Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps

The Legacy of the Aborigines Advancement League with Aunty Esme Bamblett

What is worth saving in this country if not our history? In this powerful episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Dr Aunty Esme Bamblett, a respected Elder and long-serving CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League. With over 50 years of advocacy, leadership, and lived experience, as the current serving CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League, Aunty Esme shares: * The truth about assimilation and its impact on Aboriginal communities * The origins and legacy of the Aboriginal Advancement League * Stories of resilience, activism, and cultural survival * The role of leaders like William Cooper and Pastor Doug Nicholls * The importance of identity, kinship, and community * Why Aboriginal culture is something Australia must protect * What real allyship and “upstanding” looks like today * Her vision for the next seven generations This is more than a conversation. It’s a history lesson, a call to action, and a reminder of what truly matters. Chapters 00:00 “What Is Worth Saving in This Country?” 00:25 Welcome to Community Conversations 02:05 Aunty Esme’s Early Life & Family Story 05:08 Education, Motherhood & Leadership Journey 06:41 A Legacy of Activism & Political Strength 08:01 The Origins of the Aboriginal Advancement League 09:46 Community, Culture & Collective Responsibility 11:10 Walking in the Footsteps of Giants 13:09 The Power of Early Aboriginal Activism 15:54 Standing Against Global Injustice 17:15 Why Safe Spaces Like The League Matter 19:22 Fighting for Land, Rights & Community 20:06 The Truth About Assimilation 22:27 Place, Belonging & Cultural Safety 23:33 Saving Lake Tyers & Community Land 25:38 The Black Power Movement & Cultural Pride 27:04 “Black Is Beautiful” – A Turning Point 30:56 The League as “Mother” of Community 33:31 From Activism to Treaty Conversations 36:11 What The League Means Today 38:11 Thinking in Seven Generations 40:01 How to Support & Take Action 41:18 Why Aboriginal Culture Must Be Protected

Travis Lovett on a Walk for Truth

In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Travis Lovett, a leader in Australia’s truth-telling movement and founder of the Walk for Truth. This conversation dives deep into: * Why truth-telling is essential for healing and progress * The real lived experiences behind Australia’s history * The myths and misconceptions about First Nations people * What the Yoorrook Justice Commission uncovered * Why a national truth-telling process is needed now * The emotional weight of carrying community stories * How everyday Australians can be part of change * The impact of the Walk for Truth movement * What the future could look like if we get this right This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding. Because healing can only happen when truth, justice, and action come first. Chapters 00:00 “History Is Always Told by the Oppressor” 00:24 Introduction to Trav & Truth-Telling 02:15 Identity, Language & Resistance 05:27 Where Australia Is Right Now 07:36 The Power of Walking Together 09:01 Calling for National Truth-Telling 11:01 Debunking Myths About First Nations People 13:15 The Weight of Truth-Telling Work 15:05 From Stories to Solutions 17:21 Why This Responsibility Belongs to Everyone 18:21 Truth → Justice → Healing 19:31 What a National Process Could Look Like 22:44 Why Truth-Telling Must Be Local & National 25:15 Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing Truth 28:21 Celebrating Strength, Not Just Trauma 28:46 For Those Who Feel Uncomfortable 31:36 Understanding Context, Not Blame 32:40 The Walk for Truth Movement 34:58 Why Walking Creates Real Connection 36:43 How You Can Get Involved 37:07 What Could Change in 10–20 Years 40:43 Ways to Support the Movement 42:09 Final Reflections & Invitation to Act More Information: The Walk for Truth - https://www.walkfortruth.com/ [https://www.walkfortruth.com/] Yoorook Justice Comission - https://www.yoorrook.org.au/ [https://www.yoorrook.org.au/] Open Letter to the Prime Minister - Add your Name Here [https://www.walkfortruth.com/pledge]

Australia Day: If not Jan 26, then when?

