Utopia: Aboriginal elderly sleeping on ground with dogs amid calls for improved aged care
By Neda Vanovac

Her paintings have been exhibited in Paris, London, New York, Tokyo and Milan. But in her old age, renowned Aboriginal artist Kathleen Ngale lives on a mattress outdoors, unable to walk, kept warm during cold desert winter nights by about a dozen dogs who sleep alongside her.

Ms Ngale, aged about 87, lives at Camel Camp where she was born, an outstation in the remote Utopia region of Central Australia, about 260 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs.

"I sit here hungry sometimes, and we sit here with nothing," she said in Anmatyerre via an interpreter.

"My leg is no good … I just wait for little bits of food … and I can't go and wash myself when I feel like it."

Her relative Rosalie Kunoth-Monks has deplored her living conditions and is calling for improvements to be made to aged care for the elderly Aboriginal people of the region.

"She is lying with the warmth of the dogs on that mattress," Ms Kunoth-Monks said.

"How she's living now, you would not put your worst enemy through that ... It's a slow death."
She said Ms Ngale was rarely able to shower or have her bed linen changed, and her husband, aged also in his 80s, was her primary carer.

Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup.

"If there is aged care, this old lady should be able to have a wheelchair, she should be able to have her clothes washed," Ms Kunoth-Monks said.

"There should be a laundromat here where they can wash, they don't mind putting in two dollars or whatever and doing that.

"But we are at the absolute lowest level of poverty here at communities like this."

Funding for services 'inadequate'

The Federal Government funds the Barkly Shire Council, headquartered in Tennant Creek about 400km away, to provide aged care services in Utopia, a region consisting of 16 homelands and outstations spread out over several hundred kilometres.

The service chiefly consists of meal deliveries, which are provided daily in the main homeland in Arlparra, but drops off to once every few days in the remoter areas, as there is only one full-time worker and a few part-time local staff funded to cover the region, acting CEO Chris Wright said.

"Not just aged care, but all the services we're expected to provide in that particular community are just not adequate," he said.
"Our base problem is just simply the nature of the community — it's big, it's widespread, there's huge distances to travel, and the conventional funding models don't fit that particular community.

"I guess the opportunity is to figure out, 'okay, how can services be more adequately provided to a community of outstations that are as far as 150 miles apart?'"

There are about 15 aged people effectively sleeping rough in the community, including a 92-year-old woman living in a humpy, Michael Gravener, CEO of the Urpantja Aboriginal Corporation, said.

"It's total impoverishment, total disempowerment, and they should be honoured as some of the greats of this country, being the oldest-surviving owners of this amazing country.

"It's just sad that we've neglected those people."

'If you haven't got the basics, you're not going to get anywhere'

Mr Gravener said entrenched poverty and a lack of funding made it difficult to improve circumstances for Utopia's residents.

"We're dealing with people who are told to get up and work, to get on with their lives, who live in absolute poverty, absolute homelessness, chronic overcrowding, and we're [saying], 'hey, you've got to get your act together and come and live like us'," he said.
"The reality is, if you haven't got the basics to start with, you're not going to get anywhere.

"Things like housing, food security, someone caring decently for them. They'll criticise people like the carers for Kathleen … but if you're impoverished yourself, how are you going to do that?"

He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so.

"Homelands have never been given an opportunity to survive or to grow because they're always being given little bits of funds, and you can't do that," he said.

"You can't keep playing catch-up when you want to develop into a productive, sustainable, economically viable, socially viable community."

He said Ms Ngale's living conditions needed no embellishment: "It's shocking enough as it is, she shouldn't be like that," he said.

"She should be living in the homeland, she should be given the best of care and respected for the person she is. She's a unique Australian."


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-05/utopia-aged-care-kathleen-ngale/8651086

Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil.

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 12:03pm:

Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil.

He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so.

So they are suddenly going to be less healthy if we don't give them lots of money?

How much do you think it would cost to set up an aged care facility in the middle of the desert to cater for one person?

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 12:03pm:

Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided.

Absolutely.

They could move in next to you.

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

freediver wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 12:33pm:

So they are suddenly going to be less healthy if we don't give them lots of money? How much do you think it would cost to set up an aged care facility in the middle of the desert to cater for one person?

Someone has suggested building an aged care facility for one person?

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 12:06pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so.

Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 12:35pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Absolutely. They could move in next to you. You'd like that, wouldn't you?

As long as you pay their $1000 a week rental too. How about that?  :D Only fair.

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:22pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:06pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable.

Oh? So they're not all alcoholics with venereal diseases who die young in their trashed homes on the vast sums handed to them by an ever gullible government?

