We are delighted to be joined by Erwin Bleskadit this week, a veteran of the Free West Papua movement and OG supporter of the West Papua office here in Docklands ever since it opened its doors in 2014. Erwin was born in Sorong, West Papua, and grew up fishing and using his machete in the jungle. All the kids had machetes. His parents grew corn and cassava. After high school, Erwin moved to the capital and joined the independence struggle, attending protests and walks denouncing trans-migration in his homeland. He and his comrades built a big group. In 2003 he came here as a legal student and stayed with the Sisters of Mercy in Ballarat. He studied English and eventually came to Melbourne. He would really like to become a teacher's aide. Erwin has been singing and dancing for years to promote his culture. He is a current member of the newly-formed West Papuan Community Choir. They are something else. The choir is collecting songs from all the land's tribes and are busy performing at events and fundraisers. You can catch Erwin and friends on the Voice of West Papua, every Tuesday at 6 to 7pm, right here on 3CR. Where else? Thank-you for your contribution to educating us all on the beauty and the struggle of West Papua, Erwin. Thank-you for joining us on the show. Good luck fulfilling your dream of becoming a teacher's aide. We are right behind you.

Voice of West Papua - Tuesdays 6 to 7pm on 3CR.