Latest news with #Aitken
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Australia's dark past woven through powerful exhibition
Sandra Aitken's woven baskets greet visitors entering the atrium of a beloved arts museum, survivors of a brutal regime which tried to unravel their possible existence. Each of the four pieces serve as storytellers of a culture once silenced. They form part of a powerful exhibition aimed at confronting the dark heart of Australia's colonial history while celebrating the richness and resilience of Indigenous cultural traditions. The exhibition - 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art - features hundreds of works, including rarely seen pieces, which mark the grand reopening of Melbourne University's Potter Museum of Art. Aitken, a Dhauwurd Wurrung Gunditjmara artist, says the exhibition is incredibly important. She continues to teach and practice the basket-weaving technique of the Gunditjmara people, a cultural tradition nearly lost after colonisation. Her great-great-grandmother used the technique in the 1800s to trap food such as fish and eel. She passed her knowledge down her family line until it was forbidden. "My grandmother wasn't allowed to teach my aunty how to weave. It was almost lost," she said. Her aunty relearned the craft over decades, but when it came time to pass it on, she couldn't. "She said the government would come and take us away from there. We ended up getting her to show us, but it was behind closed doors and windows." Aitken's work is one of 400 pieces by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists included in the collection, which spans three levels. Co-curated by Marcia Langton, Judith Ryan and Shanysa McConville, the exhibition does not shy away from brutal colonial history, but also offers new insights into the first art of the country. "Beginning the exhibition with the womens' weaving in the atrium, we are looking at the story now," Ms Ryan told AAP. "We wanted it to be truth telling, anti-colonial. We wanted to take things further and to destroy and subvert stereotypes." The exhibition includes pieces by William Barak, Lin Onus, Albert Namatjira, Rover Thomas and Emily Kam Kngwarray, with the majority on display drawn from the university's collections. "It's about encompassing the whole gamut of what First People make in Australia and there is no prediction of what First People's art should look like or mean." Marking the museum's reopening on May 30 during Reconciliation Week after a six-year renovation, the Potter Museum of Art will welcome the public to the exhibition running until November 23. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14
The Herald Scotland
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
LGBTQ+ 'safe space' centre could be opened in Glasgow
Councillor Aitken was responding to queries from trans councillor Elaine Gallagher who asked what the council was doing to uphold duties to protect rights in light of a 'culture war and hostile anti LGBTQ+ environment.' Speaking at last week's council meeting, Councillor Aitken said 'recent legal decisions and public discourse have only intensified the pressure and fear that many trans people are feeling. And I absolutely recognise that this is not just political, it is personal, it is painful and it has real consequences for people's safety, dignity and rights.' She added: 'I'm determined that the council will be an ally and will act.' Pointing out the work of an LGBTQ+ Forum, she said: 'A sub group of the forum is exploring the creation of a physical LGBTQ+ hub in Glasgow, a safe inclusive space for community building, support and celebration. 'Discussions with City Property and partners are ongoing and the energy and commitment from community members involved in the process has been really encouraging.' Read More Glasgow Pride criticised over ties to Israel-linked companies Commenting on LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, she said: 'We also continue to prioritise inclusive education. Our partnership with the TIE campaign is helping ensure our schools are places where all young people including trans and non binary pupils feel safe, seen and supported from professional development for staff to city wide events like Ally and PrideLite this work sends a clear message I hope to our young people – you belong here. ' Scottish Greens councillor Gallagher was questioning whether the council was continuing to roll out actions from a council motion in 2023, which agreed to help guard the rights of transgender and non-binary people. She asked if councillor Aitken agreed that the 'interim non statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was rushed, contradictory, discriminatory and politically motivated.' Concurring, the SNP leader branded the guidance as 'entirely rushed.' Released after the Supreme Court ruling, the EHRC guidance says in places like hospitals, shops and restaurants trans women should not be allowed to use women's facilities. Laying out the council's stance, councillor Aitken said: 'We are certainly in no rush in this council to make any changes. I have discussed it with the chief executive and our existing approach is the approach that will continue. We obviously await guidance from the Scottish Government. 'We are a public body and we have to abide by the law but I am absolutely determined that we will do so in a way that is inclusive, respectful and supports the dignity and personhood of everyone who either works in or uses or public buildings or our service and particularly trans and non binary people.'
