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Tarwangin - Talking To Me - 6 April 2009
In this edition of Tarwangin we congratulation Associate Professor Lyn Henderson-Yates, Kyle Morrison and Dennis Eggington on their notable achievements.
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Message from the Director-General
Welcome to this month’s edition of Tarwangin. The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) has been very busy in the last month with a number of high level meetings on a range of issues to do with improving the life expectations of Western Australia’s Indigenous population.
These have included meetings of the Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) on service delivery to remote Indigenous communities and other such strategic Commonwealth-State initiatives.
There have been a number of stories in the media of the challenges faced by the Narrogin community. The department has played an important role in the Narrogin Strategic Crisis Intervention. As well as participating in negotiations with the community, other government agencies and service providers on how the community can address its challenges, DIA had a visible presence at the Open Day at the Narrogin Town Hall on Sunday 29 March.
DIA’s Mary Cowley was on hand to answer questions, the PALS team (DIA’s school-based Reconciliation program) had a stall explaining how the project gets students and their communities involved in Reconciliation activities and the Aboriginal Heritage Research Unit (AHRU) spoke to many people about the services they offer.
Interest in AHRU’s family history work was so high that the team has been invited back to Narrogin.
Patrick Walker
Director General
$6 million for new environmental community grants program
Environment Minister Donna Faragher has called for applications for environmental community grants of up to $30,000 each.
There are seven categories of grants, including biodiversity conservation; sustainable catchment management; nature appreciation in natural areas; and regional parks and Bush Forever sites.
Funding is available for projects which conserve, enhance or restore natural areas or values, as well as activities that raise public awareness of nature conservation at a local level.
To find out more, click here.
Landmark appointment
 Associate Professor Lyn Henderson-Yates has been appointed as the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Notre Dame University, Broome Campus.
This is a landmark achievement for Indigenous people, particularly for Indigenous women.
Rottnest Island Authority Reconciliation Action Plan launch
Minister for Tourism Dr Elizabeth Constable and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Dr Kim Hames formally launched the Rottnest Island Authority’s Reconciliation Action Plan on 25 March.
Proceedings began with a ceremonial dance performed by Common Ground.
Elder Cedric Jacobs welcomed everyone to Country and Elder Violet Newman led the group in a minute’s silence with Psalm 23 honouring the memory of those Aboriginal men and boys who died or were incarcerated on the Island during the prison era.
Other guests included the Hon. Fred Chaney - former Deputy Chairman of the Australian Native Title Tribunal and co-chairman of Reconciliation Australia and Mark Bin Bakar - 2008 West Australian of the Year, newly elected member of the Indigenous Implementation Board and Chair of the Kimberly Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation.
To find out more, click here.
Pioneering Indigenous leader graduates from Curtin
By following his passion for human rights, respected Noongar leader Dennis Eggington has graduated with a Master of Human Rights Education from Curtin University of Technology.
The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA’s (ALSWA) Chief Executive Officer researched the Organisation’s growth and change under his leadership.
“From a very early age, I felt compelled not to allow injustices to go unanswered,” Mr Eggington said.
“What’s happened to us as a people, and the continuing struggle for our rightful place in this country as First Nations peoples is a driving force.
“I realise that to make real changes in improving the quality of life for our communities you must have a human rights-based approach to what you do.
“The development of the Master of Human Rights course gave me that opportunity.
“The course focus on the philosophy and developments of the human rights discourse, including an understanding of the United Nations instruments, were things that I was extremely interested in and complemented ALSWA’s work.
“I hope my study will be helpful to up-and-coming Indigenous leaders as a way of me giving them encouragement as they grow into key leadership positions.”
Mr Eggington was also awarded the University’s highest non-academic award, the John Curtin Medal, in 2007.
He studied at Curtin’s Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRE). The CHRE is headed by award-winning author Professor Linda Briskman, the Dr Haruhisa Handa Chair of Human Rights Education, and offers post graduate courses in human rights.