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:24pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Absolutely. They could move in next to you. You'd like that, wouldn't you? As long as you pay their $1000 a week rental too. How about that?  :D Only fair.

Why can't they pay it themselves?

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:24pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:22pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:06pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable. Oh? So they're not all alcoholics with venereal diseases who die young in their trashed homes on the vast sums handed to them by an ever gullible government?

Oh they nearly all die young compared to other groups, for the reasons you mentioned. Thats indisputable. 

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:29pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:24pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:22pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:06pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable. Oh? So they're not all alcoholics with venereal diseases who die young in their trashed homes on the vast sums handed to them by an ever gullible government? Oh they nearly all die young compared to other groups, for the reasons you mentioned. Thats indisputable.

Nearly all? Your ignorance knows no bounds, does it.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:26pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:24pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Absolutely. They could move in next to you. You'd like that, wouldn't you? As long as you pay their $1000 a week rental too. How about that?  :D Only fair. Why can't they pay it themselves?

Lol.

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:31pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:29pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:24pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:22pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:06pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable. Oh? So they're not all alcoholics with venereal diseases who die young in their trashed homes on the vast sums handed to them by an ever gullible government? Oh they nearly all die young compared to other groups, for the reasons you mentioned. Thats indisputable.  Nearly all? Your ignorance knows no bounds, does it.

facts dont lie.

"Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup."

From the OP

So this 87 yr old has kids and grandkids.

Why the farrrk aren't they pulling their finger out to help their mum/grandma?

Disrespectful @rseholes!

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:32pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:31pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:29pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:24pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:22pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:06pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable. Oh? So they're not all alcoholics with venereal diseases who die young in their trashed homes on the vast sums handed to them by an ever gullible government? Oh they nearly all die young compared to other groups, for the reasons you mentioned. Thats indisputable.  Nearly all? Your ignorance knows no bounds, does it. facts dont lie.

Yours are quite wrong though. I'm sure you're not intentionally lying, just misled through racism and ignorance.

Is it a three dog night out there yet?

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:37pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:32pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:31pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:29pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:24pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:22pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:06pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:03pm: Dont live there, simple. If you want the benefits of modern society then move to where they are provided. Our taxes shouldnt pay for lifestyle choices. Sympathy level= nil. He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. Id probably live longer too if I didnt have to work and could spend my days choosing what leisure activity I want to get involved in while being supported by ever increasing amounts of taxpayers dollars. This is not sustainable. Oh? So they're not all alcoholics with venereal diseases who die young in their trashed homes on the vast sums handed to them by an ever gullible government? Oh they nearly all die young compared to other groups, for the reasons you mentioned. Thats indisputable.  Nearly all? Your ignorance knows no bounds, does it. facts dont lie. Yours are quite wrong though. I'm sure you're not intentionally lying, just misled through racism and ignorance.

nah, spot on the money. Despite being well supported by taxpayers funds from cradle to grave the average life expectancy is considerably lower, they also have a higher rate of STD related illness and alcoholism. FAS is also epidemic. All indisputable facts. Anything else I can help you with? Call me ignorant again, thats working for ya.  ;D

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:37pm:

"Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup." From the OP So this 87 yr old has kids and grandkids. Why the farrrk aren't they pulling their finger out to help their mum/grandma? Disrespectful @rseholes!

Come to think of it....what's this 87 yr old doing with the $1000 that Centrelink is paying her per fortnight?

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:39pm:

Is it a three dog night out there yet?

Im trying to get outside but its 10 degrees and raining cats and dogs here.

Poor dogs.

Don't step in a poodle.

For those seeking illumination, rather thanvalidation of their prejudice:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht8_5UlcgSQ

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:37pm:

"Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup." From the OP So this 87 yr old has kids and grandkids. Why the farrrk aren't they pulling their finger out to help their mum/grandma? Disrespectful @rseholes!

It's a way of living but not as we know it. Or want to for that matter


Long Grassers lead short unhealthy lives, it is what it is.

https://youtu.be/o0-yhYOlv0M

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:47pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:37pm: "Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup." From the OP So this 87 yr old has kids and grandkids. Why the farrrk aren't they pulling their finger out to help their mum/grandma? Disrespectful @rseholes! It's a way of living but not as we know it. Or want to for that matter Long Grassers lead short unhealthy lives, it is what it is.

The woman in question :

1. Has kids and grandkids.

2. Receives around $1000 per fortnight compliments of the tax payer.

3. Pays for nothing.

4. Expects everything for free. And gets it!


I have absolutely NO sympathy for her OR her ratbag of a family.

