YMAC Members' News

May24 2012

Changes to WA Aboriginal Heritage Act Anthony Dann Radio Interview May 2012

Posted: May 24th, 2012

In an interview on ABC Mid West radio, Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owner, Anthony Dann, responded to the State Government’s 2012 discussion paper on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA).

In the interview, Mr Dann strongly outlined his concerns about the short timeframe for comment on such significant changes to the protection of Aboriginal heritage, and the lack of consultation with Traditional Owners over the proposed reforms.

Mr Dann said that Aboriginal people are rapidly losing their input into heritage development under the AHA, as Traditional Owners aren’t offered the same appeal opportunities as land developers.

After announcing a 12 month review into Aboriginal cultural heritage processes last May, the Government has held no formal consultation with Traditional Owners and only allowed five weeks for comment on the proposed changes to the AHA outlined in the discussion paper.

Mr Dann also said a significant review of the AHA was needed because it does not provide adequate protection for Aboriginal Heritage, and that Native Title negotiation processes are at present the only means for Traditional Owners to take part in consultations over protected Aboriginal sites.

For more information about the proposed reforms to the AHA, including links to the discussion paper and YMAC’s media release, please click here.

May4 2012

YMAC attends launch of ‘Kurlumarniny- We come from the desert’

Posted: May 4th, 2012

Filed under: Monty Hale, Nyangumarta, Pilbara, Pilbara strike, Warralong

At the book launch in Warralong yesterday

Yesterday YMAC representatives attended the launch of Monty Hale’s bilingual book ‘Kurlumarniny – We come from the desert’ at the Warralong community.

Monty Hale is one of the quiet achievers of Indigenous Australia , and one of its greatest intellectuals. A senior Nguliparti man from the Pilbara region, his book tells of his family’s migration from the desert to the station country in the eastern Pilbara, his childhood growing up on Mt Edgar Station, witnessing Australia’s engagement in World War two and the famous Pilbara station-workers strike of 1946. The remarkable bilingual publication, written in Nyangumarta and English, tells Monty’s experiences though his vast cultural knowledge and his strong desire to leave a record of his life.

The book will soon be available to purchase from Wangka Maya Language Centre and is a remarkable record of Aboriginal life in the Pilbara.

Visit http://www.wangkamaya.org.au/ for more Indigenous publications from the Pilbara.

May1 2012

YMAC speaks out on proposed reforms

Posted: May 1st, 2012

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Simon Hawkins

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs has today released a discussion paper on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

There has been no formal consultation on the proposed changes so far, including with Aboriginal people. Now there are just five weeks for the general public to comment on the proposals.

It is YMAC’s view that the proposals focus too much on the approval process for industry and not enough on improving processes for the effective conservation and protection of Aboriginal heritage sites.

Simon Hawkins, YMAC CEO said today, “Aboriginal people are not just another set of stakeholders. This is their heritage and they deserve an opportunity to provide meaningful input into the reform process. I am sceptical about the current process and of course the short timeframe will not allow for those negatively affected to have their say.”

“For Traditional Owners, the current Act is more a licence to destroy heritage than a mechanism to protect it. These proposals will only reinforce this view.”

Click here to download YMAC’s full media release.

Click here for the Department of Indigenous Affairs Discussion Paper

Apr24 2012

Agreement focuses on sustainability

Posted: April 24th, 2012

Filed under: agreement, Diane Limerick, Maisey Hyland, Ngarlawangga, Pilbara, Rico Resources, Simon Hawkins

Ngarlawangga community members, YMAC staff and Rico Resources representatives at the agreement signing

The Ngarlawangga people have announced an agreement with Rico Resources over their Wonmunna project within the Ngarlawangga native title claim.

The agreement focuses on building a relationship between the parties to develop sustainable, long-term business and employment opportunities for the Ngarlawangga community. It is based on shared objectives of employment and contracts for Ngarlawangga people on Rico Resources projects.

To this end, a skills audit of the Ngarlawangga community is being undertaken to help community members identify and access opportunities for training, employment, and business ventures.

The agreement includes financial compensation to the Ngarlawangga people, and recognises the importance of Aboriginal culture and the Ngarlawangga people’s responsibility to care for their heritage sites. It also provides Rico Resources with all of the native title approvals needed for their Wonmunna Project.

“Rico resources have listened to us and we have listened to them. We have a good relationship with RICO even though we are a small group and they are a small company,” said Ngarlawangga elder Maisey Hyland.

