What I’m grateful for in 2010...

It’s that time of the year when I sit back and reflect on the year that was and the wonderful moments and people who have contributed to making my life’s journey so special. Below you'll find some of what I am most grateful for as I head toward the end of 2010.

1. FAMILY: I’m always grateful that my immediate family live so close by and that we spend so much time together. I actually spent the last two days with my nephews Ben and Matt – we shopped, gardened, cruised in the car, went to the movies and dined together. And we laughed A LOT! I’m also very grateful for all my extended Wiradjuri family I’ve spent time with this year in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. To quote Jeff Fenech, ‘I love yous all!’ Pic above of Matt, Ben and I.

2. FRIENDS: This year I have seen extraordinary acts of friendship which, at times, brought me to tears. I’m grateful for the consideration of some very special women in my life. Dawn flew into NYC for my book launch. Terri, Jake and Robynne rallied around on my birthday when I was trying to fly under the radar. Laura welcomed me into California and then brought me some emotional salvation via a late night Skype call from London. Sue drove me from Paris to Montquc and maintained conversation while I was speechless from exhaustion. Julie laughed and cried with me and gave me a home in Catalunya. Kimberley and Sonia did the Broome Street Hill with me as we talked about life. Geraldine, Nita, Carolyn,and Kerry can pick up the phone at anytime to yarn as if no time has passed at all. And finally, Caro and Veronica who made every day in my office seem like a day out with the girls. These friends and the moments we share are what make my year so special. Pic of Dawn and I above. Below is Laura and I with margaritas at Manhattan Beach and below that my dearest tiddas Jake, Terri and Robynne at the NAIDOC Ball 2009. And finally, Sue and I heading out of Paris for the south of France.

3. FITNESS: I upped my fitness regime in 2011. I tried yoga, zumba and on top of walking and going to my local gym, I enlisted the services of a personal trainer. Ok, so it mightn’t look like it because I refuse to give up chocolate and vino, but you know, life is all about balance, and let’s face it, it’s not a dress rehearsal peeps, this is all we have. I’m grateful for the efforts of my trainer who has to listen to me whine and cuss for an hour at a time, and I’m sure she’s grateful when each session is over. But we both know that I’m a much healthier person now that I was this time last year. Pic below is a pic of my cuz and training partner Bernardine and I training down Maroubra beach... it’s hard work!

4. FANS AND FOLLOWERS: I’m always amazed that some writers don’t feel they need to engage with their readers. Me? I love meeting my readers at libraries, festivals and other events, and sharing words here on the blog and on Twitter and Facebook. According to my stats here, I have readers in Australia, the USA, UK, Spain, Germany, Russia, Netherlands, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Austria, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, Romania, Netherlands and Italy. So to my UN of visitors here THANK YOU for taking the time to read my words, often penned late at night when I am very, very tired! Your visits here make it all worthwhile. Hey, if you are somewhere not mentioned above, please let me know! Welcome and thanks to you also.

5. FLIGHTS: Ok, so I may not be grateful for the 40+ domestic flights I had this year, or the six international flights, or the time I spent watching suitcases going around, and around, and around the baggage carousel but I needed another ‘f' word. Seriously, I am grateful for the ‘flights’ because they took me to such exotic places as Paris and Perth, Barcelona and Brisbane, Atlanta and Alice Springs. And in all of those glamorous hubs I got to meet interesting and hospitable locals, indulge in local cuisine and culture and generate memories captured both on camera and in my mind. Many of which I have shared with you here on the blog. For 2011, I am already planning trips to New York and Ubud as well as numerous domestic events. You can keep up with where I am for book signings, lectures and writers’ festivals by heading to my website.

I am grateful for the deadly women in my life...

