NSWTOx Indigenous

Australia's Indigenous Language Map

2011-11-01T22:21:00.000+11:00

David R Horton is the creator of the Indigenous Language Map. This map is based on language data gathered by Aboriginal Studies Press, AIATSIS and Auslig/Sinclair, Knight, Merz, (1996). The map attempts to represent all of the language or tribal or nation groups of Indigenous people of Australia.

Emily Kngwarreye

2011-10-27T00:02:00.009+11:00

Few contemporary artists have so captured the public’s imagination as the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye (sometimes spelled Emily Kam Ngwarray). Born in about 1910 at Alhalkere near Utopia in Central Australia, Emily Kngwarreye first saw white people at the age of about nine. She worked as a stock hand on pastoral properties at a time when Aboriginal women were usually only employed as domestics on the stations and was a respected Eastern Anmatyerre senior Law woman. It is a testament to Emily’s extraordinary spirit and character that in the eight years before her death in 1996, she painted a remarkable 3000 paintings on canvas with an undiminished energy that belied her years. In a meteoric rise to fame she came to be internationally acclaimed as Australia’s most eminent female artist

In the history of contemporary Aboriginal art, the work of Emily Kngwarreye proved to be of profound significance. Kngwarreye started making art around the mid to late 1980s, her work has had a lasting impact on Australian art.

Pat O'Shane

2011-10-26T23:49:00.002+11:00

Pat O'Shane was the first woman appointed permanent head of the New South Wales Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in 1981, she became not only the first Aboriginal person but also the first woman to become a permanent head of ministry in Australia.

Patricia O'Shane was born in Northern Queensland in 1941. A noted activist for indigenous rights, her achievements in the public sphere have been remarkable. She was the first Aboriginal Australian Barrister (1976) and the first woman to be appointed to the New South Wales Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board (1979). When she was appointed permanent head of the New South Wales Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in 1981, she became not only the first Aboriginal person but also the first woman to become a permanent head of ministry in Australia.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal

2011-10-26T23:42:00.002+11:00

Oodgeroo Noonuccal was born Kathleen Jean Mary Ruska on 3 November 1920, on North Stradbroke Island, country of the Noonuccal tribe. She attended Dulwich Primary; left school and became a domestic in Brisbane at the age of 13. As an Aboriginal person, she said, 'there wasn't the slightest possibility of getting "a better job" [even] if you stayed on at school' (Murawina, 1993).

Oodgeroo's work has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Mary Gilmore Medal (1970), the Jessie Litchfield Award (1975), the International Acting Award and the Fellowship of Australian Writers' Award. She also held an honourary doctorate of letters (Macquarie University) and was awarded the degree of Doctor of the University from Griffith University. In 1970, Oodgeroo (under the name Kathleen Walker) was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Civil) for services to the community. She returned it in 1987 in protest against the forthcoming Australian Bicentenary celebrations (1988). It was around this time that she reclaimed her traditional name, Oodgeroo of the Noonuccal Tribe.

NSW Ombudsman - Addressing Aboriginal Disadvantage

2011-10-18T18:03:00.005+11:00

This report details an audit of the implementation of the NSW Interagency Plan to Tackle Child Sexual Assault in Aboriginal Communities 2006 - 2011 (Interagency Plan). The report seeks to bring together what has been said over a number of years publicly - as well as to agencies directly - about the systemic reforms that are needed to address Aboriginal disadvantage in NSW. It also builds on the findings and recommendations contained in our December 2010 report about service delivery to the Bourke and Brewarrina communities. The report highlights the importance of taking bold approaches to the priority areas of education, building economic capacity and protecting vulnerable children in Aboriginal communities.

Click Here

Nadeen @ Ultimo TAFE

2010-09-02T17:04:00.007+10:00

Nadeen is here with me on a short visit from her class, Community Engaging Technologies course where students are learning to examine and research a variety of web 2 tools with the view of establishing their own or many sites. And guess what you fellas; its all FREE!!

This is Yagan and Rene` at Christine Anu's first video clip shoot taken down at the old wharehouse near the fishmarket.
Just checking out how easy it is to use BLOGGER.

Ruth and Barry Smith - Bits n Pieces

2010-07-17T18:12:00.006+10:00

Hi there folks

I am here in Bowen with Kate, Ruth and Barry watching Barry install, yes you guessed it, Lesley's new kitchen and OMG, its beautiful. I actually wish I could stay in Bowen until all of the kitchen is finished but no such luck - meeting finished lined up for Monday morning hey.

So Lesley will just have to come back when the other stuff is finished.

Folks thought I would put a picture of the lovely beach here in Bowen just to tease you all ok.

Reconciliation Australia

2010-06-15T13:19:00.003+10:00

Reconciliation Australia was established in 2000. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation set up by the former Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia is the peak national organisation that builds and promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Reconcilation has recently written a position paper titled 10 Years after the bridge walks

Does reconciliation have a place in Australia today or is it a spent force, superseded by more tangible efforts towards “closing the gap”? If we are to move forward in post-apology Australia where many Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander citizens continue to endure poor life conditions, this question needs a
careful answer.

The website is rich in resources and up to date information on Reconciliation. The Myth busters page is one of my favourites, check it out.

Renowned Aboriginal Activist, Michael Anderson's Slams the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples as the “Joke of the New Millennium”

2010-05-06T16:13:00.009+10:00

Aboriginal political activist, Michael Anderson, says the Rudd government’s attempt to pacify the Aboriginal people by establishing the Aboriginal Congress of First Nations is an absolute joke and a waste of public $30 million of public funds.

“When the acronym ATSIC was touted by the Aboriginal people as ‘Aborigines talking shit in Canberra’, this as a replacement is sickening and the waste that people spoke of with ATSIC pales into significance when we look at this organization,” Mr Anderson writes in a media release.

“Do the Prime Minister and his Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Jenny Macklin, truly think that we Aborigines are childlike and cannot see the insult being waged against us with the establishment of such an irrelevant organization, and then to say that they represent Aborigines when NO public elections are being held for its membership?”

Mr Anderson argues that if you look at the structure of this body it is a job creation program for broken down and irrelevant former public servants who want to be leaders of the Aboriginal populace.

“Aboriginal people must take a stand against this mockery,” says Mr Anderson and calls on them throughout Australia “to stand up to this assault on our intelligence and refuse to have anything to do with this organization; and make it known loud and wide that this is not an organization that represents anything to do with Aboriginal people.”

The Aborigines named in this organization are people who would sell their own mother and all her heirlooms, Mr Anderson writes. “What chance do we have?”

“What Sam Jefferies, the deputy chair of the Congress, says about closing the gap of Aboriginal disadvantage is a joke,” Mr Anderson says.

“He fails to realise the bigger picture which is that our people are being discriminated against with martial law imposed on Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory in the guise of an intervention program.

“The incarceration rates of Aboriginal youth and adults are the highest in Australia, making our population in the prisons the highest in a country that is supposed to be free.
“Our section of the community continues to have the highest suicide rate in the Australia population etc etc,” Mr Anderson notes.

“To fight the establishment over these disproportionate figures and at the same time represent these people, take on the government and to fight against the intervention on behalf of the people of the Northern Territory is the task Sam Jefferies should be talking about instead of dreaming of dollar signs and being a friend of the multi-nationals and then maybe an Australian award for his contribution in Aboriginal Affairs.

“This is a farce and should be called what it is: the joke of the 21st new millennium,” Mr Anderson writes.

“Prime Minister Kevin Rudd needs to reassess his options because $30 million for this charade is a total waste and Aboriginal people will hound this puppet organization of the Labor government and the multinationals,” he says.

“The people who accept a position within this organization cannot be so blind as not to see that they are being used. The government seek to pass the buck when it comes to direct consultations with Aboriginal people on these imposed restrictions and rules of tyranny being applied to our people, not to mention the approvals the multi-nationals need to forcefully acquire Aboriginal lands for mining, so what better way than to locate some misfit and ambitious want-to-be-Aborigines.”

Goodooga, Northwest NSW, AUSTRALIA - 5 May 2010

Michael Anderson can be contacted at 02 68296355 landline, 04272 92 492 mobile, 02 68296375 fax, ngurampaa@bigpond.com.au.

