Nuclear Weapons and Survivors: Australian Nuclear Free Alliance 2025

September 27 marks the anniversary of the first British atomic test at Maralinga in South Australia in 1956. Between 1952 -1957 three tests were carried out on the Monte Bello Islands off the coast of Western Australia followed by nine nuclear weapon tests at Emu Field and Maralinga in South Australia.  The British nuclear testing program was carried out with the full support of the Australian government and permission was not sought for the tests from Aboriginal people whose lands were used as sacrifice zones.The use of atomic weapons contaminated great tracts of land, displaced and forced Aboriginal people into Government and mission-controlled enclaves.  Many Aboriginal people were exposed to the fallout and died.  Survivors suffered radiation sickness and long term injury or illnesses and the intergenerational impacts affect family of survivors to this day.  This history informs the work of many of Australian Nuclear Free Alliance members to this day, having direct experience with nuclear weapons. We bring you some of the conversations from the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance gathering at Pichi Richi Park in South Australia over the weekend of 29th-31st of August.  We'll hear from speakers in the session titled 'Nuclear weapons and survivors: international solidarity and protocols': Dimity Hawkins from the Nuclear Truth Project; Karina Lester - Yangkunytjatjara Anangu woman; Roslyn Peters Anangu women from Yalata Community, Sister Michelle Maddigan - long time nuclear free campaigner based in Adelaide And Sue Haseldine - Googatha elder based in Ceduna, Far West South Australia.Read the ANFA 2025 meeting statement here.Weapons testing is continuing to threaten Aboriginal country and Aunty Sue Haseldine is seeking support to protect Googatha country from Southern Launch's rocket testing range.  There is a rally in Adelaide on October 10, go to @westmalleeprotection on Instagram to find out more.