1. MY MUM: My mother Elsie is so deadly, this week she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in Sydney. Mum’s a member of the School of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board for the University, a member of the Archdiocese of Sydney's Peace and Justice Committee and co-ordinator of the of the Reconciliation Church at La Perouse. She was also a tireless worker and integral part of the success of Sydney's World Youth Day, encouraging and involving our Indigenous youth. Earlier this year, she worked closely with the Sisters of St Joseph to produce a liturgy for the canonisation of their founder, Mary MacKillop. Actually, she went to Rome for the event. What next Mum, canonisation for you? We are all very, very, very proud!

2: MY SISTER: My little sis, Gisella, is a deadly cook and she only lives 2km away, enough said. (Pic below of Gis and I at the Deadlys this year)

3. CATE WALLACE: Cate works with Mum at the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry at La Perouse. She is Mum’s right-hand woman or Girl Friday (everyday!). In the role Cate plays, she is a major cog in the wheels of Mum’s professional life. Cate came along to the Mum’s graduation (see pic below) I’m also grateful Cate types up all Mum’s speeches (saves me doing them!).

4. BELINDA DUARTE: I’m grateful I’m on the board of the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy for many reasons, one of them is having the opportunity to work alongside Belinda Duarte. Belinda is a Wotjobaluk woman born and raised in Ballarat, and is currently the National Project Manager for the Indigenous Employment Program with AFL SportsReady. She’s a qualified teacher, a former elite athlete and an ambassador for the State Government's Go for Your Life initiative, as well as a Member of the Board of Governance for VicHealth and the Indigenous Leadership Network, Victoria. As the Chair of NASCA she’s professional, efficient and inspiring. As a women, she’s just too deadly and gorgeous. [Pic below of Belinda and I]

5. OZ CO GIRLS: It’s seven years since I left my job as Communications Advisor for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (Australia Council), but I still keep in contact with the deadly women I used to work with there. I’m grateful for their continued and unconditional friendship, and for the time they took to have some Christmas cocktails recently. In the pics below are feature my tiddas; Michelle W, Michelle H, Lauren and Fleur. Merry Christmas ladies!

Why I’m grateful for Oprah in Sydney

Today I was one of the lucky ones who got to go to the morning taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show at the Sydney Opera House. As I queued along Macquarie Street to get into the forecourt, sat in the crowd and then contemplated the day afterwards, I consolidated my ‘gratefulness’ to the below...

1. INSPIRATION: I’ve long been a fan of Oprah for many reasons. She is a fantastic role model for women (particularly of colour) around the world. She’s been honest about her weight battles all her life and has never let body image or race stop her being what and who she wants to be. There is much to be learned from those points alone. Oprah has become who she is by not being a victim, by choosing positivity over negativity, by giving back to the community and by clearly loving her job. I believe she experiences phenomenal adoration and respect – and today’s crowds are testament to that – because she humanises the big issues, she makes individual’s dreams come true and she demonstrates the joy that can come from simple, and sometimes extraordinary acts of generosity. I am inspired to be a better person, woman, professional, because of Oprah, and I am grateful for that inspiration.

2. THE LEAD UP: Well, what a ride it’s been since hearing I won tickets to the show. I have been re-connected with old friends, had emails, text messages and phone calls from people, including strangers, who were happy for – and yet jealous - of me getting the chance to go along. Being a fan of Oprah is little like being a fan of a rock star - you share with others a passion for someone you idolise, admire, and perhaps even wish you were! (Ok, yes, I do want to be the Australian Oprah – and waiting to see if NITV can help make that happen – details another time). In terms of that sharing, it was an interesting experience queuing along Macquarie Street this morning. My coach Geraldine Star and I stood alongside six thousand others also desperate to see Oprah live. There was an eerie, peaceful silence as we edged closer to the SOH forecourt as if we were keeping vigil. I met people who had travelled from Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle all grateful for being there also.

