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Jan/Feb 2013

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Kevin Sheedy visits Galiwin’ku

East Arnhem Shire CouncilGaliwin’ku Community Advisory Board January 2013 MeetingThe December meeting was postponed until 16th January. Ten different clans representatives attented the first meeting of the year with David Djalaŋgi chosen to be the acting chairperson for the day.Guest speakers were Josclyn Cairns, EASC Regional Manager for Community Night Patrols and Ross Mändi Galiwin’ku Team Leader, as well as Dorothy Yuŋgirrŋa who spoke on behalf of the Healthy Babies Healthy Community program operated by Red Cross. These two groups have been sharing the same facilities as their base – the old Knowledge Centre. Recently it has become clear that they can’t contiue to operate out of the one building and the Board members were asked to come up with an alternative. It was agreed that they would continue to work in the shared situation until the next Board meeting in February, when alternative options could be presented to the Board by Michael Soler (SSM) and Don Wininba (CLO).A detailed report of local shire operations was presented by Michael Soler (SSM) and Don Wininba (CLO), with the help of a ‘PowerPoint’ presentation. Highlights included the completion of the street lights upgrade – now over 120 lights working – they use much less electricity than the old ones and are hopefully

less breakable. Ongoing Civil Works includes clearing of rubbish from public areas, cutting grass along road sides, regular rubbish collection despite the rubbish truck often breaking down, fixing major potholes and wash aways on roads in the town, as well as reorganisation of the administration office which is aimed at a more friendly customer service and more secure mail distribution. Main ongoing concerns include: • No new funds to upgrade the roads, • New Changing rooms sewerage connection, waiting for Power and Water to connect. • New Cemetery, still waiting on funds to clear • Rubbish - a workable plan is being established to better manage the rubbish dump and make it safer for people dumping rubbish and scavaging for spare parts and other materials. • The ‘dumped’ bull dozer is not able to be retrieved so will be buried where it lies.Robert Johnson, Galiwin’ku Government Engagement Coordinator reported to the meeting in his capacity as Acting Regional Manager of ICC. He gave an update on the progress of the RJCP program that will replace CDEP, Job Services (MES) and 2 other programs on 1

July 2013. The Board members again raised concerns that information and progress is still very sketchy and slow. He also introduced the possibility of Galiwin’ku community being chosen as a pilot community for a comprhensive Stronger Communities for Children project. Talks are slowly progressing regarding the promised Multi Purpose Hall, upgrading of the airstrip, storm water management and infractructure for Buthan sub division, as well as major funding for road upgrades in Galiwin’ku and other major roads on the island.Other business discussed at the meeting included a letter from the NT government about plans to change the Cemeteries act, a letter rejecting our request for street names to be written using Yolŋu matha lettering, meeting dates and invited guests for 2013 Community Advisory Board meetings and a review of Board membership as well as moving the Children and Family Services office to the old CDEP office area. A matter causing concern was the planned switchover to Digital television due to occur in Galiwin’ku this year. Board members raised concerns that they had not been consulted, nor invited to have any comment on the planned action. The next CAB meeting is on Wednesday February 13th.

By Cr, Kaye Thurlow

Galiwin’kupuy DhäwuPublisher: Digital Future MediaPMB 62, Galiwin’ku, Via Winnellie, Northern Territory, 0822Telephone: (08) 8970 5290Email: [email protected] [email protected] Webpage: www.digifm.com.auFacebook: DigiFM1 Twitter: DigiFM112 page tabloid publication distributed monthly across Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.Community events and information printed free with advertising and sponsors welcome. Email for advertising costs and more information.

This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any pro-cess, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of Marthakal Mala Leaders

Above: New street lighting in Galiwin’ku.

Above: ‘dumped’ Bull dozer will remain where it is.

Above: Don Wininba reorganising the Galiwin’ku administration offices for a more secure mail distribution.

Bottom Left: The new Changing Rooms remain closed whilst waiting for sewerage to be connected.

