Barbara Shaw
Australian Geographic Magazine|May - June 2023
Kaytetye, Arrernte, Warlpiri and Warumungu, Northern Territory
Barbara Shaw

AFTER INTERVIEWING Barbara Shaw, all I can think about is her crew, the women of the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group; the warm welcome they gave me, their strength and their solidarity.

The first time I visited them, Barbara and I told the group about where the Uluru Statement from the Heart came from and what it called for. We talked about what it could mean to the women’s communities. The next time, I updated them on the Uluru Statement campaign, then we had a great discussion about what a referendum is and how difficult it may be to win. Before Barbara and I left to find a quiet space to talk, Shirleen Campbell, a young co­ coordinator for the group, who exuded courage and strength, made a fist and said, “We need to be strong and united, and we can win this! You can count on us here!”

These inspiring women are strong leaders in a community that has felt the worst of failed government policies. They are the people who have it harder than any other demographic in Australia – Aboriginal women living in a town camp in the Northern Territory. Barbara is a leader among them. She is a straight talker, with a cheeky sense of humour. She always speaks up, loud and clear, although her sharp style is softened with tender motherliness.

“My father is Kaytetye and Arrernte, and my mother is Warlpiri and Warumungu,” she tells me. “I live here in Alice Springs. I’m a fourth­generation town camper.” Barbara explains what an Alice Springs town camp is. “Way back when, before they even started building houses for Aboriginal people, we lived in tents in little pockets of dwellings on the outskirts of town. A lot of our camps that sit around Alice Springs were spread out, based on where the white fellas who needed labour were.”

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May - June 2023-Ausgabe von Australian Geographic Magazine.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May - June 2023-Ausgabe von Australian Geographic Magazine.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINEAlle anzeigen
SULAWESI SENSATIONS
Australian Geographic Magazine

SULAWESI SENSATIONS

There are worlds within worlds and marvels untold waiting to be experienced on Indonesia's remote islands.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
SEARCHING FOR AUSSIE DINOSAURS
Australian Geographic Magazine

SEARCHING FOR AUSSIE DINOSAURS

Our understanding of where to find ancient life in Australia has been turned on its head by a new appreciation of the country's geology. Now the world is looking to our vast outback as the latest hotspot to locate fossils.

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
September-October 2024
THE HARDEST NIGHT
Australian Geographic Magazine

THE HARDEST NIGHT

The first Australian ascent of Mt Everest in 1984 is one of the great feats of mountaineering. Climbed by a small team semi-alpine style, with no bottled oxygen, via the Great (Norton) Couloir, it remains unrepeated 40 years later.

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
September-October 2024
WEDGE-TAILED WONDER
Australian Geographic Magazine

WEDGE-TAILED WONDER

The chance discovery of an eagle nest leads to an extended vigil observing normally hidden behaviours of one of nature's supreme winged marvels.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
BURDENED BY BEAUTY
Australian Geographic Magazine

BURDENED BY BEAUTY

Northern Australia's Gouldian finch survives in huge numbers in cages around the world, but its wild population continues to struggle.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
A TELESCOPE FOR A GOLDEN AGE
Australian Geographic Magazine

A TELESCOPE FOR A GOLDEN AGE

After a stellar 50 years as one of the country's major scientific assets, the AAT continues to play a major role in keeping Australian astronomy on the world stage.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
COCKY WHISPERING AT COOMALLO CREEK
Australian Geographic Magazine

COCKY WHISPERING AT COOMALLO CREEK

This patch of remnant bush on the edge of the West Australian wheatbelt is a place loved by one of Australia's rarest bird species and the man who has studied the site for more than 50 years.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
A PIONEERING PAIR
Australian Geographic Magazine

A PIONEERING PAIR

Louisa Atkinson and her mother, Charlotte, were among Australia's earliest authors, and pioneers in women's rights.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
THE LONGEST WALK
Australian Geographic Magazine

THE LONGEST WALK

Lucy Barnard is walking from Argentina to Alaska -the length of the Americas - on an extraordinary journey of endurance and adventure.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
September-October 2024
SECLUDED, BUT NOT ALONE
Australian Geographic Magazine

SECLUDED, BUT NOT ALONE

In an era of heightened social isolation, where many of us lead lonely lives, Dangar Island offers the chance to be part of a supportive, connected community.

time-read
7 Minuten  |
September-October 2024