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Tarwangin - Talking To Me - 22 February 2008
Welcome to Tarwangin, a regular newsletter produced by the Department of Indigenous Affairs to provide the latest news and information on issues associated with Indigenous communities.
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Federal Government's Formal Apology to the Stolen Generations
The Federal Government formally said sorry to members of the Stolen Generations with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivering an apology on Wednesday, 13 February 2008, as the first item of business for the new parliament.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the apology was the first, necessary step to move forward from the past. "The apology is made on behalf of the Australian government and does not attribute guilt to the current generation of Australian people," Ms Macklin said in a statement. Ms Macklin consulted with Indigenous groups and leaders since mid-December 2007 on the form and wording of the apology.
Ms Macklin further said the apology signals the beginning of a new relationship, a bridge to build respect and a powerful healing symbol. "Once we establish this respect, the government can work with Indigenous communities to improve services aimed at closing the 17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians," commented Ms Macklin. For the full words of the formal apology click here.
DIA acknowledges formal apology
 On the occasion of the formal apology to the Stolen Generations by the Parliament Australia, the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) supported, hosted or partnered with local agencies across Western Australia to conduct more than 15 community events.
In the Perth metro region, DIA sponsored a major community event that was coordinated by the Bringing Them Home Committee and the Stolen Generation Alliance at The Esplanade. In the Murchison Gascoyne region, a mix of community events featuring a broadcast of the apology, breakfast and performances were held in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Mt Magnet.
The Goldfields DIA office organised a community barbecue at Centennial Park followed with entertainment by the East Kalgoorlie Primary School and Ngadju Dancers. A breakfast event was also held in Esperance.
In the East Kimberley, DIA partnered with local organisations to stage a breakfast event to view the formal apology live from Parliament in Kununurra and Oombulgurri, along with a community lunch for local Elders in Halls Creek.
In Broome, the DIA also partnered with many local groups and organisations to stage a breakfast event at the Sun Cinemas. And in the Southern region, the DIA worked with local agencies to host a ceremony in Albany, starting with a march to the town hall, followed by a sharing of stories from members of the Stolen Generations.
A community event in Bunbury was also organised with a free sausage sizzle, musical performances and a sharing of stories. For more information on any event, contact DIA here.
Minister Launches DIA's Reconciliation Action Plan
Indigenous Affairs Minister, Hon Michelle Roberts, launched the Department of Indigenous Affairs' Reconciliation (DIA) Action Plan (RAP) on Thursday 31 January 2008 at the DIA's Perth Office. "The DIA's Reconciliation Action Plan proves the State Government is committed to promoting reconciliation in Western Australia," commented Mrs Roberts.
The DIA's plan focuses on improving engagement between Indigenous people and Government workers, actively promoting Indigenous cultures and increasing employment opportunities for Indigenous people in the public sector. The Minister further commented that the DIA was leading State Government agencies in developing specific plans to advance reconciliation across WA, which would focus on housing, health, education, training, employment, law and justice.
Mrs Roberts also thanked Reconciliation Australia for its support and its commitment to progressing the reconciliation agenda across the nation. To view the DIA's RAP click here.
An update on the Stolen Wages Project
In December 2007, four Indigenous Advisors were appointed to provide cultural and ethical guidance to the Stolen Wages Taskforce. The first meeting with the Advisors was held in Perth on 23 January with its key focus being to seek guidance and advice on issues arising during the consultations held to date and to identify measures to address possible future issues.
The Taskforce will meet regularly with the Advisors throughout the duration of the Project. The formal community consultation period for the Project ended on 31 January 2008. The Project Team, assisted by the Department of Indigenous Affairs' (DIA) regional offices and senior Indigenous staff , along with local Indigenous community organisations, held 55 'Have Your Say' meetings in towns and communities across the State.
The intensive research phase is currently in progress. For more information about the Stolen Wages Project visit the DIA website here.
The 2008 WA Youth Awards
The Department for Communities is calling for nominations for the 2008 WA Youth Awards. The Awards aim to recognise and reward outstanding young Western Australians and youth organisations for their achievements and activities within their local, national and global communities.
There are six Awards categories and the winner in each category receives a $2000 cash prize and a voyage on the STS Leeuwin. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 29 February 2008. For more information phone (08) 6217 8400 or visit the website here.
Grants available for Indigenous regional development projects
Regional Development Minister, Jon Ford, recently called for incorporated Indigenous associations for apply for State Government grants for $10 000 to $500 000 for innovative capital works projects that would create jobs or boost services and amenities in regional Western Australia. The grants are offered through the Indigenous Regional Development Program (IRDP), which is part of the Carpenter Government's $80 million Regional Investment Fund.
"These grants primarily aim to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous communities to stimulate economic development," Mr Ford said. Projects such as new cultural, arts or tourism facilities, infrastructure to support new enterprises, community buildings, or amenities which promote better health or education outcomes are particularly encouraged.
Non-Indigenous community groups, not for profit organisations, businesses, educational institutions and local governments are also eligible to apply on behalf of, or in partnership with, incorporated Indigenous associations.
Applicants have until 5pm on 28 March 2008 to lodge their submissions with the Department of Local Government and Regional Development. For more information and to obtain an application form, call (08) 9217 1468 or freecall (country callers) 1800 620 511 or visit the website here.