Marthakal Health Service receives top accreditation honourBy Sue Langdon

Marthakal Homelands Health Service received top honours from Australia’s most respected accreditation body, Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) by achieving accreditation status. As of the 10th December 2012 the Marthakal Homelands Health Service is recognised as meeting RACGP’s standards which are national standards for a health service. To achieve this endorsement, health staff have worked hard over the last 12 months to review all their practices, updating procedures, developing new procedures to ensure they provide the best service possible for the people of the Marthakal Homelands. AGPAL Chair Dr Richard Choong said the accreditation award shows that the health service makes a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down.“Achieving accreditation is a major achievement and is a clear demonstration that Marthakal Homelands Health Service is providing a high quality service and is continually reviewing their practice to identify areas that need improvement” he said.

Sue Langdon, Health Service Manager said “the whole team participated in gaining this award. Homelands people’s wellbeing is always the priority for the Health Service; we are very committed to providing a high quality service. Achieving accreditation not only reflects the high standard of our service and our team, it also reassures Homeland people that our service provides a high level of health care in a safe, ethical and quality manner and we are constantly striving to

improve our service.”The auditors from AGPAL where welcomed by the Mala on the 18th August 2012 with a ceremony. The auditors reviewed all the health services practices, talked with Mala, staff and visited the Homeland clinics to review and talk with Homeland residents. It was a very busy day for all, with a successful outcome. Marthakal Homelands Service has to continually review and improve their services over the next 3 years, when the auditors will be back again.

Above: Marthakal Homelands Health team with the certificate of accreditation. Below: Gali Yalkarriwuy

Two students from West Arnhem College Gunbalanya have made history as the first students to graduate from the school with their year 12 certificate.Robert Balmana and Edward Mardday have both attended school in Gunbalanya since preschool.They joined thousands of other Territorians who also competed their

secondary education in the Northern Territory.Both students will graduate with a NT Certificate of Education and Training and Certifate III in Agriculture. Both completed school base traineeships with the Indigenous Land Corporation Gunbalanya Cattle Station.Robert will continue working in full time employment at the cattle

station whilst James is very keen to join the Navy.James hopes to continue working at the cattle station whilst his application for the Navy is processed.Next year, Gunbalanya campus has 11 students on track to complete year 12 and move onto full-time employment or further education and training pathways.

Gunbalanya Duo first to Graduate from Local Schoolby Chris Piggott-McKellar, West Arnhem Shire Council

Photos (supplied by Education Department): Edward Mardday and Robert Balmana make history as the first students to graduate from West Arnhem College Gunbalanya.

The first Mulwat tourism conference has been an outstanding success, bringing together more than 20 Yolngu communities to share knowledge with some of Australia’s most respected tourism industry figures.Hosted by Indigenous arts and media identity Rhoda Roberts, the two-day conference attracted more than 100 people and represented the first major step in putting the Yolngu Cultural Tourism Masterplan into action.Speakers included Lirrwi Chairman Djawa Burarrwanga, television newsman and regular Arnhem Land visitor George Negus and the Manager of the Masterplan, former Australian Tourist Commission Managing Director John Morse AM.“The event created an incredible sense of unity and optimism among Yolngu communities and

allowed us to establish some important principles that will guide us in developing tourism in Arnhem Land,” Mr Morse said. “We were able to bring together traditional owners and members of the tourism industry to share their insight and lay the foundations for progress.”Other speakers at the conference included Tourism Northern Territory Chief Executive Officer John Fitzgerald and representatives of supporting organisations including Tourism Australia and the Australian Tourism Export Council.The conference was held in Nhulunbuy on November 10 and 11 and included a series of workshops covering topics from brand identity to the guiding principles that Yolngu would like their businesses to operate under. A gala dinner at the

Nhulunbuy town hall attracted locals and visitors alike, with entertainment by Yolngu performers including acclaimed Indigenous band East Journey. ‘I Have a Fire in My Heart’

