BE MONDAY, JULY 5, 2010
COUNTED EDITION 6
ISSN: 1837-9176
Women leading the way
COST: $1.00
INSIDE
Sister act in the arts. P3
The Community Leadership seminar was a huge success, pictured above are some of the participants and reference group members.
ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander women and girls from around the Gold Coast came together in the name of leadership during June. The Community Leadership Seminar held at Bundall was attended by women from as young as 15 years old. While the seminars have been held all over Queensland for the past couple of years, it was a first for the Gold Coast. The seminar funded by the Queensland Office for Women was attended by more than 50 women. The main purpose of the gathering was to give girls and women the opportunity and encouragement to develop their community skills. Valmai Saunders from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Development said the theme was based around leadership. “Over the two days we squeezed in quite a number of sessions around health, social and emotional wellbeing with all the presenters being local Indigenous or Bundjalung women,” she said. “Sometimes as mums, grandmothers, workers etcetera we can tend to forget to look after our own health and wellbeing. “The focus now for us as a community is to stay
strongly connected and to continue to build on our leadership skills and strengths not only as a group but also as individuals.” The community reference group for this seminar will continue to meet to focus on the where to from here that came out of the seminar. “We don’t want the gathering to become just another memory,” Valmai said. “We had Indigenous women who are psychologists, teachers, paramedics, health workers and educators, young leaders and local Elders gathered in the one place. “Just the fact that we all came from humble beginnings shows that anything is possible.” One of the outcomes is there will be an accredited mentoring program run over five days on the Gold Coast by the Office for Women as a follow on from the Leadership Seminar. “One of the highlights was the exceptional facilitation by Anita Summers which at times seemed like we were at a comedy show,” Valmai said. “There was lots of laughter and even dancing and singing over the two days. “The event was definitely a success, I don’t think any of us wanted it to end.” ● More pictures on page 5.
NAIDOC Calendar. P4
James Brown talks World Cup. P9
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Sam Harris new face of Seafolly swimwear
CONTENTS NAIDOC Calendar, CTG column ................ P4
WELL the news for Aboriginal model Samantha Harris, just keeps getting better and better. The Banora Point beauty has ambitions of becoming the first Aboriginal supermodel, and that dream is fast becoming a reality. Samantha has been named the 2010 ambassador of Australian swimwear Seafolly. She recently graced the cover of Vogue and strutted her deadly walk down the catwalk at Australian Fashion Week. The 19 year old recently told the Tweed Daily News that she was excited and a bit shocked: “I was just on the cover of Vogue and then this happened.” “I just had my fingers crossed that I would get it. I still can’t believe it.”
Pictures: Leadership photos ........................ P5
Kevin Rudd farewells the nation as PM
COPYRIGHT: All material in Be Counted is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission of the publisher. © Be Counted 2010
LAST month the nation was shocked when Kevin Rudd was forced out of the top job following a decline in popularity amongst the public and within the Labor party. He was swiftly replaced by his deputy Julia Gilliard despite not having served a full term as Prime Minister. The former PM fought back the tears as he made his farewell speech. “I was elected by the people of this country to bring back a fair go for all Australians and I have given my absolute best to do that,” Mr Rudd said. “I’ve given it my absolute all. In that spirit I am proud of the achievements that we have delivered to make this country fairer.” He talked about the things he was proud to have accomplished during his brief stint as Prime Minister including the apology to the Stolen Generations. “I’m proud of the fact that we are closing the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians,” he said. “Little things and big things: putting hundreds of Indigenous kids with
Youth Space with Pieta Wharton ................. P7 Recipe, editorial .......................................... P8 Sport: Back of the net with James Brown ... P9 Curtis Finn Touch Tournament .......... P10, P11 State of Origin ........................................ P12
This paper acknowledges the traditional owners of the areas of distribution. DISCLAIMER: All material is printed at the discretion of the publishers, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: All letters must be signed (name will be withheld on request) profanity is unacceptable. All letters are subject to editing for clarity by the editor. The publisher or editor of Be Counted reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Be Counted or its staff, nor does it take any responsibility of the views stated by those who write to the editor.
scholarships into our nation’s leading boarding schools; backing such things as the Clontarf Academy, now 22 of them we fund around the nation, to get kids to school and boost their attendance by providing AFL training. “I’m proud of the fact that we’re behind a commitment to create 50,000 additional jobs for Indigenous Australians with the private sector. “And I’m most proud of the fact that about here, we greeted the stolen Generations. “As Therese reminded me, that was a big day. “What I remember most about it, for those of you who weren’t here, was as the Stolen Generations came in from over there, they were frightened, our job was to make them welcome. “The Apology was unfinished business for our nation. It is the beginning of new business for our nation.” During his time as Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd had not moved on calls to award compensation to those victims of the Stolen Generations.
EDITOR: Solua Middleton PUBLISHER: Solua Middleton Email: becounted.mag@gmail.com Phone: 0411 737 161 Web: www.issuu.com/becounted For advertising rates call 0411 737 161 or email becounted.mag@gmail.com Printer: The Print Spot, 18-20 Quarry Rd, Murwillumbah. Be Counted would like to thank this edition : Gold Coast United, James Brown, Adelle Morse, Bay Design, John Jarvis.