She's playing the victim AND playing the system.

Crikey....wake up Australia!

All very odd.


Once a year on Australia Day the Abos get really pissed off that we White Folk are still here and haven't buggered off back to Britain and Europe.

And then for 65,000 years Abo women would die around age 45 at the very most ... with this woman being 87 after living off White Man's diet and accessing White Man's medicines over her life-time.

And then for 65,000 years the Abos lived exactly the same lifestyle as this woman is living now ... only it was dingoes instead of dogs.

Quote:

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder a main cause for youth suicide in WA, according to James Fitzpatrick ONE of the world’s leading researchers of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder says he is convinced the affliction is one of the main causes of the staggeringly high youth suicide rate in northern WA. James Fitzpatrick says WA authorities have been “asleep at the wheel” in letting the Kimberley region become the world’s worst region for babies being “marinated” by alcohol in the womb.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/foetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-a-main-cause-for-youth-suicide-in-wa-according-to-james-fitzpatrick/news-story/4bbdccae34175c3e918081308ce4e659

Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on.

Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-24/planned-museum-to-pay-tribute-to-stolen-generations/8466138


Right at the moment there are a lot of Territorians asking why the Government is borrowing 50 million dollars to build a "Stolen Generation "museum in Darwin rather than actually helping Aboriginal people,Its labors Aboriginals that want the museum, to smash white people with and ramp up their black armband dreamtime.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 1:52pm:

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:47pm: Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:37pm: "Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup." From the OP So this 87 yr old has kids and grandkids. Why the farrrk aren't they pulling their finger out to help their mum/grandma? Disrespectful @rseholes! It's a way of living but not as we know it. Or want to for that matter Long Grassers lead short unhealthy lives, it is what it is. The woman in question : 1. Has kids and grandkids. 2. Receives around $1000 per fortnight compliments of the tax payer. 3. Pays for nothing. 4. Expects everything for free. And gets it! I have absolutely NO sympathy for her OR her ratbag of a family. She's playing the victim AND playing the system. Crikey....wake up Australia!

I bet any money....she even has a credit card lol  ;D

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:00pm:

Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed.

I asked about three dog nights - that's a clue...

miketrees wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:01pm:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-24/planned-museum-to-pay-tribute-to-stolen-generations/8466138 Right at the moment there are a lot of Territorians asking why the Government is borrowing 50 million dollars to build a "Stolen Generation "museum in Darwin rather than actually helping Aboriginal people,Its labors Aboriginals that want the museum, to smash white people with and ramp up their black armband dreamtime.

I didnt know about that mike.....it does make you wonder doesnt it???...monuments   to a bad past....

not my idea of something I would  wish to be reminded about I wouldnt think...

if we can undo the past   let me know will you?>,

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:00pm:

Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on.

Mothra has decided to flounce off because there's too much logic and fact bombarding her attempt to make some sort of moral capital out of this woman living exactly as they have been doing for the past 65,000 years.

And when Abbott called for the Abos to come live closer to the cities where the jobs are ~ it was people like Mothra who got her knickers all in a knot with thinking Abbott was being unfair.

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:00pm:

Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed.

Is not enough people agreeing with you?


I thought you would be used to that by now.



There is nothing to be done here, it is what it is.

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:07pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Mothra has decided to flounce off because there's too much logic and fact bombarding her attempt to make some sort of moral capital out of this woman living exactly as they have been doing for the past 65,000 years. And when Abbott called for the Abos to come live closer to the cities where the jobs are ~ it was people like Mothra who got her knickers all in a knot with thinking Abbott was being unfair.

Nope. Waiting for a sensible comment.

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:00pm:

Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed.

Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again.

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:18pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again.

LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself.

cods wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:05pm:

miketrees wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:01pm: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-24/planned-museum-to-pay-tribute-to-stolen-generations/8466138 Right at the moment there are a lot of Territorians asking why the Government is borrowing 50 million dollars to build a "Stolen Generation "museum in Darwin rather than actually helping Aboriginal people,Its labors Aboriginals that want the museum, to smash white people with and ramp up their black armband dreamtime. I didnt know about that mike.....it does make you wonder doesnt it???...monuments   to a bad past.... not my idea of something I would  wish to be reminded about I wouldnt think... if we can undo the past   let me know will you?>,

It's just further indoctrinating their sense of victimhood. The sooner they acceptable the omelet can't be unmade and get on with things the better.

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:20pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself.

ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs. 