Jane Garrutju gave a passionate speech to delegates at the Mulwat conference, declaring “I have a fire in my heart”.“I see opportunities for my people, for my culture, for my kids,” she said. “This is my opportunity to run my own business, to teach my people and my children, and to balance the two worlds, the two ways of living.”Jane said the Masterplan had opened a door for Aboriginal people, to provide them with freedom and power.“We need your support,” she said to visiting delegates. “Be our mentor. Don’t tell us

what to do, how to live. But we can walk together and work together and teach one another and learn from each other as people, to show the world that we are balancing two ways (of living).“I can see that door open. I can see a vision of our young people’s future.”Jane’s full speech can be viewed on Youtube or via the Lirrwi Tourism homepage www.lirrwitourism.com.au

Above: Jane Garrutju speaking at the Mulwat tourism conference

The Mulwat Tourism Conference

Above: Richard Gandhuwuy

Marthakal Employment Services is about to launch an exciting new program that will assist community members in getting mobile again.The program is called C.A.R Community Action Recovery program. And is designed to assist people who have a car that is not currently running or is not road worthy and needs a little bit of attention to get

it up and running again.The program has two main focuses, One is to work with community members to help them to get their broken down cars going again and other is to build the capacity of community members, giving them the basic skills required to maintain and do basic repairs to their cars. MES will employ a

mechanic and Yolngu mentor who will talk to people in the community about any broken down car they may have in their yard and if they would like to fix it up. Once the team has worked out if the car can be fixed they will arrange to collect it and take it back to the workshop. The owner of the car will be asked if they would like to help

with the repairs or if they have a family member that would like to help and learn the basic skills needed to maintain the car and keep it on the road. The only cost to the owner of the car will be for any parts that may be required which can be paid for by working with the MES team to fix other cars.

The team will also be looking to buy old cars for parts so if you have a car that can’t be fixed you might be able to get some money for it. Look out for the team and get involved by taking action and getting mobile again with your broken down car.

C.A.R. Project Community Action Recovery Project

ALPA Staff Profile, Galiwinku:

SONYA BIDINGAL• Looks after the fruit and vegetables at the ALPA Shop• Does cooking demonstrations of manymak ngatha • Supervisor for training other staff • Travels to other communities in East Arnhem Land helping store staff promote

Manymak ngatha • Helps with health festivals,

and other health activities with red cross, playgroup & health workers

HIS LIFE AND MUSICGURRUMUL

Robert Hillman

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s story is a unique and inspiring one and with thousand of followers all over the world his next achievement will be his book. The book will publish the behind-the-scenes story of one of Australia’s most inspiring music stories - Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. It will offer a rare insight into the creative world of Gurrumul and his music. Work on Gurrumul’s book is now in the finishing stages with the front cover design and name only just been released to the public. The Book is due for release May 2013 by ABC Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers Australia. Helen Littleton, Associate Publisher at ABC Books, acquired world rights for a book, e-book and app with ABC Commercial from

Skinnyfish Music. National Biography award-winning writer Robert Hillman, represented by the Mary Cunnane Agency, has been appointed official biographer.

About the Book

Gurrumul tells the uplifting story of Indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s journey to the international stage as the transporting voice of his age-old Yolngu culture. Born blind on Elcho Island, Gurrumul showed early promise of a musical gift that would one day leave audiences all over the world spellbound. Robert Hillman follows Gurrumul from concert hall to recording studio and into the Yolngu heartland to reveal the quiet pride and humility that underpin his success. In interviews with family and friends,

Gurrumul emerges as a man of his people, shaped by the beliefs, the rites and ceremonies of a richly engaging culture. We see Gurrumul as a child on the beach of his island home beating out rhythms on jam tins; learning his craft with breakthrough rock band, Yothu Yindi; relishing room service at the Waldorf Astoria; praising the acoustics of Carnegie Hall; lifting his voice on the stage at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert. We follow him through the medical crisis that almost killed him at the peak of his solo career, and witness the love and concern of his family as he is nursed back to health. In words and pictures, Gurrumul provides unforgettable insights into the life and art of one of Australia’s most original performers.

Gurrumul His Life and Music - The Book

Above: Front cover of Gurrumuls book, to be released May 2013 written by Robert Hillman, published by ABC Books.

He is his ancestors, his totem, his country, his people. And he is the songs he sings.

