PROTEST IS POINTLESS

WHAT protesters heading for the Gold Coast in time for the Commonwealth Games hope to achieve is puzzling.

Apart from attempting to spoil the Games party for the thousands who will attend, and to try to disrupt the Queen’s Baton Relay, there is little indication of any positive aim to benefit the nation’s indigenous peoples.

That is unfortunate. Protesters should ignore the urge to grandstand for the TV cameras with cheap shots at post-settlement society and instead concentrate on where a real crisis exists. According to reports, children in some isolated communities are suffering violent and sexual abuse.

Protest organisers have told of taking out a mining licence to try to justify their presence at a yet-to-be-revealed camp they intend establishing. It is an absurd notion, even if — as they believe — it will give them a piece of paper that protects them from being moved on.

There is little if any local support for their vague cause, based on comments from the local Yugambeh people.

Like many professional protesters, the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) and the Brisbane Aboriginal-Sovereign Embassy are having to import support from disgruntled groups elsewhere in the Pacific.

But what are they actually protesting about? What is the motivation, other than the self-esteem they believe comes from protesting or being seen as activists, even if there is no clear aim other than to spoil the Games party?

The Yugambeh elders have gone out of their way to make the point that the Games organising committee, GOLDOC, has done its “darnedest’’ to include Indigenous people. The local people are embracing the Commonwealth Games and using it as an opportunity to educate about their rich Aboriginal heritage.

The Gold Coast has seen that spirit of reconciliation and sense of education purpose previously when the city hosted the Indigenous All Stars-NRL All Stars rugby league matches at the Robina stadium.

Local indigenous groups used those All Stars games to promote and celebrate their culture. The concept was the brainchild of respected local league star Preston Campbell, who has achieved plenty for his people as a role model.

With children at risk in some areas, activists would find huge public support if they concentrated on fighting to right those wrongs, thus making a strong and positive attempt to close the gap and give those kids hope.