$112m reforms package announced for Indigenous communities in WA: The State and Federal Governments have announced funding of more than $112million for a range of initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of indigenous people in Western Australia. Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts and Federal Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough announced the joint funding package in Halls Creek today. Both Ministers said this was another example of the State and Federal governments working closely together in a constructive and co-operative way to improve the circumstances of indigenous people, particularly those in remote areas.  More.

Geraldton police working towards cultural understanding: The State Government has launched an initiative aimed at providing better cultural understanding to police in Geraldton. Minister for Indigenous Affairs Michelle Roberts said a cross-cultural training package had been developed to educate police on issues regarding Aboriginal culture and heritage. “The Department of Indigenous Affairs’ Murchison-Gascoyne regional office has been working closely with local police to develop strategies to best deal with issues where culture has a big impact, such as feuding,” Mrs Roberts said. More.

Horse-power to kick start a new career path for students at Halls Creek: The State Government has committed $70,000 to a unique skills program for school students in Halls Creek. Launching the Horse Mastery Program at Halls Creek District High School, Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts, said the innovative course would help students struggling with traditional subjects gain a meaningful purpose to attending school. “This course focuses on motivating students to participate in school by linking educational outcomes with practical, meaningful activities,” Mrs Roberts said. More.

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 and the impact of European settlement and overcoming disadvantage. 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 on (08) 9235 8056 or jaime.ellis@dia.wa.gov.au or Sharon Iannello on (08) 9235 8148 or sharon.iannello@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.

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.

Bringing them Home...10 years on: The Aboriginal Legal Service of WA is holding a gathering in recognition of Sorry Day and the 10th anniversary of the 'Bringing them Home' report on Friday, 25 May 2007 from 10am to12noon. Guest speakers includeAboriginal Legal Service WA CEO Dennis Eggington, talking about the role of  ALSWA in the Bringing Them Home Inquiry; Lena McGrath is Telling her story; while  ALSWA Prisoner Support Officer Sam Dinah talks about Growing up at Roelands Mission.  Senior Lecturer in Law at UWA, Dr Tony Buti, will discuss "What has been achieved 10 years on? How could things of been done better? Where to now?" All are welcome! Morning tea will be provided. Enquiries can be directed to Berni or Jodi on (08) 9265 6666.

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 offer 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 the radio station on (08) 9371 3325 or Derek Nannup on 08 9202 1966.

Family History Workshop: The Department of Indigenous Affairs is sponsoring a Family History Workshop in Geraldton on Friday, 25 May 2007, during Reconciliation Week. The workshop will provide Indigenous people with an opportunity to find additional family information as well as assisting them to access other services and organisations that will enable them to find out more about their families and heritage. For more information contact Dale Bacon on (08) 9235 8137 or email dale.bacon@dia.wa.gov.au.

Communicating and Connecting with Aboriginal People in the Workplace and Community: The WA Council of Social Services is holding a full-day workshop on cultural knowledge to assist organisation delivering services to Indigenous communities. The workshops are based on the Department for Community Development's "Four Key Principles for Planning and Delivery of Services to Aboriginal People" and wil lbe held in Perth on Thursday, 17th May, Wednesday, 30th May, and Thursday, 19th July 2007. Places are limited. Click here for more information and registration form or contact Amy Quigley - Events Coordinator on (08) 9420 7222 or amy@wacoss.org.au.

Women in Reflection Help Child Victims of Family Violence: Anglicare WA and the Women in Reflection Committee will launch a new initiative on 29 May designed to meet the needs of children affected by family violence. More.

'Right wrongs, Write yes - 1967 Referendum': 'Right wrongs, Write yes - 1967 Referendum' is an exhibition taking place at the WA Museum Geraldton commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum that changed the Australian constitution to recognise Aboriginal people as citizens. The exhibition will open on Sunday, 27 May 2007.

Ngaanyatjarra Master Works: Join artists from the Warburton region of Western Australia for Ngaanyatjarra Master Works on Friday, 25 May 2007 from 6-8pm. This collection brings together some of the most spontaneous and spirited art of today. The exhibition will be officially opened by Ben Wyatt MLA, Member for Victoria Park at the Gadfly Gallery. For more information click here.

Wonderlands: Deckchair Theatre's season of 'Wonderlands' commences Thursday, 7 June, a political thriller that deals with issues of native title and pastoral leases. Tickets are $32, $27 concession or $22 for members. For more information go to www.deckchairtheatre.com.au.

HR in Focus: Thinking of taking a day off? Please refer to the Hours of Duty Policy.

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.