Rio Tinto-owned Pacific Aluminium is reviewing its alumina refinery and bauxite mine on the Gove Peninsula. The mine wants to switch the site’s energy supply source from heavy fuel oil to gas, this would improve its finances and help counter the impact of the strong Australian dollar and low alumina prices.Many talks have been discussed over recent months to switch using to gas in Gove to save operation costs, the Territory has allowed all existing gas not under contract for domestic use to be sold overseas or earmarked for export which means no gas is available in the Territory for Gove. The Northern Territory Chief Minister Terry Mills has held talks with the Federal Minister for Resources Martin Ferguson and flew to Perth with talks with gas producers Santos and Eni. He wanted the

companies to guarantee future supplies before authorising the release of gas that is currently committed to the Power and Water Corporation, to be sent to Gove. The meeting with Santos and Eni was unsuccessful for them to supply gas to Gove.The CLP and the Labour Party are releasing many media releases about who is to blame and what can be done.What we do know is that if Rio Tinto’s mine closes so will Nhulunbuy, local businesses survive on the running of the mine, most residents work at the mine and the mine itself employees many Indigenous staff and has a training program.The township of Nhulunbuy was established in 1972 to house the mining staff, this town has grown into a family town with many locally operated businesses, the threat of closure of the mine will

mean a mass loss of jobs and a mass exit of people. Today 4,000 people live and work in Nhulunbuy and 16,000 Yolngu live in surrounding communities. If the mine closes then business would close and the lifestyle on the peninsular would change. Yirrkala and surrounding homelands have many families who work at the mine, they would need to find alternative work but if businesses close, so will the job opportunities. If the Balanda move on then Yolngu would have to look at business development themselves, to support their families’ future.Many Yolngu are worried a closure would mean they would be forced back into government dependency. Wali Wunungmurra recently wrote an open letter to Mr Terry Mills, he states, “I urge you (Mr Mills) – in the interests of all Territorians – to exercise every power of your office to ensure a

gas supply to Gove and secure the future of Pacific Aluminium’s alumina refinery.”Wali Wunungmurra was born at Yirrkala in 1946. He is a Mala leader and law man of the Dhalwanu nation of the Yolgnu in Arnhem Land. His homeland is Gurrumurru. He is the current Chairman of the Northern Land Council.Mr Wunungmurra continues in his letter “In 1963 I signed the

historic bark petition which opposed the Gove refinery and bauxite mine and started the land rights movement, and which is now displayed in Parliament House, Canberra.”“In 2011 I signed the historic mining agreement with Rio Tinto Alcan which guarantees the refinery and bauxite mine for another 42 years.”“How the wheel turns!”A decision is still to be made.

How the wheel turns - Gas to Gove

Above: 2011 Signing agreement with Rio Tinto Alcan

Animal Management Workers

If you have any animal related concerns in your community, the

following Animal Management Workers may be able to help:

MILINGIMBI

Neil Djandjan Joey Nanhinanhipa Lawrence Banburrawuy

They may be able to help to treat your pets for fleas, tick, scabies and worms, or organise a consult with

Dr Emma next time she is visiting the community. You can also let them know if your dog or cat

needs desexing or any other health treatments during the next Animal Health Program.

GALIWIN’KU

Virginia Barratj & Sharon Wunungmurra Tony Gunanganyuwuy

RAMINGINING

ALPA Retail Training Centre to become NBN Enabled E-Learning CentreIn early February 2013, with support from the NT Department of Business, ALPA will be creating the first NBN enabled e-learning centre in Arnhem Land at our Galiwinku Retail Training Centre.Highlights of this exciting innovation include:

• NBN High Speed Internet connection via the NBN Interim Satellite Service will be installed February 2013.

• $25,000 worth of computer equipment and refurbishment of the center funded by the NT Governments Local Jobs Program.

• This high tech facility will enable and support computer based training for retail qualifications, governance training, literacy and numeracy up-skilling programs and much, much

more..• Supports youth

training and school based apprentices.

• Create an Elcho based Indigenous Learning Centre using the latest e-learning technologies.

Opportunities for Year 11 and Year 12 Galiwin’ku kids to complete school based retail traineeships at the ALPA Store are now available for 2013. We now have two qualified store based Yolngu trainers to help train and mentor our young leaders of the future. Please contact the ALPA Training Manager Chris Hayward on 89446444 if you are interested. The first 10 kids to complete their traineeships will be rewarded with a new iPad upon their graduation!

