BOB HAWKE AC TO SPEAK AT GARMA 2014

21 July 2014

 MEDIA RELEASE

 
 
MONDAY, 21 July, 2014
 
Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke AC has been confirmed as a special guest speaker at this year's Garma 2014, the Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) announced today. 
 
CEO Mrs Denise Bowden said Mr Hawke would address up to 200 delegates at the exclusive invitation-only Garma Corporate Dinner on the night of Saturday, 2nd August. “We're delighted and honoured that Mr Hawke will be a part of this year's event,” she said.
 
“For many years, Mr Hawke has sought deeper and more meaningful ties between black and white Australia, not just during his prime ministership but throughout his public life.”
 
The chairman of YYF, Mr Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM, and Mr Hawke were the central players in the landmark Barunga Statement on Aboriginal rights in 1988. The Statement, presented to Mr Hawke as a bark petition by Mr Yunupingu, still hangs in the Federal Parliament in Canberra.
 
Sue Ford Archive
*Images © Sue Ford Archives 
 
 
It called for Aboriginal self-management, a national system of land rights, compensation for loss of lands, respect for Aboriginal identity, an end to discrimination, and the granting of full civil, economic, social and cultural rights.
 
“More than 20 years after the Barunga Statement, we are still fighting on many of the same fronts, facing up to the same challenges,” Mrs Bowden said.
 
“Garma offers a forum for people to share their insights on these and other issues, and we look forward to hearing from Mr Hawke at this year's event.”
 
Garma will take place atop a significant Yolngu ceremonial meeting ground called Gulkula, in northeast Arnhem Land, from August 1-4. The main theme for this year's Garma event is Responsibility, Reform and Recognition.
 
Mrs Bowden said Garma 2014 registrations had now been capped and that public registrations had now closed to attend this years event. “It's not surprising given Garma's reputation as Australia’s leading Indigenous event on the calendar,” she said. “The YYF Board of Directors are genuinely very excited to be hosting such a fantastic event for a capacity audience.” 
 
 
 
 
Media Contact: 
Jason Frenkel
0402 282 251 
 
Book your place 
 
 

 

 

 

 Hit the 'cross' icon above to continue with the buying process.

Australia’s leading Indigenous cultural exchange event

Pledge Your Support for Garma

Community Supporters

Read more