Latest news with #Wiradjuri
ABC News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Aboriginal rights activist Paul Coe and lawyer dies aged 76
One of the first Indigenous barristers in New South Wales is being remembered for his devoted commitment to bettering the lives of First Nations people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the image of a person who has died. Wiradjuri Elder and Aboriginal rights activist Paul Coe died on Tuesday, aged 76. Having grown up at the Erambie Aboriginal Mission at Cowra in the NSW Central West, he went on to become an instrumental force in fighting for Aboriginal human rights and justice. Mr Coe moved to Sydney in the late 1960s, where he found himself at the forefront of Australia's Black Power Movement, before helping to establish the Aboriginal Legal Service. In 1972, he took his advocacy to the lawns outside Parliament House in Canberra, joining the Tent Embassy protests. The first Aboriginal person to study law at the University of New South Wales, Mr Coe led the Wiradjuri peoples battle for sovereignty, taking their fight to the High Court of Australia in 1979. While the case against the Commonwealth was unsuccessful, his work later became influential in the 1992 Mabo decision — a landmark ruling which recognised native title. The family has given the ABC permission to use Mr Coe's name and image. His children paid tribute to their father on social media, saying his family will "honour his legacy and his role in the ongoing story of Wiradjuri resistance and resilience". "He spent his life devoted to continuing our Wiradjuri ways and fighting for justice, land rights and self-determination for Aboriginal peoples", they wrote. The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council said Mr Coe's work "should never be forgotten". "He was one of the most influential peoples in Australia's ongoing history of and for the fight for rights for Koori and/or Aboriginal peoples, culture and identity. "We are forever grateful and thankful for [his] wit, wisdom, efforts and contribution, courage and determination to fight for our rights. May your legacy live on and prosper", it said in a statement.
ABC News
5 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
The toll on relationships when you're in the sandwich generation
Lauren Black was 35 and raising a toddler when her mum died unexpectedly. "Mum was the centre pin for so many people in my family, and the family business, and suddenly that fell to myself and my older brother," says the 42-year-old from Albury-Wodonga, on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people. "I stepped into Mum's place for my dad, took over the care of their two dogs as well as my own, stepped in as my grandmother's support with the onset of dementia, and stepped in to work with my brother as he took over the family business." Lauren says the sudden change and increased responsibility, which included moving back to her hometown from city life in Canberra, was a strain on her marriage. "My husband got the last of my time and our relationship suffered." Lauren wrote to us after reading our story on being the sandwich generation. We spoke to Lauren to hear more about how caring for a young child and older family members affected her marriage, and also asked two experts for their insights into the toll being in the sandwich generation can have on relationships. Michelle O'Shea is a senior lecturer in the School of Business at Western Sydney University and has been analysing data on sandwich carers, provided by Carers NSW. "What really resonated was the cognitive load. Respondents consistently talked about this idea of care taking up such a large part of their time and mental energy," Dr O'Shea says. She says there was also a physical toll that left carers exhausted. "[One woman spoke about] having to render assistance to her mother, which included bathing and assisting around the house, while also doing those things in her household as well." The mental and physical load means there is often nothing left to give anyone else in their lives, Dr O'Shea says, including quality time with a partner. Lauren says moving back to her hometown on a whim to help family was part of the struggle, because her husband Matt didn't have the same social network in the area. "I was his person in Albury, but I wasn't available. "We didn't have any time together, and any time I did have, I needed to look after myself. "Matt and I have always so had different interests, so he's not coming to a ceramics workshop, where I want to sit down and chat to other women who are going through the same thing as me." The couple also missed out on creating the family they had imagined for themselves. Being a part of the sandwich generation is one of the most intense life stages many couples face, says Queenie Wu, a clinical psychologist in Brisbane/Meanjin. She says many couples may experience communication breakdown, resentment over an unequal responsibility, and financial pressures. "Clients talk about going from lovers to logistic managers without realising it." This can be impacted further when the aging parent lives in the home. "Even with love and goodwill, it shifts the emotional centre of the home," Dr Wu says. "Couples' connection can take a big hit … there can be a grief and loss of privacy and that safe haven." She says