Posts By: Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation

Dont’ Walk Away – Remote communities call on State and Feds to step up at Yule River

Posted: July 2nd, 2018

Filed under: Natalie Parker, Nyiyaparli, remote communities, Simon Hawkins, WA State Government, Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, YMAC, YMAC Board of Directors, Youngaleena

MEDIA STATEMENT: Monday, 2 July 2018

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) Co-chairperson, and Nyiyaparli (central Pilbara region) woman, Natalie Parker, has called on the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to attend the 5th Annual Yule River On-Country Bush Meeting next week.

Last week, YMAC asked the State Government to release details of its plans to manage funding of remote Aboriginal communities into the future, with its 50-year funding agreement with the Federal Government expiring on Saturday (30 June).

The State Government responded on Friday by launching an eleventh hour national public campaign to pressure the Federal Government to “not abandon 165 remote communities in Western Australia”.

The State Government said its ‘Don’t Walk Away’ campaign would feature online and print media advertising, and promote a website with a call to action for people concerned about the plight of the almost 12,000 people living in remote communities across WA.

“Both the State and the Federal Government need to step up at Yule River on 11 and 12 July and let people from remote Aboriginal communities know what is happening,” Ms Parker said.

“Aboriginal people across WA, including in my community at Youngaleena, are looking over their shoulders, and face the trauma of being forced off their Country again.

“It is 2018, and all Australians, and people around the world know, that forcing Aboriginal people off their Country causes irreparable long-term trauma, social issues, degradation of land and culture, and is totally unacceptable.”

YMAC Chief Executive Simon Hawkins said both governments should demonstrate respect for the health, wellbeing and safety of all Aboriginal people living remotely in WA, by bringing a sustainable plan to fund remote communities to Yule River.

“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,” Mr Hawkins said.

The full media release can also be found here: Don’t Walk Away – Step Up

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

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.

Open Colleges introduces the Milton Smith Scholarship for ATSI students

Posted: May 28th, 2018

Open Colleges, Australia’s leading online educator, have announced the launch of The Milton Smith Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) students.

Australia is missing its target to halve the gap in unemployment between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians, with many claiming inadequate training and qualifications as a substantial barrier to gaining employment.

In light of this, Open Colleges will be offering four scholarships per calendar year, to the full course value, across a variety of areas including Business, Education and Beauty.

The scholarship, which comes as a first for Open Colleges, is offered in memory of former employee Milton Smith, his adventurous spirit, and his commitment to education. The scholarship aims to bring greater access to skills, education and support services.

Sarah MacDiarmid, a spokesperson from Open Colleges said: “We’re proud to be introducing the Milton Smith scholarship in memory of our dear friend and colleague. We aim to continue Milton’s passion by helping to support and educate the ATSI community and increase future employment opportunities.”

Open Colleges have been supporting over 800,000 students with world-class training for the last 100 years and are determined to continue providing students with the tools they need to achieve their employment goals.

Applications are now open and will close on June 15 this year.

For more details on the eligibility criteria click here.

Nyangumarta Rangers Showcase Event Highlights Achievements

Posted: May 28th, 2018

The Nyangumarta Rangers and Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) celebrated the official opening of their office space in Broome on Thursday 24 May. The event also highlighted the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) – a land and sea management initiative – and the activities undertaken by the Nyangumarta Rangers over the last three years.

Since the Nyangumarta IPA dedication in July 2015, the funding available for this program has increased ten-fold, mainly thanks to Federal funding through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) and the national IPA program. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, also recently announced a three year funding extension for Indigenous Rangers from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2021.

YMAC Chief Executive Officer, Simon Hawkins said “it’s great to see the Government continuing to support Indigenous Ranger Programs such as the Nyangumarta IPA. Involving Traditional Owners in the management of their land and sea country is important so the knowledge can be used to manage and care for natural and cultural assets, and be passed down to future generations.”

Nyangumarta Senior Cultural Advisor and Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation CEO Nyaparu Rose said “the program has not only generated employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, but it has also created a sense of community as we work together to care for our country. That’s why continued support from the government is important to ensure this program continues to reach its full potential.”

To view the full media release click here.

Strong Women On Country

Posted: May 18th, 2018

According to the ‘Strong Women On Country’ report, the case for growth of Indigenous ranger and Indigenous Protected Area programs is compelling. The case studies in the report demonstrate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls are taking advantage of opportunities through land and sea management to further express and develop their strength, confidence and leadership.

The report also outlines the achievements of women protecting nature, demonstrating empowerment through their land and sea management careers, sustaining culture and strengthening communities. Each case study demonstrates the integrated benefits of Indigenous ranger jobs and Indigenous Protected Areas for women, their communities and every Australian.

To read the Strong Women On Country report click here.

Aboriginal Heritage Act Workshops

Posted: May 14th, 2018

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt has announced a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, the legislation responsible for preserving and protecting Aboriginal Heritage in Western Australia. The release of the Consultation Paper marks the commencement of a three-phase public consultation process that will ultimately lead to the introduction of a new Aboriginal heritage legislation into the Western Australian Parliament. Community meetings and stakeholder workshops will be held across regional WA and in Perth throughout May 2018.

To find out more about the location of the workshops click here.