NGAARDA STATEWIDE NEWS: Monday 28 September 2026
JOHN PAT ANNIVERSARY
Today marks 43 years since 16-year-old Yindjibarndi boy John Pat died in police custody in Ieramagadu, Roebourne.
His death became one of the cases that strengthened calls for the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Ngaarda Media has spoken with criminologist Professor Chris Cunneen about John’s death, the families who campaigned for the inquiry, and what has changed since its final report in 1991.
IERAMAGADU DATA PROJECT
The Ieramagadu Data Project has recruited four local community researchers to help gather information from families in Roebourne, Five Mile and Cheeditha.
The researchers are training to speak with families about wellbeing and their priorities for the future.
Project representative Daisy Goodwin says community-led research will help residents check government figures and build stronger evidence when calling for services.
The project is also recruiting members for a paid committee to oversee how community information is collected, protected and shared.
CHILD PROTECTION RESPONSE
Former Pilbara MP Larry Graham says measures announced for vulnerable children in Port Hedland do not address the cause of the crisis.
Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski visited the town last week following reports that up to 15 children had been left unsupervised in a South Hedland home.
Mr Graham told ABC Regional News a broader plan for children’s care is needed.
KALGOORLIE FOOTBALL
Anthony Ashwin is celebrating a reserves premiership with Mines Rovers in Kalgoorlie.
Ashwin helped guide the side to the flag as a player-coach, adding another chapter to his long connection with the club.
Ngaarda Media will speak with him about the grand final and what the win means to the team.
FIRST NATIONS LORIKEETS
Carnarvon Yamatji man Matt Moncrieff is taking his passion for community onto the rugby field with the First Nations Lorikeets.
The club offers LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a culturally safe place to play rugby and connect.
The Lorikeets made their first appearance at the Ella Sevens earlier this year.
FIJI MEN’S ALLYSHIP
Fijian rugby player Tomoci Wainiqolo says men must turn their support for women into action at home and in their communities.
He spoke with Ngaarda Media during discussions connected to the Pacific Media Summit in Fiji, where men were encouraged to make practical commitments to support women’s voices and leadership.