Building Bridges to the Aboriginal Community Forum: The Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation is hosting the Building Bridges to the Aboriginal Community Forum on 20 & 21 July 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Perth. Keynote speakers include Doris Pilkington, author of The Rabbit Proof Fence, and Denis Eggington, Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Legal Service. For more information, including an online registration, please click here, otherwise call (08) 9218 9477.

Geraldton NAIDOC Week celebrations: Geraldton's NAIDOC Week celebrations were packed with a variety of well-attended events which began with the annual march through Geraldton's main streets to the Geraldton Civic Centre where marchers were greeted by Deputy Mayor Ian Carpenter. Following the march was a flag raising ceremony and morning tea where the DIA's Geraldton school-based trainee, Jordyn Meritt, gave an excellent speech on the history of NAIDOC and what it means to her. Other events included a ladies dinner called "Black Chicks Yarning", an open day at the Bundiyarra Centre, a NAIDOC sports challange and a cabaret night which concluded Geraldton's NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Rio Tinto Book Launch: On Friday 14 July, Indigenous Affairs Minister Sheila McHale will launch Breaking New Ground - a new book which commemorates and celebrates the story of Rio Tinto's Aboriginal Training and Liaison Unit. Limited copies of the book are available by registering interest here.

Indigenous Businesswoman joins Tourism WA Board: Ms Gail Reynolds-Adamson, a successful Indigenous businesswoman from the Esperance region, has been appointed to the Board of Tourism Western Australia. Ms Reynolds-Adamson is a director of Kepa Kurl Pty Ltd, an Indigenous tourism company which operates eco-cultural discovery tours, an art gallery and a consultancy service. More.

Sustainability of Indigenous Communities National Conference: Acting DIA Director General Amanda Cattermole gave the opening address at the Sustainability of Indigenous Communities National Conference held at Murdoch University between 12-14 July. The Conference examines a range of issues relating to Indigenous communities in areas such as health, housing and economic development. Other keynote speakers include Sue Gordon and Noel Pearson. More information.

Aboriginal Corporation Recognised: The Spirit of Leeuwin Organisation Award was presented by Minister for Youth David Templeman to the Bay of Isles (Esperance) Aboriginal Corporation. The Award recognises the Corporation's commitment to youth development and reconciliation through their involvement with the Leeuwin sail training program.