Country, Culture, People, Future

Department of Aboriginal Affairs

Petition calling for inquiry into DAA

Posted: October 27th, 2016

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Resolutions passed at the on-Country Bush meeting held at Yule River in September included calling for an inquiry into the Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA) and the Aboriginal Cultural Materials Committee (ACMC). We are calling on the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia to action this. Have your say by signing and distributing this petition.

Original signed copies of the petition must be returned to YMAC by 15 December 2016 – copies, including scans and faxes, cannot be submitted. Even if the petition has only one signature on it, post it back to us – every signature counts.

You can download the petition here, and the resolution demanding the inquiry here. Signed copies of the petition can be mailed to our Perth office:

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation – Level 8, 12-14 The Esplanade, Perth WA, 6000

Join World Rallies this Friday to Stop the Community Closures

Posted: April 29th, 2015

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This Friday, 1 May, communities are joining together in protest against the Barnett Government’s forced closure of Aboriginal Communities.

This marks the second wave of rallies organised by the group SOS Blak Australia. The protests will occur world-wide including in Los Angeles, London, Berlin and Christchurch, as well as all Australian capital cities.

Rallies will take place in Perth and regional Western Australia, including Roebourne, Newman, Port Hedland and Geraldton.

The State Government announced in November 2014 that it intended to close up to 150 Aboriginal Communities in Western Australia. Five months later, the Government has still not engaged in discussion with Aboriginal people on this issue.

The Barnett Government has not identified the location of Communities under threat of closure and has not identified what will happen to those who live in the Communities following the closure.

To view the complete list of planned action visit SOSBlakAustralia.

Petition Deadline Extended

Posted: November 4th, 2014

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With over 1200 signatures already received, we need your support now! Please circulate our petition to your network and return all original copies by 19 November 2014.

As you know, the WA Government has released proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. YMAC is extremely concerned about these proposed changes as they appear to be aimed at speeding up the approvals process for developers and industry, and do very little to improve the protection for Aboriginal heritage.

The legislation in its current form is not acceptable. It must reflect a modern view. It must be consistent with similar legislation, Australia-wide. It is time to stand united, and speak with one voice until Aboriginal heritage is given the same respect as Built heritage.  For more information click here.

Download the petition

Will you join us?

Posted: September 24th, 2014

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The State Government’s proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act will lead to even weaker protection for Aboriginal heritage sites than we have now. Join us this Friday 26 September to show the State that Aboriginal people care about their heritage and need to have a say in what happens to it.

All Aboriginal people from WA are invited to attend an on-Country meeting at the traditional Yule River meeting place (55kms south of Port Hedland) at 11 am this Friday to discuss the proposed changes. You will have a chance to ask questions, and listen to speakers ranging from respected elders to academics and politicians.

Click here for more information about the meeting and about the issues.

Have your say on proposed changes to Aboriginal heritage law

Posted: July 9th, 2014

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YMAC is very concerned about proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). Click on the two links below to read more about YMAC’s concerns and how you can make your submission to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs by 6 August 2014.

Letter from the YMAC chairs on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act

Changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act- YMAC fact sheet

YMAC strongly encourages Traditional Owners to be informed about these proposals and to make a submission in writing to the DAA before the deadline.

How to make a submission:

1. Read the fact sheet above and go to www.daa.wa.gov.au or call the DAA on 1800 727 985 to find out about the amendments

2. Send your comments to aha.reform@daa.wa.gov.au or

Chief Heritage Officer

Department of Aboriginal Affairs

PO Box 3153

EAST PERTH WA 6892

3. The deadline for submissions is 6 August 2014

Aboriginal Lands Trust and Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council Vacancies

Posted: February 6th, 2014

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The WA State Government is seeking to fill four (4) positions that will become vacant in the coming months for the Aboriginal Lands Trust. Appointments for these positions will be for a 4 year period.

The State Government is also seeking to fill six (6) position on the Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council which will become available in July.  Appointments for these positions will be for 3 year period.

For further information on the above roles and eligibility contact the Department of Aboriginal Affairs on 08 6551 8000 or visit their website.

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

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