RECONCILIATION - Respect, Knowledge and Understanding

2010-03-11T18:46:00.000+11:00

Reconciliation Week plays a significant role in heightening awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues.

This year, Reconciliation Week starts on Wednesday 27 May which is the 1967 Referendum anniversary and finishes on Wednesday June 3 celebrating the High Court’s Mabo decision anniversary.

The theme this year is celebrating the United Nations International Year of Reconciliation which aims to highlight the need to Recognise, Respect and Protect the Rights of Indigenous People as an essential part of the reconciliation process.

Reconciliation is a comprehensive. The core of it is about addressing the divisions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – some say its about divisions that have been caused by a lack of respect, knowledge and understanding.

It's about "recognising the truth of Australia’s history, and moving forward together with a commitment to social justice, and building relationships based on mutual understanding, respect and trust. Social justice for Indigenous Australians must include: recognition of the distinct rights of Indigenous Australians as the first peoples of this nation, including the right to self determination; reparations for past injustices, elimination of racism and discrimination, and closing the gaps in health, social and economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians".

More resources:-

My Visit To Sydney

2009-10-19T15:09:00.007+11:00

Hello my name is Stephanie Campbell . I'm from the Titjikala community which is South of Alice Springs. It is my first time here in Sydney. In the desert it's hot but here in Sydney, it's very cold, especially at night. So anyway, I'm havin' fun going out shopping and going to the beach it's fun here in Sydney.

From Desert To Forest

2009-10-19T15:05:00.007+11:00

Hello everyone, we are having fun taking photo of ourself at the supermarket.
"We had fun".

Learning blogging

2009-10-19T15:00:00.009+11:00

Hi there everyone. My name is Susan Doolan and I am originally from Finke Community which is 450km south east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Now I live at Titjikala Community which is 107 south east of Alice Springs. At titjikala I work at the Tapatjatjaka art and craft centre. I work as office administrator, I enjoy working and meeting alot of different people. Now I am here in Sydney studying art, Sydney is crouded and cold so we are not used to the weather here. The art works that I do are painting and canvas,basket making with raffia and ceramics.

My Visit to Sydney

2009-10-19T15:00:00.007+11:00

My name is Kenneth Hayes and I come from Titjikala Community which is in the Northern Territory. Titjkala is 107km south east of Alice Springs. Today I am here in Sydney studying art. I am using the computer for the first time. The art I do is make horses out of scrap wires and I play guitar. We have a band in our which is called the Simpson Desert Band.

Australia's Sorry Day - Commemorated on May 26 Every Year

2009-05-11T18:13:00.005+10:00

Sorry Day is a day for all Australians to take time out of their busy lives to remember Aboriginal people who where forcible removed from their families under early Government policies. The day was recommended as part of the Bringing Them Home report . If you get a chance to have look, it is worth reading some of the people's personal stories from the report - this is just not another Aboriginal report - read it from the horse's mouths.

Also, a "National Sorry Day Committee (NSDC) was established in 1998 and has been incorporated since January 2001. From the beginning, the NSDC has continued through the commitment, dedication and involvement of both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. The NSDC is unique because it’s networks and voluntary memberships comprises of First Nations Peoples of Australia, including Stolen Generations and members of the Broader Australian Community. It operates on a reconciliatory basis that upholds a positive partnership between First Nations Peoples of Australia and the Broader Australian Community".

Arts Yarn Up - Australia Council for the Arts' Indigenous arts magazine

2009-05-11T09:31:00.004+10:00

The Australia Council for the Arts' produces an Indigenous arts magazine,Arts Yarn Up - check out the Autumn 2009 edition. This issue includes "Australia's delegation to the Festival of Pacific Arts, Vernon Ah Kee's selection for the Venice Biennale, and Terri Janke's thoughts on the need for a national Indigenous cultural authority"

Respect, Acknowledge and Listen

2009-05-11T08:45:00.003+10:00

This resource has practical protocols for working with the Indigenous Community of Western Sydney.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are as diverse as any other community. We are not all one cultural group and not all the same. Every community will have common ground and similarities, but also very different issues. Too often it is assumed that one Indigenous person is the knowledge holder and the sole voice for the whole community in which they live. There are different traditions and customs, different ways of communicating, different understandings, different sensitive issues, different Elders.

The Apology - One year on

2009-05-07T23:11:00.003+10:00

A classroom resource from the RacismNoWay website
"February 13th 2009 was the first anniversay of the apology to the Stolen Generations by the Australian Parliament. The apology was a powerful event in the nation's history for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Theme: Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders - Australian history and race relations
Key Learning Area: English - Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE)
Age Group: Primary Upper (10-12) - Secondary Lower (13-14) - Secondary Middle (15-16)
Resource Type: Audio-visual
Stimulus Name: The Apology"

Aboriginal Culture and History Calendar

2009-04-12T15:38:00.003+10:00

"When you look at the events which are significant to Aboriginal people you'll notice that their recent history is one of a fight for rights, land and recognition. It is also a history of sadness, loss and denial."

Twelve Canoes

2009-04-12T15:18:00.004+10:00

The Yolngu people of Ramingining in the Northern territory now have a cyber presence sharing their art, music, people and place.
"The 12 Canoes site gives the world access to an immersive and engaging view to celebrate the culture, art and history of one of world’s the oldest existing people -the Yolngu - whose homeland is the town of Ramingining and the Arafura Swamp of north-central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
The main sections of the website, designed and built by Wanted Digital, is built around twelve filmed “visual poems” describing and illustrating many aspects of Yolngu history, life and culture from Creation, Our Ancestors, The Macassans, First White Men, Thomson Time, The Swamp, Plants and Animals, and Seasons, to Kinship, Ceremony, Language, and the community’s contemporary life in Nowadays.
Other features also include artwork galleries, music, language and common terms, and photographs that capture life in the region."
Thanks to Mark from Ultimo TAFE for passing on this info too ok.

Stolen Generation Fact Sheet

2009-03-11T13:27:00.003+11:00

ReconciliACTIONnsw is part of the national ReconciliACTION Network which is a network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people interested in reconciliation and Indigenous rights issues.

This section of the ReconciliACTION website explores the policy of forcibly removing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) children from their families. These children became known as the Stolen Generations

E-governance in Indigenous Communities

2009-03-03T14:44:00.004+11:00

Governance is a critical aspect of strengthening communities. This moodle has been developed to support Indigenous leaders and managers in training which builds fundamental business and governance skills, such as budgeting and reporting.
SWSI and SI Outreach and Aboriginal Units are keen to pursue such a project. let us know if you would like to participate in such a project.

Finding Common Ground

2009-02-11T12:52:00.001+11:00

This ABC site examines the issues surrounding the draft document for Reconciliation which was released for nationwide discussion On June 2, 1999.
The information rich page links to a National Indigenous Calendar, arts, events, health, recipes and an to excellent online Indigenous Language Area Map. You can add your own recipes or events as the page is dynamic.

Hello from us here @ Ultimo TAFE

2009-02-10T13:26:00.004+11:00

Hi folks I am here with John Ake from Paddington looking at NSW TAFE Outreach network of blogs and how easy it is to have a presence on the web in my office at Ultimo TAFE in the central business area of Sydney..

Basicially our hub is made up of the front webpage and a network of blogs throughout NSW with all of the Outreach staff across the state. This hub was made with funding from NSW Learnscope under the Australian Flexible Learning framework.

If you think you may want to put in for funding you must be an RTO and for other criteria info please click on this link ok.

Living Memory

2008-02-13T13:23:00.000+11:00

Audio slideshow: Stolen generations in their own words from the Sydney Morning Herald.

ABC - Sorry

2008-02-13T02:58:00.000+11:00

"Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will use the word "sorry" three times when he apologises to the Stolen Generations in Parliament tomorrow."
A live telecast on the ABC from Parliament House, presented by Tony Jones and Miriam Corowa.

Bringing them home...

2008-02-12T23:59:00.000+11:00

"Bringing them home: The 'Stolen Children' report (1997)"

Indigenous children have been forcibly removed from their families and communities since the very first days of the European occupation of Australia.

In that time, not one Indigenous family has escaped the effects. Most families have been affected in one or more generations by the removal of one or more children. Nationally, the Inquiry concludes that between one in three and one in ten Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities between 1910 and 1970.

