Hamish Chitts
Photo: Palm Island by Kathy Newnam
Justice for the Innocent: A Benefit Gig for the Doomadgee Family of Palm Island
The Arena, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, August 11
Tickets $42 + booking fee available from music shops and
Justice for the Innocent, offers an excellent chance for Murris and their supporters to get together and hear great music while supporting Aboriginal peoples’ struggle for justice.
Since Mulrunji’s death in a Palm Island police cell in 2004 the Doomadgee family have lost two more members and a close family friend through grief. “An enormous amount to bear for any family”, said Bob Weatherall, Aboriginal activist and member of the band Dick Desert & The Shotgun Country Club.
When family and friends of Mulrunji reacted in grief and anger, they were labelled rioters and many have been imprisoned awaiting trial or are already serving sentences. Already struggling families have lost income while relatives have been imprisoned. “We’re talking everyday costs like rent and hire purchase that have to be made up for. That is why the band decided to help out with a benefit gig”, Weatherall said. He told Green Left Weekly that as well as providing financial assistance the gig will show the families on Palm Island that they are not alone.
Headlining are the Beasts of Bourbon and top Indigenous artists including Kev Carmody, Banawurun and the Indigenous Intrudaz. Other artists include Lola the Vamp, the Palm Island Dancers and Dick Desert & The Shotgun Country Club. Alex Doomadgee will MC proceedings.
Since Mulrunji’s death in a Palm Island police cell in 2004 the Doomadgee family have lost two more members and a close family friend through grief. “An enormous amount to bear for any family”, said Bob Weatherall, Aboriginal activist and member of the band Dick Desert & The Shotgun Country Club.
When family and friends of Mulrunji reacted in grief and anger, they were labelled rioters and many have been imprisoned awaiting trial or are already serving sentences. Already struggling families have lost income while relatives have been imprisoned. “We’re talking everyday costs like rent and hire purchase that have to be made up for. That is why the band decided to help out with a benefit gig”, Weatherall said. He told Green Left Weekly that as well as providing financial assistance the gig will show the families on Palm Island that they are not alone.
Headlining are the Beasts of Bourbon and top Indigenous artists including Kev Carmody, Banawurun and the Indigenous Intrudaz. Other artists include Lola the Vamp, the Palm Island Dancers and Dick Desert & The Shotgun Country Club. Alex Doomadgee will MC proceedings.
