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Tarwangin - Talking To Me - 7 May 2009
In this edition of Tarwangin, read about two schools who have won awards with PALS projects and progress on the Yagan Memorial Park.
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From the Director General
Last week I was pleased to attend the Local Government Managers Association Conference – Functional Communities: Closing the Gap. There was a range of keynote speakers who presented and shared some very valuable knowledge.
The Chairman of the Indigenous Implementation Board, Lt General John Sanderson, gave an address entitled “Vision and Partnership: A Regional Framework for Participation”. It outlines the Board’s strategic vision and approach and provides much food for thought. I encourage you to read the speech here.
Last month the Hon. Dr Kim Hames MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs initiated, convened and attended a workshop bringing together members of the Indigenous Implementation Board and the Aboriginal Affairs Coordinating Committee (comprising the Directors-General of the Departments of Health, Housing, Police, Child Protection, Premier and Cabinet, Education and Training and Treasury and Finance).
Minister Hames reaffirmed the importance the Government gives to the Indigenous Implementation Board in working with the support of the Department of Indigenous Affairs to improve outcomes with Aboriginal people.
Service delivery was identified as a key element to achieve better outcomes and Minister Hames encouraged attendees to look at current challenges from “a new perspective and try and find an alternative way” to improve outcomes, including “the hopes and aspirations of Aboriginal people in this State”.
The combined efforts of these groups and the soon to be established Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council has great potential to deliver much better outcomes and life opportunities for Indigenous Western Australians
Patrick Walker
Director General, Department of Indigenous Affairs.
Kimberley gas hub
Kimberley LNG Heads of Agreement signed on country
A broad agreement to develop a Kimberley Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Precinct was formalised at an official signing ceremony at James Price Point, 60km north of Broome, on 27 April 2009.
Premier Colin Barnett, Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bergmann and Woodside Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Voelte signed the Kimberley LNG Precinct Heads of Agreement in front of Traditional Owners and the community.
Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson also made the trip, highlighting the Commonwealth Government’s support for the precinct.
To find out more about the negotiation process and the agreement, click here.
Education and training
WA schools shine in national Indigenous education awards
Five Western Australian public schools have excelled in a national awards program that recognises work done to improve the education of Aboriginal students.
East Kalgoorlie Primary School, Karratha Senior High School and One Arm Point Remote Community School were among the high-achievement winners in the Federal Government Dare to Lead Excellence in Indigenous Education Awards.
The projects submitted by East Kalgoorlie Primary School and One Arm Point Remote Community School were PALS projects.
East Waikiki Primary School and Narrogin Primary School were named among the winners of the achievement category.
For more details, click here.
Native Title
Native title agreement facilitates development in Broome
The State Government and the Yawuru people have reached an in-principle agreement to resolve native title and heritage issues in Broome, Attorney General Christian Porter has announced.
The agreement comes 15 years after the first of the original claims was filed with the Federal Court and ensures the expeditious development of Western Australia’s foremost tourist town.
“The agreement will facilitate the release of land for housing, commercial development and infrastructure, and will ensure that development in Broome can proceed unimpeded for decades to come.
“At the same time Aboriginal heritage will be protected and the traditional owners will be properly compensated for the extinguishment of their native title rights and interests in the land, as is their right under the law.”
The Federal Court ruled that the Yawuru people held native title rights and interests in relation to Broome and surrounding areas in April 2006. As native title holders, they had the right to negotiate over future developments and to receive State Government compensation for acts affecting their native title.
To find out more, click here.
Housing
Funding boost for housing in remote communities
The State Government will fast track changes to legislation to allow for a significant increase in funding from the Federal Government for housing in remote indigenous communities in Western Australia.
Housing and Works Minister Troy Buswell said $496million in funding for housing and infrastructure over the next five years will be provided following the resolution of some long-standing issues.
Mr Buswell said he and Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, had reached in-principle agreement on the National Partnership funding arrangements.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames said the partnership agreement would improve life for many indigenous people in remote communities.
“It will lead to increased investment and long term health and social benefits for indigenous communities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and the Mid-West,” Dr Hames said.