The National Inquiry was established by the federal Attorney General in 1995. It was conducted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).

Historic Ceremony

2008-02-12T23:50:00.000+11:00

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Aborigines in white body paint danced and sang traditional songs in Australia's national Parliament on Tuesday in a historic ceremony many hoped would mark a new era of race relations in the country.
The ceremony was the government's symbolic recognition, for the first time, that the land on which Australia's capital was built was once owned by Aborigines, and was taken away without compensation by European settlers.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will offer a formal apology to thousands of Aborigines who were taken from their families as children under now discredited assimilation policies abolished in 1970 _ an act that many people view as a vital step toward reconciling black and white Australians.
With faces and bodies white and traditional digeridoos blowing a deep drone in the background, Aborigines of the Ngunnawal tribe called on their ancestor spirits to welcome newcomers to Parliament in a ceremony held in a hall of the national legislature.
Rudd accepted the gift of a traditional «message stick» of welcome from Ngunnawal elder Matilda House.

Rudd Tables Apology

2008-02-12T23:40:00.000+11:00

Prime Minister Rudd has tabled the long awaited apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially those taken from their families, communities.

"For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," the text reads.

"To the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.

"And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry."

He says it is a first step where the Parliament resolves the injustices of the past must never happen again.

"A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity," the text reads.

"A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have changed.

"A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.

"A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country."

Historic apology

2008-02-12T23:10:00.000+11:00

7.30 Report - Published: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:29 AEDT. Expires: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:29 AEDT
"Historian and author Jackie Huggins, academic and anthropologist Marcia Langton, and director of Reconciliation Australia Fred Chaney reflect on the significance of Wednesday's apology to the Stolen Generations."

New Partner, New Learning, New South Wales, State VET Plan 2001-2005

2007-08-17T15:18:00.000+10:00

2001- 2005

Strategies of the State VET Plan a heightened focus on VET learning programs in TAFE NSW for Aboriginal students.

Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy 2006-2008

2007-08-17T15:17:00.000+10:00

The Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy (AETS) was developed as a direct response to recommendations of the Report of the Review of Aboriginal Education. The AETS has been designed to focus the work of schools, colleges, regions, TAFE NSW and state office directorates towards achieving the goal that: By 2012, Aboriginal student outcomes will match or better outcomes of the broader student population.

The Aboriginal Education Policy

2007-08-17T15:16:00.000+10:00

The Aboriginal Education Policy is concerned with promoting the education and achievements of Aboriginal students and also includes guidelines to educate all students about Aboriginal Australia. This policy provides a comprehensive set of outcomes as well as performance strategies to guide schools and their communities as well as regions and state office in achieving the overall goals for Aboriginal education.

Aboriginal Human Resource Development Plan 2006-2008

2007-08-17T15:15:00.000+10:00

The Aboriginal Human Resource Development Plan 2006-2008 (AHRD Plan) has been developed to achieve increased representation, participation and retention of Aboriginal staff in the Department and to ensure quality teaching and learning outcomes for Aboriginal people. Additional selection criteria for all school based and non school based promotion positions within the Department which include specific reference to knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to the implementation of the Department’s Aboriginal education and training policies is one of many suggested strategies in the AHRD Plan. Key Departmental reports, policies and plans designed to support the Department’s goals and priorities for Aboriginal students and Aboriginal employees include the following. Aboriginal Education Policy

Aboriginal Education Review

2007-08-17T08:57:00.000+10:00

In partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc (AECG), the Department conducted a review of Aboriginal Education. The Report of the Review of Aboriginal Education contains comprehensive recommendations to achieve sustainable improvements in education, employment and participation of Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal Child Abuse - Proposed Reform Posting V

2007-07-03T11:39:00.000+10:00

A recent address by Jeff Mullen to the Australian Catholic College concerning what more and more Aboriginal people and their supporters are calling 'John Howard and the Liberal Party's guise to Aboriginal land grabbing for their uranium waste dumps'...

The Children of the Sunrise

As my television program ended one night and the debate on the future of Aboriginal Australians was moving to another phase of tension and uncertainty, Patrick Dodson leant across the panel desk and said in a quiet, measured tone to Mal Brough :

“Minister, it is not fundamentally about policy it is about how you value Aboriginal people as human beings.”

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs continued our discussion as he walked off the ABC set. He was emotional and frustrated that he was not making enough progress around the country. Yet he was determined, he said, to do all he could to stop the collapse of Aboriginal family life.

Address Jeff McMullen to Australian Catholic University Sydney on Monday 25th June 2007.

Aboriginal Child Abuse - Proposed Reform Posting IV

2007-06-28T17:02:00.001+10:00

Here is a copy of Mutitjulu community leaders Dorothea and Bob Randall letter concerning what more and more Aboriginal people and their supporters are calling 'John Howard and the Liberal Party's guise to Aboriginal land grabbing for their uranium waste dumps'...

Please Listen To Us

We welcome any real support for indigenous health and welfare and even two police will assist, but the Howard Government declared an emergency at our community over two years ago -- when they appointed an administrator to our health clinic -- and since then we have been without a doctor, we have fewer health workers, our council has been sacked, and all our youth and health programmes have been cut.

We have no CEO and limited social and health services. The Government has known about our overcrowding problem for at least 10 years and they’ve done nothing about it.

How do they propose keeping alcohol out of our community when we are 20 minutes away from a five-star hotel? Will they ban blacks from Yulara? We have been begging for an alcohol counsellor and a rehabilitation worker so that we can help alcoholics and substance abusers but those pleas have been ignored. What will happen to alcoholics when this ban is introduced? How will the Government keep the grog runners out of our community without a permit system?

We have tried to put forward projects to make our community economically sustainable -- like a simple coffee cart at the sunrise locations -- but the Government refuses to even consider them.

There is money set aside from the Jimmy Little foundation for a kidney dialysis machine at Mutitjulu, but National Parks won’t let us have it. That would create jobs and improve indigenous health but they just keep stonewalling us. If there is an emergency, why won’t Mal Brough fast-track our kidney dialysis machine?

Some commentators have made much of the cluster of s-xually transmitted diseases identified at our health clinic. People need to understand that the Mutitjulu health clinic (now effectively closed) is a regional clinic and patients come from as far away as WA and SA; so, to identify a cluster here is meaningless without seeing the confidential patient data.

The fact that we hold this community together with no money, no help, no doctor and no government support is a miracle. Any community, black or white would struggle if they were denied the most basic resources. Police and the military are fine for logistics and coordination, but health care, youth services, education and basic housing are more essential. Any program must involve the people on the ground or it won’t work. For example, who will interpret for the military?

Our women and children are scared about being forcibly examined; surely there is a need to build trust. Even the doctors say they are reluctant to examine a young child without a parent’s permission. Of course, any child that is vulnerable or at risk should be immediately protected, but a wholesale intrusion into our women's and children’s privacy is a violation of our human and sacred rights.

Where is the money for all the essential services? We need long-term financial and political commitment to provide the infrastructure and planning for our community. There is an urgent need for tens of millions of dollars to do what needs to be done. Will Mr Brough give us a commitment beyond the police and military?

The Commonwealth needs to work with us to put health and social services, housing and education in place rather than treating Mutitjulu as a political football.

But we need to set the record straight:

There is no evidence of any fraud or mismanagement at Mutitjulu – we have had an administration for 12 months that found nothing.

Mal Brough and his predecessor have been in control of our community for at least 12 months and we have gone backwards in services.

We have successfully eradicated petrol sniffing from our community in conjunction with government authorities and oil companies.

We have thrown suspected p-dophiles out of our community using the permit system which the Government now seeks take away from us.
We will work constructively with any government, state, territory or federal, that wants to help Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal Child Abuse - Proposed Reform Posting III

2007-06-28T14:51:00.001+10:00

Here is ANTaR's media release concerning what more and more Aboriginal people and their supporters are calling 'John Howard and the Liberal Party's guise to Aboriginal land grabbing for their uranium waste dumps'...

Government’s misguided approach will add to trauma of children

Draconian measures announced by the Prime Minister today in response to the crisis of child abuse in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities would only add to the suffering of children, according to Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR).

ANTaR National Director, Gary Highland said that the Prime Minister was right to describe the widespread abuse of Aboriginal children as a national emergency but wrong in the way his government was seeking to overcome it.

