Mep-pla (Our) Dareeulka (Talk) - Juwarkijuwarki.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/CQ-ATSIP-NL-Ed... · 2011. 6. 27. · Hervey Bay. The festival will be held on Thursday, 14 July

Mep-pla (Our) Dareeulka (Talk) A newsletter from Central Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services

Edition 10 June 2011

Olympic gold medalist Linda MacKenzie and Aunty Patricia (Patsy) Murray attended the official re-opening of the Lawrence Murray Memorial Pool at Woorabinda. See inside for details.

Wadamooli everyone and welcome to the May Edition of‘Mep-Pla Dareeulka’.

The month of May marks a significant month in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar.

We acknowledge Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week closely followed by Mabo Day on 3 June. I’m aware that throughout our region we are holding special events which I look forward to bringing to you in our next edition.

I must say on a personal note it’s been a sad time of late here in our own communities with the loss of a number of prominent and well respected Elders. We pay tribute to them and their families for the enormous contributions made to our societies.

Recently we have had the return of star recruit Ms Shelly Howden back to her role as Senior Project Officer (extraordinaire) after a 12–month break nurturing her new bub Darawin. Welcome back Shell, the Queen of Google!

‘Closing the Gap’ is on everyone’s lips these days and the ATSIS teams have been taking this message out to key government and non-government stakeholders in the community. As a member of Coalition Of Australian Governments (COAG), the Queensland Government is committed to “Close the Gap” and address the disadvantages still experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The six targets include closing the gap in life expectancy within 25 years; halving child mortality rates within 10 years; ensuring all 4-year-olds in remote communities have access to early childhood education by 2013; halving the gap in reading, writing and numeracy within ten years; halving the gap in year 12 attainment rates by 2020; and halving the gap in employment outcomes within ten years.

My staff will be embarking on a number of workshops over the next month to bring you further details of the Queensland government’s - Urban and Regional Strategy or LEAP (Learning, Earning

Active Places) as it is known these days.

We also feature singing duo Elizabeth and Clowry Kennell raising awareness for Vietnam Veterans.

There are articles on Woorabinda and Cherbourg and some initiatives in these communities as well as the great work being undertaken by individuals.

The Bundaberg and Barcaldine Negotiation Tables were also held in March and April respectively.

Lots of great reading and once again I would like to thank Danielle O’Connor and Reg Jia for putting together a fantastic newsletter and of course to my teams for getting out there and mixin’ it up with our mob.

Till next time, Manny Hegarty Regional DirectorAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services

Yes I’m back!!

I am really excited to be back at work but of course I will miss staying at home and spending time with my family.

The latest addition to the clan is my third son Darawin

(meaning frog) who is now 11 months old. He is a beautiful soul and a much-loved baby.

I am happy with our new ATSIS team structure and the challenge that I have with the health portfolio that I have been allocated.

We still have a long way to go with Closing the Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians but I can see that there are a lot of great programs and people focusing on addressing the disadvantages that we face.

I look forward to working with everyone again and can be contacted on 07 4125 9385 or [email protected].

Shelly Howden ATSIS Hervey Bay Senior Project Officer

Shelly returns to ATSIS

Government departments, non-governmentorganisations and community members came together to mark Closing the Gap Day at a summit on Thursday, 31 March 2011.

Organised by ATSIS Hervey Bay, the Closing the Gap Summit provided a platform for five speakers to talk about the services their organisation provided which relate to Closing the Gap initiatives.

A young Butchulla woman and USQ student, Jade Gould, performed the Welcome to Country.

The first speaker was Shane Nelson, Coordinator from Kahwun Wooga ATSI Corporation for Community Development.

Shane spoke about the opening of the Maryborough Murri Court in August 2010.

He said the importance of this event was reinforced by the attendance of Chief Magistrate Judge Butler and Acting Deputy Director-General Terry Ryan.

As Coordinator of the Maryborough Community Justice Group, Shane spoke about the work the Justice Group had carried out over the years and the steps taken towards the establishment of a Murri Court.

JenniferChew is a Director of Chew’s PlaceConsultingPty Ltd.

Jenni spoke about the business-relatedprogramsherorganisation

had in place to assist in ‘Closing the Gap’ for Indigenous groups.

Chew’s Place Consulting offers programs related to business education, planning and skill development and small business start-ups.

She said these programs were applicable across the board and could be tailored to all age levels.

Richard Garling is the Cultural Development Officer from Maryborough Correctional Centre.

Richard presented an overview of the Department of Corrective Services’ 'Closing the Gap' initiative and of ATSI offenders.

