"WE SWEAR BY THE SOUTHERN CROSS TO STAND TRULY BY EACH OTHER AND FIGHT TO DEFEND OUR RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES."
Gurindji Freedom Day commemorates Fiftieth anniversary of the Wave Hill walk-off
Amongst the thousands of people who commemorated the historic Wave Hill walk-off this week were some of the original participants and descendents of the Gurindji stockmen, domestic hands and family members. In 1966 they walked-off the Wave Hill station to protest against the appalling wages, working and living conditions that the British Vestey company enforced on them.
However this protest became more than a civil rights struggle and developed into a fight for the return of traditional Gurindji land. After a nine year strike the Gurindji won back some of their land, saw the beginning of a number of land rights acts for other Indigenous nations and inspired the Aboriginal Land Rights movement.
Read more: Gurindji Freedom Day commemorates Fiftieth anniversary of the Wave Hill walk-off
FOR A JUST, SOVEREIGN AND DEMOCRATIC AUSTRALIA.
The Spirit of Eureka Committee was established in the lead up to the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade in 2004, to give a strong and united voice to the current struggles of Australia’s working people.
The Spirit of Eureka draws on the continuity and relevance of this important event in the history of Australia to present day endeavours and struggles for justice, democracy and sovereignty.
The Eureka rebellion laid the foundations for Australia’s continuing social, industrial and political struggles. It was advanced for its time and represents an important fighting tradition that continues to inspire our fight today.
