The final Newcastle Institute forum for the year will be on Wednesday November 9th, 6pm in the usual venue at Souths Newcastle Leagues Club, Merewether.

Supporters will be aware of recent controversy surrounding the Awabakal Land Council, which has recently been placed into administration.  There have been persistent rumours of internal tensions within the organisation.  This is of particular interest because of the councils success in claiming title of the old Newcastle Post Office, and plans for development of some of its landholdings.

Many other indigenous organisations have been thorough periods of internal tensions.  In this they are no different from most organisations with a varied membership.  Indigenous organisations, however, are viewed differently by the broader Australian community.  There is considerable confusion about their roles, function, legal status, funding and governance.  There may be ignorance of the cultural differences between the various organisations.  The political tensions inevitable in any group may be misunderstood.  And occasionally, criminal individuals will emerge who will exploit organisations for their own gain.

Recognising these issues and misunderstandings as being widespread, the next forum of the Newcastle Institute will discuss ‘The Politics of Indigenous Organisations’.

The leading speaker will be Professor Steven Larkin, of the Wollatuka Institute at Newcastle University.  Professor Larkin was recently appointed as the University’s first pro vice-chancellor for Indigenous Education and Research.  Before coming to Newcastle, Professor Larkin was a leading academic at Charles Darwin University, having previously held senior leadership roles in both government and non-government organisations.  He is uniquely placed to discuss the internal politics of indigenous organisations and their interaction with the wider Australian community.

As always, the forum will include plenty of time for discussion – which may even include reflections on the results of the US elections.

The forum is open to all who are interested.

The Politics of Indigenous Organisations