Register your NAIDOC Event for 2007: Register now for your NAIDOC event to be publicised on the NAIDOC Perth Program of Events and website. A registration form is available at www.naidocperth.org or email info@naidocperth.org for more information.

Bridging Courses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: The Nyoongar Kadadjiny Kulark Kart Aboriginal Programs Centre of Central TAFE is offering bridging courses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for semester two in the areas of horticulture, general education for adults (police/public sector preparation) and construction. For more information please phone 9202 4745.

National Sorry Day 2007 Involvement: Western Australians are being asked to wear a native hibiscus flower on National Sorry Day as a sign of solidarity, remembrance and healing. Saturday, 26 May 2007 is also the 10th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report into Australia's Stolen Generations. The flowers are available in packs of 48 and 96 and are sold at $2 a flower. Call Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation on (08) 9193 6502 or visit the website to order.

Remembering Indigenous Service during Reconciliation Week: As part of National Reconciliation Week 2007, the Department of Veteran's Affairs will hold a remembrance ceremony to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans. The service will be held at the State War Memorial in Kings Park on Wednesday, 30 May 2007 at 10am. Similar services will be held in other capital cities, Townsville and Alice Springs. For more information visit www.dva.gov.au or contact June Cuneo on 9366 8465.

Bob Maza Fellowship: The Australian Film Commission (AFC) is calling for applications from established Indigenous actors working professionally in the film, television and/or theatre industries for the Bob Maza Fellowship. The Fellowship is aimed to assist Indigenous actors to further their professional development, provide longevity in their career and raise their profile internationally. Previous recipients include Leah Purcell, Tom E Lewis and Ursula Yovich. The 2007 Fellowship recipient will be announced during the opening of the Message Stick Film Festival at the Sydney Opera House on 4 May 2007. Guidelines and application forms can be obtained from the AFC website www.afc.gov.au. Applications close Friday 20 April 2007.

Honouring Indigenous War Graves: A ceremony to commemorate the life of Indigenous servicewoman Ella May Thompson will be held on Sunday 22 April at 1pm at the Karrakatta Cemetery. All attendees are asked to gather at the entrance to the cemetery before proceeding to the ceremony. Indigenous ex-service personnel wishing to attend are welcome. For further details please contact John Schnnars at HIWG@bigpond.com

Update on National Working Group Meeting in WA: Government representatives from the Commonwealth, State and Territories together with the Working Group of the Standing Commitee for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (SCATSIA) met in Perth on Friday to prepare a draft workplan for MCATSIA (Ministerial Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs) for 2007/08. Issues including the Indigenous demographics project, leadership and governance and providing advice to COAG (Council of Australian Governments) on Indigenous Generational Reform were identified as priorities. For information about MCATSIA contact Janey Dolan (A/Executive Officer) on 9235 8071.

An opportunity to join the Maali Foundation: Organisations and individuals interested in strengthening involvement of Indigenous people in natural resource management are urged to join the new Maali Foundation. The Maali Foundation is a partnership of the Swan Catchment Council and the National Trust of Australia (WA) and was last week launched by Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts. The Foundation provides an opportunity for academic, corporate and government agencies to work together in restoring the natural environment and at the same time showcases Indigenous heritage. To become a supporter of the Maali Foundation and for more information please contact Kevin Giles on 9374 3308 or email kevin.giles@water.wa.gov.au

Vacancy at the Indigenous Remote Communications Association: The Indigenous Remote Communications Association (IRCA) requires a manager to lead the organization in Alice Springs. IRCA is a peak body and resource agency to eight remote Indigenous Media Organizations that jointly represent more than 150 remote communities and broadcast Australia-wide. To obtain more information and a job description for this position, please phone 0437 798 076 or email manager@irca.net.au Applications close 20 April 2007.

Newsflash from Kalgoorlie: Mining Company working with Local People: Aboriginal people in Laverton have applauded local company Crescent Gold for working with Elders to ensure the preservation of an ancient heritage site believed to be part of an area proposed for mining excavation. Crescent consulted with Elders on the location of the site which had not been seen for more than 30 years. DIA Kalgoorlie Regional Office was called in to undertake a site investigation, in conjunction with the company. Community people and the investigation team estimate the site dates back to the 1880s. Crescent Gold has assured the local community that the site will be preserved and will look at excising the area from their proposal. For more information email  Kym Russell at the DIA Kalgoorlie office.

Coastwest Grants 2007: Grants of up to $60,000 are now available for projects that improve the condition and amenity of the Western Australian coast. Community groups, educational institutions and other organisations working in partnership with a coastal manager through Local or State Government or an Aboriginal Land Council are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply visit www.wapc.wa.gov.au/coastwest or call 9264 7834.

Call for Singers to join Madjitil Moorna: Madjitil Moorna (magical sounds) choir is looking for recruits to join their new musical group. While no experience is necessary, all new singers will need to learn six soulful songs to perform with the choir. Training sessions are held from 7pm to 8.30pm on Mondays (from 16 April) at the Anderson Community Centre, Forrestfield. For more information contact Jo Randell on 0409 116 460 or email pjrandell@bigpond.com

Premier's Circular: The 2006/07 Premier's Circular "Contact with Lobbyists Code and Register of Lobbyists" is now available for viewing on the intranet. DIA's Code of Conduct will be adapted to reflect the Premier's Circular on Conatct with Lobbyists.

Associations Incorporation Bill 2006: The public is being urged to comment on the proposed Associations Incorporation Bill 2006 which replaces the existing 20-year-old legislation. The new bill is intended to streamline regulation and promote the efficiency and accountability of more than 15,000 associations in Western Australia. It takes into account consultation with local associations, similar Acts in other States and Territories and community views and expectations. More information is available at www.docep.wa.gov.au/agb Submissions close on Monday 30 April 2007.

Janine Haynes Annual Lecture presents Julian Burnside: The 2007 Janine Haynes Annual Lecture will present Julian Burnside QC to discuss the topic of "Human Rights and Democracy in Australia." Julian Burnside is an Australian barrister, human rights and refugee advocate and author who is known for his staunch opposition to the mandatory detention of asylum seekers. The lecture is on Wednesday, 16 May 2007 at 6.30pm at the Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA. No RSVP is required. For more information please contact the Insititute of Advanced Studies on 6488 1340.