“Particularly horrifying is the plan to introduce compulsory health checks for all Aboriginal children to examine for signs of abuse – regardless of whether this is suspected,” Mr Highland said.

“Little children are sacred. Compulsory and potentially invasive checks of this kind will add to their trauma,” he said.

Mr Highland said there was no other group in society that would be subject to these kinds of measures.

“Can you imagine what would happen if the Government ordered compulsory health checks for Anglo, Chinese, Jewish or Muslim children? There’d be an uproar. Yet the Prime Minister thinks it is appropriate to enforce this on Aboriginal children,” he said.

Mr Highland said efforts to stamp out child abuse should target the perpetrators rather than demonise whole communities.

The Government response also seemed to ignore the findings of the Little Children are Sacred report that non-Aboriginal men were also responsible for the abuse of Aboriginal children.

“We should tackle the extent of pornography and there may even be a case for banning it, but if this is going to happen it should occur across the board – in mining camps, lounge rooms as well as Aboriginal communities.”

Mr Highland said that while stopping alcohol abuse was essential to overcoming child abuse, prohibition would be unlikely to achieve this.

“Prohibition hasn’t worked anywhere else in the world. Why does the Prime Minister think it will work in the Northern Territory?”

Mr Highland said there was no doubting the sincerity and commitment of the Prime Minister and Minister Brough in relation to ending child abuse, but their misguided approach would be unlikely to achieve it.

“The heavy handed control of Aboriginal people helped create the problems of child abuse and violence. More of the same is not going to solve them,” Mr Highland said.

ANTaR has worked extensively to support Aboriginal people who are overcoming violence and child abuse. In 2006 it organized a forum in Parliament House, Canberra bringing Aboriginal leaders who have successfully tackled abuse and violence together with politicians and public servants to discuss strategies to overcome these problems. ANTaR is currently campaigning to urge the NSW Government to properly fund its response to the abuse of Aboriginal children in that state. Its Success Stories in Indigenous Health booklet released this week also profiles a number of successful programs that are tackling child abuse and its effects.

Media contact: Gary Highland on 02 9555 6138 or 0418 476 940.

Aboriginal Child Abuse - Proposed Reform Posting II

2007-06-28T14:39:00.000+10:00

Here is a National Aboriginal Community Health Organisation (NACCHO) letter concerning what more and more Aboriginal people and their supporters are calling 'John Howard and the Liberal Party's guise to Aboriginal land grabbing for their uranium waste dumps'...

The NACCHO Executive has asked that this message be sent. Please forward to your contacts.

You will be aware that the Howard Government has announced a plan where “scores of doctors will be drafted to examine all 23,000-plus indigenous children in the Territory aged under 16 for evidence of sexual abuse” as reported by the Australian on June 22.

You will also be aware that under COAG, a program for the implementation of an accelerated child health check has been underway since first discussed in late November 2006 following an Intergovernmental Summit on Child Abuse in Indigenous Communities. The accelerated child health check program is a trial involving teams of GPs and nurses to be recruited to provide 2000 Aboriginal children with child health checks in 10 remote Aboriginal communities with established primary health care services. The roll-out of this trial has so far found that most services wish to adopt a ‘backfill model’ of recruitment where their local GPs (who have the skills and knowledge of the community) undertake the child checks rather than the other way around.

This is no surprise. The introduction of a broader program of child health checks for all Aboriginal children in the NT that concentrates on sexual health checks is disturbing. Some of the concerns have already been reported from the medical profession, such as the AMA in the NT, citing the workforce issues and the cultural sensitivities in implementing such a scheme.

Moreover, returning to the original NT Inquiry (“Little Children Are Sacred”) to which this proposal is a response, the Inquiry recommends the following health responses:

Home visiting programs; increased health centre focus on maternity, prenatal and early childhood support; increased health services capacity to deliver the focus by increasing support for PHCAP; increased primary health care training; using primary health care services as “hubs” for integrated health and welfare responses in remote communities; and in consultation with Aboriginal communities and organizations, that programs to address the underlying effects of ‘intergenerational’ trauma be developed to enhance emotional and social well-being.

The Inquiry did not recommend widespread sexual health checks (screening) of all Aboriginal children as proposed by the Howard Government.

NACCHO recommends that any governmental response that involves the health sector must proceed only after there has been consultation and support gained from Aboriginal communities and organizations. We invite the Government and all health bodies to engage with NACCHO prior to endorsing or supporting the Australian Governments proposals for screening all Aboriginal children under 16 years in the NT.

Please make contact with Ms Dea Thiele, CEO NACCHO on 0417046692, in order to ensure there is an evidence-based, and responsibly sensitive health sector response to proposals from the Australian government.

Aboriginal Child Abuse - Proposed Reform Posting I

2007-06-28T11:43:00.000+10:00

Here is the NSW Reconciliation media release concerning what more and more Aboriginal people and their supporters are calling 'John Howard and the Liberal Party's guise to Aboriginal land grabbing for their uranium waste dumps'...

NSW Reconciliation Council calls on State Government to oppose
opportunistic Federal approach to addressing child abuse

The Federal Government’s overdue response to child abuse is a shameful example of political opportunism and will not achieve long term positive outcomes for Indigenous communities, according to the NSW Reconciliation Council.

‘The welfare of Aboriginal children should never be used for political purposes. Mr Howard’s behaviour is shameful. I will not stand silent while he uses the welfare of Aboriginal children for his own political gain,’ Mr Greg Davison, Chairperson of the NSW Reconciliation Council said. ‘Genuine action is necessary; we have seen government inaction on this issue for decades.’

The Council is calling on the NSW Government to lead the way on this issue by funding the implementation of the Breaking the Silence Report recommendations of its own Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce. ‘In contrast to the Federal Government’s imposed, discriminatory, knee-jerk approach, these recommendations were developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities in NSW through the Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce,’ explained Renee Williamson, Deputy Chairperson of the NSW Reconciliation Council.

The Council believes the Federal Government’s response fails to address the underlying systemic issues, which have caused many of the problems facing Indigenous communities today.’ Ms Williamson stated ‘history has shown us that complex problems such as abuse are not solved through punitive and paternalistic measures…This is protectionism all over again.

‘Trust is a precious commodity in Aboriginal communities. Coercion and fear will only exacerbate problems in the Northern Territory as they have done for so long in NSW,’ said NSW Reconciliation Council Board member Sally Fitzpatrick.

Child abuse is an issue requiring urgent action not only in Aboriginal communities, and not only in the Northern Territory. For Aboriginal communities in NSW, the Council believes that the NSW Government has the opportunity to take a different approach to the Federal Government. By funding the implementation of the NSW Interagency Plan based on the Breaking the Silence Report, the NSW Government will work together with Aboriginal communities to effectively address the issue in partnership.

‘Real solutions can only be found at the local level and only when the system provides trust and support’ explained David Crew, NSW Reconciliation Board member.

Media Enquiries
For all media enquiries please contact Greg Davison (Chair) on 0418 969 022 or Renee Williamson (Deputy Chair) on 0409 410 285.

Up At The Whitsundays.......

2007-06-12T17:32:00.000+10:00

We are all here in Bowen just finishing celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Bowen Christian Family Centre.
Bowen is located at the top of the Whitsunday Islands and is just so dreamy hey......drifter hey....actually it used to be a sleepy old town but since hollywood has hit it ....it has become.....what can I say....starstruck to say the least n a bit of a Bowenwood......just like hollywood hey.....you just never know who you are going to meet down the street ....from a local who has become an instant star to the stars themselves like Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Jack Thompson, Brian Brown just to name a few.....and talk about the beaches...I couldn't make up my mind as to which beach to go too for a swim.....the choices where too many.....

And my cousin, Diann is taking heaps of photos from movie set to the stars.....n here is a little tease ok...

Aboriginal MP Made for the Ministry

2007-04-05T11:59:00.000+10:00

An article from the Age speculating on Linda Burney's ministerial possibilities.
By Ean Higgins dated March 27, 2007

When you look at Linda Burney's curriculum vitae, you'd think she must have lived five lives, given the range of things she's done.
At 50, she has been a teacher, worked in education policy and curriculum development, run a state government department and sat on numerous boards ranging from SBS to resources management. And she also has UN experience.

