SWF Livestream: Past and Future of Indigenous Recognition

Next date: Thursday, 22 May 2025 | 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM

SWF 2025 Past and Future of Indigenous Recognition

Reflecting on the past and building towards the future

The fight for First Nations rights in Australia is ongoing, most recently frustrated by the lost 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum.

Indigenous leader and author Thomas Mayo’s newest work, Always Was, Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues, is a guidebook to action for Indigenous recognition and a rallying cry for those working to close the gap.

Historian Clare Wright’s conclusion to her democracy trilogy, Näku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy, tells the story of how the Yolŋu of Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions in 1963 and gave birth to the land rights movement.

Join Thomas and Clare as they explore these important struggles and what we can learn from them. With host Lorena Allam.

SWF Live & Local @ Gerringong Library

This event is part of the Sydney Writers' Festival Live & Local program livestreaming direct from the Sydney Writers' Festival at Carriageworks to Gerringong Library from Thursday 22 May to Sunday 25 May.

Livestreamed sessions run over four days at Gerringong Library, and include the Moriarty sisters, Markus Zusak, Helen Garner, Gina Chick, Colm Tóibín, Ian Rankin, Jeff Kinney, Barry Cassidy and friends, and more.

Book individual sessions or a full day ticket.

Morning and afternoon tea is available between sessions (where indicated on the program) - stay for a chat!

Bookings are essential for this free event (if you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so someone else can have your place).

Book online or call 02 4233 1133.