February 5th is Safer Internet Day and this year’s theme is Connect with Respect. Safer Internet day explores what our rights are on the web and looks at our

responsibilities. When visiting virtual worlds, we have the right to feel secure, to know our personal information is protected and that we have access to account

information. At the same time, we also have a responsibility to educate and keep an open conversation with our kids about the games they are playing. For more information and resources visit http://cybersmart.gov.au

Connect with Respect

Gurmurr Marthakal Rangers ask everyone to be crocwise. Any water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.People need to BE CROCWISE and know how to enjoy the waters safely.You need to be cautious every time you go near or in a waterway in the Top End.

Diabetes Story for HomelandsThe Marthakal Health Family team worked hard during December & January developing the resources to educate on Diabetes in the Homelands. They altered the “Feltman” tags to be in YolnGu Martha and the designs to be suited to education in the Homeland. The Feltman (Produced by National Diabetes Service Scheme as a representation of a life size person on a roll out felt that has sticky tags on it that helps to represent how diabetes happens and the effects on the body). The team created new tags for Feltman to help tell the diabetes story in the Homelands. They also produced very

colourful poster book on the “Signs & Symptoms”, risk factors and what to do to be healthy. They worked on creating an assortment of different food types in laminated cards with their level of sugar cards to ensure their presentations are fun and interactive. Their activities includedFood Diet Quiz, Eat Healthy Be Health Triangle, Compare costs of High sugar foods to Low sugar foods, Practical cooking of low sugar and low fat meal for large family.In January Djillirri Garrawirrtja did the first presentation of the diabetes story at Mäpuru where 18 people (females and males) attended the session.

The team then held a very successful workshop in January with the Yalu team and staff from Ngalkanbuy. This workshops aim was to make sure everyone tells the same story, on Homelands and in Galiwin’ku on the “Healthy Families” Diabetes Story. The team wanted to be sure that the resources they had developed were consistent with what other services where teaching. The team was very lucky to have the presence of Dr Anne Lowell and Dr Christine Connor as experts in health stories to also provide feedback.

Ted Gondarra

Case Manager and Mulkurr Lapmaram Program Manager, Marthakal Employment Services

Tell us about yourselfMy name is Marrawili Gondarra and from Golmala tribe. I was born here in Galiwin’ku and I’ve lived here my whole life. I did some study around the Territory and I have held various jobs around the years, including Money Business Team Leader and Apprentice Teacher at Shepherdson College where I won an award for teaching. I have also worked for Shire Youth Diversions.

Tell us about your current job.My job is working with unemployed jobseekers to support them to find pathways to jobs and to improve their life. I work mostly with young Jobseekers with many barriers to employment.

How long have you been working at MES?About two and a half years

How did you start in your job?At first, I was hired as a driver. Then I was selected to be a Case Worker and I started a training program in Cert III Employment Services. After a while I was promoted to Team Leader. I have always had an interest in starting a program like Mukurr Lapmaram, since I was working as a Case Worker. So in 2012, I started planning for this program and found that there has been a lot of interest from the younger generation of boys. The have difficult pathways so we designed a program to work them through these issues through the Mulkurr Lapmaram activities.

What I like about my jobHaving a job keeps me busy. It helps take away my problems and stress. I like being part of a team. The main thing is that I earn my living and I can provide for my family.

Tell us more about what you do in the Mulkurr Lapmaram Program?I let the boy have their own choice of what interests they want to pursue and where they are capable of doing things. It’s an open program and my job is to guide them and help them find pathways and sometimes it will come into deeper personal issues. How they are treated in their lifestyle. My job is to help them address these issues and live a better life. This might include substance abuse issues which we help them overcome.

What I would like to do in the futureI would like to grow the Mulkurr Lapmaram program so that the boys can move into jobs and achieve goals in their life. I would like the boys in the program to go on to be role models in the community. In the future, I would be interested in starting my own business.

