Posts By: Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation

Join the campaign to make Mabo Day (3 June) a national public holiday

Posted: June 21st, 2022

YMAC is proud to support the efforts of the Mabo family, the National Native Title Council, and ANTaR in seeking to have ‘Mabo Day’ a nationally-recognised public holiday.

Already observed as a public holiday throughout the Torres Strait, those driving the current campaign, including Mabo’s grandson, Kaleb, assert it is a day for Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians alike to recognise and celebrate the landmark decision*.

The call to action is also very timely given this year’s NAIDOC theme – ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ – which honours those community leaders and change-makers, such as Mr Mabo and his grandson, who have been champions in our communities over generations, advocating for their rights and positive change.

To show your support for the ‘Mabo Day’ campaign, please sign the recently launched petition.

* See, ‘It’s a day for all Australians’: Grandson calls for Mabo Day to be declared a national public holiday (sbs.com.au)

Badimaya Online Learning Portal

Posted: June 10th, 2022

The Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre in Geraldton have partnered with a small group of Badimaya (family/community) to develop an online ‘portal’ to learn and access the Badimaya language online.

As part of the consultation stage of the new community language initiative project, Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre are aiming to hold short information sessions about the portal development to gather ideas and feedback on the project.

For more information on the Badimaya Online Learning Portal and information sessions, please contact the Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre on (08) 9920 7900 or at language@irrawangga.org.au.

2022 Pilbara Community Services Excellence Awards – Nominations now open!

Posted: June 9th, 2022

Nominations for the 2022 Pilbara Community Services Excellence Awards are now open.

The awards celebrate the resilience, creativity, collaboration and leadership of organisations and individuals working in the community services sector across the region.

This year’s theme is ‘Unmasking our Pilbara Stars’, with a focus on acknowledging those who have gone above and beyond to: Dream, Engage, Overcome, and Inspire.

Winners will be announced at the Masquerade Gala Dinner on Saturday, 15 October 2022, at the Mia Mia Hotel in Newman.

To nominate an individual or organisation you would like to have recognised for their invaluable contribution to the community services sector in the Pilbara, visit pilbaraforpurpose.org.au/2022-awards. Noting, nominations close Friday, 22 July 2022.

For more information about the awards, contact Karen Armstrong from Pilbara 4 Purpose (E: pilbara4purpose@gmail.com; P: 0456 382 351).

Mabo Decision – 30th Anniversary

Posted: June 3rd, 2022

Today we commemorate the 30^th anniversary of the Mabo decision, a turning point for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ traditional rights to ownership of their land, giving rise to important legislation with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

Eddie “Koiki” Mabo led the historic case that spanned over 10 years with over 4000 pages of evidence generated, conclusively proving that the eight clans of Mer Island had occupied the land for thousands of years.

Through his tireless campaigning, Mabo reshaped the history and laws of Australia by seeking recognition for all native title to exist amongst all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Eddie “Koiki” Mabo did not live to see the outcome of the ruling, sadly passing away at 55 from cancer five months prior to this landmark ruling.

The effects of the Mabo decision have not only changed understandings of colonisation but is also the reason why YMAC exists today; to represent Aboriginal people of the Pilbara, Midwest, Murchison, and Gascoyne regions of WA to be recognised as the Traditional Owners of their Country in achieving recognition for themselves.

Commemorating the milestone is far more than celebrating a big number for YMAC Chairperson from the Yamatji Region, Mr Peter Windie, who said “A lot has happened in the 30 years since the decision was handed down, but the standout for me is that this very important part of history was the inspiration for a lot of Aboriginal people right across the country. Many more people became just as determined in their own journey to fight for fairness and equality and of course their native title rights. This decision paved the way for a lot of our people because it meant that anything is possible.”

Since gaining recognition as a native title representative body in December 1994, YMAC is very proud to have supported groups across both of our regions to achieve 32 native title determinations. Each group has its own distinct culture and identity and are at a different stage in their native title journey.

