Meetings

Aboriginal civil rights gatherings, conferences & meetings

In response to planned celebrations to mark the sesqui-centenary (150 years) of the arrival of the British, William Cooper and Bill Ferguson of the Aborigines Progressive Association planned a ‘Day of Mourning’ to draw attention to the destructive effects of the invasion. The first national Aboriginal civil rights gathering at Australian Hall (150–152 Elizabeth Street, Sydney) – the Day of Mourning – was held in 1938.

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Australian Hall Conference

Australian Hall was the first non-Aboriginal structure to be recognised as an Aboriginal heritage site because of the milestone conference campaigning for reforms in government policies towards Aboriginal people convened by the Aborigines Progressive Association. One outcome from the conference was a 10-point list of demands that was presented to Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. The 1938 conference ultimately led to the 1967 Referendum. William Cooper, Margaret Tucker and Doug Nicholls represented Victoria.

The Referendum (1967)

The following video covers aspects of the referendum in 1967. The video contains archival footage of Faith Bandler and Sir Doug Nicholls, who were tireless activists fighting for Aboriginal rights. In addition to archival footage, recent commentators such as Professor Marcia Langton comment on the outcomes of the referendum.
Cultural Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that these pages may contain the names, images and voices of people who have passed away.
©Copyright 2014 Bonmarart Leewik. All Rights Reserved.

Cultural Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that these pages contain the
names, images and voices of people who have passed away.