January 26 is a date that continues to divide Australia. For some it is “Australia Day”. For many First Peoples, it is Invasion Day, Survival Day, or a Day of Mourning. In this episode of Community Conversations, host Sarah Sherry (Clothing The Gaps) is joined by Laura Thompson (Gunditjmara woman, CEO and co-founder of Clothing The Gaps) and Phil Jenkyn (OAM, barrister and community activist, co-convener of the Australia Long Weekend idea) to unpack why January 26 is not a date to celebrate, how community pressure is shifting public perception, and a new proposal that aims to create a more inclusive national moment. Together they explore symbolism and policy, cultural safety, truth-telling, and a practical alternative: an Australia Long Weekend set on the second last Monday in January, designed to keep a summer long weekend while quarantining January 26 as a day for mourning and reflection. Key takeaways * January 26 carries deep hurt for First Nations people, and the day often brings heightened racism and division. * Symbolism matters: changing an administrative date can be a meaningful first step toward larger justice and truth-telling. * The Australia Long Weekend proposal aims to keep a summer celebration without anchoring it to colonisation. * Momentum is growing because the issue now impacts many Australians, including new citizens who feel uncomfortable with January 26 ceremonies. * Change requires respectful dialogue, accuracy, and shared responsibility from community, media, business, and government. * Links and resources: * Sign petition [https://c.org/86vCsrnYrv] * Australia Long Weekend website [https://www.australialongweekend.com.au/ ]  * Clothing The Gaps Not A Date To Celebrate campaign [https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/pages/not-a-date-to-celebrate ] * Learn more about January 26 and its history [https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/8things-you-need-to-know-about-january-26 ]

Read the comments - keep social media safe for Mob.

In this podcast, Co-Founders of Clothing the Gaps – Laura Thompson (Gunditjamara) and Sarah Sheridan catch up with Felicity Cull [https://www.peselandcarr.com.au/?team_member=felicity-cull]. Felicity is Head of Digital Content (aka, Social Media Expert!) at a Strategic Communications Agency - Pesel and Carr [https://www.peselandcarr.com.au/].   Tune in to listen to our stories of how we are working to keep Clothing The Gaps a safe Blak platform especially, in the lead up to the Voice Referendum on Oct 14 and beyond. Felicity also, shares her top tips, so Mob can safely read the comments on social media. Read more in the blog: https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/read-the-comments

Allyship, political fashion and the referendum - a yarn with Senator!

This casual conversational podcast with co-founders of Clothing The Gaps, Laura and Sarah plus Senator Stewart explores the role allyship and political fashion in the lead up to the referendum for a First  Nation Voice to parliament and recognition in the constitution. The podcast yarn has many tips for how everyday Australians and business can stand in solidarity with First Nations people at this time.  We also share excitedly and emotionally about the  'Dress That Says Yes' [https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/the-dress-that-says-yes] and the fashion moment we created, when the Senator wore the couture gown Clothing The Gaps made her to the Parliamentary Mid winter ball. More about: Senator Jana Stewart  [https://janastewart.com.au/]is a proud Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman from North-West Victoria, and a mother of two. Jana is the youngest First Nations woman to be elected in Federal Parliament, and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria. From her work at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Child Protection System, all the way to the steps of parliament – Jana has never been afraid to stand up for others. Laura Thompson is a proud Gunditjmara woman for the Western district of Victoria, and mother to three teenagers. Laura is the co-founder and CEO of Clothing The Gaps she is also sister-in-law to Senator Stewart.  Laura has an educational background in public health and never expected to be running a clothing brand! Sarah Sheridan is deputy CEO and Co-founder of Clothing The Gaps. Sarah  is non-Indigenous and grew up in country Victoria - she meet Laura  whilst doing her Health Sciences student placement at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service back in 2013 - they have been working side by side ever since. Clothing The Gaps [https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/] is an Aboriginal Social Enterprise and B-Corp. We registered as business in 2020. We unite people through fashion and cause.