June 2018

No agreement undermines future of remote communities

Posted: June 28th, 2018

MEDIA STATEMENT: Thursday, 28 June 2018

The Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) has called on the State Government to release details of its plans to manage funding of remote Aboriginal communities into the future.

Natalie Parker, YMAC Co-Chairperson, and Nyiyaparli (central Pilbara region) woman, said with only a few days until the Commonwealth and State Governments’ National Partnership Agreement on Remote Housing expires, residents of remote communities across Western Australia were facing deep uncertainty over their future.

“For a decade, the agreement has provided much-needed funding to address overcrowding, homelessness and the poor condition of housing in remote Aboriginal communities,” Ms Parker said.

“The current agreement between the Federal and State Governments is due to expire this Saturday 30 June, and despite negotiations it seems neither party has a plan for future sustainable funding.

“YMAC is concerned there seems to be no plan in place with approximately 30 remote Aboriginal communities and hundreds of families within our region affected.

“YMAC understands the deep cultural and spiritual value that living on Country holds for many Traditional Owners; allowing them to practice traditional Law and customs as recognised under their native title determinations.

“The forced movement of Aboriginal people away from their Country is well understood to cause long-term trauma, social issues and degradation of land and culture – it is completely unacceptable in 2018.”

Simon Hawkins, YMAC Chief Executive, said research had consistently shown direct links between reliable housing and key social indicators including health, education, community safety and economic participation.

“The State and Commonwealth must reach agreement on the future funding of remote Aboriginal housing or they will undermine the sustainability of these homeland communities, and displace hundreds of WA Aboriginal families,” Mr Hawkins said.

YMAC calls on both governments to demonstrate a sustainable plan and respect for the health, wellbeing and safety of all Aboriginal people living remotely in WA.

See the full media statement here: Remote Communities Funding

Media Contact: Jane Grljusich, Communications Manager, 0427 463 796, jgrljusich@ymac.org.au

5th Annual Yule River On-Country Bush Meeting, 11-12 July 2018

Posted: June 14th, 2018

The 5th Annual On-Country Bush Meeting event at Yule River on 11 and 12 July will once again bring together Traditional Owners from across Western Australia to discuss the issues that affect them and their families.

Day 1, 11 July, supports Traditional Owners in their cultural decision-making to develop solution-based responses to issues. The day will conclude with a celebration of custom and culture with traditional singing and dancing performed by several Aboriginal community groups.

Day 2, 12 July, welcomes decision-makers and influencers to witness the resolutions that are passed by the community with State Government Ministers Ben Wyatt (Aboriginal Affairs), Stephen Dawson (Environment), and Alannah MacTiernan (Regional Development), registering their attendance this year.

Also registering their attendance are Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator for Western Australia the Hon Pat Dodson, and the Hon. Robin Chapple MLC, as well as representatives from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the National Native Title Tribunal, Pilbara Aboriginal Corporations and Enterprises, and more.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) CEO Simon Hawkins said Yule River highlighted the positive accomplishments and contributions being made by Traditional Owners across the State, with last year’s event attracting more than 400 people.

“This is a forum for Traditional Owners, politicians, and bureaucrats to meet, to discuss key issues,” Mr Hawkins said.

“The event represents a significant opportunity for revitalising trust, relationship-building and providing a platform for authentic engagement and YMAC is proud to facilitate the annual meeting for the benefit of Traditional Owners across the State.”

At the 2017 Yule River meeting, Traditional Owners passed three resolutions:

1. The historic formation of an Independent Representative Group to give advice to the government on behalf of Aboriginal Pilbara People.
2. The establishment of key issues: language preservation; improve education in the Pilbara; improve health services – mental, renal and men’s health; support of a treaty with the State Government; improved housing services for Aboriginal Pilbara people; oppose the Cashless Welfare Card; and Aboriginal heritage protection.
3. Support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, constitutional recognition and Federal Government Treaty.

The 2018 meeting will look at the progress of these resolutions, and the need for others.

Entertainment will be provided by award winning singer/songwriter John Bennett, as well as traditional dancers, with bush tucker available, as well as stalls assembled by Aboriginal organisations of excellence.

To download our event information click here.

Strengthening accountability and advocacy in Aboriginal affairs

Posted: June 11th, 2018

The Hon Ben Wyatt MLA, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, is calling on the community to provide feedback on a proposal for a new statutory office to:

• strengthen government’s accountability to Aboriginal Western Australians, and
• advocate for Aboriginal people’s interests in government policy and performance.

The Government is inviting Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to have their say about the Government’s proposal.

For more information about how you can provide feedback and to download a copy of the discussion paper click here.

Apply for PBC capacity building funding now!

Posted: June 5th, 2018

The Department of Prime  Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) invites eligible applicants to apply for Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) capacity building grant funding.

If your Prescribed Body Corporate requires funding for building capacity, resourcing for economic development, training and services, or direct support for agreement making, you can apply for the PBC capacity building funding now. Any PBC can apply and there is no closing date for the funding.

For further information, including an application form, please visit the DPMC website.