He spoke about the Maryborough Correctional Centre's Cultural Immersion Plan (2010-2012) which consists of programs, visit from Elders, Leaves of Absence, custodial awareness for staff, employment strategies and Indigenous art, craft, music and dance programs.

Richard said the Maryborough Correctional Centre recently employed two Cultural Liaison Officers.

Chrissy Young is the Executive Officer (Indigenous Development) at the University of Southern Queensland Fraser Coast Campus.

Summit brings Closing the Gap initiatives together

Guest speakers (front) Richard Garling, John Upton, organiser Leon Nehow, John Corowa, (back) Jenni Chew, Shane Nelson and Chrissy Young.

Almost 50 people attended the Closing the Gap Day Summit on Thursday, 31 March 2011.

Chrissy spoke about Indigenous Student Experience Day on Tuesday 31 May 2011. This day provides Year 10 Indigenous students from the Fraser Coast with a taste of University life and aims to raise students’ aspirations to consider higher education.

She also spoke about a festival called Birrbam Burunga Gambay(Butchulla for Play and Learn Together) for all Year 7 students in Hervey Bay.

The festival will be held on Thursday, 14 July 2011 and will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the local area.

John Corowa is GP Links Regional Manager of Indigenous Health (Tackling Smoking and Healthy Lifestyles Program and Closing the Gap Program).

John spoke about reducing key risk factors for chronic disease such as smoking, improving chronic disease management and increasing the primary care workforce’s capacity to deliver effective care to people with chronic diseases.

The summit’s final speaker was John Upton from Community Solution’s Maryborough office.

John spoke about a new program that helps clients with mental health issues seeking employment. This support is for clients with diagnosed mental health issues and those who have not been diagnosed.

Closing the Gap Summit organiser Leon Nehow said he’d received positive feedback about the event. He said ATSIS would endeavour to hold another summit in the near future.

Closing the Gap summit cont’d Closing the Gap Day in Rocky

During the mini Expo, ATSIS provided a canvas for staff to place their hand prints on and sign a pledge in recognition of National Closing the Gap Day.

Hervey Bay’s inaugural Closing the Gap summit was organised by ATSIS Senior Project Officer Leon Nehow.

Tatisa Barrett and Robert Toby from ATSIS Rockhampton took part in a mini expo at Bidgerdii to mark National Closing the Gap Day. ATSIS partnered with Bidgerdii and Capricornia Division of General Practice to host the mini Expo on Thursday, 24 March 2011.

The third anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation was commemorated at an afternoon tea on 23 February 2011.

The event was hosted by the Department of Communities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council and Indigenous Co-ordination Council.

Guest speakers included Darcy Bolton from Link-Up (Qld), Shea Taylor, Manager of Recognised Entity, and Mayor Brad Carter.

Participants also listened to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s speech on 13 February 2008. The apology to the Stolen Generation marks a very significant day in our history as a nation.

Rockhampton Regional ATSIS Project Manager Leonie Taylor said the speech challenged government employees to recognise the impact that past laws, policies and legislation have had on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and their communities.

“As government employees, we endeavour to work collaboratively across the three tiers of government to address issues such as health, housing, education, child protection, youth justice,” Leonie said.

“We also address the over-representation and access. It is also important to reflect on our Reconciliation Action Plans and what we will be doing to ‘Close the Gap’ across government.”

Leonie said more than seventy staff from across the three tiers of government came to listen to the guest speakers, hear the apology and reflect on how we can move forward together to make a difference in the services and support provided to our local and abroad Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

An invitation was also extended to Children’s Commissioner Elizabeth Frazer, who was in Rockhampton meeting with other services.

Elizabeth said she enjoyed the proceedings, particularly the dancing by the Djaku-nde Koenpil Piccinni Dance Troupe. The dancers were presented with a gift certificate by Department of Communities Central Queensland Regional Executive Director Mick Shearer.

Rocky remembers Apology (Right) Leonie Taylor and her son Shea with Children’sCommissioner Elizabeth Frazer.

(Below left) Guest speakers Darcy Bolton and (below right) Mayor Brad Carter.

(above) Guest speaker Shea Taylor, RED Mick Shearer and dancers Josiah Taylor, Leon Taylor and Shea Taylor (Jnr).

(left) The dance troupe in action.

The efforts of the volunteers who assisted during and after the mid-January floods were commended by Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley during a recent visit to Cherbourg.

Ms Wensley was welcomed to the South Burnett community by Mayor Sam Murray on Friday, 4 March 2011.

