FORMER Millicent resident Major Sumner AM will contest the seat of Mayo in the upcoming federal by-election.
Well-known for his long involvement with South East schools, Mr Sumner formed the Talkindjeri Dance Group almost 30 years ago and has performed around the world.
Known widely as “Moogy”, the Ngarrinjeri elder is a world-renowned artist, performer and cultural ambassador.
He became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014 after dedicating his life to promoting Aboriginal health and welfare and youth and cultural heritage.
“I’m excited to put my hand up to represent my country and our community in Mayo,” Mr Sumner said.
“We need something different in Canberra if we want things to change.
“By looking at things from a cultural perspective, we can do more to care for people and country.
“As caretakers of our country, we deserve to be a part of making decisions that affect the River Murray, the land and all of us.
“Now is the time to speak up to protect the environment and help care for people.”
Mr Sumner is critical of some corporations which take what he considers are excessive amounts of water from the Coorong and Murray Darling Basin.
“We all have a part to play in looking after our environment, living sustainably together and doing what’s right,” he said.
“It’s greed that has allowed our rivers to be drained and the Great Australian Bight to be put at risk from big oil and gas companies.
“By educating our young people and investing in renewable energy, we can do what is right by our country and each other.”
South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed the candidacy of Mr Sumner.
“The Greens’ campaign in Mayo will focus on putting people and the environment back at the centre of decision-making, including saving the River Murray, protecting the Great Australian Bight, while fighting to address inequality and for more Aboriginal representation in the federal parliament,” she said.