parents living in the home can also create confusion around roles. "Sometimes parents overstep and undermine." Lauren says the bulk of the caring duties fell to her. "It's a gendered issue … but Matt was also struggling a lot. "While I was drowning in responsibility, I had so many women around me going through the same thing, so I was able to connect and get that support. "Whereas Matt focused on his work and playing sport, where there isn't always the opportunity to discuss your struggles." Dr O'Shea says even when there might be multiple adult children in the family, most of the time caring duties rest with the daughter or daughter-in-law. "There were lots of women speaking [about] the care of their own parents, but also their in-laws. "And what's different about women in this sandwich generation to prior generations, is not only are these women caring for their children and elder relatives, but they're also working." And while it might be more common or expected in certain cultures to take care of aging parents, it's often no less difficult, says Dr Wu. "For many Chinese Australians like me, it's not just an expectation [to care for aging parents], but a fundamental responsibility ingrained from childhood. "Cultural values may shape the stories, but the stress is still real." Dr O'Shea says many migrant families in Australia may also be dealing with supporting family from afar. "They also have care commitments for aging relatives living abroad. "There is another layer to that care." Many carers don't feel seen in the work they are doing. "It's invisible," says Dr Wu. For that reason, she says it's important couples acknowledge and validate the care that is being undertaken. To stay connected, couples should prioritise time together like they would "a medical appointment", she says. "We need to make it happen — treat it as sacred." Ongoing communication and regular check-ins are also essential, says Dr Wu. "Couples who come through this chapter stronger are those who stay intentional. "They talk openly, share the load fairly, protect small moments of connection, and see themselves as a team. "Even amidst the chaos, they choose each other, again and again." Lauren says life is slowly becoming more manageable. For example, her career is "back on track", her dad has a new partner, and her brother runs the family business independently. But she says it will take time to fully recover. 'I still feel like we are living through the most hectic times in our lives and haven't had a chance to catch our breath.'
SBS Australia
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Kitty Obsidian talks NAIDOC, Young Blak Performers and Mentoring
Ahead of NAIDOC 2025 this year NITV Radio yarns up with Kitty Obsidian a proud Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi trans performer and previous VIC NAIDOC LGBTIQ+ person of the year 2022. Kitty talks activism, mentorship and representation in Blak and queer spaces where there is a hub of intersection of people and Kitty them-self saying " i look at it as the whole of who I am, I can't stop being mob, I can't stop being queer, I can't stop being trans or disable or any of the other things. Kitty shares excitedly about VIC NAIDOC Pride and the names of upcoming Blak Talent audiences should keep an eye out for as incredible entertainers.
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
First look at Newcastle Knights Indigenous round jersey honouring Hunter's culture
The Newcastle Knights will run out during this season's Indigenous round in a kit emblazoned with the Hunter's heritage. "Nginhabulagu", which translates to 'belonging' in Wiradjuri, is the name that Hunter artist Renae Lamb has given to her designs featured on the team's kit, which depict motifs of men, women and children united by culture and their team. "My dad always told me to be proud of who you are and that when you go out there on the field, always remember your identity," Knights forward Jermaine McEwen said. "Representing my culture on Indigenous round is very special to me." Ms Lamb, a Wiradjuri and Wongaibon woman from the Wonnarua, Awabakal, and Worimi communities, said her design included the image of a shield representing strength and identity, circular meeting places to represent the Knight uniting on Awabakal country, and motifs in golds representing connection and legacy for the players and fans. The NRL's Indigenous round will run across two consecutive rounds this season, for the first time. Rounds 23 and 24 will see the Knights take on the Panthers on August 8 at McDonald Jones stadium, and the Cowboys on August 17 in Townsville. "I hold so much pride in being Aboriginal, and sharing that helps the younger generation be more comfortable and be prouder of where they come from," Knights NRLW star Evah McEwan. "It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my family" representing my culture on Indigenous round." Ms Lamb, who is also the CEO and founder of Midnight Dreaming Studio, where her work is driven by a desire to create equity, equality, and acceptance for Indigenous people, said the kit design reflected the pride, spirit, and enduring legacy of Indigenous players who carried their families, culture, and communities with them. The Newcastle Knights will run out during this season's Indigenous round in a kit emblazoned with the Hunter's