Invasion Day protest makes case in Brisbane
thought I’d see that, I just think it’s marvellous.”
Carlotta said Australia still had a long way to go in regards to accepting queer people, but was proud to call herself an Australian.
“I’m more ocker than Hoges.
“I’m still concerned about the suicide rates (in the LGBTIQ community in Australia), they’re too frightened to tell their parents that they’re gay.
“This award I think helps them – you can do something with your life.
“They’ve got so much more freedom today. They didn’t get chased down the streets by police like I did in the ’60s.
“I really want to dedicate this award to the kids I grew up with, who are not out in the limelight like I am.
“They worked hard for acceptance. Some of them are gone, they’ve died. I dedicate this award to them as well. It’s a great honour.”
– AMBER MACPHERSON
THOUSANDS turned out for Brisbane’s Invasion Day rally with signs including “colonialism cooked this country” and “abolish Australia”.
Organisers say the lead-up to January 26, marking the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, felt more like a funeral to many First Nations people.
But for several speakers in
TWO of the Gold Coast’s top cops have been awarded the country’s highest police honour – the Australian Police Medal.
Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler and Superintendent Craig Hanlon were two of the six Queenslanders given the honour.
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General each Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday.
One medal is awarded annually for every 1000 police officers. Chief Supt Wheeler, the Gold Coast district officer, was awarded the medal for “exceptional
Brisbane’s Queens Gardens yesterday the demonstrations were about more than just changing the date of Australia’s national holiday.
Activist Bob Weatherill told the crowd his primary focus was not on changing the date and “playing around with all these token little things”.
“I want to see justice in this country,” Mr Weatherill said. communication and negotiation skills”.
“Chief Superintendent Wheeler is seen as a role model for QPS officers and staff members and his leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer
“We need to sit down and talk and they need to recognise the leadership.”
Organiser Boe Spearim says demonstrations had grown in recent years.
“There’s a massive consciousness shift in the way people are thinking about this date,” Mr Spearim told media.
“I think people who are thinking this day needs to of the QPS,” the honour read. Chief Supt Wheeler was also the operations commander for police during the Lockyer Valley flood disaster which killed 25.
Supt Hanlon was recognised for his “excellence in organisation improvement, change management and operational planning”.
“He consistently displays commitment, skill and excellence in developing and fostering innovation in policing practices,” the honour read. Supt Hanlon was acting as district officer before Chief Supt Wheeler.
– LEA EMERY change should think about supporting Aboriginal people throughout the whole year as well.”
He said the day did not feel like a celebration.
“The lead-up to Australia Day is pretty much like a funeral for us,” Mr Spearim said.
The opening of demonstrations were briefly marred by a confrontation and a scuffle after a man walked on stage. After speeches in front of a plaque to Queen Victoria, which had been covered by an Australian Aboriginal flag, thousands marched to Musgrave Park in Brisbane’s south.
Led by Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the procession at one point stretched about 650m from Queens Gardens to Victoria Bridge.