Pride of Australia awards
Nominations are now open for the 2009 prideofaustralia™ medal which honours ordinary Australians who do extraordinary things in our communities.
They are our unsung heroes who deserve more credit for their contribution to society and we hope we can count on you to nominate someone you know for a prideofaustralia™ medal.
Ten categories make up the Medals; Outstanding Bravery, Emergency Services, Community Spirit, Child of Courage, Young Leader, Care and Compassion, Inspiration, Environment, Fair Go and Serving Australia.
A unique sterling silver prideofaustralia™ medal will be awarded to the winner of each category at a special ceremony event held in each state and territory.
Nominations close 5pm Tuesday, April 28 2009. To nominate someone today or for more information about the Medals click here.
Meet and assist scheme eases the cultural shock of Perth
For many country people, especially those from remote communities, having to travel to Perth for specialist medical treatment can be a lonely and daunting experience.
The cultural shock of being hospitalised in Perth can be especially hard on Indigenous patients whose families and communities are left behind.
In recognition of this a meet and assist service, now known as the WA Country Health Connection, was established in 2007.
It provides a much-needed link between Indigenous patients from remote communities and the metropolitan health services.
It aims to help smooth out issues associated with travelling long distances to Perth and being separated from family, friends and familiar surroundings.
Around 2000 Indigenous clients use the service each year.
Nurse manager Ruth McCarthy said that prior to the service too many Indigenous patients had been missing hospital appointments and even getting lost at the airport when arriving alone from remote areas.
A dedicated team of six, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, assists patients who may be coming to Perth for the first time or need extra help coping with the challenges of finding their way around the city.
Among the services provided are visits to Indigenous patients in hospital; the coordination of follow-up care; arranging transport and accommodation; family support; escorts to and from hospital when needed; patient advocacy; and help in explaining medical procedures and health education.
“What we try to do is promote healthier lives for Indigenous people from the country and provide a safe journey before, during and after they receive medical care in Perth,” Ms McCarthy said.
“The patients love the service. Some people can be quite frightened to be going to Perth but find that knowing someone will be there to meet them when they arrive, makes all the difference.”
“We assist all sorts of patients, elderly patients, wheelchair-bound patients and young patients. We make sure they are safe and get to where they need to go.”
(reproduced courtesy of The Country Link, WA Country Health Service Newsletter)
New Artistic Director for Yirra Yaakin
The Board of Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation is delighted to announce Kyle  Morrison as the new Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin.
The 27- year-old Perth based actor and director has worked in television, film and the theatre industry for more than 15 years.
Chairman Clem Rodney said Mr Morrison was selected from a highly competitive field of candidates.
“Kyle impressed the selection panel with his energy, enthusiasm, experience and his determination to put Yirra Yaakin back on the performing arts map.” Mr Rodney said.
Kyle has had a long association with Yirra Yaakin, working on many of the company’s major productions as either an actor or director.
During the past year Kyle has worked as an Assistant Director for The Sydney Theatre Company, Black Swan State Theatre Company, Company B Sydney and Deckchair Theatre.
“I’m very excited and honoured to have been given this opportunity. It’s a good time for Aboriginal theatre and I can’t wait to get started.” Mr Morrison said.
Yirra Yaakin’s appointment of Mr Morrison as Artistic Director heralds the start of a new chapter in the company’s history.
“The company is committed to getting back to basics – commissioning new works and producing world-class Aboriginal theatre.” Mr Rodney said.
LNG precinct negotiations progress
Premier Colin Barnett has confirmed that negotiations were continuing for an agreement on the proposed Liquified Natural Gas Precinct in the Kimberly.
“Traditional owners, proponents and Federal and State Governments have been working very well together in good faith to achieve a positive outcome for the State and indigenous communities,” Premier Barnett said.
“Broad agreements have been reached. There are however, some outstanding issues yet to be resolved.”
Once finalised, broad agreements will be presented to traditional owners to seek their endorsement on April 15.
To find out more, click here.
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