Major Restructure of DIA: Today Premier Alan Carpenter announced a major restructure of the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The Premier said the department would be restructured into two specific areas. "One area of the department will deal with the specific statutory roles of land, heritage and culture. The other will lead in developing indigenous policy, economic development and determining and measuring strategic outcomes are being met," Mr Carpenter said. The Office of Native Title will transfer to the Department of Indigenous Affairs in March 2009.

Major Forum to Tackle Indigenous Unemployment: Premier Alan Carpenter has announced a major forum to tackle indigenous unemployment in Western Australia. The Premier also announced nearly $4 million towards training and community programs, all designed to increase employment opportunities for indigenous Western Australians. The forum, to be held in Perth on November 30, will bring together the leading figures in business and industry, indigenous stakeholders, training providers and Government, to discuss and develop new initiatives to promote Aboriginal job creation and economic development in WA. "More indigenous West Australians need to be engaged more successfully and more sustainably in the state’s powerhouse economy," Mr Carpenter said. For more information, see the Premier's media statement.

Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2007: The annual Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference for 2007 will be held in Broome from 20th to 23rd October 2007. This year the conference theme is "Walk with me...taking care of Country," and will focus on the environment, careers in hospitality and tourism for young Indigenous people, business opportunities and maintaining our rich Indigenous culture. Registration forms can be downloaded from www.aitc2007.com or for more information please contact the event manager at kmccarthy@eecw.com.au

National Close the Gap Day: National Close the Gap Day is on Tuesday 18 September 2007 and Oxfam Australia are organizing events around the nation to raise awarenes about the campaign. The Close the Gap campaign is committed to long term actions and solutions on Indigenous Health and social disadvantages by working with Indigenous communities to provide the essential services such as primary health care, housing and employment. In WA, an event will be held at Parliament House at 11.30am featuring a traditional Aboriginal welcome to country, smoking ceremony, music and dance. For more information contact Paddy Cullen on 9262 8207 or email paddyc@oxfam.org.au

PALS continues to make inroads in WA Schools: So far over fifty schools in Western Australia are participating in the 2007 PALS Schools Reconciliation Awards. PALS (which stands for Partnership, Acceptance, Learning and Sharing) is an initiative of the Department of Indigenous Affairs in partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore. The program aims to encourage young West Australians to develop projects that promote and advance reconciliation within their schools and local communities. Here are a preview of some of the 2007 PALS projects.

Nannup District High School

Nannup District High School students are establishing a garden, with a bush tucker theme at the school grounds alongside the reconciliation pathway in the town. A variety of Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups/organisations shall be invited to the school to help with this project. This aims to ensure relationships are built and existing ones developed. From this project the children will learn all about the native plants and their uses. A newsletter and video are also going to be produced and it is expected the video will be made available for loan from the local library. East Kalgoorlie Primary School

East Kalgoorlie Primary School has a predominant Aboriginal student population. To build on the students' sense of identity, the school has decided to establish an Indigenous dance and art program. Artworks produced by students will be displayed at all community art events. Students who participate in the dance performances will be able to perform at other local school assemblies during major events such as Reconciliation week, Sorry Day and NAIDOC.

For more information on PALS and to enter the 2007 PALS Schools Reconciliation Awards, visit the website here

Heritage Training Well-received: DIA Senior Heritage Officers Megan McCorry and Robert Brock, along with ACMC Executive Officer Roz Lipscombe, travelled to Karratha last week to provide heritage training to Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) staff. The training was well-received by DEC and additional training sessions for other staff have been requested. The training provided an introduction to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, DIA processes, the Sites Register, site recording and site management. DIA and DEC are working closely together and heritage training is one of a number of steps undertaken, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the State to manage natural and cultural values in the National Heritage Listed area.

Disability workers urgently required: The Disability Services Commission is looking for mature Aboriginal people who may be interested in a training opportunity in one of the Commission's Accommodation services. If you are interested in employment in the area of providing direct care and support to people with disabilities, here is your opportunity. Expressions of interest or questions can be directed to Jim Morrison on 9426 9718.

Indigenous Literacy Project: All Australians are invited to be part of the inaugural Indigenous Literacy Day on Wednesday 5 September 2007. Indigenous Literacy Day is a single event to help raise urgently needed funds to address the literacy crisis in remote Indigenous communities. The goal this year is to raise $100 000 and all funds raised will go directly to the Fred Hollows Foundation to buy books and other literacy resources for remote Indigenous communities in Northern Territory and New South Wales. To find out how you can get involved visit www.worldwithoutbooks.org

"Aboriginal Rules" documentary on ABC TV: Aboriginal Rules is a 55 minutes documentary from Warlpiri Media Association, the producers of the original award winning Bush Mechanics. It is a rare, behind the scenes look at the grassroots Aboriginal football experience that you may have heard about, but never seen before. Episode one of Aboriginal Rules will be screening on ABC TV on Sunday 2 September 2007 at 1.30pm and episode two follows on Monday 3 September 2007 at 6pm. For more information regarding the documentary visit the website http://www.aboriginalrules.com/ 

Healthway Scholarships On Offer: Healthway are offering a limited number of research scholarships, one Indigenous scholarship and one Researcg fellowship to individuals to develop skills, expertise and experience specifically in health promotion research. For more information contact Healthway on 9476 7000 or visit the Healthway website.

Young People and the Arts Funding Program: The Department of Culture and the Arts are seeking applications from young artists (up to the age of 25) and organizations with a creative vision for young people to enter the annual Young People and Arts Funding Program. The program was launched in 1997 by the State Government to support artistic activity for, with and by young people. The funding program provides five Young People and the Arts Fellowships worth $10 000 each and one Young People and the Arts International Scholarship worth $30 000. Applications close on 21 September 2007. For more information contact Rachel McHardy on 9224 7457 or via email.