NAIDOC Awards and Opening Ceremony:  The State Government has demonstrated its support of NAIDOC 2007 by announcing a one-off $60,000 grants scheme for cultural events that mark the 50th anniversary. Please note that the deadline for grant submissions is by 5pm Friday, 18 May 2007.

Discovering Indigenous Australia - Free Workshop: A free full-day workshop aimed at high school students is taking place on Wednesday, 30 May as a part of Reconciliation Week. Key speakers will talk to students about Indigenous issues such as cross cultural awareness; Government policies, past and present; Reconciliation - overcoming disadvantage; sustainability of remote and rural communities and PALS. Schools are being invited to nominate up to six students and one teacher/guardian to attend this event, taking place at the Perth Concert Hall.  For more information contact Jaime Ellis tel: (08) 9235 8056 email: jaime.ellis@dia.wa.gov.au or Sharon Iannello tel: (08) 9235 8148 email: sharon.ianello@dia.wa.gov.au.

Reconciliation Action Plan Launch: Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts will launch the State's commitment to Reconciliation as a part of Reconciliation Week, 26 May to June 2, at an event at the Perth Concert Hall at 9am on Wednesday, 30 May. Minister Roberts will make the announcement to government, industry, the Indigenous community and non-government organisations. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jaime Ellis (08) 9235 8056 or email jaime.ellis@dia.wa.gov.au.

FaCSIA Funding: Applications are being sought for FaCSIA funding under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy 2004-2009 for Local Answers Projects. Prospective applicants can phone the Local Answers Toll Free Hotline on 1800 607 839; or for Indigenous communities, the Indigenous Local Answers Toll Free Hotline on 1800 625 136. Questions about funding can also be emailed to local.answers@facsia.gov.au. Applications must be received at FaCSIA by Friday 25 May 2007.

Keeping Culture Strong in Western Australia: Indigenous staff from the Australia Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board are visiting centres in South Australia in May to talk to people about the Australia Council’s funding programs for 2007. Program officer Chris Bonney said he was looking forward to meeting South Australian artists and representatives from arts organisations to discuss the Australia Council’s 2007 grants program. Information sessions are open to any Indigenous artist, art worker and Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations interested in learning more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board’s funding programs. For information on Client meetings and Information sessions click here. People should call (02) 9215 9167 or (02) 9215 9067 to make an appointment for a client meeting. Bookings are not required for information sessions.

WA Public Sector Welcome Induction: A free half-day workshop for new staff to the Public Sector will be held on Wednesday, 20 June. Leading public sector representatives will provide valuable insight into what it means to be a public servant, an overview of the public sector, Government priorities, and public servant responsibilities. Places are limited and you must register to attend the workshop. To view the program and obtain a registration form online click here or email development@dpc.wa.gov.au. Registration queries can be directed to Anna L'Abbate (08) 9222 9015.

National Archaeology Week: Albany will celebrate National Archaeology Week, 20 - 26 May with a program of activities including opportunities to visit a dig organised by the Albany Aboriginal Heritage Referenece Group, displays at the library and Old Goal, bus tours with Noongar Elders and archaeologists, and a series of lectures. Archaeologists will be available to visit schools and school groups are invited to be shown around an excavation. For full details of the weeks activities click here.

Indigenous Youth Mobility Program: Nyaarla Projects in Canning Vale is looking for an Indigenous youth (16-24)from regional WA to study or work in Perth as part of its Indigenous Youth Mobility Program (IYMP). Services offered as part of the program include ongoing mentoring/support and possible accommodation for students attending an educational facility and participating in traineeships or apprenticeships. Individuals will need to be supported by their family/community to relocate to a major centre to undertake a training or employment opportunity. More information is available here or by contacting Jarrod Hayden or David Pearce on (08) 9256 4911 or iymp@nyaarla.com.au.

Yahning Mia Radio Workshop: A free course for Indigenous youth aged 15 to 18 with an interest in broadcasting is planned for each Monday and Wednesday afternoon, 4pm to 5pm, from 21 May to 20 June. The workshops offers hands-on experience at a radio station with participants encouraged to become involved with the Whadjuk Radio program which airs every Thursday from 1pm to 2.30pm. For more information or to register please contact Derek Nannup on (08) 9371 3325.

Remember Indigenous Service: To commemorate the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans, the Department of Veteran Affairs will work alongside ex-service and community organisations to hold ceremonies in each capital city, Townsville and Alice Springs. They will be held at the State War Memorial in Kings Park on Wednesday, 30 May at 10am. Cick here for details, visit www.dva.gov.au or phone June Cuneo on 9366 8465.