2013

YMAC’s policy submissions now available online

Posted: November 12th, 2013

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Native Title Act, policy, YMAC

YMAC is constantly working towards recognition for the rights of Traditional Owners in the Pilbara and Yamatji regions. This includes advocating at all levels of government, and YMAC provides submissions to government and other bodies on issues that affect traditional owners.

Many of those key submissions from the last two years are now available for download on our website www.ymac.org.au/media-and-publications/policy-submissions/

These documents outline YMAC’s policy positions on many of the important issues being discussed by governments today, including proposed changes to Aboriginal heritage legislation and the Native Title Act.

Job opening for Badimia applicants

Posted: November 7th, 2013

Filed under: Badimia, Extension Hill, job vacancy, Mount Gibson Mining Ltd.

Members of the Badimia community are encouraged to apply for a current vacancy with Mt Gibson Iron Ltd on their Extension Hill operations.

Badimia people interested in the position of Trainee Truck Operator should contact Mark Walker, Production Manager on 9485 3305 or mark.walker@mtgibsoniron.com.au

Badimia strike agreement with Minjar Gold

Posted: November 1st, 2013

Filed under: agreement, Badimia, Midwest, Minjar Gold, Mount Magnet

The Badimia People, Traditional Owners in the Mid-West of WA have signed a native title  agreement with Minjar Gold for its proposed mining operations and future expansions, approximately 400kms north-north east of Perth.

“The Badimia people are looking forward to a beneficial relationship with Minjar Gold,”  said Reg Yates, Chairperson of the Badimia Working Group. “It is important that this  agreement gives preferential contracts to Badimia businesses. That is very valuable,  because it allows us to be partners in the process, and gives Badimia people a sense of  pride.”

Click here to read the full media release, or

check out the story on ABC here.

YMAC on the shortlist for Pinnacle Awards

Posted: October 29th, 2013

Filed under: AIM WA WestBusiness Pinnacle Awards, Australian Institute of Management, awards

YMAC is proud to share with our readers that the organisation has been shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) WA WestBusiness Pinnacle Awards in the category of Aboriginal Leadership Development Excellence. The awards recognise business leadership in the Western Australian community.

All of the award winners across the several categories will be awarded prize money to go to a nominated charity of their choice.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 28 November. YMAC congratulates all of the other nominees.

Have your say on pastoral lease issues

Posted: October 22nd, 2013

Filed under: Carnarvon, Pastoral leases, Port Hedland, WA Parliament, WA State Government

The Standing Committee on Public Administration will hold public committee hearings for its inquiry into pastoral leases this November. The Committee will be travelling to Carnarvon for a public hearing on 5 November and to Port Hedland for a public hearing on 6 November.

The outcomes of the inquiry will impact on the way pastoral leases are administered into the future. Click here for more information and to view the inquiry’s terms of reference.

Members of the public can sit in on the hearings, but to have your say to the committee, contact Lauren Mesiti on 9222 7376 as soon as possible, as places are limited.

Download our Annual Report 2013

Posted: October 18th, 2013

Filed under: Annual Report

YMAC is proud to release our Annual Report for the 2012/13 financial year. It contains many of the highlights from the year, messages from the CEO and Co-Chairs about big issues facing native title claimants, complete financial statements, and many beautiful pictures of country.

Click here to download our Annual Report from our website or email srosenfeld@ymac.org.au to request a hard copy.

Launch of ‘Murru’ this Sunday in Fremantle

Posted: September 25th, 2013

Filed under: Aboriginal deaths in custody, John Pat, Murru, Roebourne

This Sunday marks 30 years since the death of 16-year-old John Pat, who died in a Roeburn prison cell in 1983.

His death prompted the State Government to instigate the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

John’s story will be honoured through the launch of ‘Murru’, an album produced by local high profile musicians together with the Roebourne community and inmates from Roebourne Regional Prison.

Proceeds from the album will go towards the memorial in John’s home town. An official launch for the album will be held this Sunday, at the Fly By Night Musicians Club in  Fremantle.

Tickets are available from www.flybynight.org or by calling 9430 5976.

  http://www.vibe.com.au/news/murru-in-memory-of-john-pat

Preserving Badimia Language

Posted: September 19th, 2013

Filed under: Badimia, language, Ollie George

Watch this inspiring story from ABC Mid West on on Badimia Elder Ollie George and the great work being done to preserve languages in the Yamatji region…

‘Elephants in the Bush’ Launches tomorrow at Big Sky Festival

Posted: September 12th, 2013

Filed under: Big Sky Festival, Clarrie Cameron, Elephants in the Bush, Geraldton

“Clarrie Cameron’s recently released storytelling collection is nothing less than a force of life, almost a diary of culture and history.” Darcy Hay, Midwest Times

YMAC member Clarrie Cameron, from the Nhanhagardi tribe of Champion Bay, has lived in the Midwest Region all his life, travelling around from Geraldton to Wiluna. From station life to dusty outback towns, new book of Clarrie’s campfire yarns reflect his country, culture and identity….

• A huge snake takes refuge under the body of a napping grandfather.
• One 16-year-old girl keeps 300 head of cattle together for weeks without losing a beast.
• Trackers lead police deep into the desert to find a murderer and rescue an abducted woman.

Now others can read them on the pages of his new book Elephants in the Bush and other Yamatji Yarns.

Clarrie will share his book of short stories at Geraldton’s Big Sky, Readers and Writers Festival. Hear about Carrie’s experiences and get your book signed at the festival launch on Friday, September 13.

Hear Clarrie being interviewed on ABC’s Bush Telegraph here.

Elephants in the Bush and other Yamatji Yarns is available from all good bookshops and online from Magabala Books for $19.95.