3. THE SHOW: Today’s event at the Sydney Opera House was an amazing moment in time. My day began at 4am when I woke up. My friend Felicia Yong came at 5am to do my hair and makeup, Belinda Miller from NITV http://nitv.org.au/ and Ming D’Arcy her cameraman arrived at 5.30am. The cab arrived at 6.40am and we were on our way into the city, chatting and laughing all the while, with me giving trivia about Oprah’s life and work history. Once near the ticketing / security area we spotted the TV icon arrive in her black BMW and she waved out the window and thanked us all for coming. It was a surreal moment. Then sitting under the perfect Sydney sky we waited for the Queen of TV to make her way finally to the stage in a hot orange frock. And for the next 90 minutes we were treated to the best Australian Tourism Advert ever! The world’s most influential woman gave her blessing on the country she now loves, Bon Jovi and Jay Z told their countrymen and women back home why they love coming to Australia, our own Russell Crowe gave some social and cultural insight into the Aussie psyche (including the ‘tall poppy syndrome), a young suffering family got a cheque for $250k, every student at Canterbury Boys High School got a laptop AND, all of us lucky ones in the audience, received a stunning Kailis pearl pendant (see pic below). Watching the Oprah special on Channel 10 as I write this, it reminds me that Australian audiences are far more sedate compared to her American audiences. Not less grateful for gifts etc, just less hysterical. Just an observation.

4. NITV: I was grateful for going to the Oprah event because it brought into my world today the wonderful Belinda Miller (pic below of us together) who has long wanted to meet Oprah also. My dear tidda actually got to ask Oprah a question on camera. How exciting! Belinda and Ming were following me for a new show called "Gathering" to be aired at the end of January 2011. Check it out and support the National Indigenous Television.

5. RANDOM MOMENTS: Finally, one the highlights of my day was a family of five coming up to me at the Opera Bar after Belinda had interviewed me, and Geraldine and I were having some lunch. The mother Meaghan leaned in and said, ‘Anita are you really attached to that copy of Manhattan Dreaming you’ve got there? Could I buy it from you?’ WOW! Of course I just gave it to her, because it was a very special moment for girl from the burbs like me. I said, ‘Well, I brought it to give to Oprah, but I’d be pleased for you to read it. Email me if you like it, if not, don’t email me!’ The family were from Sunshine Coast and in town for Bon Jovi. What a way to end the day. I left the SOH concourse feeling bubbly and full of bubbly!

I am grateful for Aboriginal voices...

1: LIONEL FOGARTY: Today I had the pleasure and privilege to launch Lionel Fogarty’s latest collection of poetry in a chapbook – Connections Requital – published by Vagabond Press in Sydney. Lionel’s work as a guerrilla poet has been known to be for over two decades, but he released his first collection of poetry –Kargun – in 1980. Lionel has continued to write with powerful passion about issues close to the heart of most Indigenous people: injustice, land rights, identity, language, black deaths in custody and the ongoing consequences of colonisation. Lionel’s writing focuses on our need to face a future without oppression and he demonstrates a desire to pass on his own knowledge and experience through the written word. For a taste of Lionel’s work check out The Red Room Company. The pic above is moi with Lionel at the Friend in Hand hotel, Glebe.
2. ALI COBBY ECKERMANN: My deadly sista Ali Cobby Eckermann also launched a chapbook today – Kami – also through Vagabond Press. Ali has studied Visual Arts and Creative Writing at various institutions and has been employed in the film industry. She was a finalist in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 NT Literary Awards; in 2006 she won the NSW Writer's Centre 'Survival' competition for Indigenous writers and was selected to participate in the Australian Society of Authors' national mentorship program. As if that’s not enough, she’s now setting up the country’s first Aboriginal writers’ retreat in South Australia. Check it out here, it’s amazing!
3. BOORI PRYOR: I love Boori Pryor’s work, and his latest achievement is Shake a Leg and it will make the perfect Christmas present for kids 6-10 year olds. I reckon a few adults will love it too!

