in Palestine on recent developments in the area of Masafer Yatta, a collection of herding communties in the West Bank. This week's dispatch covers settler violence in Khalet a Daba, deportation of solidarity activists, bombing in Gaza, and reminders about how to support Palestinian resistance from so-called australia.//

VIC Fixed Drug Testing//

We heared from ''Oliver'' on the upcoming launch of the fixed drug testing facility, due to be announced next week, on what makes a service accessible, adaptable, and safe for people who use drugs. We spoke about how to reach populations that are left out from the mobile testing at music festivals, the role stigma plays, what wraparound healthcare look like, and a walk through on the ideal service experience.//

Kelly Flanagan - FIGJAM//

CW: discussion of suicide/suicidal ideation (general - not graphic). If you need to speak with someone for support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) and Yarning Safe'n'Strong on 1800 959 563. Kelly Flanagan, a formerly incarcerated Indigenous woman and member of the Formerly Incarcerated Justice Advocates (FIGJAM) Collective, spoke to Priya this week about the appalling conditions prisoners at Melbourne's Dame Phyllis Frost Centre have been forced to endure under rolling lockdowns since July 2024. This crisis was revealed in a story broken by ABC News earlier this week, where 7:30 obtained data showing that the centre had been locked down at least 106 times since July 2024. FIGJAM is affiliated with Flat Out, a state-wide advocacy and support service for women, trans and gender diverse people (and their children) who have been criminalised. Donate to support their work here.//

Aunty Lisa Briggs - Walk for Truth//

Lastly, we heard from Aunty Lisa Briggs, a proud Gunditjmara women and Member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, with over 40 years of experience working in public policy for Aboriginal Affairs at all levels. We're honored for Aunty Lisa to join us to discuss the Yoorrook Justice Commission's Walk For Truth, which has been running from 25 May, and finishing up on 18 June. This powerful journey aims to bring everyone together to walk toward truth, celebrate the strength and resistance of Aboriginal people, and be proud to have the oldest living culture in the world as ours. Join them on their journey at Colac, Footscray, Shrine of Rememberance and many more legs. Follow Yoorrook on Instagram for their latest updates.//

Updates & Events:

Justice for Ali Mohammad Joo

• The Kashmiri Martyr, father, and sole breadwinner of his family, who was killed by the indian occupation forces.//

Justice for Kumanjayi White - Snap Rally

• Tomorrow, Friday 6 June  - 5:30PM
• Victorian Parliament Steps, Spring Street, Melbourne

• Last week, Kumanjayi White was killed while being restrained by NT Police in a Coles supermarket in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Join us to demand justice, accountability and action from the federal government. Stand with the Warlpiri people, the Yuendumu community, and all families fighting for truth, self-determination and justice.//

Song:

Listen to Bawuypawuy the lastest single by Drifting Clouds, described as the most chill band from Arnhem Land. You definetely don't want to miss these infectious sounds and hynotic melodies coming from Terry Guyula. Take a listen - follow them on Instagram and buy their music on Bandcamp.//