To read the full statement, click here.
Yagan Memorial Park news
Site works underway
Soil testing for planned landscape developments at the Yagan Memorial Park was undertaken on 18 March, the first of the planned on-site works undertaken since Section 18 Ministerial conditions (under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972) were applied. 
In fulfilling these conditions, Aboriginal site monitors Richard Wilkes (Chair. Derbarl Yerrigan Committee) for the Reburial of Yagan’s Kaat – (DYC) and Brian Blurton (DYC committee member; and DIA Officer) oversaw a series of soil testing holes drilled by contractors.
Contractors were supplied with a laminated information sheet which provided a brief account of the historical and cultural significance of the site and procedures should cultural/skeletal materials be encountered.
The archaeological report will include specific details on in-house requirements should archaeological and /or skeletal material be found on-site.
No archaeological or skeletal material was uncovered during the works, however, a fragment of a grinding stone with some sheen was found near what appeared to be an animal burrow.
Procedures for the handling of archaeological materials were discussed with the monitors, and it was agreed that, as in previous surveys on this property, that artefacts be recorded by the on-site archaeologist, and stored in the DIA Midland Office with the other collections.
These materials will be held till the DYC approves their display for educational, interpretive or other purposes.
Swan River Trust approval for development at the Yagan Memorial Park
The Minister for the Environment has given approval for works to be undertaken in the development of the Yagan Memorial Park under the Swan Canning River Management Act 2006.
The approval is subject to a range of conditions, primarily concerned with environmental protection measures which have been noted by DIA and the City of Swan as project managers.
One of the conditions requires the preparation of a construction management plan which the City of Swan has drafted for consideration by the Swan River Trust.
The plan will be incorporated into the draft Yagan Memorial Park Management Plan.
Training course for City of Swan Aboriginal horticultural trainees
City of Swan Indigenous trainees are enjoying a new heritage training course, coordinated by the Department of Indigenous Affairs(DIA), with a particular focus on the Reburial Of Yagan’s Kaat.
Trainees were treated to an address by Richard Wilkes (Chair Derbarl Yerrigan Committee for the Reburial of Yagan’s Kaat) who shared his experiences about the repatriation of Yagan’s Kaat project and gave the historical background from a Noongar perspective.
DIA Regional Manager John Brinkman also worked with the trainees to explain the planning process and other key aspects such as plans for on-site art works and the new statue.
In the second module held on 21 April trainees learned about the planning process and approvals required, site types and how to recognise and identify stone tools.
Events
Rob Riley memorial lecture
One of the greatest moments in Australian history occurred on 13 February 2008. The Apology given to the First Peoples of Australia by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on behalf of the Parliament allowed both Indigenous and non-Indigenous to breathe a sigh of relief.
The Apology provided a foundation for better, more respectful relationships between all Australians and acknowledged past wrongs which will be the basis for continuing dialogue.
But what has happened since? Some say nothing, some say lots.
On Friday 8 May, Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Deputy Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit at the University of Queensland and former Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia will present an address on Celebration or Commiseration: Post Apology Blues.
Celebration or Commiseration: Post Apology Blues will attempt to debunk myths and shed light on the journey. Reconciliation will never be realised unless the rhetoric and words are matched with action.
Dr Jackie Huggins AM, a lifelong campaigner for Reconciliation and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, will highlight some of the good news around national efforts.
She will also discuss unfinished business and share her personal vision for what comes next.
Friday 8 May 2009, 6pm
Haydn Williams Lecture Theatre Building 405
Curtin University of Technology, Kent Street, Bentley
Please RSVP on (08) 9266 2563 or email events@curtin.edu.au by Monday 4 May 2009.
Enter via the main Kent Street entrance and follow the signs to car park 25 for free parking.
Reconciliation Week film night
After the success of the Liyarn Ngarn screening for Reconciliation Week last year, this year’s film night is bigger and better.
Footprints in the Sand, The Forgotten and Gnulla Katitjin Quoppadar Boodjar provide insights into Western Australian Aboriginal experiences and viewpoints.