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 11:48am:

Utopia: Aboriginal elderly sleeping on ground with dogs amid calls for improved aged care By Neda Vanovac Her paintings have been exhibited in Paris, London, New York, Tokyo and Milan. But in her old age, renowned Aboriginal artist Kathleen Ngale lives on a mattress outdoors, unable to walk, kept warm during cold desert winter nights by about a dozen dogs who sleep alongside her. Ms Ngale, aged about 87, lives at Camel Camp where she was born, an outstation in the remote Utopia region of Central Australia, about 260 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs. "I sit here hungry sometimes, and we sit here with nothing," she said in Anmatyerre via an interpreter. "My leg is no good … I just wait for little bits of food … and I can't go and wash myself when I feel like it." Her relative Rosalie Kunoth-Monks has deplored her living conditions and is calling for improvements to be made to aged care for the elderly Aboriginal people of the region. "She is lying with the warmth of the dogs on that mattress," Ms Kunoth-Monks said. "How she's living now, you would not put your worst enemy through that ... It's a slow death." She said Ms Ngale was rarely able to shower or have her bed linen changed, and her husband, aged also in his 80s, was her primary carer. Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup. "If there is aged care, this old lady should be able to have a wheelchair, she should be able to have her clothes washed," Ms Kunoth-Monks said. "There should be a laundromat here where they can wash, they don't mind putting in two dollars or whatever and doing that. "But we are at the absolute lowest level of poverty here at communities like this." Funding for services 'inadequate' The Federal Government funds the Barkly Shire Council, headquartered in Tennant Creek about 400km away, to provide aged care services in Utopia, a region consisting of 16 homelands and outstations spread out over several hundred kilometres. The service chiefly consists of meal deliveries, which are provided daily in the main homeland in Arlparra, but drops off to once every few days in the remoter areas, as there is only one full-time worker and a few part-time local staff funded to cover the region, acting CEO Chris Wright said. "Not just aged care, but all the services we're expected to provide in that particular community are just not adequate," he said. "Our base problem is just simply the nature of the community — it's big, it's widespread, there's huge distances to travel, and the conventional funding models don't fit that particular community. "I guess the opportunity is to figure out, 'okay, how can services be more adequately provided to a community of outstations that are as far as 150 miles apart?'" There are about 15 aged people effectively sleeping rough in the community, including a 92-year-old woman living in a humpy, Michael Gravener, CEO of the Urpantja Aboriginal Corporation, said. "It's total impoverishment, total disempowerment, and they should be honoured as some of the greats of this country, being the oldest-surviving owners of this amazing country. "It's just sad that we've neglected those people." 'If you haven't got the basics, you're not going to get anywhere' Mr Gravener said entrenched poverty and a lack of funding made it difficult to improve circumstances for Utopia's residents. "We're dealing with people who are told to get up and work, to get on with their lives, who live in absolute poverty, absolute homelessness, chronic overcrowding, and we're [saying], 'hey, you've got to get your act together and come and live like us'," he said. "The reality is, if you haven't got the basics to start with, you're not going to get anywhere. "Things like housing, food security, someone caring decently for them. They'll criticise people like the carers for Kathleen … but if you're impoverished yourself, how are you going to do that?" He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. "Homelands have never been given an opportunity to survive or to grow because they're always being given little bits of funds, and you can't do that," he said. "You can't keep playing catch-up when you want to develop into a productive, sustainable, economically viable, socially viable community." He said Ms Ngale's living conditions needed no embellishment: "It's shocking enough as it is, she shouldn't be like that," he said. "She should be living in the homeland, she should be given the best of care and respected for the person she is. She's a unique Australian." http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-05/utopia-aged-care-kathleen-ngale/8651086

Quote:

.............lives at Camel Camp where she was born, an outstation in the remote Utopia region of Central Australia, about 260 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs...........

camel camp .......... did not know they let dogs live there.

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:25pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.

You said "most die young" from alcoholism and STDs.

Bit wrong, yes?

As i said, i'll wait for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to comment. I'm not particularly interested in indulging the ignorant racists thus far.

