National Reconciliation Week Film Series @ Leongatha Library

All are welcome to Leongatha Library for the second film in our National Reconciliation Week film screening series; The Redfern Story, directed by Darlene Johnson.

About The Redfern Story:

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Sydney suburb of Redfern became home to over 20,000 Aboriginal people. With the gradual revoking of the reserve system in New South Wales, Aboriginal people drifted to the city looking for friends, family and work.

Redfern, then a run-down slum where only the poorest people lived, was the cheapest and therefore most affordable place for these displaced country people to find refuge. It was soon overcrowded: poverty, illiteracy and alcohol provoked anti-social behaviour and conflict arose between the new inhabitants and the police.

In 1967 the overwhelming 'yes' vote in the Referendum gave Aboriginal people hope that their plight would be recognised and help provided. A few brave pioneers, like Faith Bandler and Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonuccal), worked hard to raise awareness but little changed.

Then, in 1971, a small group of untrained but passionate and talented activists came together and formed the National Black Theatre, which became a focal point for activism until it closed in 1977.

The Redfern Story documents the efforts made through activism and theatre to bring the cause of Aboriginal people to public notice, as a first step towards gaining land rights and better treatment. With theatre, dance and song as powerful political tools, Redfern became a thriving and vibrant melting pot of politics, art and creativity.

Filmmaker Darlene Johnson lived in Redfern as a small child in the 1970s. Her mother was part of the arts and activist scene, and Darlene often sat at the table while music was played and discussions took place about Aboriginal politics. The Redfern Story is her tribute to that time.

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More Information:

This film is the first of three Kanopy documentaries screening at Leongatha Library to commemorate National Reconciliation Week 2024.

• Film 1: Ten Canoes. Screening Tuesday May 28, 5:15pm - 6:45pm.
• Film 2: The Redfern Story. Screening Tuesday May 28, 5:00pm - 6:00pm.
• Film 3: Why Me? Stories from the Stolen Generation. Screening Friday June 2, 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

Bookings are preferred for this event as places are limited, however, walk-ins are warmly welcome.

The film is rated PG.

If you require more information, please phone us on 5662 4829.

Please Note:

• Registration is preferred for this event, but not essential. If you would like a reminder about this event, please register for a ticket.
• We have limited spaces available at some of our events. If you are no longer able to make an event you have booked a ticket for, please let us know so that others don't miss out.
• If you need to cancel your booking, please log into your Eventbrite account or contact Leongatha Library on 5662 4829.
• Myli will notify registered attendees of any changes made to this event via email.
• Myli staff may photograph and/or film this event. Your image may be reproduced by Myli Community Libraries in publications and/or promotional materials (including online publications), on its website and/or on social media. If you do not wish to be photographed and/or filmed, please advise the organiser at the start of the event.

Myli Community Libraries operates library services across the Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Cardinia and South Gippsland Shires. Visit our website at myli.org.au

Myli Community Libraries is a child-safe organisation.

Myli - My Community Library acknowledges the traditional custodians of the various lands where our services and programs take place. We pay our respect to the Elders, past and present, and acknowledge the long and proud history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia, who have nurtured and cared for the waters, skies, and lands that we gather on, for many thousands of years, and continue to do so to this day.