Share this @internewscast.com
A crowd gathered outside NSW Parliament on Thursday to support Gomeroi Ngiyampaa musician Jayden Kitchener-Waters, who says he was blocked from performing at a government event because of political messages on his guitar.
The 25-year-old works as a Community Engagement Officer with the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust and had been invited to perform at the Premier’s Department Public Service Awards last week.
But he says he was told he could not go on stage unless he removed messages from his guitar including “No pride in genocide” and “Free Palestine”.

Kitchener-Waters expressed his anticipation for performing a song dedicated to his niece, crafted in their native language, during an event that he felt had historically overlooked Aboriginal languages.

“On the night, two Premier’s Department staff approached me in the green room,” he told NITV.
“One of them I had been speaking to for months and she said she loved the song I was going to perform. Then they told me I couldn’t go on stage because of the messaging on my guitar.”
He said the department objected to the word “genocide” in particular.

“The messages that really struck me included ‘No pride in genocide’ and ‘Free Gaza.’ They particularly highlighted the term ‘genocide,’ which they deemed too political,” he remarked.

IMG_6006.jpg

At a rally held outside the New South Wales Parliament, Kitchener-Waters showcased his guitar, adorned with phrases like “No Pride in Genocide.”

Kitchener-Waters explained that his advocacy for Palestine is rooted in a sense of shared struggle and communal endurance among different lands and peoples.

IMG_6029.jpg

Approximately 50 supporters, including Greens MP Sue Huggins, assembled outside Parliament to protest against what they saw as censorship and to champion Kitchener-Waters’ right to express his political views.

“What happened to him is a gross injustice,” Huggins said.

“I’m calling on the New South Wales Premier to ensure Jayden’s employment is in no way threatened, and for an apology to be offered to him.”

Kitchener-Waters’ father, poet Rob Waters, also addressed the crowd, praising his son for standing up for truth.
“Extremely proud. Jayden has stood for what he believes in, even if he stands alone. Our younger ones, our grandkids, can look up to him and see what’s possible,” he said.
“Babies are being attacked, people are being starved – there is no justification. Palestine will be free. Always was, always will be.”
A Premier’s Department spokesperson said the department’s code of conduct requires staff to act “impartially, apolitically and professionally” and that it would be inappropriate to comment on individual staffing matters.

Kitchener-Waters is currently suspended from his role at the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A tourist has been hospitalised after falling six metres down a cliff at the Mornington Peninsula National Park in Victoria.

Tourist’s Dramatic Cliffside Rescue Captivates Onlookers

A tourist has been hospitalized following a dramatic fall from a six-meter…
Nation rocked by 6.6-magnitude earthquake

Breaking: 6.6-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes the Nation – What You Need to Know

The US Geological Survey says a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit Taiwan just…

Honoring Heroes: Sydney to Hobart Yachts Pay Tribute to Shooting Victims at Bondi Beach

Skippers of nearly 130 yachts set sail on a “bumpy” Sydney to…
Police to carry guns 'you haven't seen before' at Sydney NYE celebrations

Sydney NYE Celebrations to Feature Enhanced Police Firearms for Increased Security

Police packing unprecedented amounts of firepower will be on hand to protect…
Afghans walk outside Hazara's Sakhi Shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, April 19, 2024.

Countries the Government Advises Against Visiting

More than 10 million Australians will head overseas in 2026, if recent…

Century-Old Hostel Continues to Empower Women and Transform Lives in the Modern Era

More than a century ago, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) bought…
Drone attack in Kyiv

Russia Strikes Kyiv as Trump and Zelenskyy Prepare for Peace Discussions

An aerial assault has claimed the life of a 71-year-old individual and…

Ex-Malaysian PM Najib Razak Sentenced to 15 Years in 1MDB Corruption Scandal

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has been jailed for a further…
The midnight New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour, viewed from Mrs Macquaries Chair. 31 December 2024. Photo: Wolter Peeters, The Sydney Morning Herald.

New Year’s Eve Weather Forecast: What to Expect in Your City

Aussies are preparing to celebrate the end of 2025 and the start…
Wild weather sparks travel chaos for millions

Brace for Impact: Unpredictable Weather Disrupts Travel Plans for Millions

More than one thousand flights were cancelled or delayed across the Northeast…
The property is fenced off, after a freak storm left the house plagued with mould.

Mould Infestation Turns Dream Home into a Family’s Worst Nightmare

A south-west Sydney family have been forced to abandon their dream home…
Soccer coach, children missing after tour boat sinks in Indonesia

Tragic Search Underway: Soccer Coach and Children Missing After Indonesian Tour Boat Sinks

Indonesian rescuers are searching for a Spanish soccer coach and his three…