Sprintcyclist wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:25pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 11:48am: Utopia: Aboriginal elderly sleeping on ground with dogs amid calls for improved aged care By Neda Vanovac Her paintings have been exhibited in Paris, London, New York, Tokyo and Milan. But in her old age, renowned Aboriginal artist Kathleen Ngale lives on a mattress outdoors, unable to walk, kept warm during cold desert winter nights by about a dozen dogs who sleep alongside her. Ms Ngale, aged about 87, lives at Camel Camp where she was born, an outstation in the remote Utopia region of Central Australia, about 260 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs. "I sit here hungry sometimes, and we sit here with nothing," she said in Anmatyerre via an interpreter. "My leg is no good … I just wait for little bits of food … and I can't go and wash myself when I feel like it." Her relative Rosalie Kunoth-Monks has deplored her living conditions and is calling for improvements to be made to aged care for the elderly Aboriginal people of the region. "She is lying with the warmth of the dogs on that mattress," Ms Kunoth-Monks said. "How she's living now, you would not put your worst enemy through that ... It's a slow death." She said Ms Ngale was rarely able to shower or have her bed linen changed, and her husband, aged also in his 80s, was her primary carer. Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup. "If there is aged care, this old lady should be able to have a wheelchair, she should be able to have her clothes washed," Ms Kunoth-Monks said. "There should be a laundromat here where they can wash, they don't mind putting in two dollars or whatever and doing that. "But we are at the absolute lowest level of poverty here at communities like this." Funding for services 'inadequate' The Federal Government funds the Barkly Shire Council, headquartered in Tennant Creek about 400km away, to provide aged care services in Utopia, a region consisting of 16 homelands and outstations spread out over several hundred kilometres. The service chiefly consists of meal deliveries, which are provided daily in the main homeland in Arlparra, but drops off to once every few days in the remoter areas, as there is only one full-time worker and a few part-time local staff funded to cover the region, acting CEO Chris Wright said. "Not just aged care, but all the services we're expected to provide in that particular community are just not adequate," he said. "Our base problem is just simply the nature of the community — it's big, it's widespread, there's huge distances to travel, and the conventional funding models don't fit that particular community. "I guess the opportunity is to figure out, 'okay, how can services be more adequately provided to a community of outstations that are as far as 150 miles apart?'" There are about 15 aged people effectively sleeping rough in the community, including a 92-year-old woman living in a humpy, Michael Gravener, CEO of the Urpantja Aboriginal Corporation, said. "It's total impoverishment, total disempowerment, and they should be honoured as some of the greats of this country, being the oldest-surviving owners of this amazing country. "It's just sad that we've neglected those people." 'If you haven't got the basics, you're not going to get anywhere' Mr Gravener said entrenched poverty and a lack of funding made it difficult to improve circumstances for Utopia's residents. "We're dealing with people who are told to get up and work, to get on with their lives, who live in absolute poverty, absolute homelessness, chronic overcrowding, and we're [saying], 'hey, you've got to get your act together and come and live like us'," he said. "The reality is, if you haven't got the basics to start with, you're not going to get anywhere. "Things like housing, food security, someone caring decently for them. They'll criticise people like the carers for Kathleen … but if you're impoverished yourself, how are you going to do that?" He said Aboriginal people living on homelands had been found in studies to be in better health than those living in cities or regional hubs, but said they needed more support to continue to do so. "Homelands have never been given an opportunity to survive or to grow because they're always being given little bits of funds, and you can't do that," he said. "You can't keep playing catch-up when you want to develop into a productive, sustainable, economically viable, socially viable community." He said Ms Ngale's living conditions needed no embellishment: "It's shocking enough as it is, she shouldn't be like that," he said. "She should be living in the homeland, she should be given the best of care and respected for the person she is. She's a unique Australian." http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-05/utopia-aged-care-kathleen-ngale/8651086 Quote: .............lives at Camel Camp where she was born, an outstation in the remote Utopia region of Central Australia, about 260 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs........... camel camp .......... did not know they let dogs live there.

Camels/dogs....they probably look the same after a few flagons   ;D

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:29pm:

As i said, i'll wait for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to comment.

Nice strategy.

Just keep discounting the posters until one comes along who's talking shite by anyone's standards.

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:33pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:29pm: As i said, i'll wait for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to comment. Nice strategy. Just keep discounting the posters until one comes along who's talking shite by anyone's standards.

One who actually reads the OP instead of just reacting with knee-jerk racism would be a nice start, don't you think?

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:25pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.

Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people?

Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:34pm:

One who actually reads the OP instead of just reacting with knee-jerk racism would be a nice start, don't you think?

Where's the 'racism' ?

Referring to someone's Stone Age culture is not racism.

Gordon wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:35pm:

Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people?

Howling monkeys?

They've been bitching and whining ever since Centrelink opened its doors to them shortly after Captain Cook arrived.

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:39pm:

Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Howling monkeys? They've been bitching and whining ever since Centrelink opened its doors to them shortly after Captain Cook arrived.

Stop it!

We're still trying to sort out the camels from the dogs here  ;D

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:34pm:

Lord Herbert wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:33pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:29pm: As i said, i'll wait for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to comment. Nice strategy. Just keep discounting the posters until one comes along who's talking shite by anyone's standards. One who actually reads the OP instead of just reacting with knee-jerk racism ...