Now she has secured her second term as the NSW state MP for the safe Labor seat of Canterbury, in Sydney's southwest.

Along the way, she has been married twice, had two children, and become a widow after her husband, rural activist Rick Farley, died last year following a stroke.

Now the word is that Premier Morris Iemma has his eye on Ms Burney for a ministerial portfolio, making her the first acknowledged Aboriginal to become a NSW minister. A source within her Left faction said it was a "lay-down misere" she would be put on the factional ticket.

The immediate expectation, since Ms Burney is Aboriginal and was secretary of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, is that she would be made Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. But it is a suggestion Ms Burney thinks involves stereotyping.

"There's an assumption, especially in the media, that if you are Aboriginal, all you know is about issues regarding Aboriginality," she told The Australian yesterday.

"I pay a mortgage, I have kids who have been sick, I have sat in the emergency ward, I'm a woman, I'm a feminist, and I shop in the supermarket. As for being Aboriginal, it's a kind of extra privilege."

Ms Burney would not comment on her prospects for a ministry, except to say that "there have been various suggestions that I would be a worthwhile candidate, and it would be an honour to serve in that role".

"But I believe in the expression that you count a chicken when it's hatched," she said.

It is understood Ms Burney would prefer a portfolio outside Aboriginal Affairs, to avoid being type-cast in that role, and also because it would place unduly high community expectations on her because of her Aboriginality. The Premier is understood to agree.

She would probably be a well-qualified education minister, but that job will go, in this round at least, to a more experienced candidate.

There is, however, another portfolio vacant that might suit her: a new ministry Mr Iemma announced during the election campaign of Environment, Water and Climate Change. There's no incumbent, since environment minister Bob Debus has retired.

Whatever NSW portfolio Ms Burney gets, she will also have a national profile: she will soon become ALP federal vice-president, and president from 2009.

Tranby College - 2007 Courses

2006-11-29T15:11:00.000+11:00

YEAR 2007/2008
APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLMENT
NOW AVAILABLE
Tranby Aboriginal College is an independent Aboriginal Adult Education Provider, developing and delivering courses designed by Elders and community members for Community Empowerment and Self-Determination. The College is located in Glebe and has been providing courses for Indigenous students for many years. Tranby's courses for 2007 are as follows:

Diploma of National Indigenous Legal Advocacy
(24Months)
Diploma of Development Studies (Aboriginal Communities)
(24 Months)
Diploma of Business (Indigenous Governance)
(12 Months)
SYDNEY BASED STUDENTS ONLY FOR THIS COURSE

Interviews will be held in
DECEMBER 2006
For more information please contact Tranby:
13 Mansfield Street
Glebe NSW 2037
Phone: (02) 9660 3444
Fax: (02) 9660 1924
Email: admin@tranby.edu.au
Website: www.tranby.edu.au

Yabun 2007

2006-11-28T14:44:00.000+11:00

Are you celebrating Survival in 2007? then come along n join in the celebrations at Yabun 2007 Festival.
If you are interested in having a stall with eith food, information, arts and crafts, etc or even to put on an activity for this day, please contact Mita or Tim at Gadigal Information Service in Marrickville for costing info on 9564-5090 or by email .

Some of the Mob Wanting to Know About Blogging n Such

2006-11-23T12:03:00.000+11:00

Today we have got some of the mob from Leichhardt Council visiting with us to check out the ins and outs of blogging with the view of starting up their own...... ;>)

Federal Government Pledge $25 million for United States Studies Centre Located @ University of Sydney

2006-11-22T15:58:00.000+11:00

Here is a letter to John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia fromt the Aboriginal Legal Service in WA in response to his annoucement of $25million to establish a United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

Aboriginal Children's Advancement Society

2006-11-20T11:32:00.000+11:00

Aboriginal Children's Advancement Society is involved with Reconciliation, Education and Advancement issues and matters for Aboriginal young people for 40 years.

The Society aims to provide opportunities for Aboriginal children to obtain an education which will enable them to advance their way of life and to give them the chance to Learn to Earn.

For more information on the work and structure of Aboriginal Children's Advancement Society click here.

New Alcohol Free Zone Proposal for The Block @ Redfern

2006-11-20T11:14:00.000+11:00

The City of Sydney has launched their Draft Street Drinking Strategy to address the impact street drinking can have on individuals and the community and in particular that of Redfern and the Black Theatre mob. The Redfern Alcohol Free Zone includes:
• Eveleigh Street between Lawson and Vine Street
• Louis Street between Caroline and Vine Street
• Vine Street between Eveleigh Street and Abercrombie Street
• Caroline Street between Eveleigh Street and Abercrombie Street
• Holden Street
• Eveleigh Lane between Vine Street and Caroline Street
• Caroline Lane between Eveleigh and Abercrombie Street
• Lawson Street between Gibbons Street and Little Eveleigh Street

The Council have placed on exhibition proposals to establish new Alcohol Free Zones in other suburbs including Pyrmont, King Cross, Newtown, and Surry Hills.

The map showing the proposed Redfern and Chippendale zones can be downloaded from the council website or by clicking here.
HAVE YOUR SAY
You can make a difference. You can lodge your views and opinions on this City of Sydney Alcohol Free Zone by mail, fax or email using the below info. Its that simple easy.Details are:
CEO
City of Sydney
GPO Box 1591
Sydney NSW 2001
Fax: 02 9265 9222
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Submissions must be in writing received no later than Friday 12 January 2007.

Update on The Block in Redfern

2006-11-20T11:03:00.000+11:00

This information is being circulated around the traps to provide you with the latest info on whats happening with the redevelopment of the block.

To fellow supporters of Aboriginal housing on The Block ----

The AHC has submitted a proposal to the Dept of Planning entitled Pemulwuy Mixed Use Development, Appl No 06-0101. The details of the plan can be viewed on the Department's website. The proposal includes a development over seven parcels of privately owned land on the East side of Eveleigh St, South of Holden St. The six owners of these parcels have not been formally consulted about the project, and most were unaware of it or had only heard rumours. The result of the plan being approved would be the demolition of their homes and their replacement with a non! viable commercial development.

Since the publication of the plan on the departmental website, the affected owners have agreed on a joint position, and have all sent to the Department the submission printed below.

The Director General,
Department of Planning
PO Box 39 GPO Sydney NSW 2001

Fax 9228 6455

Dear Sir

Re: Pemulwuy Mixed Use Development -- Application No 06-0101, Joint Submission by Residents and Landholders

1. The undersigned are residents and landholders in Eveleigh and Holden Sts Redfern.
2. We support the provision of Aboriginal housing on The Block, and look forward to a thriving community on this iconic Aboriginal land.
3. We support the provision of arts, cultural and sporting facilities on AHC land in the Lawson St precinct, and the adaptive use of the former Murrawina site for Aboriginal community purposes.
4. We believe that commercial development is non-viable and inappropriate except in the Lawson St precinct, due to the abundance of this type of usage to be provided nearby, and to preserve the residential character of the surrounding area.
5. We are part of this community, we enjoy living here and intend to remain. We will continue to be supportive of, and optimistic about, the future of Aboriginal Redfern.
6.We oppose commercial zoning, use and development in the area on which our homes stand.
7. We have not given, and will not give, consent to the lodgement of any Application that would deprive us of our homes and introduce commercial development in their place.

2007 NAIDOC

2006-11-20T10:55:00.000+11:00

2007 NAIDOC week has been set for 8-15 July with the theme: "50 years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak".

Here is their Media Release:

Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC: Looking Forward, Looking Blak

Statement by National NAIDOC Week Chairperson, Aden Ridgeway

The National NAIDOC Committee will mark the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC with the deadly theme: 50 years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak.

The creation of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance
Committee (NAIDOC) has its origins in the fight for Aboriginal rights
that began to gather pace in the 1920s and 1930s. Its precursors were
the Day of Mourning (26 January 1938) and Aboriginal Sunday that was
observed the Sunday before Australia Day starting in 1940. In 1957 a
National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NADOC) was formed with
support and cooperation from Federal and State governments, the
churches and major Indigenous organisations. Its aim was to promote
Aboriginal Sunday as a day to focus community attention on the nations
Aboriginal people.!

