Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation

Oct17 2011

YMAC welcomes the Auditor General’s findings on heritage

Posted: October 17th, 2011

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Auditor General, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Heritage, Peter Jeffries

YMAC welcomes the findings of the recent Auditor General’s report on compliance with mining conditions, which highlights what Traditional Owners already know: that Aboriginal heritage in WA is not being adequately protected by the State.

The Auditor General found that the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA), which administers the Aboriginal Heritage Act, has failed in its responsibility to monitor compliance with conditions it places on miners for protection of heritage sites. The report states that DIA “has only undertaken inspections of heritage sites when responding to complaints it received, but has taken no enforcement action when it has found non-compliance.”

Peter Jeffries, Acting CEO of YMAC, said, “The AHA operates more as an approval mechanism for the destruction of Aboriginal heritage than as a means for protecting it. YMAC has worked hard over the years to make sure agreements are in place between native title groups and companies to protect heritage. If it weren’t for these private agreements, there would be no real protection for Aboriginal heritage in areas of high development like the Pilbara and Midwest. This report has shown that there are no consequences for illegally destroying Aboriginal heritage in the course of mining projects.”

The report highlights the need to improve the processes for protecting Aboriginal heritage in WA. A review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act was announced in June 2011, but past reviews have not led to improvements in the system.

“We sincerely hope that the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act leads to major reform that takes into account the importance of our State’s Aboriginal heritage and gives Aboriginal people a significant say in how approvals to destroy heritage are granted,” said Mr. Jeffries.

Oct5 2011

Eighty Mile Beach management plan now open for comment

Posted: October 5th, 2011

Filed under: Department of Environment and Conservation, Eighty Mile Beach, Janet Stewart, Minister Bill Marmion, Nyangumarta, Nyaparu Rose

Janet Stewart, Minister Marmion and Nyaparu Rose

Last week in Broome, the WA Minister for Environment Bill Marmion released the Indicative Management Plan for the proposed Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park. Nyangumarta traditional owners Nyaparu Rose and Janet Stewart attended the announcement on friday, as the Nyanguamrta people have had a significant involvement in the development of the Plan.

In a statement, Minister Marmion said, “The proposed Eighty Mile Beach marine park will provide protection for a unique and spectacular part of the lower west Kimberley coastline, while providing for sustainable tourism use and enjoyment of the area and the maintenance of Aboriginal culture and heritage.”

Eighty Mile Beach is an area rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, and it is very important to the Nyangumarta people to use their vast traditional knowledge to manage the area responsibly.

The Management Plan, which will guide management of the park for the next ten years, is now open for public comment until 20 January, 2012. For more information or to download the Management Plan, go to http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/6717/2323/ .

Sep27 2011

NNTT finds Wajarri heritage is more important than money

Posted: September 27th, 2011

Filed under: Colin Hamlett, Heritage, National Heritage List, National Native Title Tribunal, Wajarri Yamatji, Weld Range, Wilgie Mia

Traditional owner Colin Hamlett in the Weld Range

The National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) has recently made a very important decision for the Wajarri Yamatji people. The NNTT ruled that four mining tenements in the Weld Range cannot be granted because of the cultural significance of the area to the Wajarri Yamatji people.

This is only the second time that the NNTT has ever made such a decision, and it comes after parts of the Weld Range were accepted on to the National Heritage List earlier this year.

Weld Range Metals, the company that wished to mine the area, has been reluctant to meet with the Wajarri Yamatji people and did not come to agreement over the proposed mining project.
Deputy President Sumner of the NNTT came to the conclusion that, “the interests, proposals, opinions or wishes of the [Wajarri Yamatji people] in relation to the use of the Tenement area should be given greater weight than the potential economic benefit or public interest in the Project proceeding. The Weld Range area (including the Tenement area) is of such significance to the [Wajarri Yamatji people] in accordance with their traditions that mining on it should only be permitted with their agreement.”

The NNTT’s decision was reached after an on-country hearing earlier this year which included visits to important places in the Weld Range. The Wajarri Yamatji people and YMAC staff gave evidence about “caves with rock art, waterholes and old corroboree and ceremonial grounds, all of which remain of particular significance to the [Wajarri Yamatji people] in accordance with their traditions.”

This is a fantastic result for the Wajarri Yamatji people and YMAC congratulates them for their strength in fighting to protect their cultural heritage.

Watch GWN’s coverage of the story here: http://au.gwn7.yahoo.com/w1/video/-/watch/26753825/native-title-tribunal-vetoes-mine/

Sep19 2011

Aboriginal theatre company is coming to the Pilbara

Posted: September 19th, 2011

Filed under: David Milroy, Karratha, Onslow, Palyku, Roebourne, Yirra Yaakin

Good Lovin’ cast members Alyssa Thompson,

Zac James, Shakira Clanton and Ian Wilkes.

