NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS:  

ECU Indigenous Film Festival: Edith Cowan University is holding an Indigenous Film Festival on Tuesday, 4 July. Held for the seventh consecutive year, the festival features the work of aspiring young Indigenous directors, producers, scriptwriters and actors. Runs from 6.45pm to 10.05pm with a supper interval. Seating is limited so come early.

Curtin University: Curtin University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies is holding a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, 4 July and day of Indigenous events on Wednesday, 5 July. The flag raising ceremony starts at 9.30am and includes a morning tea, while Wednesday’s activities include storytelling, bands, arts and crafts, historical video sessions, dance groups and a bush tucker lunch. RSVP for the flag-raising ceremony by Wednesday, 28 June. Call 9266 3484.

City of Armadale: The City of Armadale’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee is holding NAIDOC Week celebrations at the City’s administration building on Tuesday, 4 July. The day’s events include Indigenous Student Awards, flag-raising ceremony, a damper competition, music and a free kangaroo stew. The day starts at 10.15am. RSVP to Yvonne Chace on 9399 0623 or email ychace@armadale.wa.gov.au.

NAIDOC poster winner: Charmaine Green, from Geraldton, is the winner of this year’s NAIDOC Week poster competition. Her work Life Circle will be seen in workplaces, schools, community organisations and Government agencies across Australia. Of her work, Charmaine said: “Our past and our future are interconnected. In the circle of life as we move from the past to the future we must always remember and respect everything in the past. Our history, our culture, our traditions, our ancestors and our own experiences. This way we can walk into the future with respect and confidence.” You can see Charmaine’s winning entry and order posters at the official NAIDOC Website.

Indigenous firefighters sought: Indigenous people are being encouraged to consider a career with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA (FESA). FESA Acting Station Officer Andrea Piscitelli said while fire fighting was traditionally accepted as an occupation dominated by white males, FESA was working to employ a workforce as diverse as the community it served. “There still exists in the community a very stereotypical image of firefighters, along with a lack of knowledge of the firefighter’s actual role,” she said. Although FESA is not currently recruiting for career firefighters, recruitment takes place regularly and Indigenous Australians are encouraged to start preparing for the demanding and competitive selection process. For more information visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au or call 9323 9310.

Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference: The theme of this year’s Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), in Alice Springs, is Indigenous Tourism Perspective from Around the World. It includes two keynote international Indigenous speakers – Wally Stone from New Zealand and Dawn Madahbee from Canada. Registrations made before the end of June will save $100. Visit www.AITC2006.com or call Darwin (08) 8981 1875.