Interview with DJ Bardi Girl from Deadly Human Rights show, Koori Radio

Hey DJ Bardi ! Great to catch up with you!!! First of all I’d like to acknowledge Im on Gadigal Land, and pay my respects to Elders, past present and emerging. I’d like to acknowledge that there has never been a treaty signed, the land was never ceded…always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land.

You know how much I enjoy having a yarn with you… and there are still things I would like to know about you…you up for a yarn?

Yes always!

So what inspired you to start the Deadly Human Rights Show on Koori Radio? How long has it been running?

The show has been running for about 5 years. What’s inspired me to do the show, is that I wanted to do something of significance for my people and give them a platform for their voice.

Has there been a change in focus over the time you have been on air?

Yes, I believe there has been a shift in the right direction towards showcasing more and more of Indigenous Australian culture and there seems to be more opportunities for our people. I am very proud of our Indigenous culture.

What is the Community telling you their main concerns are at the moment?

Just simply the Voice (which is a voice for our people) and Australia as a whole has to confront and resolve what the Voice means and how it affects our people.

What areas have you seen the most improvement in?

More Indigenous organisations doing better and a lot more promotion of our art, music and culture in a variety of areas. Also, an increase in Indigenous Australians receiving better and more education and job opportunities.

You have provided AIVL with a platform to highlight particular areas we are concerned about, across communities, and which have a significant impact on the health and human rights of people who have First Nations backgrounds. You have talked up the AIVL STIGMA Conference, held last November. You’ve talked up the INSIDE/OUT AIVL custodial resource. You’ve talked up the ITS YOUR RIGHT Hep C testing and treatment campaign. You’ve talked up the NUAA Peers on Wheels project. What is your motivation for providing opportunities to discuss these issues?

As individuals and as members of various groups, we have to work together to solve these various issues rather than fight against each other. The powers that be want us to be in conflict with each other, so that our people are continually dealing with problems, rather than solutions and forward advancement. The United Declaration on Human Rights Article 2 states, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”

Right from the start, you and I have been up front about having some differences about how to address illicit drug use within First Nations communities. I come from a place that is more as an “outsider” from the First Nations communities. You have first hand lived knowledge of what is going on in the Community. Why is it important for organisations like AIVL to listen to what people within the community want in relation to drug and alcohol policy?

Drugs are a problem in society and in communities and my people are needing help, so that drugs are not inhibiting and destroying their lives.

Gotta say, I really enjoyed the recent interview you had with Rodd from NUAA about the Peers on Wheels Project… I’m going to tell some stories now… he was so nervous in the lead up! Wouldn’t have guessed the way the interview went though!!!

I am very glad that Rodd enjoyed the interview. I respect people who are passionate about helping others to improve their lives. I am coming from a place of respect for one human being to another human being.

Theres a rumour I heard that you are having him back soon…Is that true? What will you be yarning about?

Yes. He is coming back on the show a few more times, as he has more to communicate to the listeners about what Peers On Wheels are currently doing. Rodd is very passionate about this project.

You know I always like to have a good yarn with you…. Hoping to catch up with you soon… Thanks so much, and take it easy .

Thank you very much and my pleasure Charlie!

Listen to one of Charlie’s Interviews with DJ Bardi Girl on Koori Radio’s Deadly Human Rights Show. Charlie is introduced 32 minutes into the broadcast.