The First Australians, we have a deadly story

Queensland has a new online gallery to show the success of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can be part of it.

Queenslanders are being asked to tell the world about their everyday Indigenous heroes.

The state government has set up an online gallery to showcase people’s achievements and experiences.

“The site’s for the everyday stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders,” said Ron Weatherall, who heads the state government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services.

“Collectively, these stories will be a mosaic of our diverse experiences, showing the challenges and triumphs we share. Everyone’s welcome to add
a story about their hero — mothers, fathers, teachers, students, tradies, artists, people in the corporate world or public sector, community leaders — everyone. The story of what they have done might be the inspiration that someone else is looking for.”

The gallery is part of the state government’s new Deadly Stories campaign
— a three-year social marketing campaign to promote the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The online gallery is backed by a Facebook presence, advertising and small,
local events.

“We see this campaign generating a lot of positive images and messages,”
Ron said.

“Mainstream media already has its Indigenous heroes. The Freemans and Sailors and Lionel Roses stand up there with the best in the Australian consciousness. But this campaign will show a much greater depth of Indigenous Australian talent — the heroes at a local level.”

Ron said he wanted the campaign to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The thing is that, because it’s electronic, it can reach just about anywhere in Queensland at any hour of any day. If ever you need a reminder about being part of a great and historic culture, well, here it is — regardless of where you are.”

For further information, visit: http://www.reconciliation.qld.gov.au/deadly-stories/

Here are some of the first deadly stories.