Defend the Dingo event majorly successful ahead of First Nations Dingo Forum
On July 1st 2023, Defend the Wild hosted the art gallery fundraiser event ‘Defend the Dingo’ to raise funds for the first ever National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum, hosted by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation.
Donated artworks depicting dingoes and ‘Defend the Dingo’ advocacy tops were available to purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going towards the forum. The official amount raised was $19,104.35, which significantly helped with the facilitation and overall success of the subsequent forum held in Cairns on September 15th & 16th.
Success of National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum
First Nations people from at least 20 different Nations gathered in Cairns for the first ever ‘National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum’ in September 2023. This forum was an opportunity for First Nations people to discuss the cultural and ecological significance of the Dingo, and the way they are currently being managed across mainland Australia.
Over the two-day forum more than 100 attendees contributed to the creation of the ‘National First Nations Dingo Declaration’. The Declaration outlines the cultural significance of the Dingo to First Nations people, and a call for their deep involvement in decision-making around Dingo management on Country. It has now been signed by more than 25 First Nations groups. You can read and watch the news about the forum via National Indigenous Times, The Guardian, 7 News, NITV Radio SBS and ABC.
Uncle Barry Gilson (L) and Rhys Young (R) performing at the Defend the Dingo event.
Without the contributions from the wider community, Defend the Dingo would have not been possible, and nor would have the subsequent ‘National Inaugural First Nations Dingo Forum’.
Everyone who attended on the night, purchased an artwork, catered the food (Red Sparrow Pizza, Vegie Tribe, PT Sagar), provided reusable plates and cups (Green My Plate), entered the raffle (by Nestar Chocolates), donated to Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, and purchased a Minna Leunig designed dingo top should be proud of what we have achieved together.
A special thank you to the artists: Ainsley Power-Walters, Alix O'Neil, Beau Motlop, Carla Scotto, Chontelle Burns, Emmy Webbers, Harriet GJ, Harry Vincent, Isabel Koslowsky, Kerri Dixon, Kristen Handley, Lisa Wilkinson, Liz Millsom, Lynette Eggleston, Mich Jing, Minna Leunig, Phoebe Thompson, Tyrown Waigana, Victoria Buchanan & Zoe Bee. These individuals brought the Defend the Dingo event to life, and we are so grateful for each of their submissions.