After the 1967 Referendum and the establishment in 1972 of a Federal
Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the national focus on Indigenous
issues increased significantly. In 1974 NADOC became an all-Indigenous
committee, and in 1975 extended the Aboriginal Day to National
Aborigines Week, with celebrations held in July. In 1988 the
committees name was changed to NAIDOCNational Aborigines and Islanders
Day Observance Committeeto acknowledge Torres Strait Islander people.

The 50th anniversary for NAIDOC is a time for us to reflect on how far
we have come as Indigenous Australians and the significant
contribution we have made to shape this nation. Next year also marks
a significant milestone with the 40th anniversary of the 1967
Referendum.

As the theme for NAIDOC Week 2007 states, we need to look forward to
what we want Australia to be in 50 years time and where our people
will be. It is up to! all Australians to put the hard work in to
correct the inequalities still suffered by our people. Like the
origins of NAIDOC itself it needs all of usIndigenous Australians,
governments, and the wider Australian community to improve life
opportunities of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and
respect for our position and role in the life of the nation.

Symbolically, the National NAIDOC Awards and Ball will take place on
Black Friday (13 July 2007) in Darwin. The national NAIDOC Awards and
Ball will be the high point for NAIDOC Week 2007, with NAIDOC
celebrations being held the week of 8-15 July. Black Friday is ideal
to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC and I imagine many
communities will embrace the coincidence of Black Friday in NAIDOC
Week, and will celebrate with creative activities and events around
the country.

I encourage all Australians to join with us to celebrate 50 years of
NAIDOC.

The National NAIDOC poster competition and nominations for the
National NAIDOC Awards open Monday 29 January, 2007. For more
information visit www.naidoc.org.au

IWAC

2006-10-31T11:41:00.000+11:00

We are out here at IWAC in Marrickville with all the classes out happening in the community. These include the Aboriginal Elders Cultural Practices Course, Koori Child Care and the Aboriginal Jewellery Class. Some great pieces of artwork are being produced - so stay tuned and we will keep you informed :-)

Rock the Block - Redfern

2006-10-26T10:58:00.000+10:00

Here's an update. JTV will be broadcasting a TV story on Youth Rock the Block on ABC this Friday October 27th, at 11:20pm.

The story will feature footage and interviews with the Youth Rock the Block performing artists, as well as interviews from government spokespeople to 'even things out'.

Tune in and hear what young Indigenous artists have to say about what the Block means to them and their dreams for the future.

Rock the Block - Redfern

2006-10-23T15:56:00.000+10:00

The unique Youth Rock the Block event, held in Redfern on October 14, 2006, has featured young performers from the community and elsewhere expressing their art and culture and raising money for a local women and children’s dance studio.

Foretelling the kind of creativity the dance studio promises to harness, the day included singing in the Indigenous Darug language, original dance pieces, renditions of well-known Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal pop songs, and hip-hop.

For the children of a community to hold a public event which welcomed attendance from all of Sydney not only showed their courage and pride but also made a powerful statement about what young people can do to challenge poor perceptions of their environment, and contribute to its redevelopment.

The event was an initiative of the Aboriginal Housing Company, in collaboration with Sydney rock band Andorra (who organised well-known adult performers and bands for the ‘May 06 Rock the Block event), and with great assistance from Vibe magazine/Deadly Awards founder Gavin Jones and crew.

The Aboriginal Housing Company, which owns the Block, hopes to make ‘Youth Rock the Block’ a yearly event.

A video news story of the day will be available after October 27, 2006 at this link.

Aboriginal Elders Form Partnership with TAFE

2006-10-04T12:15:00.000+10:00

In this case study Noelene Milliken, Foundation Studies Teacher, TAFE NSW - Riverina Institute talks about how she worked with a group of Koori elders to develop a funding submission to employ their own teacher. Noelene states that a partnership approach to community capacity building is one that can lead to long-term economic and social benefits to groups and communities as a whole.

My students build and steer their own boats. I provide the rudder that keeps them going in the right direction whilst at the same time avoiding the submerged obstacles that could tip them over. Think learning, not teaching.

She explains how she used Paulo Friere' principles. Worth a looky.

Click here for more.

Indigenous Learning in Remote Areas

2006-10-04T12:09:00.000+10:00

This is an article by Brian Martin, Teacher-in-charge Arts & Media, TAFE NSW Western Institute sharing information about the delivery of Fine Arts, Ceramics and Aboriginal Arts & Cultural Practices courses to kooris in several remote locations in Far-Western NSW.

He talks about working with these communities exisiting elements and resources and touches on cross generational outcomes.
… we address the underlying issues of society by producing artwork that functions as a resource for cultural development… we foster learning and the expansion of the individual’s and community’s collective mind.…

Great story. Click here for more.

Indigenous Engagement through elearning in NSW North Coast

2006-10-04T12:00:00.000+10:00

Have a read of this article on how they went about to develop two sustainable pilot elearning projects aimed at building the learning and employment opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Teaching and learning was flexible and supportive. People could attend when they were able to, and leave when they needed to. We team taught as much as possible. We also utilised peer tutoring, cross age tutoring and mentoring. These were based on practices that the community itself naturally used – here they were applied in an elearning context. Usually there was also a team leader present – a younger person more familiar with elearning. Often young people and elders would be in the same place, the young people moving around, showing and helping.

Click here for more

Two-Way Learning

2006-10-04T11:39:00.000+10:00

This is an article by Jill Gientzotis, an independent researcher and writer in Vocational Education and Training sharing her experience as a facilitor working with Aboriginal agencies to develop an Industry Training Network with a view to move toward focusing on their needs.

Participants worked in groups: sometimes particular art centres, sometimes men's group and women's group, sometimes young people and older people. They were invited to contribute information in any way they liked: as a picture, a map, as text, or by simply talking; and in any language they liked, English or one of the 15 languages or so spoken by members of Desart.

She writes

Two-way learning is about the trainer respecting the knowledge, learning processes and perspectives of another people and recognising that they are learning about another culture and knowledge system, at the same time as sharing their own knowledge. It is about working together to find the basis from which new knowledge can be developed in a way that is relevant to the learners concerned, and can be grasped by them.

Worth a read if you are working with Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander people and nations. Click here for more.

O U R I M B A H

2006-09-28T13:34:00.000+10:00

This site has some amazing info on it and it contains slightly revised text of the book published by Wyong Shire Council in 1988 about the History of a New South Wales Timber Town to 1930 by BC Jones & AC Eyers.

So little was the Aborigines' culture understood by the first several generations of Europeans in New South Wales that the lifestyle of the indigents was soon completely upset, the great majority of those who survived becoming wholly dependent on reservations and handouts [Haigh C, ‘Ignorance, Alcohol, God-and Good Intentions’ in Haigh and Goldstein (eds) The Aborigines of NSW (NSW Government National Parks and Wildlife Service, undated), a reprint from 11 Parks and Wildlife (5)].

Very often men were ruthlessly slaughtered when they reacted to the provocation of the stealing of their land or violence to their women [Forestry Commission of NSW Red Cedar (pamphlet 1979); Vinnicombe P, Predilection and Prediction; a study of Aboriginal Sites in the Gosford-Wyong Region (a report to the NSW Government National Parks and Wildlife Service, 1980) at IV:21].

It is likely that many were gunned

Check it out:
Pre History
Invasion to 1840s

Burarra Gathering - Sharing Indigenous Knowledge

2006-09-28T12:58:00.000+10:00

This website gives a sense of the people, land, language and traditional technologies and knowledge of the Burarra people of Arnhem Land, in Australia's Northern Territory.

You can take a virtual trip to the land of the Burarra people, and be guided by Danaja, a young Burarra man, and his grandfather, Wala Wala. Click here for more.

Please Note: You will need Flash Player. If you have not got Flash Player and wish to continue, it will only take a few minutes to download. Click on the image.

Photostory

2006-09-28T12:52:00.000+10:00

Photo Story is a free program that allows you to produce a stunning multimedia presentation in just a few steps using digital photos.
It can be used to produce a range things from a day at the beach or the koori footy knockout, your holidays, that fabulous party, family get togethers to spectacular and impressive workshopand conference presentations. This great program makes it extremely simple to operate and create photo shows with the use of digital images, entered text, music, recorded voice and animation.

