Newsletter :: Department of Indigenous Affairs

ASAWA Ninth Annual Conference: The Aboriginal Studies Association of Western Australia (Inc) Annual Conference is planned for Friday, 20 October. This year's theme is 'Respect the Past, Believe in the Future'. The Association is calling for presenters to share ideas and prepare papers. For further information or to register contact Keith Truscott on (08) 9370 6067 or email

Globalisation, Law and Justice Seminar: A two-day seminar titled 'Globalisation, Law and Justice' is being held at the University of Western Australia. Presenters include Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner as well as High Court Judge Justice Michael Kirby. To register please call 6488 2433 or email extension@uwa.edu.au.

City of Armadale Community Grants: Applications are now being taken for the City of Armadale Community Grants. Up to $500 can be awarded to individual projects such as community events, activities, equipment and brochures. Applications close on Friday, 29 September 2006. Click here for further information or click here for an application form.

PALS continues to change lives: 'Beyond the Rabbit Proof Fence' PALS project for 2006 at Harvey Primary School has students, teachers and the local community investigating the relationship between the government and Aboriginal Australians during much of our history. Using resources such as Doris Pilkington's "Rabbit Proof Fence" and documentaries on Jack Davis, students are addressing the preconceived notions that influence the students’ understandings about Indigenous issues so that they are able to develop informed opinions about events that they may see in television or read in the news. (More)

Students at CBC Fremantle have embarked on a cross-cultural immersion program with Kiwirrkurra. The Aboriginal community at Kiwirrkurra is the most remote Aboriginal community in the world. As part of their PALS project, six students from CBC visited the community. Students' preparation for the visit included establishing some of the needs of the community, such as park benches, and the whole school community assisted with fundraising events to purchase the materials. This practical element of the program was complimented with the considerable experiential learning that living in a remote community provided. (More)

Kununurra Community Library is setting new grounds with their “Sharing Our Stories” session that aims to provide opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people to participate in interactive activities in a shared and comfortable environment. (More)