Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation

Feb7 2012

City of Geraldton Community Grants

Posted: February 7th, 2012

Filed under: community grants, Geraldton

This week is the last chance to put in applications for the City of Greater Geraldton’s Recurrent Community Grants Program for 2012.

The aim of the program is to provide assistance to local community groups and organisations that make positive contributions to the quality of life within the Greater Geraldton region.

Applications for Recurrent Community Grants may be submitted in the following categories:

Cultural Grant – Opportunities for Creativity
Economy Grant – Opportunities for Prosperity
Environmental Grant – Opportunities for Sustainability
Social Grant – Opportunities for Lifestyle

This is a great opportunity for Geraldton not-for-profit organisations to gain some financial support for their projects that benefit the community.

Applications close 10 February 2012. For more information and to download an application kit, visit the City of Greater Geraldton’s website.

Feb2 2012

Get ready for NAIDOC 2012

Posted: February 2nd, 2012

Filed under: NAIDOC

The NAIDOC Committee recently announced the theme for the 2012 celebrations is, “Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 years on.”

NAIDOC Week, from 1–8 July 2012, is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to join together to recognise the valuable contribution Indigenous people make to Australia’s national identity.

Indigenous Australians are encouraged to nominate fellow community members to receive National NAIDOC Awards and submit entries, based on this year’s theme, to the National NAIDOC Poster Competition. The winning entry, which receives a $5000 cash prize, will feature on the 2012 National NAIDOC poster and be displayed across Australia in workplaces, schools and community organisations. Entries for the 2012 National NAIDOC Poster Competition close on Friday 30 March.

Communities and individuals can also acknowledge the contributions and talents of artists and other outstanding Indigenous individuals by nominating them for a National NAIDOC Award. There are ten award categories including the prestigious Person of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Winners will be honoured during NAIDOC Week at the premier NAIDOC event, the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony and Ball to be held in Hobart on Friday 6 July 2012. Nominations for the 2012 National NAIDOC Awards close on Friday 27 April.

For entry forms and more information, visit www.naidoc.org.au or talk to your nearest Indigenous Coordination Centre on 1800 079 098.

Jan30 2012

Indigenous Marathon Project applications now open

Posted: January 30th, 2012

Filed under: Indigenous Marathon Project

The New York City Marathon is one of the toughest and biggest running events in the world, with 48,000 runners and 2.5 million spectators.

The Indigenous Marathon Project is seeking outstanding Indigenous men and women aged between 18 and 30, that have the commitment and ability to train for this endurance running event. They will be coached and supervised by Australian marathon champion, Rob de Castella, be required to attend a number of training camps around Australia during the year, and undertake a special Cert III in Community Recreation – Indigenous Health.

Applicants should be willing to inspire other Inidgenous men and women, and have an interest in wanting to make a difference by promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The Indigenous Marathon Project Uses distance running and walking to promote physical activity in Indigenous Australia, and aims to have an Indigenous Australian distance runner on the 2016 Olympic Team.

2012 Runner applications are now being accepted, with the try outs occuring in February and March 2012.

For applications forms and information on how you can support the project, visit www.imp.org.au

Dec16 2011

Christmas Shutdown

Posted: December 16th, 2011

Filed under: YMAC

YMAC will be closed for the holidays from 22 December 2011, reopening 3 January 2012. We look forward to working with the Traditional Owners of the Midwest and Pilbara and other stakeholders in the new year.

Dec14 2011

Check out YMAC News issue 16

Posted: December 14th, 2011

Filed under: Annual Regional Meetings, Ben Roberts, Board, Cross cultural, Eighty Mile Beach, Njamal, Nyangumarta, Pilbara, Selina Stewart, Wajarri Yamatji, Warralong, Weld Range, Yamatji., YMAC News

The latest issue of YMAC News is now available from our website, featuring some great stories of Traditional Owners in the Pilbara and Midwest looking after their country, culture and heritage.