Features include:

Narrate one or more of your pictures to tell family and friends about the memorable event;
Add panning and zooming effects to emphasize specific areas of a picture;
Add a title and credits, just like in a movie;
Pick background music for your story;
Share via e-mail, on the Web, or on Video CDs that play back in most home DVD players!; and
Re-edit your saved projects by adding new chapters to family histories, events, and more.

Here is a great beginners tool if you want to have a go and learn Photostory quickly. This resource has been put together by
Tradies On Line Edna Group. To access this great resource Click Here.

Barani - Sydney's Indigenous history

2006-09-20T15:47:00.000+10:00

Barani is an interactive, searchable resource which links you to a thematic introduction to Sydney's Indigenous history; biographies; useful contacts; and references to books, films, images and websites about Sydney's Indigenous history, from earliest pre-contact traces to most recent events.

Worthwhile checking out folks. Click Here

Money for indigenous education unspent

2006-03-28T17:15:00.000+11:00

Below is an article by Stephanie Peatling for the Syndey Morning Herald that we thought was worth sharing with you all ok. Enjoy.

LESS than half the money the Federal Government allocated for indigenous education programs last year was spent, at a time the Prime Minister, John Howard, has named "practical reconciliation" as a goal for attention.

Although $225 million was earmarked for programs such as literacy and numeracy - in which indigenous students lag behind other students - only $83 million was spent.

"The evidence of underspending in indigenous education shows this Government has no strategy and displays even less initiative in the critical area of educating indigenous young people," said the Opposition's indigenous affairs spokesman, Chris Evans..

"All we see from this Government is shameless self-promotion and worsening outcomes for indigenous education."

The figures are in a 127-page document that took the Department of Education, Science and Training a year to prepare after being asked by the Opposition for a breakdown of its spending.

The document also shows that payments made to indigenous students taking tertiary courses and receiving the Abstudy allowance dropped by 35 per cent.

The underspending came as the Federal Government was revamping the way it managed indigenous policy, including abolishing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, as part of so-called mainstreaming of funding for indigenous programs.

A report on indigenous education prepared by the state and federal governments last year found that while retention rates to year 12 had increased slightly, indigenous students were still half as likely to continue to year 12 as non-indigenous students. Numeracy and literacy levels are much lower in all age groups.

The figures showing the lack of spending came as Mr Howard said education was a key issue in improving the living standards of indigenous people.

"This is practical reconciliation at its best because unless Aboriginal children have education their employment opportunities are going to be limited, and unless they can get jobs they can't be fully enjoying the benefits of Australian society," he said yesterday.

Although school participation rates had improved among indigenous students, Mr Howard said there was "still a long way to go".

The $142 million not spent by the Government was part of funding for the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives.

The department acknowledged there had been a "significant" lack in spending, and this was due to agreements with state and Catholic education authorities not being finalised.

"Also, a large number of Indigenous Education project payments, expected to be made in the first half of 2005, have not eventuated, due either to contracts still being negotiated or outstanding compliance issues," the department said.

It said the money was expected to be spent in the firsthalf of this year.

Bush Mechanics

2006-03-14T09:23:00.000+11:00

This web-site is the official Bush Mechanics site. It is dedicated to the amazing ingenuity of the Indigenous mechanics and is produced by the Wirlpiri Media Association in Yuendumi. The site has tricks, stories, TV and music secitons. It is worth checking out ok. This site is full of information and new experiences. Whether it be finding a solution to a flat tyre when you've got no spare or overcoming many obstacles of the notorious Tanami Track by playing the Bush Mechanics game. Enjoy!Click here!

Correctional Education

2005-11-09T09:58:00.000+11:00

Institute Correctional Centre Liaison Officers for NSWHere is the list of Institute Correctional Centre Liaison Officers(ICCLO) for NSW as at September 2005.

PEET at Walgett
Have just completed a successful Pathways to Employment, Education and Training Program (3493) at Walgett. Am looking forward to contributing to this site and networking with others involved in the same delivery.

Incarceration rates for Indigenous Women a National Shame
Extract from Dr Jonas' launch of the annual social justice report that there was a crisis in the level and type of contact of Indigenous women with correctional systems in Australia including:
- Indigenous women are currently incarcerated at a rate higher than any other group in Australia - including that of Indigenous men;
- Over-representation of Indigenous women occurs in the context of intolerably high levels of family violence, over-policing for selected offences, ill-health, unemployment and poverty;
- Studies of Indigenous women in prison reveal life in a society fraught with danger from violence;
- Removal of Indigenous women from the community has significant consequences and potentially exposes children to risk of neglect, abuse, hunger and homelessness;
- Indigenous women also serve comparatively shorter sentences, suggesting a general failure to employ the principle of imprisonment as a last resort; and
- Once imprisoned, recidivism statistics show that Indigenous women are at greater risk of returning to jail.

In the press release he called for release programs to address:
- Transitional housing after release;
- Community based, Indigenous specific programs to help women deal with the effects of violence and to develop alternative strategies for coping with future violence;
- Support for women to maintain contact with their children while they are incarcerated or regular information about the well being of their children;
- Programs which are sensitive to the kinship obligations of Indigenous women and supportive of these roles;
- Financial issues, employment, education and training; and
- Access to health services, including drug abuse rehabilitation.

Hello from Stone Quarry – Gibba Gunyah

2005-09-13T17:35:00.000+10:00

We r all out here doing a workshop on blogging as part of a Learnscopeproject 2005. This is a great place. So serene, with great vibes and ‘up close n personal’ with mother nature. It is highly recommended by us mob here working hard. The place is great for a workshop or team building exercises. Go on get out here n visit….. ;>

General

2005-08-12T21:07:00.000+10:00

Aboriginal Flag
The Aboriginal flag was designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from Central Australia. It was created as a symbol of unity and national identity for Aboriginal people during the land rights movement of the early 1970s. The flag was first flown at Victoria Square in Adelaide on National Aborigines Day, 12 July 1971. The flag was adopted nationally by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 1972. The symbolic meanings of the flag colours are:
* Black: Represents the Aboriginal people of Australia.
* Red: Represents the red earth, the red ochre and a spiritual relation to the land.
* Yellow: Represents the Sun, the giver of life and protector.

Click here to download your image to save to your computer.

Torres Strait Island Flag
The Torres Strait Islander Flag was created as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islander peoples and was designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island. It was the winning entry from a design competition in 1992 held as part of a Cultural Revival Workshop, organised by The Islands Coordinating Council. It was given equal prominence with the Aboriginal flag and in 1995 it was recognised by the Australian Government as an official 'Flag of Australia'. Each part of the flag is designed to represent something about Torres Strait Island culture:
* Green: Represents the land
* Blue: Represents the sea
* White: Represents peace
* Black: Represents the Indigenous peoples
Plus
The dhari (headdress) represents Torres Strait Island people.
The five pointed star represents the 5 major Island groups and also represents navigation, as a symbol of the seafaring culture of the Torres Strait.

Seaman Dan
Did you miss the Messagestick episode on Seaman Dan, the Torres Strait Islander singer/songwritier who launched his first CD at the early age of 70? Well now u can catch all the goss by clicking on this link.

Seaman Dan on 666 Afternoons
Review of Steady, Steady
Launch of Listen Up: Music of Black Australia
Vibe chats with Seaman Dan
Buy the CD Steady Steady HMV or at Vidz of Oz

Fact Sheets by Aboriginal Affairs - These fact sheets are produced by the NSW Department Of Aboriginal Affairs and cover the following topics: Introducing Indigenous Australia, Health, Education, Law & Justice, Stolen Generations, NSW Government Response (to the Stolen Generations), A Comparison of Land Rights and Native Title in NSW, An Overview of History, The NSW Government Commitment to Aboriginal People and Reconciliation.

Lore of the Land
This is a great website which seeks to reconcile spirit and place in Australia's story. It also is a mad place for teaching tools for age groups. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore and discover the richness of Australia's history, the beauty of its geography and the voices of its people giving expression to their love of this land we all share and each call home.

Who Are Indigenous Australians?
This information was put together by Diversity@work.

Youth

2005-08-02T20:04:00.000+10:00

Dust Echos
This mob here have turn five Indigenous stories into an animated TV series and website that appeals to kids of just about any age. ABC has done well to represent Indigenous Australia authentically, sensitively, and respectfully and for the whole thing to be visually and musically at the cutting edge.

