The GLSC has questioned whether money raised through a racially tainted car rally in the Goldfields last weekend should be accepted as a donation by the nationally respected and iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Last weekend’s Undies 500 car rally, organised by the Boulder Progress and Development Association (BPDA), saw one car carry the title ‘foul coons’. The occupants of the offending vehicle were also wearing red head bands, which are widely known to be the accepted head wear of senior and respected initiated Aboriginal men.  

“The combination of the words and the headbands were clearly intended to mock and deride Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal people generally, constituting a grossly offensive and racist act,” said GLSC CEO Brian Wyatt .  

The GLSC has written to the organiser of the BPDA ‘Undies 500’ rally, Councillor Anne Petz, seeking a public apology and asking that a suitable rebuke be given to the owners of the offending vehicle. The GLSC also suggested that BPDA apologise to local sponsors of the event and the intended recipients of funds raised – RFDS and St John Ambulance Association.  

The GLSC has written to the RFDS asking that it give serious consideration to rejecting the donation of any money that is tainted by racial slurs of this kind.  

Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma has been alerted to the incident. A HREOC report on racism in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 2002 led to the city embracing a community reconciliation strategy.  

“There has been commendable progress under the strategy, but as this incident shows there are deeply entrenched problems remaining,” said Mr Wyatt.  

“BPDA must explain to Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents why it allowed this car and its occupants to participate. In his letter to Cr Petz, Mr Wyatt said: “… in this day and age it would be completely unacceptable for both BPDA and a person in your position to not forcefully reject racist behaviour of this kind.  

“It is very important for the social advancement and cohesion of the Goldfields community that groups such as BPDA and our elected public officials show leadership in this regard.”

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;    David Berry 0417 963089, 9263 8715