Invitation to Interagency Forum Planning Workshop: The Department of Indigenous Affairs invites you to attend a strategic planning session to be held on Monday, 25 September at the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel, Scarborough. Through this planning session, the Department will identify innovative new strategies to better respond to the needs of Indigenous people living in the Perth metropolitan area. You will have the opportunity to contribute and explore ideas for inclusion in the Department's metropolitan Place Management Strategy. For more information, contact Rob Shanhun or Clint Shaw or call 9274 4288.

Highlighting the Armadale Community Action Group: In November 2005, the Department of Indigenous Affairs, Beverley Rebbeck, Regional Officer from the  Midland / Wheatbelt Regional Office was asked to attend a meeting that was organized by Community members from the Armadale area to establish a Community Action Group ( CAG ). There was a small group in attendance and information was provided at the meeting on the CAG structure, nothing resulted from this meeting. Another community forum was organized in March 2006 at the United Church, in Armadale. This forum was organized by Carleen and William Pickett and held at the United Church.

A further meeting was organized that involved 70 Community members and the Superintendent Shane Maines, Inspector Tom Clay, Senior Sergeant Lipscombe from the Police Services. After this meeting was held between the Aboriginal Community Members and the Police Services, Sen Sergeant Burke was assigned to work with the family members who had complaints and members of the Police Services to work through issues that had been identified through the meetings.

Recent results of the CAG have seen the Police Services and the Aboriginal families/ communities working together over the last 3-4 months through meetings with individual families, groups and communities to address many various issues. The Armadale CAG are extending an invitation to attend their next meeting on Wednesday 26 September from 4pm onwards at the Uniting Church Hall (80 Lowanna Way). Further information, contact Rebekkah Milnes.

Nyoongar Dreaming Stories contribute to a better understanding: In collaboration with Nyoongar Elder Dr Noel Nannup, the Swan Catchment Council has produced audio CDS narrated by Noel that tell Nyoongar stories of country. "When the sea level rose," is the second instalment in the series. It follows "The Carers of Everything" CD produced in 2004. "When the sea level rose," is the story of Nyingarn the echidna and Kaarda the goanna, who were given the special role of representing the spirit of those who passed on. It also covers the story of Mamong the whale and Kieler the dolphin and the special role they were given in the country. If you would like to order a copy of both CDs (at $14.95 each), contact the Swan Catchment Council on (08) 9374 3333. All proceeds will be used to produce more stories and to support natural resource management projects.

Registration open for Aboriginal Mining Conference: Registrations close on 29 October 2006 for attendance at this year's Aboriginal Mining Conference at the Sheraton Hotel, Perth. The conference brings together Aboriginal businesses in the mining and exploration industry provides an oppotuinty to network, and share experiences, knowledge and ideas. For more details and to register visit www.aboriginalmining.com

Torres Strait Island artist Billy Missi wins print award: The 31st Fremantle Print Award saw Torres Strait Island artist Billy Missi winning the $3000 non-acquisitive prize for his entry artwork, "Links." A linocut print, Missi's work portrays a highly significant cultural story which he was told by his grand uncles and uncles from a young age. The distinctive style of this work is related to the wood carving traditions of the Torres Strait. Missi is dedicated to expressing his traditions through art and is a member of the printmaking workshop, Mualgau Minnaral Art Centre, part of the Kubin Community Council, on Moa Island. An exhibition of all award winners' prints, along with works acquired from the Award 178 and 1985 is on exhibition at the Fremantle Arts Centre at 1 Finnerty Street, Fremantle. Admission is free and the centre opens daily 10am-5pm.

Survival Cultural Celebration 2007: Is your organisation interested in having a display in the YUNGAR Up Community marquee at the next Survival Day Concert on 26 January 2007 at the Supreme Court Gardens? Please express your interest by contacting Kathleen from INDIGEVENT SERVICES on 9358 2461 or 0424 738 322. Hurry, there are only limited spaces available! Indigenous participants wlecome to exhibit at no cost!

Indigenous People Coming Together: A Banquet and Corroboree Celebrations is being held on Saturday, 23 September to honour Indigenous Elders and Leaders from metropolitan WA with a message to bring healing and restoration of identity through singing and dancing. There will be celebrations held in Perth City, Guildford, Wanneroo, Armadale, Fremantle and Rockingham. For further information, please contact Gloria Deyer on 9498 2301 or email gloriadyer@iinet.net.au