heritage. "Nginhabulagu", which translates to 'belonging' in Wiradjuri, is the name that Hunter artist Renae Lamb has given to her designs featured on the team's kit, which depict motifs of men, women and children united by culture and their team. "My dad always told me to be proud of who you are and that when you go out there on the field, always remember your identity," Knights forward Jermaine McEwen said. "Representing my culture on Indigenous round is very special to me." Ms Lamb, a Wiradjuri and Wongaibon woman from the Wonnarua, Awabakal, and Worimi communities, said her design included the image of a shield representing strength and identity, circular meeting places to represent the Knight uniting on Awabakal country, and motifs in golds representing connection and legacy for the players and fans. The NRL's Indigenous round will run across two consecutive rounds this season, for the first time. Rounds 23 and 24 will see the Knights take on the Panthers on August 8 at McDonald Jones stadium, and the Cowboys on August 17 in Townsville. "I hold so much pride in being Aboriginal, and sharing that helps the younger generation be more comfortable and be prouder of where they come from," Knights NRLW star Evah McEwan. "It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my family" representing my culture on Indigenous round." Ms Lamb, who is also the CEO and founder of Midnight Dreaming Studio, where her work is driven by a desire to create equity, equality, and acceptance for Indigenous people, said the kit design reflected the pride, spirit, and enduring legacy of Indigenous players who carried their families, culture, and communities with them. The Newcastle Knights will run out during this season's Indigenous round in a kit emblazoned with the Hunter's heritage. "Nginhabulagu", which translates to 'belonging' in Wiradjuri, is the name that Hunter artist Renae Lamb has given to her designs featured on the team's kit, which depict motifs of men, women and children united by culture and their team. "My dad always told me to be proud of who you are and that when you go out there on the field, always remember your identity," Knights forward Jermaine McEwen said. "Representing my culture on Indigenous round is very special to me." Ms Lamb, a Wiradjuri and Wongaibon woman from the Wonnarua, Awabakal, and Worimi communities, said her design included the image of a shield representing strength and identity, circular meeting places to represent the Knight uniting on Awabakal country, and motifs in golds representing connection and legacy for the players and fans. The NRL's Indigenous round will run across two consecutive rounds this season, for the first time. Rounds 23 and 24 will see the Knights take on the Panthers on August 8 at McDonald Jones stadium, and the Cowboys on August 17 in Townsville. "I hold so much pride in being Aboriginal, and sharing that helps the younger generation be more comfortable and be prouder of where they come from," Knights NRLW star Evah McEwan. "It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my family" representing my culture on Indigenous round." Ms Lamb, who is also the CEO and founder of Midnight Dreaming Studio, where her work is driven by a desire to create equity, equality, and acceptance for Indigenous people, said the kit design reflected the pride, spirit, and enduring legacy of Indigenous players who carried their families, culture, and communities with them. The Newcastle Knights will run out during this season's Indigenous round in a kit emblazoned with the Hunter's heritage. "Nginhabulagu", which translates to 'belonging' in Wiradjuri, is the name that Hunter artist Renae Lamb has given to her designs featured on the team's kit, which depict motifs of men, women and children united by culture and their team. "My dad always told me to be proud of who you are and that when you go out there on the field, always remember your identity," Knights forward Jermaine McEwen said. "Representing my culture on Indigenous round is very special to me." Ms Lamb, a Wiradjuri and Wongaibon woman from the Wonnarua, Awabakal, and Worimi communities, said her design included the image of a shield representing strength and identity, circular meeting places to represent the Knight uniting on Awabakal country, and motifs in golds representing connection and legacy for the players and fans. The NRL's Indigenous round will run across two consecutive rounds this season, for the first time. Rounds 23 and 24 will see the Knights take on the Panthers on August 8 at McDonald Jones stadium, and the Cowboys on August 17 in Townsville. "I hold so much pride in being Aboriginal, and sharing that helps the younger generation be more comfortable and be prouder of where they come from," Knights NRLW star Evah McEwan. "It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my family" representing my culture on Indigenous round." Ms Lamb, who is also the CEO and founder of Midnight Dreaming Studio, where her work is driven by a desire to create equity, equality, and acceptance for Indigenous people, said the kit design reflected the pride, spirit, and enduring legacy of Indigenous players who carried their families, culture, and communities with them.
The Advertiser
18-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Orange or Mudgee: which regional NSW town wins the wine-and-weekend crown?
