When her three-year-old daughter Samara was racially vilified in the middle of a Melbourne shopping centre in July 2015, Rachel Muir, the Aboriginal Ballarat mother of two, decided she was going to be a champion for change.
She began a campaign against racism last year, this July, she was recognised for her tireless work with a National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee award.
“It’s never an easy thing to come forward when you have experienced any kind of racism,” said Muir in a recent interview. “I knew I had to come forward not just to stand up for my own daughter but for others who continue to be discriminated against.”
Muir was given the award by the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative not only for work against racism but also her efforts in promoting multiculturalism in women’s sport.
Through her role as footballer at the East Point Dragons Female Football Club, Muir has played a pivotal part in breaking down cultural barriers. During the team’s match in June, for instance, she organised a group of Aboriginal dancers to perform.
Last year, Samara was subjected to a racist attack when she dressed as Queen Elsa from the animated film Frozen for a Disney princess event at a shopping centre.
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