After a tour of the Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum, Ms Wensley was briefed on the impact and extent of the flood, the community’s response and residents’ ongoing commitment to recovery efforts.

Mayor Murray then invited the Governor to join him in applauding community members who made contributions during and after the mid-January disaster. The group, which included residents and police officers, was presented with certificates of appreciation to acknowledge their efforts.

After joining residents for lunch, the Governor was then given a tour of other flood-affected areas to witness firsthand the extent of the flooding and damage in the South Burnett.

Mayor Murray said the community was delighted to see the Governor visit their region and acknowledge the valuable work carried out by volunteers during the disaster.

Cherbourg visit recognises community courage

South Burnett resident Roy Jacobs was one of the volunteers congratulated by the Governor during her visit to Cherbourg.

The Woorabinda Pool was officially opened on 22 February 2011 by Aunty Patricia (Patsy) Murray and the Acting Mayor Steve Kemp.

The pool was named after Aunty Patsy’s father, local hero Lawrence Murray, who rescued passengers from a train derailment near Midway Creek.

Mr Murray was presented with a medal from Queen Elizabeth II for his bravery.

Aunty Patsy shared with everyone her fond memories of her father and spoke of his swimming ability.

Representatives from local, state and federal government departments also attended in support of the local pool’s long-awaited upgrade.

Local hero honoured at pool opening

Woorabinda’s pool officially reopened in February.

Woorabinda’s pool lifeguard Nathan Murgha is enjoying putting the skills from his recently-acquired Bronze Medallion to good use. Nathan was born in Yarrabah and has lived in Woorabinda for the past five years. Nathan said his brother inspired him to take up lifeguarding. He said the training keeps him fit and the children keep him on his feet. Nathan is also a qualified pool plant operator.

After many years Clowry Kennell, Principal Project Officer ATSIS/Government Coordination, decided to express in words and music the memories of the day his brother went to the Vietnam War.

The result is the Murgon musician’s first CD single ‘Remember When’ which is getting significant air-play on local radio.

Clowry intends to use the proceeds from the sale of his CD to set up ‘The Remember When Foundation’ to help war veterans meet various expenses.

“This foundation will allow Vets to access a small amount of funding to cover some of the expenses that appear from time to time,” Clowry said.

“For example, the funds could be used to help a Vet cover travel expenses to visit specialist doctors in major centres, or a Vet’s family members could access funds for gravesite maintenance.”

More than 90 people, including 20 Vets, travelled to Murgon from around Queensland to attend Clowry’s CD launch on Friday, 8 April 2011. During the launch, CDs sold out in under 20 minutes.

Clowry followed on from the launch with an ANZAC Day gig in Sydney on 25 April. He was also invited to perform at the Tribute Concert for the Wives and Partners, Widows and Widowers of Veterans on the Sunshine Coast.

If you’d like to purchase a copy of the CD, email [email protected] or phone 1300 226 226. All proceeds go to the Remember When foundation.

Wartime memories to help Vets

Clowry and his wife Elizabeth performing the single ‘Remember When’.

The Woorabinda Job Expo is set to return to Kangaroo Stadium on 11 October 2011.

This annual expo will enable the community to explore employment opportunities from a number of industries acrossCentralQueensland.

Janis Frost, SpecialProjectsOfficer with theWoorabindaAboriginalShireCouncil, is leading the project in partnershipwithRockhamptonAboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Services and various other community and government services.

The 2010 expo received overwhelming support from local organisations and was supported by both state and federal governments.

Woorabinda Job Expo returns

GP Links Wide Bay held a Cultural Healing event through the Closing the Gap and Tackling Smoking Program.

The event was held on Friday, 17 June 2011 at Seafront Oval in Hervey Bay from 10am until 3:30pm.

The event featured free health checks, stalls, entertainment, food and giveaways.

Keep an eye out for photos from the day in the next ATSIS newsletter.

Cultural Healing Day in Bay

Organisers are hoping to build on the success of the 2010 Job Expo.

Woorabinda State Primary School is the new home of a community hub for sharing information, knowledge and cultural heritage.

The Indigenous Knowledge Centre, which was officially opened on 31 March 2011, is a partnership between Woorabinda State School, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council and State Library Queensland.

Woorabinda Primary School Principal Beresford Domic said the centre would be available to members of the community for family history research and storage of important community documents and photos.

“As well as being a place to preserve local history and traditions, the centre is a safe, welcoming space which engages all generations in creative, cultural and educational activities,” Beresford said.

“The centre will enable young people to work with elders to collect and share traditional stories from the community using new technologies.”

