YMAC

Apr24 2012

Agreement focuses on sustainability

Posted: April 24th, 2012

Filed under: agreement, Diane Limerick, Maisey Hyland, Ngarlawangga, Pilbara, Rico Resources, Simon Hawkins

Ngarlawangga community members, YMAC staff and Rico Resources representatives at the agreement signing

The Ngarlawangga people have announced an agreement with Rico Resources over their Wonmunna project within the Ngarlawangga native title claim.

The agreement focuses on building a relationship between the parties to develop sustainable, long-term business and employment opportunities for the Ngarlawangga community. It is based on shared objectives of employment and contracts for Ngarlawangga people on Rico Resources projects.

To this end, a skills audit of the Ngarlawangga community is being undertaken to help community members identify and access opportunities for training, employment, and business ventures.

The agreement includes financial compensation to the Ngarlawangga people, and recognises the importance of Aboriginal culture and the Ngarlawangga people’s responsibility to care for their heritage sites. It also provides Rico Resources with all of the native title approvals needed for their Wonmunna Project.

“Rico resources have listened to us and we have listened to them. We have a good relationship with RICO even though we are a small group and they are a small company,” said Ngarlawangga elder Maisey Hyland.

Ngarlawangga elder Dianne Limerick said, “In the short while we have been negotiating with Rico Resources we made a lot of progress and we are happy and pleased that we have signed an agreement together”

Simon Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), said, “Rico Resources has adopted a relationship-based approach to these negotiations, and this agreement is designed to help the Ngarlawangga people meet their aspirations as a community. The company has shown their commitment to these goals by implementing the skills audit before the agreement was even signed. This mining agreement is about both parties supporting each other for years to come.”

Apr20 2012

Aboriginal Anzacs Honoured

Posted: April 20th, 2012

Filed under: Anzac, Lockyer

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, a special service honouring Aboriginal soldiers will be held at the Whim Creek Hotel on Sunday April 22 at 9am.

In particular, it will recognise the contribution of the Lockyer family, commemorating five Aboriginal brothers who fought for their country in World War II.

Watch the video from Tangiora Hinaki to learn more about the story of the Lockyer brothers and the Whim Creek Anzac Service.

Anzac tribute to Aboriginal brothers from Tangiora Hinaki on Vimeo.

Apr18 2012

Community Grants available through resource companies

Posted: April 18th, 2012

Filed under: BHP, Carnarvon, community grants, Dampier, Dampier Salt, Karratha, Newman, Port Hedland, Rio Tinto

Applications are now open for community grants from BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto’s Dampier Salt.

BHP Billiton’s Community Grants Program provides financial assistance for initiatives that enhance community life in the areas of Indigenous wellbeing, environment, twonship amenity, quality education, health and wellbeing and community involvement.

Applications for BHP’s Community Grants Program close on 1 May. For more information email waironorecommunity@bhpbilliton.com or call 9173 6680 (Port Hedland), 9175 3505 (Newman) or 6224 4243 (Perth)

Rio Tinto’s Dampier Salt is offering financial assistance to short-term community projects in the Carnarvon, Dampier, Karratha and Port Hedland areas that are unique, innovative, address community and education issues, or require infrastructure.

Applications for Dampier Salt’s Community Grants Scheme close on 29 June. For more information visit the Dampier Salt website, or call 9270 9252

Apr16 2012

Computers available for low income families in the Pilbara

Posted: April 16th, 2012

Filed under: BHP, Karratha, Port Hedland, Roebourne, Royalties for Regions, Smith Family, South Hedland, Wickham

Families in Karratha, Roebourne, Wickham, South Hedland and Port Hedland can now apply to the Smith Family to receive a refurbished home computer, a four-week basic computer training course, and a year of internet access, all for free.

The Smith Family’s Technology Packs initiative, in partnership with Royalties for Regions and BHP Billiton, was designed to provide families with a computer connected to the internet at home at an affordable cost. To be eligible, families must have school aged children, have proof of low income status (health care or pension concession card), and not already own a home computer.

The Smith Family is a children’s charity that helps disadvantaged children. Click here to learn more about the Smith Family.

The “Tech Pack Project” aims to improve community digital literacy, equipping children and their families who may otherwise not be able to afford computers, with the technological skills that are now prerequisites for participation in lifelong learning and social inclusion.