They have included lesson plans, games, goodies, links and info about the creators.

(Note: Thanks Jude)

History

2005-07-01T13:13:00.000+10:00

NSW Records Office - These links are an Administrative History of Contact between the Government of New South Wales and Aboriginal people compiled from the State Records of NSW.
It includes sections on:-
* From first contact at Myall Creek
* The Myall Creek Massacre and Protection
* The Aborigines Protection Board
* The Policy of Control and Removal of Children
* Inquiries, Agitation and a Welfare Board
* After the Aborigines Protection Board

Chronology of Significant Events
This chronology by the NSW Records Office gives an overview of significant events which have happened in Australia since 1788, concentrating on the relations between Aboriginal people and the post-1788 immigrants. Some other events are shown in order to give an historical context. Some of these events generated many records whereas other records are the result of legislative changes. Please note that all institutions and legislation are from New South Wales, unless otherwise noted.

Media

2005-06-26T20:05:00.000+10:00

Gadigal Information Service
Gadigal provides a community based media, arts and information service for the Indigenous community in Sydney. Gadigal grew out of a need for an Indigenous media organisation in the city as for many years the mainstream media has portrayed Indigenous Australians with negative stereotypes. It has established the renowned Koori Radio – Live and Deadly - Sydney's Indigenous community station. The station is on air on 93.7FM.

Messagestick
This is ABC's "online" commitment to Indigenous content and goes under the same name as its Indigenous program, Messagestick. It "is a tremendous resource for accessing information about the ABC's Indigenous production across Radio, Television and the Web. It offers direct links to all the ABC’s Indigenous programming and offers the opportunity for browsers to give feedback on any of these shows."

Gadigal Information Service
Gadigal Information Service is currently located in Marrickville and brings to us the most recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander news and events from around the Sydney, regions, across the state, nationally and internationally on issues the relate to and effect Indigenous Peoples. What is great about Gadigal's service, is that they have a special link with the National Indigenous Times, that allows Gadigal to present news that is hard hitting and relevant to the Indigenous Australians and that of the broader community.

Koori Mail
The Koori Mail located in Lismore on the north coast of NSW endeavours to bring to you Indigenous issues. It has been recogonised as having the widest and largest distribution and has been operating since 1991 and issue a fornightly newspaper. These mob would love to hear your thoughts on Indigenous issues for publication as a Letter to the Editor or as a poem.

So if you have something to say personally about an Indigenous issue, or you want to let other blackfellas know what's happening around your campfire, contact us by phone (02) 6622 2666, fax (02) 6622 2600, snail mail (9 Molesworth Street, Lismore, NSW, 2480) or email: editor@koorimail.com.

Governments and Authorities

2005-06-26T19:38:00.000+10:00

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC)
ATSIC is the elected arm of Indigenous representatives, consisting of 35 Regional Councils around Australia and a national Board of Commissioners; and an administration arm. Please note that ATSIC’s operations are now considerably diminished as a result of John Howard’s Government’s intention to abolish the Commission. Although, it is understood that the Government intends to support the continued operation of Regional Councils until 30 June 2005 and will advise communities on it’s new arrangements for providing Indigenous representation at the local and regional level.

Department of Aboriginal Affairs (DAA)
DAA is part of the NSW Government. It's role is to work with Aboriginal people, government agencies, and the private and community sectors to promote the interests of Aboriginal people in NSW and reduce the inequity they continue to experience as a result of colonisation.

Social Policy Division, Prime Minister and Cabinet
The Indigenous Policy branch works closely with the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination within the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, on the implementation of the new arrangements for indigenous affairs. The branch provides the Secretariat for the Secretaries' Group on Indigenous Affairs which is chaired by the Secretary of PM&C and on which the Secretaries of the following departments sit: Immigration Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs , Family and Community Services , Health , Transport and Regional Services , Education Science and Training , Employment and Workplace Relations , Environment and Heritage , Communications Information Technology and the Arts and Attorney-General's .

Arts and Culture

2005-06-26T18:38:00.000+10:00

Tjapukai
Tjapukai showcases the culture of the rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland. Situated on 25 acres of land owned by the Tjapukai people at Caravonica, north of Cairns, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is a stunning theatrical interpretation of Aboriginal culture from the beginning of time into the future. Seven separate arenas allows you to experience every facet of the rainforest people’s culture - from the provocative History Theatre to the inspiring Creation Theatre, and the original Dance Theatre and the interactive Camp Village, where visitors can learn didgeridoo playing and boomerang throwing.

Boomalli Aboriginal Art Gallery
Boomalli is an Aboriginal arts organisation incorporated to promote Aboriginal culture and independence through the visual arts and is located in Leichhardt (Sydney).

Cultural Protocals
When it comes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, have you ever had to think about "what should I do" or wonder what is the "right protocol" in inviting someone to do something. Well, I know of a few agencies that have developed protocols that guide staff through it all.

* Take for example the ABC network - cultural protocols and a whole lot more sensitive stuff is on their site. Click Here!

* The Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country: Guidelines and Protocols for DET document is a package of background information and advice about the best way for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies to be held as part of public school and TAFE Institute events. Click Here!

* The Australian Film Commission has developed protocols for filmmakers working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Click Here!

Australian Museum
This site explores Indigenous Australia through storytelling, cultures and histories. It includes Stories of the Dreaming, teachers' resources and content for students. You can also use this site to find out about the Indigenous Australia exhibition at the Australian Museum. Click Here!

Education

2005-01-13T19:45:00.000+11:00

Learning Styles for Indigenous Students
As you all are most probably aware and I take it that it is a well recorded fact, the Indigenous Peoples of Australia have and predominently still are an "oral" based community. Given this major fact it goes without saying that these people learn differently than the Non-Indigenous peoples. As educators who are developing and implementing educational activites, it is necessary to observe and respect their learning styles to make a difference.
Australian Indigenous learning characteristics have been identified as follows:

* group rather than individual direction and management
* repeated stimulated learning
* uncritical rather than critical approaches
* personal verses impersonal
* listening rather that verbalising
* indirect questioning

Aboriginal Education Research and Curriculum Resources - The NSW Board of Studies has a very useful page called Aboriginal Education Research and Curriculum Resources for those who require additional works relating school aged children.

Aboriginal Programs Unit within DET - The APU's has provided a good Links page on their site mainly to education related topics.

Adult Education and Training for Indigenous People
This case study describes a program supported by community networks which provides individual pathways in education and training for disengaged and at risk youth, indigenous communities. The communities of practice and partnerships seek to break unproductive cycles and bring fulfilment, empowerment and self esteem to participants.
The authors of this paper present a culturally appropriate introduction to adult education and training for Indigenous people. Something I found interesting was the way they harnessed the energy of the community to create learning opportunities. Click here to Download.

Health

2005-01-13T19:27:00.000+11:00

HealthInfoNet - This site has an Overview of Indigenous Health section which is broken down into States and Territories, click here for NSW. Click on this link to view the home page of the HealthInfoNet in it's entirety.

Aboriginal Health and Medical Resource Council - The Council's website has a terrific Aboriginal Health Information page which outlines the health status and some issues being experinced in Indigenous communities.

Google Search for Indigenous within NSW Health Dept's Site
A Google search for every document containing the word "Aboriginal" within the NSW Health Department's website. Click here to see!

Human Rights and Social Justice

2005-01-13T16:59:00.000+11:00

Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council (AJAC) - This agency provides advice to the NSW Government on law and justice issues affecting Aboriginal people. It is structured into a central council and regional councils based on the ATSIC regions of NSW. The central council identifies issues, provides advice, develops proposals for change and monitors programs in relation to the criminal justice system's impact on Aboriginal people. The Council also has a great Issues and Resources page with sections on Community & Culture; Women; Police, Prisons, Custody; Courts and Tribunals; Juveniles and Children; and International Issues. Just click on each icon to see the listings ok.

NSW Reconciliation Council - The NSW Reconciliation Council is the peak reconciliation body in NSW and works with other agencies, both government and community, to continue the work of the former Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. The Council has a Resouces and Links page that is great and worth exploring.

Activities in Reconciliation
The activities in this section can be used to explore reconciliation with the community.