Grants for volunteers: Not-for-profit and local community organisations can apply for grants of up to $3000 of Commonwealth funding for equipment to help volunteers. In the past, organisations have used the grants to buy trailers, fridges, garden tools and computers. For information and applications for the Volunteer Small Equipment Grants 2006 call 1800 197 760. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 21 July.

Community Service Awards: Entries are now open for the 2006 Community Services Industry Awards, which recognise and celebrate the contribution and tireless efforts of people and organisations to improving the quality of life for all West Australians. Thirty-six finalists, across nine categories, will be showcased before industry peers, government and corporate guests at a gala presentation evening at the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel in November. Award recipients will receive a plaque and $5000 from Lotterywest. Entry forms are available at www.community.wa.gov.au/csia or by calling 9222 2826 or 1800 623 993. Entries close 4pm, Friday 21 July.

WAM Song of the Year: Indigenous musicians looking for a shot at the big time should enter the West Australian Music Industry Association’s WAM Song of the Year Competition.  The winner of the Indigenous Song of the Year category receives a day’s free recording at Studio Couch recording studios. The competition has more than $30,000 of prizes and 12 different categories. It is open to any WA resident not subject to a publishing deal and entries close August 7. To enter visit the WAM website.

NAIDOC Week activities around the State:  

This year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations are held from 2 to 9 July. The theme is “Respect the past, believe in the future”.

Shire of Bassendean is holding a NAIDOC family day on Thursday, 6 July 10am-3pm and will include indigenous food and entertainment.

City of Joondalup is holding activities throughout the week. On Monday, 3 July, there will be a flag raising ceremony at 1pm. From 5-14 July there will be an Indigenous art exhibition in the central walkway. There will also be various Indigenous concerts and feature films throughout the week.

WA Gould League is running an integrated program during NAIDOC week for more than 1000 school students at Herdsman Lake. Activities will include smoking ceremonies and Noongar graffiti.

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. The festival runs from 6.45pm to 10.05pm with a supper interval. Seating is limited so come early.

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.

Murdoch University's Art Collection will showcase a selection of artworks by Indigenous artists, including limited edition prints and drawings. There will also be an extensive range of print-based material including etchings, linocut, silkscreen and photo-digital mediums. Visit http://www.ccpr.murdoch.edu.au/art/

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. Starts at 10.15am. RSVP to Yvonne Chace on 9399 0623 or email ychace@armadale.wa.gov.au
 
Broome: DIA is sponsoring the Kullari NAIDOC Festival – 15 days of activities from 30 June to 15 July, involving communities of Broome, Bidyadanga and the Dampier Peninsula. This year’s theme is “Children’s Voices Shape Our Future”. For a program of events contact organisers Goolarri Media Enterprises on 9192 1325.

Derby: Mowanjum Festival is taking place on 5 and 6 July at the Mowanjum Aboriginal Community, 12kms outside Derby. The festival will include art and culture unique to the region such as Boab nut carving displays, Wandjina art exhibition and performances by local Kimberly identities as well as New Guinea dancers.