Photo courtesy of Yirra Yaakin

Perth-based Indigenous theatre company Yirra Yaakin is coming to the Pilbara this week to present Good Lovin’, an original commission by the WA Health Department, written by Palyku playwright David Milroy.

The play will be presented for free to schools and communities in the Pilbara region from 20-23 September 2011.

David Milroy is an award-winning playwright (Waltzing the Wilarra, Windmill Baby), and has written Good Lovin’ to promote positive lifestyle choices.

The Good Lovin’ performance will be followed by a theatre and health workshop to encourage and support young people to make choices about what’s right for them by using hip hop and humour.

The performance and workshop program of Good Lovin’ will visit schools and local communities in Karratha on 20 September, Roebourne on 22 September, and Onslow on 23 September.

For more information visit http://www.yirrayaakin.com.au/

Sep15 2011

YMAC News issue 15 is here

Posted: September 15th, 2011

Filed under: Banjima, Constitutional recognition, Dampier Salt, Department of Regional Development and Lands, Gnulli, Kariyarra, North West Iron Ore Alliance, Nyaparu Rose, YMAC News

YMAC is pleased to share the latest issue of YMAC News, which is now available It is filled with information about the great work being done by traditional owners and YMAC staff across the two YMAC regions.

Issue 15 of our newsletter highlights native title agreements for the Kariyarra and Gnulli people, a major step forward for the Bunjima people, some impressive achievements by YMAC staff and our organisation’s firm resolve on the issue of constitutional recognition for Australia’s original inhabitants.

We hope you enjoy the 15th issue of YMAC News.

Click here to download an electronic version or email srosenfeld@ymac.org.au to request hard copies for yourself, your family, your business or workplace.

Sep14 2011

Welcome to Country artwork will greet visitors to WA’s new hospital

Posted: September 14th, 2011

Filed under: Aboriginal Art, Fiona Stanley Hospital

Artists Wendy Hayden and Deborah Bonar

YMAC is pleased to learn that huge pieces of Aboriginal artwork have been comissioned for the new Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth. Aboriginal artists Ella Taylor (Kidja Heritage), Wendy Hayden (Nyoongar Heritage) and Deborah Bonar (Gija and Yamatji) have developed the sixteen metres of artwork on glass and a huge canvas in colaboration with the owner of the Kidogo Institute of Art, Joanna Robertson.

The artwork features representations of each of the five main regions of WA. “We wanted Aboriginal patients and visitors from anywhere in Australia to feel more comfortable when they come to the hospital,” explained Deborah Bonar.

“We felt as soon as they see the grasses and recognise the Aboriginal style of artwork, their first impression will be that they are in a place with familiar elements, in a place sympathetic to Aboriginal people, that respects Aboriginal values and connection to country and in turn will make them more comfortable and feel welcomed.”

Ms. Bonar has also been selected by the Revealed ArtWorker Program as one of three artists who will curate the art exhibition during CHOGM.

The Fiona Stanley Hospital is due to open in 2014, and the Welcome to Country artwork will acknowledge the Traditional Owners and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of WA’s Indigenous people.

Sep8 2011

Nyaparu Rose features in North West Telegraph

Posted: September 8th, 2011

Filed under: Nyangumarta, Nyaparu Rose

This week, Nyaparu Rose featured in the North West Telegraph and The West online where she discussed her recent State Land Care Award for the Pilbara Sea Country Project and her plans for Nyangumarta self determination.

To view the article, click here or open attached PDF;

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/pilbara/a/-/news/10208628/rose-wins-care-award/

Sep5 2011

New Perth mailing address

Posted: September 5th, 2011

Filed under: Perth

Please note that effective immediately, the new mailing address for YMAC’s Perth office is:

PO Box 3072, 249 Hay Street

East Perth WA 6892

Our street address remains the same. Please update your records accordingly.

Aug25 2011

YMAC wins National Landcare Award

Posted: August 25th, 2011

Filed under: Nyangumarta, Nyaparu Rose, Pilbara

YMAC’s Senior Community Liaison Officer, Nyaparu Rose, has today won the ‘Leighton Holdings Indigenous Award’ at the 2011 WA Landcare Awards.

The awards are part of a conference being held in conjunction with the 7th International Symposium on Digital Earth (ISDE7) at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Nyaparu Rose was nominated by YMAC for her work with Traditional Owners on the Pilbara Sea Country Plan project. Congratualtions Nyaparu on your success and we look forward to soon hearing more news about the successful project.

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