Manjimup Volunteer of The Year awarded to Vivienne Karahoutis
Local Noongar Vivienne Karahoutis has been awarded the prestigious title of Manjimup Volunteer of the Year. Competition was extremely tight with over 150 Volunteers recognised on Thanks A Volunteer Day and then a further shortlist of 10 Volunteers for this reward. All the Volunteers were nominated because they work tirelessly to support the community.
The award recognised Mrs Karahoutis' lifetime of achievements. Mrs Karahoutis, who volunteers for the Walgenup Aboriginal Corporation and sits on many committees and advisory groups, has contributed greatly to Manjimup and the broader community.
Manjimup Volunteer & Resource Centre Coordinator Brian Preston hailed Mrs Karahoutis as one of the unsung heroes of Manjimup. "Viv has done so much for the Indigenous Community and she inspires us all to become better people. The phrase 'Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless' describes Viv's contribution perfectly," commented Mr Preston. For more information visit the website here.
WA Equal Opportunity Commission Breakfast Forum
WA Equal Opportunity Commissioner Yvonne Henderson invites you to a breakfast forum to celebrate International Women's Day 2008 on Monday 10 March 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel. Guest speaker Chilla Bulbeck will present a talk, titled, "Equality - Do today's young women and men want it?"
The talk will look at the expectations of young Australian women and men about equality, love, family and work based on a survey of 1000 young people in four states, including Western Australia. Ms Bulbeck is a professor of Women's Studies at the Adelaide University.
The breakfast forum will start at 7.30am and cost per person is $40. RSVP is essential by 5pm, Wednesday 5 March 2008 by calling (08) 9216 3900 or via email here.
Funding Boost to Fast track Native Title claims
A funding boost from the Federal Government will help speed up native title claims in the northern Pilbara region. The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has given $5.5 million to Pilbara claim representatives to speed up the preparation of reports demonstrating Indigenous links to the region.
The Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation's (YMBBMAC) Pilbara Connection Project will provide connection report for eight native title claims over the central and western Pilbara. Traditional owners will seek to record their connection to the land through the reports, which will then be submitted to the State Government to determine if each group's claim is strong enough for native title determination.
YMBBMAC Chief Executive Officer, Simon Hawkins, said until now the corporation had only received enough funding to produce about one connection report per year, with many groups waiting more than a decade for their claims to be resolved. "The Pilbara Connection Project funding means faster progress, allowing traditional owners to gain rightful recognition of their country much sooner than previously anticipated," Mr Hawkins said. For more information visit the YMBBMAC website here.
NRL Launches Reconciliation Action Plan
Rugby League has become the first sport institute in Australia to launch a formal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Leading players Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday, Preston Campbell, Dean Widders and Matt Bowen - who will sit on an advisory group - helped launch the scheme at the start of the National Rugby League's (NRL) centenary season.
Eleven per cent of NRL players are Indigenous Australians, and Thurston believes they have a crucial role to play in improving the lives of young Indigenous people as positive role models. "It (the RAP) will help bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people," Mr Thurston said. "Hopefully we will create a pathway for indigenous kids from communities to help them make to better choices in life ... and to realise their dreams," continued Mr Thurston.
The scheme has the official endorsement of Reconciliation Australia, and director Shelley Reys commented that the game had shown it had a strong commitment and an important role in the cause of reconciliation. For more information visit the Reconciliation Australia website here.
Indigenous Teachers Look To Accelerate Literacy With CDU Workshop
More than 80 teachers from around Australia recently attended Charles Darwin University (CDU) for professional development training in literacy teaching. Indigenous academic support lecturers, Cynthia Coyne and Kathy Arbon had the pleasure to meet and greet 11 of the Indigenous educators who attended the workshop, which aimed to provide the teachers with valuable teaching tools and techniques aimed at accelerating literacy levels in primary school age Indigenous children.
Participant, Anne Pollock, commented that the strategies taught in the workshop are valuable for Indigenous children to effectively learn English literacy. The theories and methods gained at the workshop will be put into practice in schools during 2008.
Convened by the National Accelerated Literacy Program (NALP), the course will provide Territory teachers with the skills to use Accelerated Literacy (AL), a teaching methodology designed to accelerate students' reading, writing and comprehension skills. For more information visit the CDU website here.
Broome to Bicton Concert with the Pigram Brothers
Invitations are extended for everyone to view performances by one of Western Australia's well-known Indigenous band, the Pigram Brothers on Saturday 8 March at Quarantine Park in Bicton. 
The concert will start at 4.30pm and parking is available on Phipps Street Reserve. A donation is requested for entry into the concert, will all proceeds to cover costs and to support Clontarf Foundation. For more information, contact Clontarf on 08 9458 7122 or visit the website here.
Invitation to join Madjitil Moorna
Invitations are extended to all who would like to sign with a choir group that celebrates Indigenous culture. Madjitil Moorna is a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who sing to build understanding, hope and joy.
Local Indigenous musicians, Jessie Lloyd and Della Rae Morrison lead the choir group. The choir practices on Mondays at the Anderson Road Community Centre, Forrestfield, from 7-8.30pm. Supper and practice CDs are provided. For more information, contact Jo Randell on 0409116 460
New look for Tarwangin Newsletter
The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) recently upgraded the design of the Tarwangin newsletter in order to improve the overall look and delivery of our e-newsletter.
All of our subscribers will still be receiving a similar weekly e-newsletter format, starting Friday 29 February 2008. We hope that you enjoy the new Tarwangin newsletter and any feedback or comments you have would be very much appreciated through Public Affairs at DIA.
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