The Aborigines Advancement League
As part of our vision of centring WIPC:E 2008 in community knowledge, the Aborigines Advancement League (AAL) has been selected as the venue of our Welcome to Country and Official Opening of the conference.
Formed in 1957, the AAL is the oldest Aboriginal organisation in Australia and is widely regarded by many people as the ‘mother’ of other Aboriginal organisations that are now established throughout country. It’s initial objectives were:
- to achieve citizenship rights for Aborigines throughout the Commonwealth
- to work toward the integration of Aboriginal people with the rest of the community whilst fully recognising the unique contribution they were able to make
- to attempt to co-ordinate the different Aboriginal welfare organisations operating in Victoria
- to establish a general policy of advancement for Aboriginal people.
Mural at the AAL (St. Georges Rd, Thornbury) representing aspects of Victorian Aboriginal Culture and History. It was painted by Ray Thomas, Ian Johnson, Millie Yarran, Les Griggs, Elaine Trott, Megan Evans and many volunteers.
While not an educational organisation, the AAL is significant in that it was a focal point for the political organisation of Victoria’s Aboriginal people. Early political activity included the drafting and circulating of a petition requesting a referendum to amend the Constitution so as to empower the federal parliament to legislate in Aboriginal affairs.
In the late 1960s the organisation moved to full Aboriginal control. Today the Aborigines Advancement League provides a variety of social and community services to Victoria’s Aboriginal community.
"Who Are Indigenous Peoples?"
Black Tracks in Melbourne’
To see interviews and footage from WIPC:E 2008 please go to www.nitv.org.au/blacktracks
