Cover image for Contemporary Aboriginal Issues Group
Agency:
Contemporary Aboriginal Issues Group
Agency Number:
Start Date:
04 Sep 1988
End Date:
31 Mar 2000
Description:
The Contemporary Aboriginal Issues Group (CAIG) was a group of supporters which operated from Launceston from 1988 until the late 1990s. The group was small, with around six core members such as Rosemary Ransom, Doug Wherrit, Anna Prouse, Mary Rummery and others; among many Aboriginal people involved in different ways at different times were Errol West (Ida West's son), Furley Gardner, Margaret Mansell (all deceased). Jenny Chester was a driving force behind the group, and acted as convener for much of the group's existence. CAIG worked closely with the Launceston based Community Aid Abroad group as well as the Southern group 'Solidarity for land rights'. CAIG maintained a subscription mailing list of around 50 people. The Group met regularly to discuss issues and initiate actions to support the Aboriginal community; lobbied politicians; wrote letters and submissions to newspapers, politicians and government on legislation. Advocating for land rights was a central focus of the group. In the context of Tasmania's social and political history, this small group can be recognised as a successful model of grassroots community-organised support action.
Information Sources:
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre; records of CAIG
Jenny Chester (Sarah Jane) (NG3687)01 Jan 195506 Jul 2017
Series Created By Agency:
NS6487 Advocacy and Research01 Jan 198831 Jan 2000

NS6486 Administration01 Sep 198831 Dec 1999

NS6485 Minutes of Meetings04 Sep 198815 Sep 1990

NS6481 Correspondence17 Oct 198808 Mar 2000

NS6490 Collected Records of Groups Concerned with Tasmanian Aboriginal Rights14 Jan 198928 Jan 2000

NS6488 Newsletters23 Jan 198901 Sep 1995

NS6480 Newspaper Clippings01 Feb 198931 Dec 1999

NS6482 Letters to the Editor20 Mar 198907 Mar 2000