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
LGBTQ+ 'safe space' centre could be opened in Glasgow
City leader Susan Aitken said the council is in 'no rush' to make any changes on LGBTQ+ inclusion following a Supreme Court ruling that a woman was defined by biological sex under equalities law. Councillor Aitken was responding to queries from trans councillor Elaine Gallagher who asked what the council was doing to uphold duties to protect rights in light of a 'culture war and hostile anti LGBTQ+ environment.' Speaking at last week's council meeting, Councillor Aitken said 'recent legal decisions and public discourse have only intensified the pressure and fear that many trans people are feeling. And I absolutely recognise that this is not just political, it is personal, it is painful and it has real consequences for people's safety, dignity and rights.' More: We've been 'strung along': Anger at Ruchill Community Centre decision She added: 'I'm determined that the council will be an ally and will act.' Pointing out the work of an LGBTQ+ Forum, she said: 'A sub group of the forum is exploring the creation of a physical LGBTQ+ hub in Glasgow, a safe inclusive space for community building, support and celebration. 'Discussions with City Property and partners are ongoing and the energy and commitment from community members involved in the process has been really encouraging.' Commenting on LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, she said: 'We also continue to prioritise inclusive education. Our partnership with the TIE campaign is helping ensure our schools are places where all young people including trans and non binary pupils feel safe, seen and supported from professional development for staff to city wide events like Ally and PrideLite this work sends a clear message I hope to our young people – you belong here. ' Scottish Greens councillor Gallagher was questioning whether the council was continuing to roll out actions from a council motion in 2023, which agreed to help guard the rights of transgender and non-binary people. More: 'Significant disruption' to city centre buses for a year and a half She asked if councillor Aitken agreed that the 'interim non statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was rushed, contradictory, discriminatory and politically motivated.' Concurring, the SNP leader branded the guidance as 'entirely rushed.' Released after the Supreme Court ruling, the EHRC guidance says in places like hospitals, shops and restaurants trans women should not be allowed to use women's facilities. Laying out the council's stance, councillor Aitken said: 'We are certainly in no rush in this council to make any changes. I have discussed it with the chief executive and our existing approach is the approach that will continue. We obviously await guidance from the Scottish Government. 'We are a public body and we have to abide by the law but I am absolutely determined that we will do so in a way that is inclusive, respectful and supports the dignity and personhood of everyone who either works in or uses or public buildings or our service and particularly trans and non binary people.'
Otago Daily Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Golf tournament raises $10k for charity
The 2025 Ruralco Golf Classic at the Tinwald golf course. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A $10,000 donation has been made to the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust following the Ruralco Golf Classic. The golf tournament, which took place last month at the Tinwald course, saw 36 teams of four line up to compete, many from the rural industry. It was won by team Daggy Ass, made up of Alister Maxwell, Rory Maxwell and Dayle Lucas. Rural support trust co-ordinator Frances Beeston said the much-welcomed donation would help support the work of the trust in the community. This included counselling and a planned rural professional breakfast later in the year, she said. Ruralco chief executive officer Tony Aitken said the support of players and sponsors meant 100 per cent of the proceeds from entries, on-course challenges and raffles directly benefited the trust. It also reflected Ruralco's ongoing commitment to Canterbury, strengthening community ties and backing local initiatives, he said. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, whether by playing, sponsoring, or donating," Aitken said. "This event was about more than just a round of golf – it was a show of solidarity and support for the people at the heart of our rural community. "We are especially proud that the funds raised will stay local and directly assist Mid Canterbury farmers and their families." The classic drew more than 100 players for a day full of camaraderie, fun, and fundraising. Special thanks went to Ballance Agri Nutrients and Nutrien Ag Solutions for their joint platinum sponsorship of the event, FMG for supporting the Vintage Putt Off, and all raffle prize sponsors who helped make the day such a success, Aitken said. "As a regionally focused cooperative, Ruralco's core purpose is to lower farm input costs for our members, and we're equally committed to supporting their well-being. "Partnering with the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust is one meaningful way we can give back to the communities that support us." Rural Support Trust can be contacted by phone: 0800 787 254 Five Ways to Wellbeing which can help people stay mentally well: Connect – Talk, listen, be there. Positive social interactions make us feel happy, connected and secure. Be Active – Being physically active can improve our wellbeing. Do what you can and enjoy what you do. Take Notice – Take note of the little things that bring you joy. Keep Learning – Embrace new experiences, see opportunities. Give – Your time, yours words, your presence and embrace the feeling of community.
