Category: Timeline Stories

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and health leaders want Reconciliation Australia to revoke its support for Woolworths over the retail giant’s plans to build one of Australia’s largest alcohol stores in Darwin, near three dry Aboriginal communities.  Read more

“I think we have to use every available means to try and stop the development of this particular takeaway outlet.” – Danila Dilba chief executive Olga Havnen  Read more

Mr Gilbert subsequently appointed four panel members – Heather D’Antoine, an honorary fellow with Menzies School of Health Research, Neil Westbury, chairman of the MJD Foundation and a former director of the Indigenous Land Corporation, Nigel Browne, former crown prosecutor and chief executive of the Larrakia Development Corporation, and Roland Houareau, general manager of INPEX in the Northern Territory. Read more

Indigenous community groups in Darwin have hit out against the Woolworths Group for what they say is the company’s failure to have genuine community consultation over the construction of a Dan Murphy’s liquor store. Listen to the interview

“It’s wedging Aboriginal groups against each other. This is the game that they’re good at, big corporates, they love it, and we’re calling on them to cease it. Take a social conscience in all of this and listen to the Aboriginal leadership here in the Northern Territory and withdraw your application now.” – John Paterson, CEO AMSANT Read more

Community groups disappointed in decision but vow to keep fighting alcohol megastore Read more

“The Darwin Dan Murphy’s saga now threatens to become Woolworths’ version of Rio Tinto’s Juukan Gorge scandal.” “Woolworths is facing scrutiny at shareholder meetings next week about plans to open a big-box Dan Murphy’s liquor shop close to vulnerable Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.” Read the article

45 organisations and community leaders signed an impassioned open letter to Woolworths Chairperson Gordon Cairns. This letter was published as a full-page advertisement in the Australian Financial Review (AFR). The Bagot Community, members of the public, and organisations including the Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS), Danila Dilba Health Service, and Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) have all been loud and clear in their demand: “Abandon your plans to build a Dan Murphy’s in Darwin.” View the open letter

“Woolies we don’t want your megastore here in Darwin” – Samuel Bush-Blanasi (Chairman, Northern Land Council) “You haven’t consulted with the community” – John Paterson (CEO, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory)

  Sign the petition