Beresford said the centre was owned, managed and staffed by the community and catered to the needs of the community.

The Woorabinda centre is Queensland’s 21st Indigenous Knowledge Centre.

Indigenous Knowledge Centre captures culture of Woorabinda

Woorabinda Primary SchoolPrincipalBeresford Domic has welcomed a state-of-the-artIndigenousKnowledge Centre to the schoollibrary.

The winners of the Queensland Reconciliation Awards 2011 were announced recently at an awards ceremony in Cairns.

The overall Premier's Reconciliation Award was awarded to the Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Inc for The Ration Shed which was rebuilt and restored by the organisation and is now a key hub for the local community.

Other winners included: Virgin Australia: Business Award (for businesses that have programs and/or initiatives in place that actively promote reconciliation)

Napranum Parents and Learning (PaL) Group: Community Organisation Award (for community organisations or groups that operate on a not-for-profit basis)

Kirwan State High School: Education Award (for government and non-government schools, universities or TAFEs)

MurriWatch and Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation Queensland (ANTaR Qld) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Legal and Advocacy Service (ATSIWLAS) for Project 10%: Partnerships Award (for businesses, community organisations, government departments/agencies or local councils working in partnership)

The awards program is an important component of the Queensland Government's commitment to the 2009-2012 Reconciliation Action Plan.

Cherbourg wins Reconciliation Award

Cherbourg’s Ration Shed Museum Complex

Christopher “Paulie” Adams is Woorabinda’s new mayor after he took out the April 9 bi-election by 76 votes. His predecessor, Roderick Tobane, resigned to spend more time with his family.

In a recent interview with the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, Mayor Adams promised an era of transparency and accountability as he looked to take the Aboriginal community forward.

He said although he had spent the last five years working with the Central Queensland Indigenous Development in Rockhampton, he was a Woorabinda man at heart who met all the eligibility criteria for the role of mayor.

Since his appointment, Mayor Adams has been briefed on all the new housing and town planning projects. He said key areas of focus would include housing, youth services and development of council’s corporate plan.

He is currently working across government and community in preparation for the Negotiation Table in June (date to be confirmed).

The four other candidates who contested the bi-election were former councillors Greg Major, William Gulf, Vincent Ghilotti and former Mayor Steve Kemp.

Mayor Adams will remain in the role until the 2012 local elections.

New mayor for Woorabinda

Former councillor Paulie Adams is Woorabinda’s new mayor.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an annual celebration from 27 May until 3 June 2011 .

The theme for NRW 2011 was Let’s talk recognition.

Over the next couple of years recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution will be on the agenda. The Federal Government has indicated that there will be a referendum on it, on or before the next election.

When people go to vote, they should feel confident and capable of making an informed decision. To do this it is important to start the conversation about the value of recognition for us all and why it is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in particular.

But recognition isn’t just about the referendum, it’s much broader, and has a lot to do with reconciliation.

During NRW 2011 all Australians were asked to think about the value of recognition, what it means to you personally and its importance to the nation.

Check out www.reconciliation.org.au to see how other people and organisations are talking about recognition.

NAIDOC Week 2011 will be celebrated from Sunday 3 July to Sunday 10 July 2011. This year’s theme is: "Change: the next step is ours."

The annual celebration of Australia’s rich, unique and vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together to enjoy an array of cultural experiences including dance performances, colourful art displays, traditional music and native foods.

To find out what’s happening in your community or to register your NAIDOC Week event, visit www.atsip.qld.gov.au/events/

NAIDOC Week on the horizon

National Reconciliation Week

The Bundaberg North Burnett Negotiation Table was held on Thursday, 17 March 2011 at Central Queensland University’s Bundaberg campus.

Thirty representatives from Government departments, non-government organisations and the community attended the event.

The purpose of the Negotiation Table was to address questions relating to four priority areas in the North Burnett: housing, child safety, employment and education/training.

Bundaberg Housing Area Manager Scott Pollock addressed a question regarding a simplified approach from State Government in recognising an Indigenous need to build more housing in the North Burnett.

Scott spoke about the housing register, mainstream public housing and the importance of accurate demand data.

Scott also responded to a question on the accessibility of government

Bundaberg-North Burnett Negotiation Table resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing organisations by speaking about the Indigenous Community Housing Organisations (ICHO).

Julie Cook, Acting Director of the Placement Services Unit (Central Queensland Child Safety), answered questions about the process of becoming a foster carer.

Sharon Brown from Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations spoke about the closure of the Eidsvold Kindergarten.

