Posts By: Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation

Oral history in Geraldton

Posted: May 19th, 2015

Filed under: Aboriginal oral history, Charmaine Green, City of Greater Geraldton, Geraldton Regional Library, Graham Taylor, Joan Gray, National Reconciliation Week, Radio MAMA, Wajarri language

This National Reconciliation Week, Radio Mama will broadcast live from Geraldton Regional Library’s Aboriginal Oral History Morning on the 3^rd of June. Embrace this opportunity to learn about local history and culture as local residents Graham Taylor, Charmaine Green and Joan Gray share their stories. You will hear about their respective experiences as a Vietnam veteran, a local artist and the daughter of a prominent author.

The event will run from 10am to 11:30 am and morning tea will be provided. To RSVP call 9956 6659 or email library@cgg.wa.gov.au. Also be sure to check out the Wajarri storytime at the library on May 28 and 29 from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June. To find out more about what’s happening near you visit reconciliation.org.au/nrw/

Aboriginal language initiatives

Posted: May 15th, 2015

Filed under: Bundiyarra Irra Wanga language program, Geraldton, Janelle Mowarin, language, Nanda, Ngarluma, Nyangumarta, Port Hedland, Roebourne, Tyson Mowarin, Wangka Maya, Weerianna Street Media

There are positive initiatives across Western Australia committed to preserving traditional languages.

Nyangumarta speakers in Hedland recently underwent training to become qualified interpreters for hospitals and courts. The training facilitated by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters is hoped to increase access to services for Aboriginal people.

Weerianna Street Media in collaboration with linguist Janelle Mowarin and the Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre have created language videos for schools and other resources to complement a Ngarluma online dictionary. The Wangka Maya dictionary and Ngarluma Language Resource are available online here.

Geraldton’s Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre recently launched a Nhanda alphabet poster along with other educational posters which promote the Nhanda language. Anyone interested in contributing to the Nhanda dictionary project may call Ms Sitorus at the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre on 9920 7900.

Get ready for National Reconciliation Week

Posted: May 8th, 2015

Filed under: National Reconciliation Week, Reconciliation Australia

National Reconciliation Week 2015 is coming up so now is the time to register your event and find out what is happening near you. Visit the Reconciliation Australia website to learn more.

Join World Rallies this Friday to Stop the Community Closures

Posted: April 29th, 2015

Filed under: Community closures, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Premier Barnett, protests, rallies, SOS Blak Australia, WA State Government

This Friday, 1 May, communities are joining together in protest against the Barnett Government’s forced closure of Aboriginal Communities.

This marks the second wave of rallies organised by the group SOS Blak Australia. The protests will occur world-wide including in Los Angeles, London, Berlin and Christchurch, as well as all Australian capital cities.

Rallies will take place in Perth and regional Western Australia, including Roebourne, Newman, Port Hedland and Geraldton.

The State Government announced in November 2014 that it intended to close up to 150 Aboriginal Communities in Western Australia. Five months later, the Government has still not engaged in discussion with Aboriginal people on this issue.

The Barnett Government has not identified the location of Communities under threat of closure and has not identified what will happen to those who live in the Communities following the closure.

To view the complete list of planned action visit SOSBlakAustralia.

Young didgeridoo players shine at Rangeway Primary School

Posted: April 29th, 2015

Filed under: Geraldton, INDI-GENIUS, music, National Reconciliation Week, Rangeway Primary School

For the last three years, students at Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton have been learning to play the didgeridoo at school through a music program started by music and arts teacher George Scicluna.

Didgeridoo players Robert Tester and Rolan Deutokom have been taking time out of their regular work days  to teach the students for an hour a week, and it is clear the practice is paying off. Last year, the students opened up the Reconciliation Concert at the local Queens Park Theatre, supporting Archie Roach (see video below) and played in front of thousands at the local Football Finals.

The program has gained funding from local mining groups and worked collaboratively with the local Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation to put on workshops and performances. Goerge Scicluna reports that they are now in the second phase of planning where they are helping other schools to engage and become part of the program.

Free flu shots for Aboriginal kids this winter

Posted: April 24th, 2015

Filed under: Aboriginal health, Aboriginal Medical Services, flu vaccine, Free vaccines

Free flu vaccines are now available for  Aboriginal people most at risk from the virus, including children between six months and five years old, people over 65, pregnant women and children under 15. The vaccines are available from GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and immunisation clinics.  For more information, contact the Immunise Australia information line on 1800 671 811.

Nominate now for national NAIDOC awards

Posted: April 15th, 2015

Filed under: NAIDOC, National NAIDOC Awards

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contribute to Australian society through music, art, culture, community, education, environment, sport, employment and politics.

If someone in your community deserves to be recognised for their contribution, you can nominate them now for the 2015 National NAIDOC Awards. Entries close on Friday, 24 April 2015.

For more information and nomination forms visit the National NAIDOC website.

Join Bundiyarra in commemorating the ANZAC spirit

Posted: March 27th, 2015

Filed under: Anzac, Bundiyarra, camp Gallipoli, Geraldton

Easternwell community grants now open

Posted: March 20th, 2015

Filed under: community grants, Easternwell Community Grants, Pilbara

Easternwell Community Grants provide financial and social assistance in regions where they have key operations, including the Pilbara.

Up to $2000 will be provided to successful  local committees, groups, clubs and associations which provide lasting benefits to the community. the aim is to support activities or opportunities which provide lasting community benefit in the areas of:

• Community
• Education
• Health
• Indigenous
• Safety
• Youth

The closing date for this round of applications is 27 March. The next round will be in September 2015. Click here for the application form or email communitygrants@easternwell.com.au for more information.