Click here to read about steps the Nyangumarta people have taken with the State Government to protect their sea country, a legal decision that supports protection of the heritage-listed Weld Range, YMAC staff learning about Aboriginal culture, and some exciting photos of recent law business at Warralong Aboriginal community.

This issue also includes the outcomes of YMAC’s Annual Regional Meetings, information about YMAC’s operations this summer, and a feature introducing two members of our Board of Directors, Selina Stewart and Ben Roberts.

If you would like to request hard copies of YMAC News or join our e-subscribers list and get information first, please contact srosenfeld@ymac.org.au.

Dec9 2011

2011 Annual Regional Meetings

Posted: December 9th, 2011

Filed under: Annual Regional Meetings, Board, David Wright, Dianne Stewart, Meekatharra, Paul Baron, Peter Windie, Pilbara Regional Committee, Roy Bellotti, South Hedland

Yamatji Committee Deputy Chair Roy Belotti and Chair Peter Windie

The 2011 Annual Regional Meetings (ARMs) were held in Meekatharra on November 19 and South Hedland on November 26. All YMAC members were invited to attend to vote on a number of resolutions and to raise any questions about YMAC’s operations.

Unfortunately, a loss in the Meekatharra community meant that it was not possible for many members to attend the meeting on 19 November.

YMAC staff, Regional Committee members, and the members present at the meeting offered their sincere condolences to the family of the man who had recently passed away.

There were seven vacant positions on the Yamatji Regional Committee, and the following people were elected:

Gloria Fogarty

Victor Mourambine

Ron Simpson

Pam Mongoo

Paul Baron

Kathleen Musulin

Deceased Person

At a special Yamatji Regional Committee Meeting held immediately after the ARM, Paul Baron was re-elected to the vacant position on the Board of Directors.

Peter Windie and Roy Bellotti were re-elected unopposed as Chair and Deputy Chair respectively.

Sadly, since his election, one of the Yamatji Regional Committee members has passed away. The YMAC staff, Board and Committee members offer condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased.

The Pilbara ARM was well attended and accepted the Nyangumarta people’s decision to appoint Dianne Stewart as their representative on the Regional Committee, replacing David Wright. The Committee thanked Mr. Wright for his long service.

Nov3 2011

Important Announcement: Seasonal heritage survey break

Posted: November 3rd, 2011

Filed under: corporate announcement, Heritage

For many Aboriginal communities in the Midwest and Pilbara, December to January is a special time of year to observe cultural obligations and practices. This means different things for different communities, but for many people it involves passing sacred, ancient knowledge from elders to young people, and practicing rituals and ceremonies to maintain connection with country and culture. These important activities often take Aboriginal people out on country for several days or weeks at a time.

Out of respect for these essential cultural obligations and practices, and so as not to interfere with them, YMAC will not be conducting any heritage surveys between 14 December and 1 February. It is very important that culturally knowledgeable Aboriginal people attend heritage surveys on their country, and these are the very people who are most involved with cultural obligations on country.

Any heritage survey requests received after 14 December will be scheduled to commence after 1 February. Thank you for your understanding.

Nov1 2011

Weld Range gets media attention

Posted: November 1st, 2011

Filed under: Colin Hamlett, National Heritage List, Weld Range, Wilgie Mia

The Weld Range, in Wajarri Yamatji country, has been getting alot of media attention lately. Since it was included on the National Heritage List earlier this year, the National Native Title Tribunal has made the unusual ruling that a mining lease should not be granted there because of the significance of the area to Traditional Owners.

This week the ABC has published an informative story highlighting the historical importance of Wilgie Mia and the Wajarri Yamatji people’s dedication to its maintainance and protection.

Read the ABC story here

Oct25 2011

2010/11 YMAC Annual Report now available

Posted: October 25th, 2011

Filed under: Annual Report, Board, Simon Hawkins

YMAC is proud to release our Annual Report for the 2010-11 financial year. In addition to our complete financial statements, the report also contains many highlights from the year, a message from the CEO, a report from the Board of Directors 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.

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