Wide Bay TAFE Acting Director of Education and Training Helen Leeson addressed a suggestion about improving community consultation in regards to youth programs.

Helen also spoke about travel and accommodation subsidies for apprentices and trainees from Gayndah, Mundubbera and Eidsvold

For more information on the outcomes of this Negotiation Table, contact the ATSIS team in Hervey Bay on 4125 9387.

New housing creates jobs in Woorabinda A community housing project in Woorabinda is creating jobs and training opportunities for local tradespersons and apprentices.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt said 13 new houses had been built, and another six would be constructed before the end of the next financial year.

"These homes, as well as relieving overcrowding in Woorabinda, are creating employment opportunities and helping locals gain new skills to boost their employment prospects in the future," Mr Pitt said.

"The homes are being constructed by QBuild and they're working with Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council to ensure as many locals as possible are involved in the construction, gaining skills in areas like cabinet-making, carpentry and painting," he said.

Mr Pitt said another 42 houses in the community would be refurbished at a cost of around $2.5 million.

Department of Communities Regional Executive Director Mick Shearer (centre) chaired the recent Negotiation Table in Bundaberg.

Expo shines light on Woori Art and Culture A showcase of Woorabinda’s culture brought Kangaroo Stadium to life with special guest, Sean Choolburra, during the Art and Culture Expo on Wednesday, 11 May 2011.

Hundreds of expo-goers were treated to music, dancing, comedy, art, bush medicine, a BBQ, face-painting, an art competition and a variety of other cultural displays with an emphasis on healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.

The expo provided an opportunity for Aboriginal inmates of the Etna Creek Corrective Facility to display their art.

The event also saw the relaunch of Woorabinda’s community radio station.

Keep an eye out for more photos in the next ATSIS newsletter.

(Left and above) “Koora” the Kangaroo’s dance moves kept Woorabinda State School students entertained.

(Left and below) People of all ages enjoyed the sights and sounds of the expo.

The talented Woori Dance Group were one of many highlights of the expo.

Reg Jia from Department of Communities ran a popular art competition stall.

Greater support for men from Cherbourg and surrounds is now on hand after the recent reforming of the Cherbourg Men’s Group.

Monty Murray, Les Stewart, Bevan Costello and Norm Hegarty welcomed almost 30 participants to a recent lunch gathering at the Bert Button Lookout at Cherbourg.

During the gathering, Les acknowledged the excellent behaviour of local rugby league team the Cherbourg Hornets and their premiership win in 2010.

“Cherbourg can be proud of our boys and the community for their support throughout the year,” Les said.

Monty Murray, who mentors local Murris and provides advice to Tarong Coal, talked about how he encouraged ten people from Cherbourg to take on jobs and training with Tarong Coal.

Cherbourg Men’s Group reforms

If you are, or know of, grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, Lifeline Community Care QLD has a free program which provides respite, support and two-day camps for grandfamilies.

Lifeline’s Time for Grandparents Program is a state-wide program funded by the Department of Communities for grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren, and who are not receiving the fostering allowance and/or not an approved Department of Child Safety kinship carer.

Support includes information, referrals and resources, as well as providing financial assistance for the grandchildren to join sporting activities or recreational opportunities such as dance, girl guides, school camps and other similar activities.

The program also provides a two-day camp for grandparents and their grandchildren at a facility that is close to the community.

Camps are currently being run in South East Queensland and will be progressively rolled out across the state as sufficient numbers of eligible grandfamilies in regional locations register with the program.

To find out more about Time for Grandparents program contact Lifeline Community Care’s Indigenous Project Officer Dulcie Bronsch on 3250 1915 or call the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500.

Support for Grannies

Special guest Aunty Val Cullen gave some words of wisdom and support to the young men.

She urged the men not to stay silent in times of depression but to seek help from a number of services available in the region.

Norm congratulated the men on the work that they had done in the community, both as individuals and a group.

“They are a strong bunch of dedicated men and with our support they can encourage others not only to join, but to become active members of the Cherbourg community,” Norm said.

The reformed Cherbourg Men’s Group will receive added support and guidance after joining Men’s Shed Australia.

To find out more about the group, contact Les Stewart at South Burnett CTC on 4169 5940 or Bevan Costello at Cherbourg State School on 4169 9333.

Almost 30 participants celebrated the reforming of the Cherbourg Men’s Group at a recent lunch gathering.

Thanks to everyone who contributed story ideas and photos for this edition.If you have any contributions for the next edition please contact Reg Jia, Indigenous Regional Liaison Officer CQ Region.

[email protected]