Yule River 2015 – Aboriginal community demand answers from WA Government
Posted: September 30th, 2015
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Aboriginal community demand answers from WA Government
Launch of Aboriginal History Booklet and Yamaji Drive Trail
Posted: August 20th, 2015
Stan Gratte, author of The Aboriginal History of Geraldton (Jambinu) and Surrounding Areas
The City of Geraldton Regional Library recently released the final title in the Mid West Heritage series,
The Aboriginal History of Geraldton (Jambinu) and Surrounding Areas by Stan Gratte and Dale Forsyth. This series highlights Geraldton’s rich Aboriginal history.
The book was showcased on 19 August at the Launch@The Library along with the new Yamaji Drive Trail – a tourist guide, celebrating Yamatji history and culture in the Greater Geraldton area.
The author paints an overview of life for Aboriginal people living in the Geraldton area before and after the region was settled by Europeans.
This publication is now available for $9.95 from the City of Geraldton Regional Library and can also be purchased from the Geraldton Visitors Centre and WA Museum.
The 2015 Goodness Festival
Posted: August 11th, 2015
The 2015 Goodness Festival is taking place from August 14-23 in the Mid West. The Festival enables innovation and collaboration to grow a smart, sustainable community. Through the 7 Festival Themes, Goodness makes it easy for everyone to learn about and ‘do’ science, social change, innovation, conservation, philanthropy and digital creativity. Unique to the Mid West, Goodness Festival features more than 25 events: tours, talks, workshops, pitches and exhibits.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
Posted: August 3rd, 2015
August 4 is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. #fairstartforIndigKids recognises the strengths and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and draws attention to the issues affecting them.
This year’s Children’s Day theme is Little People, Big Futures emphasising an investment in the children of today will secure the strength and success of communities tomorrow. Visit aboriginalchildrensday.com.au for more information.
Congratulations Graham Taylor NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year
Posted: July 13th, 2015
Graham Taylor NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year 2015 Credit: Lucas Wroe
Congratulations to Graham Taylor on winning the 2015 Male Elder of the Year at this year’s NAIDOC Awards.
An Amangu Yamatji elder, Graham was born in Three Springs and has made a strong contribution to the Australian Defence Force. He now mentors Indigenous youth as an inspirational leader and role model for young people.
Graham has previously been awarded NAIDOC Elder of the Year in 2008. In 2012 he was also recognised, being elected into Western Australia’s Midwest Region Hall of Fame for his contribution to the region.
Well done Graham.
To read more about Graham visit our latest edition of YMAC News here.
Happy NAIDOC Week!
Posted: July 8th, 2015
NAIDOC Week 2015 is now in full swing, and YMAC has been busy celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal people. You can find out what events are happening near you by visiting the official NAIDOC site.
Celebrating NAIDOC 2015 in Tom Price
Geraldton YMAC staff getting a lesson in Wajarri from Bundiyarra’s Godfrey Simpson
New publication for Traditional Owners on shale gas
Posted: May 25th, 2015
Western Australia potentially has huge resources of shale gas in the East Pilbara, Mid West and Kimberley regions. The amount of shale gas in WA is estimated to be double the amount of gas held in WA’s offshore conventional gas fields, and the Department of Mines and Petroleum estimates that significant commercial production of shale gas might start around 2020 or 2025.
It is important that Traditional Owners understand what this might mean for their Country, and know the potential risks and benefits. To assist in this learning process YMAC held a series of workshops in the regions in 2014 and have now launched a new guide to shale gas for Traditional Owners.
Click here to download your pdf or call your local YMAC office or email editor@ymac.org.au to request a free hard copy.
Join World Rallies this Friday to Stop the Community Closures
Posted: April 29th, 2015
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.
YMAC News issue 26 is available now
Posted: February 13th, 2015
The latest issue of YMAC News is now available. Our cover story is about the delegation of over 70 Traditional Owners from all over the state who converged on Parliament to send a message about protecting Aboriginal heritage. Over 1600 signatures were collected and presented on the day. We have been disappointed with the Government’s response so far, with the Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament just one week later without any of the changes that would make heritage protection stronger.
This issue includes some good news stories, about an agreement between the Wajarri Yamatji people and Sinosteel Midwest that was several years in the making, and some Carnarvon students who are benefiting from an earlier native title agreement.
We are also taking some time to look back on our achievements as YMAC celebrates 20 years as a land council. We have included an excerpt from the commemorative book about the brave men and women of the Pilbara strike in the 1940s and how their legacy resonates today.
Click here to read these stories and more.
You can send your feedback to editor@ymac.org.au. Thank you for reading this issue of YMAC News!