Briefing seminar at DIA: Department of Indigenous Affairs Acting Director General Amanda Cattermole invites you to attend a briefing on major initiatives and plans for 2006-2007. During this two day seminar, Ms Cattermole will outline the State’s plan for a whole-of-government framework for Indigenous services and with her senior management explain how the DIA will define major initiatives under the key strategic outcomes. The seminar will be held on Monday ,18 and Tuesday, 19 September. If you would like to attend please RSVP by Friday 15 September to public.affairs@dia.wa.gov.au.

More Volunteers still sought: Thank you to all those who volunteered to help with the PALS stall at the Perth Royal Show. Your support is greatly appreciated. For those yet to decide, opportunities exist for several more helpers at various times thorughout the eight-day event. There are two shifts available daily - 8.30am to 12.30pm and 12.30pm to 5.30pm, between 30 September and 7 October. We are offering free entry to the Show for all volunteers and their families. Contact Petrolyn Vanessie to get involved.

Study in Indigenous Housing: Expressions of Interest are sought by the University of Queensland and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute from Indigenous students wishing to commence a Masters or PhD by research in the field of Indigenous Housing Studies. More.

PALS projects continue to thrive: Years 4 and 5 students at Moerlina Primary School are sharing their talents and love of music with the local community through a story of home, place and healing they adapted as part of their Aboriginal Studies and focus on the Stolen Generation. Since term two, teachers and students have researched and gathered stories about the stolen generation. Students then turned these stories into poetry, which with the help of a choirmaster, have been set to music and meaningful songs that will be performed by the school’s children choir at community events. (More)

A bushwalk project at Waddington Primary School has been set up by staff and enthusiastic students to promote awareness of Indigenous culture. The bush land adjacent to the school  is being redeveloped with the help of the local community into a trail identifying local fauna and flora. PALS coordinator and deputy principal at Waddington, Melissa Morgan, said the completed project would allow a more interactive form of Aboriginal studies with students tapping into the knowledge of Indigenous community members. (More)

Large pine poles designed and painted in Indigenous art styles have found a permanent home in the grounds of Kalamunda Primary. Year six and seven students combined their artistic flair, Indigenous studies lessons and a desire to contribute to NAIDOC week to create these colourful poles that tell the story of the local Indigenous people. (More).

Regional Recruitment Services are calling for applicants: Regional Recruitment Services is a joint venture between WorkBase and Nyaarla Projects. This joint venture company aims to bring together the expertise of recruitment (WorkBase) and Indigenous community links and experience (Nyaarla) to support the recruitment, selection and retention of staff at remote communities and organisations.  To register or for more information, contact Tina Pickett on admin@regionalrecruitment.net.au

A chance to strenghten Indigenous Leadership:

The Australian Government delivers innovative leadership programs for Indigenous women, men and youth. Places are now being offered to individuals to undertake the program. All travel and accommodation costs associated with the program will be met by the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC). Application forms and information packs are available on the OIPC Website at www.oipc.gov.au , by calling them on their toll free number: 1800 202 366 or by emailing them on: leadership@oipc.gov.au.

Seeking Artists for November Exhibition: Indigenous painters, basket weavers, carvers, sculptors and didge makers are being sought to display and sell their artworks at the Indigenous Art Exhibition on 17 to 26 November. The event is run by Peedac Pty Ltd, an Indiegnous-owned not-for-profit company operating the Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) in Perth and the First Australian Training Centre. For more details, contact Gabby on (08) 9228 4353 or email Charmaine Cole on char_ole@yahoo.com.au

Ways to Make a Difference: Visit www.wacoss.org.au or call Stephanie Nazzer on 9420 7222 to subscribe to the WACOSS e-newsletter and receive updates on the organisation's projects and events. WACOSS (The West Australian Council of Social Services) is the peak council of community service organisations and individulas in Western Australia. WACOSS and its members share a vision of a socially just and sustainable West Australian society where people care for each other and have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their wellbeing.