DJAMA PROFILE

Above: Poster Book

Above: Marthakal Health Family team educating about diabetes

Please call for appointments outside these hours

Working for Galiwin’ku and Marthakal HomelandsLynne will give advance notice of her next visit to Galiwin’ku

Lynne WALKER MLAMember for NhulunbuyElectorate Office Arnhem House, Endeavour Square NHULUNBUY Northern Territory 0880

Office Hours Monday to Friday 8.00am - 1.00pm 2.00pm - 4.30pm

Phone & Fax 8987 0125 and 8987 2388

Become friends with Lynne Walker and stay

up to date.

Postal Address PO Box 1021 NHULUNBUY NT 0881

Email [email protected]

Free course for Australian Indigenous StudentsPreparation for Tertiary Success (PTS): Free course for Australian Indigenous studentsGet started on your pathway APPLY NOW 1800 677 095Batchelor’s FREE PTS program has been designed especially for Indigenous students. If you have not studied in awhile or completed year 12 and are unsure about your next steps, Batchelors PTS program helps you to develop theskills, knowledge and confidence you need to be successful at university.Successful completion will give you the minimum entry requirements for most Diploma and Bachelor programsat the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE), Charles Darwin University (CDU)and universities in South Australia. PTS uses a ‘both ways’ approach to study by valuing the knowledge andskills Indigenous students already have and combining these with formal academic knowledge and skills.The course focuses on helping students to develop strong study skills and become lifelong learners as theydiscover and develop their learning identity.With Preparation for Tertiary Success, students will:

• Gain entry into Diploma and Bachelor degree programs at most universities.

• I n c o r p o r a t e Indigenous and Western knowledge and ways of learning.

• Build confidence and academic literacy skills.

• Enjoy studying in a culturally safe environment with other Indigenous students.

• Have flexible study options: study part-time or full-time.Attend face to face workshops combined with online tasks to be completed between

workshops. • Have access, if

eligible, to Abstudy to cover travel and accommodation costs to attend workshops.

• Be part of the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education (ACIKE), a partnership between Batchelor Institute and Charles Darwin University.

There are no HECS fees - it is FREE.To find out more visit WWW.ACIKE.EDU.AU or call 1800 677 095Get started on your pathway - Apply for 2013

Above: PTS 2012 Students from left to right: Idabi Tom,Violet Hildebrandt, Jeffrey James, Kathryn Cochrane.

WHAT IS A SCAM?A scam is a lie or dishonest way a person takes your money, the person who does this is called a scammer. A scammer doesn’t care who you are or how much money you have they will try to rip everyone off.

Telephone ScamA telephone scam is one where the scammer will telephone your number and let it ring once or twice then hangs up, this registers as a missed call on your telephone. They then divert their telephone number to a 1900 number, which charge a premium rate of over $6.00 a minute.As we are trusting people so we telephone the number to see who is trying to contact us, this is when the scam begins. Normally people will be on the telephone to an answering machine for five to ten minutes and being charged the $6.00 per minute. This money is immediately deducted from your pre-paid telephone account or placed on your Telstra phone bill for you to pay, you can be charged anywhere from $30-$60 each time.Most important thing is don’t return calls from telephone numbers you don’t know, if it is important or an emergency people will telephone you back.

Telstra ScamTelstra are warning customers about a scam called a ‘phishing’ scam, this scam is being emailed to you saying it

is your bill.The email says to open an attached ‘pdf’ file of your bill, but instead attached is a zip file that, if opened, will steal all the information on that computer. Do not open emails you are unsure of, take them to Money Management if unsure.

Westpac ScamAn email from Westpac saying that there was an error detected in your account and asks to click a link to update account information or risk permanent suspension of the card. This email is not from Westpac and your card will not be suspended if you do not provide information as requested. If the link is clicked, users will be taken to a web page that is designed to look identical to the real Westpac website. Once on the fake site, users will be prompted to fill in personal and financial information which will then be sent to cybercriminals.If you receive a phone call, text message, letter or email that you think is not quite right or you just want to check it out, Money Management can help, go and chat with them about your concerns.If you have a Facebook account you can follow NT Consumers Affairswww. facebook.com/N o r t h e r n Te r r i t o r y -C o n s u m e r A f f a i r s , they post all the scams that are out and about.Stay safe in the digital world.