As a special feature of the evening, the films’ director, Glen Stasiuk will be speaking about the making of these films, and the audience will be invited to mingle and chat afterwards over a light supper. Mark your diaries for this unique opportunity to celebrate reconciliation with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous locals.
Friday 22 May 7.30pm – 9.00pm
City of Melville Conference Room
2nd floor Civic Centre, Almondbury Road, Booragoon.
Admission is free and includes light refreshments following the films, although bookings are recommended.
Phone Gail Beck on 9364-0657 during office hours
Tourism
WA’s new adventure walking trail
The spectacular Ningaloo Coast will provide the setting for Western Australia’s next adventure with the launch of a new walking trail to eventually join up with the Bibbulmun Track to become one of WA’s premier tourist attractions.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls opened the first stage of the Baiyungu Track in Coral Bay on behalf of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation.
“The Baiyungu Track will have significant reference to the world renowned Ningaloo Marine Park as well as the importance of the local Baiyungu people’s connection with the land,” Mr Grylls said
“Once completed, the Baiyungu Track will take about 18 days to walk and will be a popular cultural and ecological experience.
“The track will include eco-style accommodation facilities about a day’s walk apart and will provide opportunities for Aboriginal people and local tourism operators to develop guided tours, camps and other activities.”
Importantly the Baiyungu track will also provide economic opportunities for the traditional land owners - the Baiyungu people - and give track walkers a chance to learn about Baiyungu culture through interpretive signage and guided tours.
To find out more, click here.
Help needed
Survival of the toughest
Australia’s deserts are home to some of the most entrepreneurial people in Australia – and the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre (DKCRC) is keen to find out more about what makes them tick, and what they need to cope with the multiple challenges of running a successful business in remote areas, especially during tough economic times.
The deserts have about 40,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) — 150 per cent more per head than the national average. These are the backbone of the desert economy and the main source of jobs and livelihoods for most desert people.
DKCRC wants to run 30 in-depth case studies of small businesses across desert Australia, Associate Professor Fay Rola-Rubzen, Core Project Leader of the Desert Biz™ said. “We are calling for volunteer business owners in all sectors or industries who would like to work with us to identify the key ingredients for success.”
“Desert businesses face multiple challenges – and we need to understand what they require to support them in today’s climate, so they can develop and grow their businesses.”
The research will investigate challenges and impediments to business profitability and sustainability and seek to determine the critical factors that govern business survival and success in the desert areas of Australia, she said.
“This is a great opportunity for owners and managers of micro, small and medium enterprises in rural and remote communities to share their stories about their business, the challenges they face and what enables them to do well,” said DKCRC managing director Jan Ferguson.
“The research will help us to identify the support needed for the growth and development of small business enterprises so they can continue to create better economic opportunities in desert areas.”
However, the research team also want to hear from businesses that may have closed in recent times, to understand the factors that caused this, what might have helped to prevent it and what can make such businesses more resilient and profitable in future.
If you wish to take part in the study, please contact Fay Rola-Rubzen on: F.Rola-Rubzen@curtin.edu.au or (08) 9266 4510.
Funding
Stolen Generations organisations
If you are a Stolen Generations organisation or an organisation which services members of the Stolen Generations, the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has limited funds available to assist your organisation to better meet the needs of Stolen Generations’ members at the grassroots.
Funding is open to all Stolen Generations organisations or organisations which service members of the Stolen Generations. If you are not an incorporated organisation, you will need to provide details of an auspicing body in your application.
Examples of eligible activities include: peer support programs, outreach services and other community engagement initiatives, referral services, production and purchase of educational resources, capacity building activities, newsletters or telephone support services.
To apply for funding, please contact the Reconciliation Section for a copy of the funding guidelines and application form and then return the application form no later than Monday 18 May 2009.
Successful applicants will be notified no later than Wednesday 3 June 2009, with funds made available shortly thereafter.
For further information or for an application pack please contact:
Selena Reardon, Reconciliation Section, FaHCSIA on (02) 6121 4427, fax (02) 6204 9071 or StolenGenerations@fahcsia.gov.au
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