Friends of the Shara Clarke Centre for Aboriginal Culture and Education

24/01/2025

“Ms Van Zyl said she regularly responded to domestic violence incidents in her role as a police officer.

“One in four females are affected by violence in their lifetime – it’s far too many,” she said.

Ms Van Zyl said the number of preventable deaths in Australia in 2024 alone was a tragedy.

She said she was raising money that would be used for emergency accommodation for victims and other supplies such as clothing for their children.”

We and our community support Hannah and urge you to throw your weight also behind her. You can support her with a donation here: https://www.safeeverywherealways.org/fundraisers/hannahvanzyl/safeeverywherealways?enref=64c14e76bae04efe8a0e4813d654e471 #

"One in four females are affected by violence in their lifetime."

24/01/2025

A message from Uncle Lenny:

This year, 2025, will be the year we launch a vigorous campaign to create a badly needed Drug and Alcohol Centre in the Southwest of Victoria.

We'll let you know about our campaign and why we need such a facility.

October 26, 2021 - A gap in health services in regional New South Wales will be filled with the announcement of a fully-funded drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Dubbo.

The NSW state government has announced that Dubbo will be the home of a detoxification and residential rehab facility.

October 26, 2021 - A gap in health services in regional New South Wales will be filled with the announcement of a fully-funded drug and alcohol rehabilitatio...

23/09/2024

“I have sat with them, walked and talked with them, pleaded with them. I have held their hands as the resuscitation devices beeped beside them, while the muffled cries of loved ones filled the background. Eventually, the inevitable arrives — the moment when permission is given to turn off the artificial life support.

I have organized and officiated at the funerals of those who left for their spiritual journey far too soon. What remains is a profound, deathly sadness as we are left questioning: Why? Why so young?

All that is left is profound confusement and grief and now, to arrange the final farewell, whether public or private, as I stand before loved ones and deliver the eulogy of a life, a young life, a parent, a son, a daughter, a partner a human life cut tragically short.

This is all the more reasons to create a rehab centre for our area.” - Uncle Lenny

Photos and a box of ashes are all Sue La Velle has after her son was found dead in a Melbourne home in June. She's sharing her story for the first time in the hope it will prevent others from meeting the same fate.

27/08/2024

Go Alex Dyson Independent!

Independent Alex Dyson launched his campaign for the seat of Wannon with the support of Zoe Daniel and financial backing from Climate 200.

27/08/2024

22/08/2024

Alex Dyson was one of our MCs at Uncle Lenny’s concert for Yes last year and is a supporter of the Shara Clarke Centre.
Let’s get behind his campaign for a better deal for Wannon and a political representative who cares about the opinions of members of our community!

16/08/2024

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

My pale mug may end up on the posters but an Independent campaign is a team effort, filled with hundreds of hard working people who just want a fair go for their area.

Here are a bunch of us at the Voices of Wannon event in Terang a few weeks ago, where I was extremely humbled to receive their endorsement to try and become the first local Independent in the seat's history.

It's my job now to listen and learn from them and every other resident of Wannon and deliver a better deal for our beautiful but politically overlooked part of the world 🌎

If you'd like to join us, head to https://alexdysonindependent.com/ and sign up as a volunteer. It'll be fun, I promise!

03/08/2024

At an Aboriginal Community in South West Victoria, Young parents begin the slow funeral march to the Banjo Clarke Memorial Gardens, carrying the ashes of their beloved baby daughter, Harper ❤️

A fundraiser has been set up to help support the family. Please consider donating here: https://tr.ee/BazyBf4Ja9

03/08/2024

🖤💛❤️

BLAK OLYMPIANS 🖤💛❤️

Here's a shout out to all the deadly Blak athletes in Paris right now competing!

You've already done the mob proud, but we hope you go for gold 🥇

03/08/2024

"Gunditjmara elder Uncle Lenny Clarke said parents naturally love and nurture their children, hoping they will grow into healthy, respected, and successful adults.

"Harper Rose, though with us for only a brief time, brought immense joy and love into the lives of those around her," he said during the service.

"A mother's love is like no other, and Renee, your devotion, nurturing, and protection for Harper Rose were boundless. A father's role as a protector and supporter is equally vital, and Paul, your love for Harper Rose was unwavering and steadfast.

"Renee and Paul, we understand the painful questions that linger. 'Did we do enough? If only we had said or done more.'

"These questions are heart-wrenching, but please know that you did everything in your power, and your love for Harper Rose was evident in every action you took."

A fundraiser has been set up for the family. Please consider donating: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-for-baby-harper

Harper Rose was just two-and-a-half-months old when she died.

25/07/2024

The Family has decided to hold a memorial service at the Banjo Clarke Memorial Gardens, 180 Kirrae Avenue, next Wednesday, July 31st, at 2:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to come.

The service was initially planned for Friday, July 26th, but the Coroner's office delayed releasing the little Bubs body.

If there are changes to this date, we will let you know.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harper Rose Duggan, a beautiful newborn baby who tragically left us on 16 July 2024. Harper was born on April 26, 2024, and in her brief time with us, she brought immense joy and love to her family.

Harper's mother, Renee McGuinness, tirelessly sought medical attention for her daughter's severe breathing difficulties. Despite multiple visits to the hospital and desperate pleas for help, Renee's concerns were repeatedly dismissed. This failure to provide adequate medical care is a stark reminder of the ongoing disparities faced by Aboriginal communities in accessing healthcare services.

Renee's heartfelt Facebook post on July 6, 2024, expressed her hopelessness and frustration as she watched her precious little daughter struggle to breathe. Her cries for help were met with silence, and tragically, Harper passed away 10 days later.

This devastating loss underscores the urgent need for systemic changes within our healthcare system to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the care and attention they deserve. The legacy of neglect and discrimination in medical treatment for Aboriginal people must end.

We call upon medical professionals, healthcare institutions, and policymakers to address these disparities and ensure that no family has to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one due to inadequate medical care.

In honour of Harper Rose Duggan, let us work towards a future where every child receives the medical attention they need, and every parent's concerns are heard and acted upon with the utmost seriousness and compassion.

Rest in peace, Our little one; we love you, Harper. Your short life has ignited a call for justice and change that will not be silenced.

21/07/2024

Wow..... check out Glenn Morgan's great painting of the Goanna Band performance at Warrnambool's Lighthouse Theatre which was part of the 2022 'Touring on Country' national tour. The painting is part of Glenn's exhibition at Australian Galleries, Derby Street, Collingwood.
Photo of Kirrae Whirrong artist Fiona Margaret Clarke (creator of the stage artwork for the 2022 tour) was provided by Ken McKean.