Interagency Planning Workshop a Success: Good news from the Metropolitan Place Management Program team after a successful Interagency Workshop was held last month. Attended by 56 representatives from 31 agencies across the three tiers of government, the forum aim was to develop strategies to address Indigenous disadvantage within the Metropolitan area. Using the Framework For Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage, the forum discussed the development of early intervention and prevention strategies. "This is a great step forward for the whole-of-government approach to addressing Indigenous issues, and is an example of the DIA fulfilling its coordination role," DIA Principal Policy and Project Officer Robert Shanhun said. "This is the first of a three-step planning process. The next stage involves working with non-government organisations, and then consultations with representatives of the Perth Aboriginal community will take place." For a copy of the full report, contact Rob Shanhun or Clint Shaw on 9274 4277.

Bayalgu Training Program: A 12-week training course to prepare young Indigenous people for work with the mining and earthmoving industry began in Geraldton last month. DIA Gascoyrne Murchison Regional Manager Russell Simpson said  it was hoped the Bayalgu Training Program could be replicated in other areas. The program is a partnership between the DIA, Oxiana Pty Ltd, Central Earthmoving, Central West TAFE and Geraldton Senior College.  Russell Simpson.

Engaging Indigenous Communities Conference: A national forum on economic development issues confronting Indigenous communities will be held in Brisbane on 16 - 17 October. Speakers will share their approach to economic development, Indigenous business development, effective governance, enhancing financial literacy and achieving positive outcomes through partnerships. (more)

Calling Artistic Schools: If you know of an exciting project that has taken place in a school since 2004 and involved a professional artist, there is an opportunity to promote it. The Department of Culture and the Arts is developing a new publication that will use project profiles to demonstrate innovation and successful practice in arts education throughout WA. For more information contact Michelle Glaser on 9224 7465.

Research Grants for 2007: The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies is calling for applications for research grants. Reserch can be conducted on topics including history, politics, law, public policy, health, education, linguistics, social anthropology, archaeology and the arts. Applications with an emphasis on Indigenous wellbeing, Indigenous knowledge systems and intellectual property and strengthening community are encouraged. (more)

PALS at the Royal Show: A very big thank you to all the volunteers who helped out on the PALS stall at the Perth Royal Show last week. The highlight of the week was certainly when Docker's Player Troy Cook visitied the stall with the students form the remote Aboriginal Community of Kiwirrkurra (in the eastern Pilbara). There were many excited faces and autographs being sought, by young and old! Now preparations are underway for Wardarnji in Fremantle next month.

Keela Dreaming Festival Announced: The wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin will come alive with an exciting mix of Indigenous culture, art, dance and entertainment featuring the legendary country-rock-reggae band "Fitzroy Express" at the Greater Sports Ground on Saturday, 3 March 2007.

Rural and Remote Healthcare: UWA is running a three-day workshop in December to train health care professionals in new techniques used for clinical services in rural and remote communities. For more information contact Karen Monticelli on 9381 0858.

Careers Start Here: Indigenous university graduates are being urged to consider beginning their career with the Department of Indigenous Affiars in a two-week advertising campaign that began on radio and in regional and community press this week. Applications close on 6 November for the 12-month graduate program commencing in January 2007. For more infornmation visit the website or contact  Penny Howell on 9235 8015.

Advertised Positions: DIA has advertised a range of opportunities in the Land and Heritage Branch. The list of available positions includes: Assistant Director, Land  / Director, Land and Heritage  / Heritage Project Officer / Manager, Heritage Advice Unit  / Manager, Heritage and Family Information Unit   / Manager, Priority Projects Unit   /  Senior Heritage Officer  / Senior Regional Heritage Officer . The closing date for applications is 5.00pm Monday, 30 October 2006. Details are available on the DIA internet site website