Ngarlawangga elder Dianne Limerick said, “In the short while we have been negotiating with Rico Resources we made a lot of progress and we are happy and pleased that we have signed an agreement together”

Simon Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), said, “Rico Resources has adopted a relationship-based approach to these negotiations, and this agreement is designed to help the Ngarlawangga people meet their aspirations as a community. The company has shown their commitment to these goals by implementing the skills audit before the agreement was even signed. This mining agreement is about both parties supporting each other for years to come.”

Apr20 2012

Aboriginal Anzacs Honoured

Posted: April 20th, 2012

Filed under: Anzac, Lockyer

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, a special service honouring Aboriginal soldiers will be held at the Whim Creek Hotel on Sunday April 22 at 9am.

In particular, it will recognise the contribution of the Lockyer family, commemorating five Aboriginal brothers who fought for their country in World War II.

Watch the video from Tangiora Hinaki to learn more about the story of the Lockyer brothers and the Whim Creek Anzac Service.

Anzac tribute to Aboriginal brothers from Tangiora Hinaki on Vimeo.

Apr12 2012

Marnti Warajanga exhibition touring the Pilbara

Posted: April 12th, 2012

Filed under: Jigalong, Marnti Warajanga, Newman, Nyangumarta, Pilbara, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Strelley, Tobias Titz, Wangka Maya, Warralong, Yandeyarra

Nyangumarta boys taking their first steps on country as recognised native title holders, 11 June 2009. Photograph by Tobias Titz

Marnti Warajanga- a Walk Together is an exhibition of photographs and stories that will be touring Pilbara communities this May and June. Showcasing the photographs of Tobias Titz, including many images of the Nyangumarta people’s native title determination in 2009, the exhibition has been on display at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

As the project tours the Pilbara it will also include photography workshops and community celebrations along with a redeveloped version of the exhibition. The Marnti Warajanga Pilbara tour dates for exhibitions and workshops are:

3-4 May, Hedland Senior High School
7-8 May, South Hedland Primary School
9-10 May, Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre (community BBQ on 9 May)
14-16 May, Strelley Remote Community School (community BBQ on 19 May)
21-24 May, Yandeyarra Remote Community School (community BBQ on 23 May)
28-29 May, Newman Senior High School
30 May, South Newman Primary School
31 May, Newman Primary School (community BBQ on 31 May)
5-7 June, Jigalong Remote Community School (community BBQ on 7 June)

Everyone is welcome to participate in the different events by trying some yandying, taking the children’s trail or having their portrait taken at the photographic workshop.

The exhibition will also be on display in Perth before heading north, from 13-30 April in Central Park.

For more information and to view some of the photographs visit the Marnti Warajanga page at the Museum of Australian Democracy’s website.

Mar22 2012

Download YMAC News issue 17

Posted: March 22nd, 2012

Filed under: Badimia, Charlie Coppin, Christina Colegate, Dawn Hamlett, Jerry Maher, Kuruma Marthudunera, Mrs Doris Eaton, Ngarla, Njamal, Peter Windie, Rodney Ryan, Stephen Stewart, YMAC News

The latest issue of YMAC News is now available from our website.

It features a ceremony marking a milestone on Badimia country, a unique agreement for the future of the Njamal people, an important legal win for the Kurama and Marthudunera people, and a valuable course attended by YMAC’s co-Chairs.

There are also several new features, including “Respect for elders”, a section profiling respected elders of the Midwest and Pilbara. This issue looks at Ngarla men Charlie Coppin and Stephen Stewart. There is also a new “Frequently asked questions” section and a new column from Christina Colegate, YMAC’s policy officer.

We have also profiled YMAC Committee member Rodney Ryan, staff member Jerry Maher, and community member Dawn Hamlett.

If you have any stories you’d like to share with us, elders who you think we should profile, questions about native title, or any other letters to the editor, send them to editor@ymac.org.au.

We hope you enjoy this issue of YMAC news.

Click here to download your copy.

Mar15 2012

Join YMAC for Harmony Day

Posted: March 15th, 2012

Filed under: Geraldton, Harmony Day

Harmony week is a time to celebrate cultural diversity across Australia. It has been held from 15-21 March every year since 2003 to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March.

Join YMAC in a celebration of cultural diversity in the Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore this Sunday, 18 March. The event is hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest Multicultural Association.

There will entertainment and treats from around the world showcasing the diversity of people living in the region. YMAC staff will be on hand to talk to people about Aboriginal culture and native title, and will have plenty of information to hand out to the community.

For more information contact the City of Greater Geraldton. We look forward to seeing you there.

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.

YMAC Members’ News