According to the Smith Family, research shows that access to ICT (information, communication and technology) can increase study and employment opportunities for parents and young people, improve the capacity of parents to support children at school, increase the engagement of children at school, and improve individual’s self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

To find out more about the Tech Packs Project, or to register for a computer, contact Daphne Trevurza or Carol Warren (Karratha) on 9144 1854 or tsfkarratha@thesmithfamily.com.au, or Nia Hadenfeldt (Hedland) on 9172 2408 or tsfhedland@thesmithfamily.com.au

Apr12 2012

Marnti Warajanga exhibition touring the Pilbara

Posted: April 12th, 2012

Filed under: Jigalong, Marnti Warajanga, Newman, Nyangumarta, Pilbara, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Strelley, Tobias Titz, Wangka Maya, Warralong, Yandeyarra

Nyangumarta boys taking their first steps on country as recognised native title holders, 11 June 2009. Photograph by Tobias Titz

Marnti Warajanga- a Walk Together is an exhibition of photographs and stories that will be touring Pilbara communities this May and June. Showcasing the photographs of Tobias Titz, including many images of the Nyangumarta people’s native title determination in 2009, the exhibition has been on display at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

As the project tours the Pilbara it will also include photography workshops and community celebrations along with a redeveloped version of the exhibition. The Marnti Warajanga Pilbara tour dates for exhibitions and workshops are:

3-4 May, Hedland Senior High School
7-8 May, South Hedland Primary School
9-10 May, Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre (community BBQ on 9 May)
14-16 May, Strelley Remote Community School (community BBQ on 19 May)
21-24 May, Yandeyarra Remote Community School (community BBQ on 23 May)
28-29 May, Newman Senior High School
30 May, South Newman Primary School
31 May, Newman Primary School (community BBQ on 31 May)
5-7 June, Jigalong Remote Community School (community BBQ on 7 June)

Everyone is welcome to participate in the different events by trying some yandying, taking the children’s trail or having their portrait taken at the photographic workshop.

The exhibition will also be on display in Perth before heading north, from 13-30 April in Central Park.

For more information and to view some of the photographs visit the Marnti Warajanga page at the Museum of Australian Democracy’s website.

Apr10 2012

The search is on for the next Pilbara Girl

Posted: April 10th, 2012

Filed under: Goolarri Media, Karratha, Pilbara, Pilbara Girl, Port Hedland, Roebourne

The Pilbara Girl workshops and competition are back again for 2012 and the search is now on for the next group of contestants.

Indigenous women aged 16-25 from Port Hedland, Roebourne, Karratha and surrounding communities are encouraged to enter. The Pilbara Girl program, now in its third year, is based on the successful Kimberley Girl program that has been running since 2004.

The contestants participate in a series of workshops in Port Hedland, Karratha and Roebourne promoting leadership skills and self confidence. The workshops are followed by pageants that give the girls new skills and opportunities and promote Indigenous culture within the wider community.

For more information and to download an entry form visit Goolarri Media’s website.

Apr5 2012

Official Launch of the Wadjarri Language Dictionary

Posted: April 5th, 2012

Filed under: Bundiyarra, Irra-Wangga Geraldton Language Program, Murchison Shire, Wajarri Dictionary, Wajarri Yamatji, Yamaji Language Centre

Last week the Wadjarri People launched a dictionary to share and celebrate one of the world’s oldest living languages.

The Wadjarri Language Dictionary, which has taken over 25 years to compile, was launched on Wadjarri country at the Murchison Shire Settlement. Elders, community members, members of parliament, community groups, schools and government organisations attended the event. The names of all the people who contributed to the 2500-word dictionary were read out, and a minutes silence was observed for the contributing elders who have passed away.

“This book has been 25 years in the making, with a lot of dedicated work from our elders, some still alive and many who have passed on. Language is the carrier of our culture and our vision is to hear it spoken by our children and grandchildren in the future as an everyday way of life. This work is the culmination of effort from so many.”

Language is an important part of culture and identity, but many Indigenous languages have been lost or are in danger of being forgotten. This dictionary will help keep Wadjarri culture and language strong for generations to come.

The production of the dictionary was a joint partnership between the Yamaji Language Centre and the Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Program.

To purchase copies of the Wadjarri Dictionary please contact:
Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Program on +61 (08) 99207900
or Leonie Boddington on +61 (08) 99207919

Apr3 2012

Geraldton Community Grants now open

Posted: April 3rd, 2012

Filed under: community grants, Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton is now taking applications for its Community Grants Program. Grants will be awarded to community groups and organisations to help them make positive contributions to the quality of life in the Geraldton region.

Applications can be submitted in any of the following categories:

Cultural Grant – Opportunities for Creativity
Economy Grant – Opportunities for Prosperity
Environmental Grant – Opportunities for Sustainability
Governance Grant – Leading the Opportunities
Social Grant – Opportunities for Lifestyle

Applications close Friday, 20 April 2012. For guidelines, applications and more information, visit the City of Greater Geraldton’s website.

Mar29 2012

Indigenous Governance Awards

Posted: March 29th, 2012

Filed under: Indigenous Governance Awards, Reconcilliation Australia

The 2012 Indigenous Governance Awards are seeking outstanding examples of Indigenous governance in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, projects or initiatives.

The awards, created by Reconciliation Australia in partnership with BHP Billiton, highlight success in Indigenous Australia—strong leadership, good management, effective partnerships and brave, creative thinking.

There are two award categories, for incorporated Indigenous organisations and non-incorporated initiatives or projects. Prizes include cash for the winners of each category and corporate partnerships for mentoring and assistance for finalists.

Applications close 31 May 2012. Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/iga for more information.

2012