The National
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Glasgow councillors show support for migrants after Starmer speech
SNP, Green and Labour councillors all spoke out on Thursday after the UK Government announced plans to cut immigration earlier this week. Council leader Susan Aitken said the Government's policy failures are to blame for the city's housing crisis rather than asylum seekers and refugees. And then SNP and Green councillors united to pass a motion which opposed the Prime Minister's immigration plans. READ MORE: Labour suffers blow as Albania snubs Rwanda-style scheme A Labour group amendment wasn't accepted by the SNP. Councillor Allan Casey, the council's homelessness convener who brought the motion, said the group hadn't criticised their government's proposals. 'There was no mention of the rhetoric of your party leader,' he added. 'That's quite a shame.' Casey said the content of the UK Government's white paper was 'alarming', but the 'language accompanying it is even more dangerous'. He said the Prime Minister had 'adopted rhetoric that would not be out of place in a Nigel Farage leaflet' after the Reform party's success in recent local elections in England, adding his language 'increasingly mirrors the infamous warnings of Enoch Powell'. 'That kind of fear-mongering has no place in… progressive politics,' Casey said. 'Migration is not a burden, it's a blessing.' He highlighted its benefits for the city's hospitals, care homes, universities, businesses and public services. Aitken said the Prime Minister's language was 'in great danger of fracturing the cohesion, integration and the diversity of Glasgow, of Scotland and of the UK as a whole'. READ MORE: Keir Starmer announces Rwanda-style plan to deport asylum seekers Councillor Bill Butler, Labour, said: 'Migrants have enriched Glasgow, cultural, socially and economically. Diversity is not a weakness, it is a strength.' He said the housing emergency, challenges in social care, education and the NHS and the drugs crisis are 'not the fault of migrants, but the responsibility of governments'. The Labour councillor called for the construction of a 'humane, fair and evidence-based migration policy'. 'Migrants are not the problem,' he said. 'They form an integral part of the solution.' Following the motion, the council's chief executive will now write to the UK Government and Glasgow MPs to set out opposition to the white paper and seek support for a 'tailored' Scottish visa. A Green amendment urged Labour MPs and MSPs in the city to distance themselves from the Prime Minister's words and 'unite our country against the real causes of community breakdown… gross wealth inequality and austerity'. Labour's proposed amendment had stated immigration policy should 'reflect the specific demographic and economic needs of cities like Glasgow, ensuring that they must always provide the ability to develop a humane and rational immigration system'. Earlier in the meeting, Aitken was asked about the city's housing pressures. She said: 'I want to be clear that while that crisis has been caused by changes to the way the Home Office processes asylum decisions, asylum seekers and refugees are not the cause of the challenges we face. The cause is a failure of Westminster policies. 'We remain firmly committed to being a place of sanctuary, dignity and wellbeing for those who fled war, persecution and hardship.'
