YMAC

YMAC News 31 is now available

Posted: October 26th, 2016

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Marapikurrinya Yintha, Regional Services Reform, YMAC News, Yule River

The latest issue of YMAC News is now available.

In this issue, we discuss the outcomes of the on-Country Bush Meeting at Yule River this year.

More than 350 Traditional Owners from across WA travelled to Yule River to discuss proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Heritage Act and the Regional Services Reform Roadmap. Two resolutions were unanimously passed by the meeting about the issues – you can read more about them inside.

We also highlight some successful boundary workshops and important discussions about claim overlaps happening in the Yamatji region, and we celebrate the re-instatement of Marapikurrinya Yintha as a heritage site.

We hope you enjoy this edition of YMAC News.

Campaign for more Rangers launched

Posted: October 17th, 2016

Filed under: Aboriginal Rangers, National Parks, Western Australia

A campaign to hire Aboriginal Rangers for National Parks in Western Australia has launched a new website.

Create Ranger Parks is raising awareness about State-owned outback stations. The campaign aims to hire Aboriginal Rangers to manage the upkeep of the parks as a cost effective way to take care of the stations while providing the opportunity to practice their law and culture.

The website and Facebook page offer information about the campaign and how to get involved. You can learn more about Create Ranger Parks on their website here and their Facebook page here.

Richmond Wellbeing: Aboriginal Family Fun Day

Posted: October 4th, 2016

Filed under: #aboriginalcommunity, #communityevent, #mentalhealthweek

Richmond Wellbeing is hosting their third annual Aboriginal Community Family Fun day on Wednesday 5 October from 10 am to 2 pm, at Champion Centre in Seville Grove, WA. The theme for this year’s event is Moorditj Moort, Moorditj Culunga (Strong Family, Strong Children)

Held during Mental Health Week, the day aims to promote the importance of mental health wellness to families.

The community event brings together mental health and drug and alcohol services in the area, locals will get to yarn and build connections with the people they can turn to for help if they need it. On offer will be free health checks, assistance from Centrelink for their online service and details on the NDIS.

Other activities for everyone to enjoy, include music and entertainment, a free kangaroo sausage sizzle and The Lindsay Culbong Cup- Elders running race.

Nyangumarta Rangers on-Country Film

Posted: September 5th, 2016

Filed under: Indigenous Rangers, NWAC, Nyangumarta IPA, Nyangumarta Rangers

As part of their Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) project, Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation has produced a short film that illustrated the significant changes resulting from the funding received toward their IPA.

The short film revolved around the Nyangumarta Warrarn Ranger Camp 2016. The Rangers together with elders and Traditional Owners spent time on-Country and spoke about their connection to Country, their songlines and how they monitor the Kidson Track permit system.

FMG secondary school scholarships open for applications

Posted: August 4th, 2016

Filed under: Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Indigenous Scholarships.

Applications are now open for a scholarship scheme targeting partner Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara and children of families working for Fortescue Metals Group.

The scheme is offering a spot at both Guildford Grammar School and Perth College in Perth. Successful applicants will have their tuition, boarding (if applicable) and other incidentals paid for them as they attend their studies.

Kariyarra, Palyku, Nyiyaparli, Banjima, Eastern Guruma, Puutu Kunti Kurrama & Pinikura (PKKP), Njamal, and Yindijibarndi families are eligible to apply for the program. Submissions must be received no later than 1 September 2016.

Application forms and more information can be found on the Fortescue website here.

Details for 2 August Wilunyu Claim Group meeting

Posted: August 1st, 2016

Filed under: Claim Group Meeting, Wilunyu

• Please note: The Wilunyu Claim Group (WAD6002/2004) Authorisation meeting will be going ahead on Tuesday, 2 August 2016.

Registration: 7.00am to 9.00am

Please note that no Travel Allowance will be processed after close of registration.

Meeting start: 9.00am

Meeting close: by 4:30 pm

Venue: Towns Football Club, Corner of Eighth Street & Flores Road, Geraldton

Purposes:

• Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (“YMAC”) to provide advice about the WAD6002/2004 native title claim, which will be called the Wilunyu claim and will be brought on behalf of the descendents of the apical ancestors listed below.
• Decision by the Wilunyu claim group to approve this claim group description. Celebration and mutual recognition by Wilunyu claim group members.
• Authorisation of a replacement applicant under section 66B of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) to make the Wilunyu claim (WAD6002/2004) in the Federal Court on behalf the Wilunyu claim group.
• Election of the Wilunyu Working Group.
• General business.

Who is invited to attend:

You are eligible to attend this Wilunyu claim group meeting if you are a descendant of any of the following apical ancestors:

• Rosie Coleman
• Wyoo and Myonoda
• Annie Tira
• Lizzy Flynn
• Sarah Jane Campbell
• Sarah Mabel Bell
• Ap-barra (Upparawa) and Dharringa
• Jane Hunt
• Mary Gingina
• Billy and Judy Thompson

Better access to Karijini

Posted: July 22nd, 2016

As part of the Pilbara Regional Investment Blueprint, new walking trails and viewing platforms have improved access for visitors to Karijini National Park.

The trails will provide safer access to Fortesque Falls and Fern Pool. The project was a joint effort between the Pilbara Development Commission and the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW).

You can learn more about the sites at DPaW’s web page here.

First edition of Nyangumarta News now available!

Posted: July 19th, 2016

Following the formal dedication of the Nyangumarta Indigenous Protected Area in 2015, the Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) and the Nyangumarta Rangers have published the first issue of their community newsletter.

Meant to help inform Nyangumarta Traditional Owners and promote the work of the Rangers, Nyangumarta News will publish at least two newsletters a year. NWAC also hopes that the newsletter will be a point of pride for the Rangers, who work so hard to keep the Nyangumarta connection to Country strong.

Through ranger programs, elders pass on their knowledge to the younger generations, and give Rangers important cultural responsibilities like protecting culturally significant places, managing on-Country resources and educating young people.

Though the newsletter will focus on stories about the Rangers and their activities on-Country, NWAC welcomes stories from local readers. You can contact Todd Norwell, Ranger Coordinator at tnorwell@ymac.org.au if you have anything to submit.

You can read the first edition of Nyangumarta News here.

NAIDOC celebrations across WA

Posted: July 4th, 2016

Filed under: Gascoyne, NAIDOC, Perth, Pilbara, WA, Yamatji

To celebrate NAIDOC Week this year, towns across Western Australia are collaborating with local and national Aboriginal organisations to plan cultural events and activities for their communities.

Working with the Yinhawangka People, the town of Paraburdoo is planning a series of events beginning on 2 July. These events include family friendly gatherings and demonstrations of traditional practices like boomerang throwing and damper-making competitions.

In Tom Price, there are plans for demonstrations of traditional dancing, painting and performances, live music, an outdoor film festival, and a Food Showcase.

In Perth, an afternoon of free family entertainment is being offered at the James Street Amphitheatre. Featuring performances by Jake and the Cowboys, the event is being presented by acclaimed Aboriginal dancer and digeridoo player Olman Walley. Guests can learn about Australia’s native bush plants and bush tucker by trying a variety of samples at market stalls. Those who cannot make it can tune into 100.9 FM for a live broadcast on Noongar Radio.

For more information about the events in Paraburdoo and Tom Price, visit the Shire of Ashburton’s website here, and for information about how NAIDOC Week is being celebrated across WA visit the official NAIDOC week website here.