YMAC strives not only to support native title recognition, but also to ensure that Native Title holders can best protect their rights, manage Country the way they want to, and create new opportunities for their people.

According to the latest figures from the National Native Title Tribunal, there have been 554 native title determinations since the historical case. These statistics and further details are available here.

Protect, recognise, and celebrate: New First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance website goes live today!

Posted: May 27th, 2022

YMAC is a proud member of the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (FNHPA), an important initiative mandated to strengthen and modernise our national cultural heritage laws and create industry reforms that ensure Indigenous cultural heritage is valued and protected for the future.

FNHPA is comprised of a number of organisations representing First Nations peoples from across Australia, including major Native Title, Land Rights, Traditional Owner, and community-controlled organisations. Together, the alliance members aim to build strong partnerships with First Nations peoples and organisations, governments, industry and investor groups, which put First Nations peoples in the driving seat of reform and management of their cultural heritage.

The new website – www.culturalheritage.org.au – is a portal where everyone can access information and resources about FNHPA, its work and opportunities for engagement. As it will be updated regularly, we encourage you to visit the website often to follow these critical efforts.

YMAC recognises National Reconciliation Week

Posted: May 19th, 2022

YMAC is holding multiple virtual breakfast events with its staff to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2022.

Reconciliation WA is inviting 1 million Australians to join in a virtual breakfast to celebrate NRW.

NRW is recognised as one of the most important historical events related to native title in Australia.

YMAC will bring together its staff in its own events to ensure reconciliation remains recognised as part of native title history.

Anyone can plan to host a breakfast in their organisation, community, school, or even at their own dining room table.

If you would like to find out how please visit National Reconciliation Week 2022.

Northampton COVID Vaccination Clinic

Posted: May 18th, 2022

Free COVID-19 adult, child and booster vaccinations will be available to Northampton residents, at Northampton Hospital at the Day Centre, 103 Stephen St, Northampton, 6535 on Thursday 26 May, 2022.

All people aged 5 and over are eligible to receive their free COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine. Walk-in or Book-in Clinic for 1^st, 2^nd & Booster COVID-19 vaccinations are available.

Click here to book your vaccination

Click here to view the poster and FAQ’s sheet.

Have your Say! Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972

Posted: May 16th, 2022

Changes are proposed to the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act, aiming to maximise opportunities for divestment and increase Aboriginal land ownership and management, economic activity, and improved outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Consultation is now underway on the proposed changes to the Act, which aim to streamline divestment of Part III reserved lands, replace outdated terms, and clearly define consultation requirements for stakeholders and the Aboriginal Lands Trust.

 If you wish to participate in the consultations in person, the following options are available in YMAC’s representative regions:

Geraldton

24 May 2022: 10.30am to 12.30pm

Master Builders Association of WA

4 Walton Cl, Geraldton

Carnarvon

26 May 2022: 11.00am to 1.00pm

Civic Centre – The Woolshed

1 Camel Ln, Carnarvon

You can also participate via an Online Survey or via Email at aapa-act@dplh.wa.gov.au

For more information on the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972, click here

YMAC supports the Uluru Statement

Posted: May 10th, 2022

YMAC is a strong supporter of the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’, and is committed to the “call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution”: a critical national issue forming part of the organisation’s broader advocacy work, especially in the lead up to the 2022 Federal Election.

While there have been some assurances made by both major parties already, we must all play our part in keeping the spotlight on the need for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament that is included in the Constitution, and ensuring these stated commitments are delivered.

To show your support, there are several things you can do:

• Add your name to the iconic Uluru Statement canvas here.
• Stay informed by visiting websites like ulurustatement.org and www.fromtheheart.com.au.
• Help to educate others by sharing information on your social media. (You can find some resources available here and here).
• Write to your Federal MP. (You can search here to find out who that is and their contact information, or you can submit your letter/s via one of the online portals here and/or here).