SAFE INTERNET DAYFEBRUARY 5

Santa’s visit to Arnhem LandSanta visits Galiwin’ku communityThe NTES team members and community volunteers travelled through Galiwin’ku delivering children smiles, songs and lots of lollies. 800 bags of lollies were thrown to the children in Galiwin’ku and Buthan. Santa said “It was wonderful to see

the happiness in the children’s faces”.Santa would like to thank Galiwin’ku Emergency Services (NTES) and those community volunteers, including those who bagged those 800 bags and Galiwin’ku ALPA and Bottom shop for their generous donation of lollies.

Santa visited Galiwin’ku ChildcareGaliwin’ku Childcare workers organized a wonderful Christmas party on the last day of childcare for 2012. Santa visited and had presents for all the childcare children. The evening was finished with a delicious meal that was cooked

by the Childcare staff for all the children and their families to enjoy. It was a lovely end to another busy year at childcare. Thank you to all the dedicated staff for caring for and entertaining all of our children.

Santa and his helpers travel Airnorth to Arnhem LandAirnorth was very proud to be Santa’s airline-of-choice to Arnhem Land in December, while he was giving his reindeer a well-deserved rest.Over 400 children turned out to greet Santa and his helpers in the communities of Elcho Island, Maningrida and Milingimbi.“It was incredible, there were children absolutely everywhere,’ said Santa’s Helper, who when on leave from the North Pole, helps out in Airnorth’s Reservations call centre.“The looks on their faces when they saw Santa made it so worthwhile, they just lit up like a Christmas tree,” she said.To spread the Christmas cheer even further, another of Santa’s helpers, who

also moonlights as an Airnorth Cabin Attendant, treated passengers to a safety demonstration while on-board.“We are so proud to be able to bring Christmas, in the form of Santa and his helpers, to the children in these Arnhem Land communities,’ said Michael Bridge, Airnorth’s Chief Executive Officer.“It is a service we started running back in the early 1990’s and then a few years ago our staff really got on-board in volunteering their time to do this. When you see how the kids react when they spot Santa getting off the plane, it reminds you of what Christmas is truly about,” said Mr Bridge.

Above: Santa and his helper arrive on Airnorth to visit Elcho Island (above) Milingimbi and Maningrida

East Arnhem Youth celebrate the HolidaysYouth, Sport and Recreation workers across the East Arnhem Shire have been busy running engaging and exciting activities for all children and young people in their communities during the school holiday period. Each YSR team have run daily activities and special events throughout the seven

week holiday period, with great attendance and fun had by everyone involved. Highlights in Galiwin’ku included Dance Workshops, Eating Competitions, excursions to Second Creek, Yolngu ga Balanda Day, Island Night, and daily activities including the waterside on the Church Lawn!

The team would like to say a special thank you to David Do who volunteered his time for two weeks, and the Men’s Program who were a great help during the holidays.

By Ashton Kealy

It was an exciting day for the footy fans of Galiwinku when AFL legend Kevin Sheedy, arrived to launch a partnership between the GWS Giants and Galiwinku. Kevin Sheedy is unforgettable in the AFL World, he is the only man to be involved in 1,000 games and he has won 3 premierships as a player with the Richmond Tigers as well as 4 premierships as the head coach of the Essendon Bombers, he is now coach of the AFL’s newest team, the GWS Giants.This partnership will see GWS Giants players act as mentors for some Shepherdson College students, as well as DVD highlights, skype sessions and the chance for some talented footballers to spend a development week in Sydney with the GWS Giants.For the day, Kevin was able to meet music sensation Gurrumul, was welcomed into the community by Don Wininba (), an All-stars U15 match, followed by an All-Stars women’s

match and finished off with an U23 v Over 23 yr old match.Kevin Sheedy arrived with the GWS team and met with Geoffrey Gurrumul, Traditional Owner Richard Gandhuwuy and Chairman of the GFA senior competition Don Winimba. Don was delighted to meet the legend and presented him with a traditional bark painting while Sheedy was happy to give a signed Giants Guernsey in exchange. The GWS entourage had time to visit the Arts Centre and Medical Clinic as well as witness 3 great games of Elcho Island football. Firstly the Under 16’s match between St Marys and Blues, St Marys were too strong and ran out 19-point winners in an open and entertaining affair. The women’s match was up next between the Giants and Thunder. In front of a vocal crowd the girls went very hard at the footy and played with great skill. In a close, low scoring match every chance had to be taken,