Hmm.

That rules out Herbert, Lisa, Agnes, Valkie, Hammer, BigHole, Fuzzball, Honky, Gordon, Panther, Rhino, et al.

http://i.qkme.me/3qynnv.jpg

"She's sleeping on the ground!"

Oh surely not!

WHATEVER happened to all those spring mattresses that Captain Cook reported seeing during his visit to Botany Bay?

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:02pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:52pm: BigOl64 wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:47pm: Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 1:37pm: "Ms Ngale's granddaughter Denisa said she was occasionally visited by a nurse from the Urpantja Clinic, located about 50 kilometres away, and that there were weekly deliveries of soup." From the OP So this 87 yr old has kids and grandkids. Why the farrrk aren't they pulling their finger out to help their mum/grandma? Disrespectful @rseholes! It's a way of living but not as we know it. Or want to for that matter Long Grassers lead short unhealthy lives, it is what it is. The woman in question : 1. Has kids and grandkids. 2. Receives around $1000 per fortnight compliments of the tax payer. 3. Pays for nothing. 4. Expects everything for free. And gets it! I have absolutely NO sympathy for her OR her ratbag of a family. She's playing the victim AND playing the system. Crikey....wake up Australia! I bet any money....she even has a credit card lol  ;D

And if she's been living like this for 2 decades.....she'd be worth well over a million by now.

Gordon wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:35pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html

Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance".

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:15pm:

Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance".

Says it all really. :D ;D

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:15pm:

Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance".

Killing "most of them young", is it?

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:28pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  You said "most die young" from alcoholism and STDs. Bit wrong, yes?

100 percent correct. What arent you understanding here? Besides everything I mean.

https://keimiller.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/martin.jpg

** chews popcorn and watches the bun fight... meanwhile elderly Blacks are freezing out there in the wilderness... but who cares as long as an ego point or two can be made?  The profit motive over-rides everything these days... even personal ego profit **

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:16pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:15pm: Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance". Says it all really. :D ;D

Yep. Now shes trying the Pecca method , revert to pedantry, misquote other posters , ignore any actual facts posted and then claim victory.

Where have i misquoted you, Rhino?

Would you like me to provide your original quote? Or do you think you can scroll back to see that, indeed, you said precisely what i have claimed you said?

And what you said, like all of your understanding of Indigenous affairs in the time i have known you, is based on ignorance and bigotry.

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:22pm:

Where have i misquoted you, Rhino? Would you like me to provide your original quote? Or do you think you can scroll back to see that, indeed, you said precisely what i have claimed you said? And what you said, like all of your understanding of Indigenous affairs in the time i have known you, is based on ignorance and bigotry.

Lol. I left out the histrionics.

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:25pm:

mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:22pm: Where have i misquoted you, Rhino? Would you like me to provide your original quote? Or do you think you can scroll back to see that, indeed, you said precisely what i have claimed you said? And what you said, like all of your understanding of Indigenous affairs in the time i have known you, is based on ignorance and bigotry. Lol. I left out the histrionics.

Poor Rhino. Foiled with his own petard. Again.

If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas ...

Sorry ~ not the White Man's fault.

Gordon wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:35pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html

how come WE are called in to help THEIR sexual diseases ?

Abbos live a lot longer now than when captain cook arrived.

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:20pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:16pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:15pm: Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance". Says it all really. :D ;D Yep. Now shes trying the Pecca method , revert to pedantry, misquote other posters , ignore any actual facts posted and then claim victory.

Pathetic! Just accept her white flag....and move on.

I mean....how long can you flog a dead horse?

Oh Good for you Rhino! Lisa Jones agrees with you! Boo-boo all better?


;D

rhino wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:20pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:16pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:15pm: Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance". Says it all really. :D ;D Yep. Now shes trying the Pecca method , revert to pedantry, misquote other posters , ignore any actual facts posted and then claim victory.

Uh oh - we've got another juliar.

Rhino is now accusing people of "illegally misquoting" him.