4. THIS IS WHAT WE SAID: I’m grateful that the group ‘concerned Australians’ published the book This Is What We Said. The book gives voice to what many Aboriginal people feel about the NT Intervention. The ‘concerned Australians’ group is supported by a broad group of churches, social justice groups and individuals across the country who care about human rights.
“This Is What We Said” is based on video footage of Government consultations in 3 Aboriginal communities, community regional reports and 5 government regional reports from the same consultative process.
Editor, Michele Harris OAM, said, “The new legislation recently tabled in Parliament leads us to believe that the majority of Aboriginal people have not been heard by Government. They have been ignored.”
Michele Harris said that an earlier “Concerned Australians” report, “Will They Be Heard”, concluded the consultation process had been flawed. This report was launched by former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser in November last year.
“It found that many Aboriginal people were not supportive of numerous aspects of the Intervention and that some measures were far from understood.”
“This means that current Government efforts to re-instate the suspended Racial Discrimination Act are not based on information that takes into account the wishes of many Aboriginal people nor does it respect their rights to self-determination.”
“Rather than empower, this legislation continues the paternalistic and failed approaches of the past. Major amendments will be required if the legislation is to reflect the intent of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to which Australia has given its formal support.”
(info from media release)

I'd also highly recommend you watch a 20 min video clip about highlights of past panel discussions which followed the Our Generation screenings.

You can also read the report “Loss of Rights: Despair of Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory” which is a submission to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The report as well as other related valuable information can be found at here.

I’m grateful for the following websites:

1. ABC INDIGENOUS PORTAL: This portal is the on-line gateway to Indigenous arts and cultural, receiving hits from around the world every day from students, tourists, and no doubt more Americans now that Oprah is on her way. With links to Message Stick, AWAYE!, Speaking Out, local heroes, an Opinions page, Message Club for students, animated Dreaming stories and the new Indigenous language map, it’s easy to get lost for hours on this site.
2. KOORI HISTORY WEBSITE: The Koori History Website has been created and is maintained by Aboriginal activist and academic Gary Foley. I remember first using it back in 2002 when I was working at the Australia Council and was researching the history of the Aboriginal Arts Board. With essays, video clips, photo collections and timelines covering significant moments in the Aboriginal civil rights movement, this is a valuable resource for all, but particularly educators and students.
3: ANTAR: For information on contemporary issues in the news e.g. Stolen Generations, Land Rights, Native Title, the NT Intervention, self-determination and Reconciliation, then check out the Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation site. Be sure and checkout how you can become involved in this ongoing grassroots movement working for social justice and equal rights for Indigenous Australia.
4. BLACK WORDS: A subset of AustLit – the only one of its kind in the world – Black Words is a database of all works published by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and storytellers. You can search by author name, genre, cultural heritage, year of publication and so forth. There are currently over 4500 individuals indexed into Black Words, so there is no reason for you not reading some deadly black books this summer. For teachers there’s a fabulous calendar of events linking from event to published works. There are some downloadable essays / articles and a comprehensive list of hotlinks to carious cultural sites. Yes, I have a slight bias, I was national coordinator of the site for a few years... it’s a little hard to let go! I was also grateful for a job that I loved to do!
5. OUR GENERATION: Last night I saw the movie OUR GENERATION at Leichhardt Town Hall in Sydney. I had marched against the NT Intervention in Sydney and had MC’d and event for our brothers and sisters in the NT also. But still three years on, our people are being targeted by racist legislation that has been deemed illegal by the United Nations. Please, please, please checkout this website, watch the trailer, buy the DVD and attend an event.
The storyline: A rollercoaster journey into the heart of Australia’s Indigenous relations, a hidden shame that is pushing the world’s oldest living culture to the edge. Through the stories of the Yolngu of NE Arnhem Land, the film looks at the Government’s ongoing policies of paternalism and assimilation, examines the real issues underlying Indigenous disadvantage, and opens dialogue on ways forward that respect Aboriginal culture and dignity.
As Aunty Millie Ingram said at the screening, ‘You are our people. We are your people. And YOUR people are suffering.’ Get online, and get active.