State welcomes Federal Court decision on Swan Valley: The State Government’s decision to close the Swan Valley Nyungah community has been vindicated by a Federal Court decision which has thrown out a claim by former community members. The decision handed down today found there was no basis for the former community members’ claims that the Reserves Act 2003 was in breach of the Racial  scrimination Act 1975. The State Government closed the camp in 2003 amid growing concern over the safety of women and children living at the Lockridge Reserve. More

Editing course for writers: Editing, grammar and proof reading skills will be covered in an interactive two-day workshop to be held in Perth on 10-11 May 2007. For information about the  Australian Publishers Association workshop, contact Dee or Terri-Ann by Friday, 20 April 2007 at dee.read@publishers.asn.au or tawhite@admin.uwa.edu.au.

10th Anniversary - Bringing them home report: The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is organising a project to mark the 10th anniversary of the Bringing them home report on 26 May. The Commission is compiling a magazine-style publication of stories and artwork by Indigenous people about their family's experiences of removal, and the government and community responses to the Bringing Them Home report. A list of Australia-wide events marking the anniversary will also be available at bringingthemhome@humanrights.gov.au  For more information call Christina Kenny on (02) 9284 9728.

Authentic Indigenous Tourism Experiences: Tourism Council Western Australia (TCWA) is seeking sponsors to supoport an authentic Indigenous tourism showcase in the Swan Valley on 3 May.  TCWA is planning to bring Indigenous TV chef The Black Olive to Perth for the event at Sandalford Wines. To be part of the event, please contact TCWA Marketing Manager Kylie Adams on (08) 9416 0706 or email kadams@tourismcouncilwa.com.au

WA Indigenous Women's Gathering 2007 - May 9-11: 'Strong Women, Strong Children, Strong Future' is the theme for this year's State-wide Indigenous Women's Gathering. Open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Western Australia, the gathering gives women an opportunity to raise issues, concerns and challenges affecting them and their communities. Women will be able to communicate important issues for State and national Governments to consider. There are 150 places available For more details see www.women.wa.gov.au or call Denese Griffin on (08) 6217 8212 or womensgathering@dcd.wa.gov.au.

New series wants to hear Heirloom stories: A new tv series by SBS and the Australian Film Commission is looking for stories from the Indigenous community about family heirlooms. The series Heirlooms: Pieces of Time will be an innovative animation series, directed by Susan Danta. A total of 13 stories representing the diverse cultural background of Australia from Indigenous Australians, descendents of the first settlers, and post war immigrants to recent refugees. To submit your story, send an email describing your heirloom and its personal significance (max 500 words) to producer Wendy Chandler at info@parasolproductions.com.au For more information visit www.parasolproductions.com.au

Positions Vacant: There are a number of vacancies at the Department. To view the position details, please visit the employment section of the DIA website here