The elected members of the Central Land Council are inviting the whole community to join them as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their council at the Alice Springs Bungalow/Telegraph Station on Saturday, 5 October.
The free afternoon and evening event will kick off at 2pm, featuring performers and guests from remote communities and beyond.
“The fire in our bellies still burns brightly, half a century on,” CLC chair Warren Williams said.
“And while the role of the CLC is changing in this post-land claim era, we will never stop speaking up for the people we represent.”
Communities across the southern half of the Territory will be represented by bands, traditional dancers and singers, and there will be a Blak Market with food, information, merchandise and activities for kids and adults.
“We are proud to present a program made up exclusively of artists from our region, and happy that some prominent former members, staff and friends of the CLC will be celebrating with us,” said Mr Williams.
“One special guest we’re all glad is feeling well enough to join a discussion panel hosted by filmmaker Rachel Perkins, the daughter of our first chair, is former CLC director Patrick Dodson, better known as the Father of Reconciliation.”
During the afternoon there will be two ‘truth-telling’ activities about the history of the Telegraph Station and the surrounding country.
“We would like to offer everyone a chance to learn how the Bungalow has affected the families of the Aboriginal people who grew up or were educated there before and after World War II,” said Mr Williams.
“And how protests by traditional owners and their allies in the eighties prevented a dam that would have flooded a sacred Arrernte women’s site just upriver.”
The CLC is expecting around 2000 people to enjoy themselves at any one time during this grog-free and family-friendly event.
It is pleased that the Liquor Commission has declared the Telegraph Station restricted premises for the day.
It has also asked the NT government and the town’s liquor licensees to close all takeaway outlets and bottle shops on 4 and 5 October – so far with disappointing results.
A notable exception is Lhere Artepe Enterprises who announced that the bottle shops at its three IGA stores will remain closed on both days.
“I commend Lhere Artepe for leading by example and urge others to show some responsibility and follow suit,” Mr Williams said.
“Our native title holders and long-term residents still remember how successful this measure proved when we celebrated our 30th anniversary at the ANZAC Oval.”
Mr Williams said the council members expect to hold an equally harmonious event this time around.
“Come on down, have fun and maybe even learn something new. Everyone is welcome!”
Contact: Elke Wiesmann | 0417 877 579 | media@clc.org.au
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