This year’s Two Fires Festival will see the launch of the biennial Judith Wright Memorial Address when Deputy Leader of the NSW Opposition, Linda Burnie MP, reflects on Judith Wright’s legacy as an artist and activist.
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Ms Burnie, a Wiradjuri woman, is well qualified to talk about Judith Wright’s significant contribution to Aboriginal rights advocacy having been a former director of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and currently Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
Ms Burnie told the Braidwood Times that Judith’s passion for activism can be clearly seen in her poetry.
“It is impossible not to find some of the most sublime expression of the change she wanted to see in the world,” said Ms Burnie.
“I cannot but wonder what Judith Wright might have thought of how far we've come, or if indeed we’ve travelled very far at all. The theme for the festival this year – all cultures, all people and all land – is more relevant now than ever, as the nation again debates the need for Indigenous recognition in our constitution. We need to focus on how we reconcile our two histories.”
She said she was excited to be delivering the lecture in Braidwood as part of the Two Fires Festival and was particularly proud to be here at the unveiling of the Dhurga Rock.
“With a population of only about 1000, the Two Fires Festival is a huge event for Braidwood. It is fitting that the festival is held here – art and activism are essentially about the capacity of just a few to affect meaningful change.”
“The unveiling of the Dhurga Rock, 175 years after the town was settled by white Australians, will finally pay a physical tribute to the Aboriginal history of this part of Australia. It is a most significant way to celebrate the centenary of Judith Wright’s birth.”
The Judith Wright Memorial Address will take place at 11.30 on Saturday morning at the St Bede’s Hall. All are welcome.
In her poetry it is impossible not to find some of the most sublime expression of the change she wanted to see in the world.”
“I cannot but wonder what Judith Wright might have thought of how far we've come, or if indeed we’ve travelled very far at all. The theme for the festival this year – all cultures, all people and all land – is more relevant now than ever, as the nation again debates the need for Indigenous recognition in our constitution. We need to focus on how we reconcile our two histories.”
“With a population of only about 1000, the Two Fires Festival is a huge event for Braidwood. It is fitting that the festival is held here – art and activism are essentially about the capacity of just a few to affect meaningful change.”
“The unveiling of the Dhurga Rock, 176 years after the town was settled by white Australians, will finally pay a physical tribute to the Aboriginal history of this part of Australia. It is a most significant way to celebrate the centenary of Judith Wright’s birth.”