They both have food, wine and views, but which country town wins? Tasting at Printhie Wines in Orange. Picture: Destination NSW By Mal Chenu and Amy Cooper Updated July 18 2025 - 9:06am, first published 10:00am Two of NSW's most beloved wine and food destinations - Mudgee and Orange - have been battling (politely, of course) for the title of the state's best country escape. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area So which one deserves your weekend? We break down the case for each. The case for Mudgee: warm, welcoming and full of flavour I do love the name Mudgee. Simultaneously snuggly and tasty, the sound of it conjures up fresh scones and sun-ripened fruit, handwoven blankets and blooming flowerbeds, warm hearths and happy hearts. A place where people have time to chat, make jam, bake bread. And drink bucketloads of wine. The real meaning isn't far off. In the local Wiradjuri language, Mudgee's a word for "nest in the hills", or "contented". Better still, the reality matches up. Of all the charming country towns dotted across the bucolic NSW Central Tablelands, Mudgee best personifies the rural idyll imagined by wistful urban dwellers sitting at traffic lights surrounded by road rage and existential despair. Mudgee's scenic countryside. Pictures: DNSW Mudgee doesn't have traffic lights. It has wide tree-lined streets with pubs on most corners and fine old heritage buildings dating back to the 1800s. It nestles in a patchwork quilt of vineyards, fields and orchards, and boasts both a beer and a wine school, educational assets absent from even sophisticated cities. Coincidentally (and perhaps regrettably, given his troubled relationship with the bottle) the great poet Henry Lawson spent his school years in Mudgee. You can see the remains of his family home at the Henry Lawson Memorial and his name now belongs to Mudgee's lovely Lawson Park where you can picnic on the banks of the Cudgegong River. You'd better bring a big basket. Food and wine practically spring from the soil in this furiously fertile region. More than 35 cellar doors beckon at some of Australia's oldest vineyards, with some established more than 150 years ago. Scenic Mudgee. Picture: Destination NSW Whether you're chatting with Burrundulla's award-winning viticulturalist Ted Cox, whose family were among the town's first settlers in the 1820s, or Robert Stein's Jacob Stein, whose forebears brought Rhine riesling to Australia in 1838, you'll find a welcome from winemakers eager to share generations of passion for the land. Lowe Family Wine Co has turned a dedication to biodynamic and organic farming into an epicurean epicentre where vineyards and market gardens sprawl around The Zin House restaurant, holder of a chef's hat for 10 years in a row. You can taste wines and produce in historical former horse stalls at Gooree Park Cellar Door at The Stables, and wander through cherry, fig and citrus orchards with a glass in hand at 10's Estate. Wherever you wander, Mudgee's artisans, growers, farmers and shopkeepers greet you with the genuine hospitality that scored Mudgee fourth place and top NSW town on 2025 Friendliest Towns list, while Orange scraped in at number 10. As Henry Lawson famously said: "Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer." And I say: Mudgee makes you feel the way you ought to feel without Mudgee. The argument for Orange: cool-climate class and endless choice Orange and Mudgee are fine destinations for wineries or romance, or both, and in that order, as God intended. Separated by just two hours, these towns sit on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people and boast lovely colonial heritage buildings and robust art, food and wine scenes. Tasting at Swinging Bridge Wines in Orange. Picture: Destination NSW So, what's the difference between Orange and Mudgee? Well, besides the spelling and pronunciation, Orange rises head and shoulders above Mudgee with an elevation advantage of 400 metres. The superior altitude (along with the rich terroir) produces excellent cool-climate wines, as you will find at the region's wineries (there are more than 80, and about 30 of them have cellar doors), including well-known purveyors Printhie, Philip Shaw, Ross Hill and Swinging Bridge. Four times as many people choose to live in Orange as they do Mudgee, and this is reflected in the accommodation options. Another top-end winery - Nashdale Lane Wines - offers luxe glamping cabins with views across the vineyards and out to Mount Canobolas. Pinnacle Reserve and Lookout, the Spring Glade walking track and Nangar National Park offer similarly fab views. Back in town, the 1876-built Duntryleague Guesthouse is the most elegant landmark in Orange, while Yallungah Boutique Hotel, where original architecture meets mod-cons and mod art, is the go-to digs for a heritage-comfort blend. Tasting at Philip Shaw Wines in Orange. More epicurean art can be appreciated at the Orange Regional Gallery, Corner Store Boutique Gallery and The White Place. The Orange Botanic Gardens and Cook Park offer a colourful taste of the local flora, and you can explore limestone caves at Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve and Federal Falls in the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area, play a round at Duntryleague Golf Club and watch dragon boat racing on Lake Canobolas. Fancy a bevvy? Start at local institution Ferment the Orange Wine Centre & Store, then push on to the tiny wine bar Hey Rosey. For fine dining, check out The Peacock Room, Whitney's Restaurant, Sisters Rock Restaurant, Lucetta Dining or The Schoolhouse Restaurant. Everything F&B in Orange is superb, a function of the local produce and intense competition. The spot where the town sits was originally called Blackman's Swamp but was quickly renamed to honour William, the Prince of Orange of the Netherlands. This makes Orange the new Blackman. "Orange" has suffered from some recent dubious associations, and the burghers of the town want to make it abundantly clear they are not affiliated with any presidents or face-tanning products. While Orange is the more a-peel-ing option for your Central West getaway, I would never be judgy about Mudgee.
