Commonwealth Commissioner visits WA:

Productivity Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald was in Perth this week for a workshop on Western Australia’s Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report. More than 60 senior officers from key state, local and Commonwealth government agencies, Indigenous organisations, research institutes and universities attended the two-day workshop, organised by the DIA and Department of Premier and Cabinet. Commissioner Fitzgerald also visited Warburton in central WA and listened to community leaders speak about how the framework is being applied to measure benefits from the new Regional Partnership Agreement. For more information contact Katrina Hopkins on 9235 8150. Click here to view the report.

Bungarun Facilities available: One of the State's most culturally significant facilities is opening its doors for conferences, training, team building and school camps. Bungarun, once home to hundreds of Indigenous men and women who suffered from leprosy during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, has been expanded and renovated to provide quality residential training facilities. The camp incudes  two  heritage listed bungalows offering two training rooms and bunk accommodation for 28 people. There is also a fully equipped commercial  kitchen and dining room that seats up to 35 guests. Bungarun has gazebos, barbecue facilities, an historical museum and cemetery, set in 20 acres of natural bushland. With several sites of heritage significance within the grounds,  Bungarun is an ideal venue for cultural awareness training. Up to 300 guests can be accommodted in swags and tents. For further information please contact Harry McFadyen on 9191 1907 or visit http://www.dia.wa.gov.au/.

Giant Walk in the city: Thousands of West Australians will take to the streets on Friday, 1 September in a Guiness World Record attempt for the most number of people walking 1km simultaneously. If you would like to take part you need to register at the website - click here. Please contact Bessie on 92358063. She has registered DIA as part of the walk and a group from Governor Stirling Tower will depart from the office at 12noon sharp on the day. Already, more than 95,000 people from all over the State have registered for this fun event.

Nindji-Nindji Festival: The sixth bi-annual Nindji Nindji Family Cultural Festival will take place on Sunday. The event will showcase local and Indigenous talent along with a sprinkling of other West Australian and interstate stars. Acts developed over several weeks as part of a Cultural Youth Train project will be performed at the festival in a special three-hour youth segment with James T Webb and Wadumbah.

Pila Nguru exhibition: The Western Australian Museum is featuring an exhibition of paintings produced by the Spinifex people of the Great Victoria Desert as part of their claim for native title. The exhibition will feature the mens’ and womens’ native title paintings that graphically illustrate rights to country. The paintings will be displayed alongside the “Government paintings”, a set of works to be gifted to the State once the land agreement is signed.  The exhibition closed on 31 October.

Positions Vacant: Staff interested in exploring new opportunities at DIA are encouraged to check-out the positions vacant section on the DIA website.There are several positions adertised this week including a Level 4 Heritage Assessment officer click here, Level 7 Manager, Land Operations. More and a Level 6 Executive Officer More. There are also three positions vacant in the Kununurra office - Level 6 Senior Project Officer (12 month contract). More, and two Level 4/5 Regional Officer positions. More. Finally, there is a Level 3 Records Supervisor position. More.