Thunder dominated the field and and took the game by 9 points. The last game of the day was between the Magpies and the All-stars Giants (Under 23 v Over 23 year olds match). The match started at a frantic pace with silky skills and hard hits been on offer for the crowd. The Magpies kicked 4 quick goals in the first half and looked like they could tear the game apart until Manuel Dhurrkay kicked 2 goals in succession and brought the score line back to under 3 goals. Just as the momentum seemed to be shifting Jermaine Wunungmurra took a spectacular mark 40m out, he followed up his good work by converting the goal. In the end the skills and speed of the younger boys were too much with the Magpies winning by 26 points. Kevin Sheedy was impressed by the quality of the footy and was happy to hand out the best player awards, which went to Manuel Dhurrkay and Jermaine Wunungmurra.

Kevin was delighted with the skills on display and thoroughly enjoyed his visit. ‘The people of Galiwinku were very welcoming and friendly and always had smiles on their faces. It’s fantastic to see how many of them love their AFL football and now, the GWS Giants’,

said Sheedy.It is hoped that this visit is the start of a very productive relationship between Elcho Island and the GWS Giants and will hopefully see some local boys get the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and play in the AFL.

Kevin Sheedy visits Galiwin’ku

Above: Kevin Sheedy with AFLNT employees William Gumbula and Jermaine Wunungmurra

Photos: Front Page, GFA Chairman Don Wininba with Kevin Sheedy. Back Page: top: The All-stars in their new Giants Guernseys below: The Magpies before the all-stars game.

The Galiwin’ku Pre-Season Basketball Competition came to a close in December; first with the semi-final’s which saw both men’s games go into overtime with Morning Star’s and Sheppys eventually winning their respective games. The women’s semi-final saw Wak and Napalawal make it through to the grand final. The following week the men’s grand final saw Sheppy’s take out the trophy over Morning Stars with a score of 29 - 23. In the women’s grand

final Wak were too strong, beating Napalawal 47 - 33. Meanwhile, in the junior girls grand final, Tigers defeated All Stars 30 - 24 and in the junior boys JK Boys defeated Sharks 23 - 15. Galiwin’ku Youth, Sport and Recreation would like to give a big thanks to all who volunteered their time umpiring and scoring, and we look forward to seeing you for the main competition this year!

Basketball CompetitionChief Minister Terry Mills today launched the secureNT natural disaster resilience campaign encouraging Territorians to be prepared for cyclones, bushfires, floods and other natural disasters.“Television, press and radio advertisements are being run across the Territory to raise awareness of natural disasters in the Territory and to let people know the simple things they can do to stay safe,” Mr Mills said.“Disasters can and do happen in the Northern Territory, so every Territorian should take a few simple steps to prepare their home and their families.

“After a large scale event and in a place as vast as the Territory, it could take up to 72 hours for help to arrive; therefore it is crucial for every household to have an emergency kit stocked with food, water and other household essentials.“The Territory is home to extreme conditions, and I urge everyone to keep this in mind while preparing their emergency kit.“We will also be getting the message out through social media including Facebook and Twitter.“More useful information about preparing for, getting though and recovering from disasters can be found by downloading the free secureNT application and

at the secureNT website.“In an emergency situation, Territorians can keep up-to-date with important information by using these two mediums and listening to the radio.”The campaign was developed by the Northern Territory Government in collaboration with the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Bushfires NT.The resilience campaign was developed using a grant from the Australian Government’s Attorney General’s Department through their Natural Disaster Resilience Program.For more information visit www.securent.nt.gov.au

Urging Territorians to be Prepared

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The day Kevin Sheedy came to Galiwin’ku