Songs For Freedom
From Roeburn To Naarm
Songs For Freedom-Melbourne Recital Hall
15 September 2023
Optimism, love, and community when facing challenges, deep challenges, are what can bring life to the human form. Trusting in spirit and the strength we get from our land and our people is what keeps us thriving.
Conspiring together for life love and change is how we survive as a species.
The joy , healing, and love within music vibrate through all of us.
Maybe more for some, but I think everyone can relate.
This gathering of artists and community from Roebourne, WA, and beyond illustrated this so well last night.
It was as if someone had plugged me into the grid of soulful consciousness. Once again, my heart and soul were open to the magic of music and the congregation of community.
Is there anything better?
You can read about the project below from the publicity blurb on the Recital Halls website.
You can sign the petition (link below) to help with reform.
https://www.justicereforminitiative.org.au/petition
But never forget these facts below:
Jailing is failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In 2018, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accounted for 3% of the total population, but 28% of the adult prison population.
In an even grimmer statistic, only 5% of young people (age 10–17) are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but they represent 59% of young people in detention. It is nearly 30 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Although governments accepted almost all of the Commission’s recommendations, many of them, such as imprisonment being the “last resort,” have not been implemented. Governments have also failed to adequately address the underlying systemic issues that the Royal Commission identified as the cause of the disproportionate rate of Indigenous incarceration.
John Pat’s death in 1983, in Ieramadagu or Roebourne, will never be forgotten. It will never be forgotten by his family, his community, and anyone with a heart and soul.
You can find the “Songs For Freedom” Album on Spotify, included within this piece.
These pictures of the artists who performed last night speak for themselves.
This music and the belief that we all have the power to influence change and still love and thrive is what spirit and story is all about.
Troubling times continue but we have strength when we commune and work together.
Join hands.
Songs for Freedom is an inspiring concert bringing audiences soul, blues, and unique country music, created by artists in the Ieramugadu community (Roebourne, WA) and beyond. Driven by Australia’s leading arts and social change organisation Big hART, this uplifting project aims to advocate for change by raising awareness of the disproportionate incarceration rates of Aboriginal children in Australian prisons. A powerful example of what can be accomplished through song and community, Songs for Freedom has been gaining momentum throughout its national tour this year, including performances at Mona Foma in Hobart, Perth Festival, and Darwin Entertainment Centre.
Performing with special guests from throughout this country, Songs for Freedom tells stories of the striking beauty of this vast place and its people. Guided by Ngarluma and Yinjibarndi Elders, the concert pays tribute to the family of John Pat in the 40th anniversary year of his passing in custody. With Musical Direction by Grammy Award winner Lucky Oceans and powerful narration by Ngarluma man, Patrick Churnside, this moving performance is the tangible manifestation of a project that has been running since 2010.
With its lush, earthy instrumentation and compelling songwriting, witness the first single from the album, ‘Songs of Freedom’, written by Yamatji man, Fred Ryan. ‘Fred Ryan came to a songwriting workshop with this song and the Elders loved it,’ says musical director Lucky Oceans. ‘The lyrics contained the line, “There’s a song for this land, girt by sea.” I wondered, ‘why repeat the worst line of the national anthem?’ but Fred explains in the next line, ‘I want to hear a song for me,’ highlighting how a national song could mean so much more for him and other Aboriginal people. This song has now become an anthem in its own right.’
Supported by Elders, this project delivers workshops in the community, school, and prison, creating digital content, music, theatre, and performances to drive positive change in Ieramugadu and beyond. The performance in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall marks the last stop of the tour before the ensemble returns to Roebourne for a final home-town presentation on the 40th anniversary of John Pat’s passing. Don’t miss this incredible celebration, as we welcome everyone to this family-friendly concert that will fill your night with hope, peace, and freedom.
‘The Songs for Freedom concert is a full-hearted collaboration – an ongoing process of creation with the community of Roebourne for more than ten years. The people of Roebourne have shared their voices, music and songs so generously and really bring a sense of community to the stage. It’s a unique and inspiring thing to be a part of.’ – Lucky Oceans
Company List / Creative Credits
With thanks to the Pat family
Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Elders – Allery Sandy and Jeanie Churnside
Special Guests
Kutcha Edwards
Stephen Pigram
Shellie Morris
Kankawa Nagarra
Shane Howard
The Freedom Collective
Lucky Oceans
David Hyams
Jay Jarome
John Bennett
Tyson Mowarin
Talya Valenti
Hannah James
Roebourne Community
Patrick Churnside
Allery Sandy – Yindjibarndi Elder
Michelle Adams
Creative Team
Scott Rankin – Creative Director
Lucky Oceans – Musical Director
David Hyams – Associate Musical Director
Jordan East – Video Design
Stephen Hawker – Lighting Design