Dear oh dear.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:40pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:20pm: Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:16pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:15pm: Gordon wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:35pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:20pm: rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:18pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 2:00pm: Think i'll just exit this thread until someone with at least half a clue comes on. Still, in this place, that's not guaranteed. Yes mothra, youve been owned yet again. LOL! You muppet. You couldn't even own yourself. ah, the deflection. Yes mothra, you do look stupid not knowing that Abos die earlier than others or have a higher rate of alcoholism and STDs.  Bloody hell check this out.  Are they bonobo apes or people? Alarming rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in Indigenous communities - in some cases up to 132 times the national average http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/a-national-shame-spike-in-indigenous-sti-rates-prompts-call-for-urgent-action-20170302-gupaac.html Mothra calls knowing facts like this "ignorance". Says it all really. :D ;D Yep. Now shes trying the Pecca method , revert to pedantry, misquote other posters , ignore any actual facts posted and then claim victory. Pathetic! Just accept her white flag....and move on. I mean....how long can you flog a dead horse?

I suppose I ought to do the same with her troll buddy Gweggy....the other cyber junkie who lives online 24/7 compliments of the tax payer.

It's pathetic when you think about it... these 2 are bludging AND are on benefits but they're clearly more than capable of sitting at a computer and typing for 8 hrs a day....because they do it 24/7!!! :o

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:29pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:22pm: Where have i misquoted you, Rhino? Would you like me to provide your original quote? Or do you think you can scroll back to see that, indeed, you said precisely what i have claimed you said? And what you said, like all of your understanding of Indigenous affairs in the time i have known you, is based on ignorance and bigotry. Lol. I left out the histrionics. Poor Rhino. Foiled with his own petard. Again.

* Hoisted on

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 12:36pm:

freediver wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 12:33pm: So they are suddenly going to be less healthy if we don't give them lots of money? How much do you think it would cost to set up an aged care facility in the middle of the desert to cater for one person? Someone has suggested building an aged care facility for one person?

It's either that or she moves somewhere where there is appropriate care.

I wonder where all her 'earnings' went?
Probably 'sponged' by all her fellow triberlings.

I'm sure she's the envy of all those 'Survivor' contestants who can't even help themselves in the 'natural' environment.

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 3:29pm:

rhino wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:25pm: mothra wrote on Jul 5th, 2017 at 3:22pm: Where have i misquoted you, Rhino? Would you like me to provide your original quote? Or do you think you can scroll back to see that, indeed, you said precisely what i have claimed you said? And what you said, like all of your understanding of Indigenous affairs in the time i have known you, is based on ignorance and bigotry. Lol. I left out the histrionics. Poor Rhino. Foiled with his own petard. Again.

Lol. Theres that university education at work. Is that psychotic or psychopathic Mothra?  ;D ;D ;D

mothra wrote on Jul 5^th, 2017 at 2:29pm:

As i said, i'll wait for someone who actually knows what they're talking about to comment. I'm not particularly interested in indulging the ignorant racists thus far.

And what makes you think you actually know what you're talking about?

Ahhhh yes .... you're ego. ::)

In 2013 John Pilger’s documentary Utopia opened to rave reviews internationally, CineVue referred to it as “an examination of injustice” and “essential viewing”. Metro stated that the film was “confrontational” and “eye-opening”.

Utopia documented Aboriginal families living in the most adverse poverty you can imagine in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. A number of government officials were interviewed looking to find how such travesty can be allowed to continue. No one was willing to take responsibility.

Internationally the film was described as a “must see”, its core arguments “compelling” and “shameful” but in Australia Utopia did not have anywhere near the same reaction where we still struggle with our relationship with Aboriginal people.

Over the summer break I journeyed out to Utopia with colleague, social justice campaigner and suicide prevention researcher Gerry Georgatos, after being invited by locals to witness the living conditions of Aboriginal people.

Less than three hours drive out of Alice Springs is Camel Camp, one of the 16 Utopian communities funded by government. Nothing prepares you for the aged care witnessed there – any thought of race politics was out the window. This was a disconnection from humanity – the only question was how was this allowed to happen. Kathleen Ngale is 85 years old and living in conditions I can only describe as hell.

Gerry Georgatos wrote: “There was no ventilation, no air-conditioning, no in-house services, no anything, only dank concrete, decrepit and filthy – it is however visited by government ‘services’ and some food drop-offs, pitiful. People lay on the concrete swatting flies, holding together resilient while denied dignity and the respite that their years on this Earth should have accumulated. Indeed, sadly, I have seen better ‘aged-care facilities’ in the poorest regions of third-world nations.”

Kathleen has lost 5kg in the last month. She has a mattress on a concrete floor and her blankets look as if they have never been cleaned. I sat next to her speaking ever so quietly in my own Aboriginal language watching her melt into Ngarla Kunoth-Monks with so much love it was devastating. I was angry, confused and most of all in utter disbelief, finding myself wanting to cry.

I went outside looking for solace and, surreally, found myself in a makeshift shanty church its red earth floor swept clean. This was neglect, abuse and segregation.

I sat next to the 2015 Naidoc person of the year, Ngarla’s mother Rosalie Kunoth-Monks as we drove from one community to another in oppressive heat. Watching this strong Arrernte women, now 80 years-old, her eyes welling as once again she was forced to reveal herself to people from the outside, showing the living conditions of her people in defiance of those who wished she would stay quiet.

It was no different on the other communities we visited – the poverty, together with the alienation and scorn they face from outsiders managing their affairs, outsiders living in newly built houses and numerous satellites on their roofs with air conditioning, surrounded by high fences, some who live only 100 metres walk from the locals living in developing world conditions.

These same managers tell us the situation is so complex we can’t understand or, even worse, simply not true as you stand there in disbelief: the segregation is right there before your eyes. As if we were talking to people who are somehow blind or just refuse to see.

Meanwhile, there are locals doing what they can. ‘George Club’ who leases rubbish bails which he empties once a month in Alice Springs; ‘Freddy Dixon’ who has a front-end loader license and heavy machinery; ‘Dennis Kunoth’ who runs a local shop selling supplies.

These people have capacity, they have vision and they know what they want for their community. What they do not have is support funding and control.

The real problem in Australia is that segregation still occurs whether we accept it or not, and no matter how obvious the segregation, neither side appears willing to meet half way and start a dialogue of inclusion. You are either one or the other, right or left and we never look towards compromise. No one is willing to meet in the middle.

Talking to non-Indigenous locals in Alice Springs you hear things like “blacks receive too much money, millions from the government, they get services for free and assistance with jobs and education”, which is a common sentiment heard throughout Australia.

One local I spoke to went as far as saying,

"They live like animals, worse than animals. My daughter works at K-Mart and the abuse she has to put up with the violent language and spitting from these kids and always stealing you just can’t have them in the shop... they just don’t care and are out of control. It’s frightening."

Rosalie Kunoth-Monks has another opinion.

"The horrors of the past and our trauma today – generations of public service and government neglect, lies and lack of services allowing us to live in poverty – maintain this violence with impunity. We are reliving the pain of our people over and over again, generation to generation."

In Pilger’s film Salil Shetty from Amnesty International made the point:

"Australia is one of the richest countries in the world. When you consider that the total Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory is under 50,000 people, to suggest you can’t solve this problem after so many decades and with all Australia’s resources you can only assume the problem is somewhere else."

What I do know is that four years after the release of the film little has changed. Here Australia’s relationship with its Aboriginal people is lived out in extremes where you have one group not from the community living in comfort managing the lives of others living in absolute poverty. Something must be done.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/24/utopia-kathleen-ngale-is-85-years-old-and-living-in-conditions-i-can-only-describe-as-hell

"Something has to be done?"

What exactly?

So in my lifetime no one has been able to come up with the solution.

Many things have been tried .... many things discounted

or discontinued because it's deemed to be an infringement of human rights or racist or genocidal etc etc

Billions & billions of dollars have been thrown at the situation & yet nothing seems to improve .... why?

You're so full of yourself & that the wrongs being committed by everyone except Aboriginals themselves ........... stop the external blame game

& give us the answer?

Oh & John Pilger is just a finger pointer who comes up with no solutions either.

mothra wrote on Jul 7^th, 2017 at 10:33am:

In Pilger’s film Salil Shetty from Amnesty International made the point: "Australia is one of the richest countries in the world. When you consider that the total Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory is under 50,000 people, to suggest you can’t solve this problem after so many decades and with all Australia’s resources you can only assume the problem is somewhere else." What I do know is that four years after the release of the film little has changed. Here Australia’s relationship with its Aboriginal people is lived out in extremes where you have one group not from the community living in comfort managing the lives of others living in absolute poverty. Something must be done. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/24/utopia-kathleen-ngale-is-85-years-old-and-living-in-conditions-i-can-only-describe-as-hell

Why must it be US who have to fix this problem.

Money is thrown at them by the bag, and they just waste it.

We try to stop the rot by taking the poor abused children from abusive, pedophile and lazy parents

Suddenly we are wrong for doing this because of the " Stolen generation"

The only way they will get out of this rut of self destruction and abuse is to

DO IT THEMSELVES.

Stop the victim mentality
Stop the waste
Stop the handouts
Let tjhem fend for themselves for a change and perhaps they might gain some respect.

But as it stands at the moment
They are nothing but lazy parasites.

Sleeping on the ground with dogs has been part of aboriginal culture for tens of thousands of years, I thought they were proud of their culture.

Give 'em more dogs - warmer that way...