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Monday July 5, 2010
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Sister act
LEFT: Sisters open for business Janelle McQueen and Narelle Urquhart. RIGHT: Some of the works on display. OPENING a gallery has always been a dream sisters Janelle McQueen and Narelle Urquhart. “I think all artist love to have their artwork in other peoples Galleries but the idea of running and owning your own is a big step, both scary and exciting,” Janelle said. The girls first opened their doors in May. “We have a well balanced gallery with either Narelle or me painting at the counter,” Janelle said. “Since all the art work is made and painted by Narelle or myself we have to work really long hours to keep up with the stock. “We can’t just pick up the phone and order more, we have to sit, paint and then paint some more. “It’s crazy at times, things aren’t always dry and people are buying them and waiting for the paint to dry before they can take it home.” The Gallery offers a unique collection of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal paintings, as well as didgeridoos, jewellery, a large range of pottery, boomerangs and many other items all of which are hand painted by Narelle and myself or our children. Narelle has been painting for over 16 years and during that time, like many other artists her work has evolved with her life experiences. Narelle’s art has an Aboriginal base with a Christian influence as well as the use of native fruits and foods. Whereas Janelle describes her work to be more traditional
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Wiradjuri Aboriginal art using kangaroos and other native animals from her traditional family stories. The gallery was named the Contemporary Dreaming Gallery as it holds all forms of Aboriginal Art, including the new and exciting influences from their five daughters. The women say business is great and that they are meeting people from all corners of the globe. “We are meeting people from all over the world as they buy our art to take home as a piece of Australia,” she said. “It’s interesting to meet such a range of people. “We are slowly getting Gold Coast people to come out for a visit, we keep telling them Canungra really isn’t that far.” While in the early stages of setting up their business, Narelle and Janelle have aspirations to showcase other Indigenous artists in the future. “We are still in the setting up and getting our feet grounded stage, but we are very interested in renting out part of the wall space in the gallery for Aboriginal artists to hold their exhibitions,” Janelle said. “We have rented such space ourselves from other galleries and would be more than willing to do the same for other Aboriginal artists.” ● The gallery is situated in Canungra, which is part of the Scenic Rim and is around 25 minutes from Nerang on the Gold Coast. 2 Lawton Lane, Canungra, QLD 4275. (Next to the tourist centre).
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NAIDOC Calendar
Sponsored Column
Close the Gap with Clinton Schultz IT is a well established fact that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people experience poorer health than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Many factors contribute to this disparity including past governmental policies, lower socio-economic status, ongoing racism, low education and high unemployment. Cultural issues not fully understood by mainstream health also impact on our mobs. Recently the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a national partnership working towards closing the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous life-expectancy (currently 17 years according to ABS) with in a generation. As part of this campaign funding was allocated to employ an Indigenous Health Project Officer in each ‘Health Division’ around the country (80 in total). Aboriginal Medical Services are the most culturally appropriate first point of call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and the aim of this project is not; to take away from Community Controlled Health, but rather to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people have culturally safe choices with in their communities should they choose not to access Community controlled organisations. By increasing access to culturally safe services throughout the primary health care industry and building relationships between Community Controlled organisations and mainstream health it is hoped that better health outcomes can be achieved for community members. Indigenous Health Project Officers will work closely with community and AMS’s to ensure that an Indigenous voice is being heard with in mainstream health planning and coordination at the local level. Clinton Schultz (IHPO Gold Coast Division) will be completing a monthly column on Close the Gap and other Indigenous Health issues, for further information on the ‘Close the Gap’ initiative please contact Clinton at ClintonS@gpgc.com.au
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5 July: 10am Cultural Day and Reptile Show at Minjungbal Cultural Museum, Kirkwood Road, South Tweed Heads. 5 July: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag raising with dancers Ukerebah Kunjeil and Rebus Ruben at 9.45am. Gold Coast City Council Foyer Off Bermuda Road, Bundall. 5 July: Bran Nue Dae screening at Bond University’s Cerum Theatre. 6-9.30pm. RSVP Linda on 0415 955 101. 5 July: Exhibition opening event and launch of NAIDOC Week at Lismore’s Southern Cross University. 5.30pm. Library Block A, Military Road, Lismore campus. For details contact Gnibi on (02) 6620 3955. 5 July: Ten Canoes free screening. 10:30am to noon at the Robina Community Centre Auditorium, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina. Contact GCCC for more details. 6 July: This people, this place. Indigenous author and curator, Michael Aird, gives a fascinating presentation of early photographs of the Gold Coast and talks about the Aboriginal people that appear in them. 10am-noon at the Southport Branch Library, Corner Lawson and Garden Streets, Southport. 6 July: 10am Morning tea, 11am Aboriginal Hall of Fame Induction,12:30pm Community BBQ, at the Minjungbal Cultural Museum. 6 July: Storytime Dreaming: Join indigenous storyteller, Billie Edwards, for a fun journey, full of stories and activities, to the Dreamtime and back. 9.30am10:15am. Elanora Branch Library. 7 July: Storytime Dreaming: Join Indigenous storyteller, Billie Edwards, for a fun journey, full of stories and activities, to the Dreamtime and back. 1010:45am Broadbeach Branch Library. 7 July: This people, this place. Indigenous author and curator, Michael Aird, gives a fascinating presentation of early photographs of the Gold Coast and talks about the Aboriginal people that appear in them. 10am-noon at the Nerang Branch Library. 7 July: 9am Sports Day, Community Health Expo, and
Monday July 5, 2010
touch football competition at Arkinstall Park, Oxley Street, South Tweed Heads. 4:30pm Pre-judging Mr/Miss Teen and Mr/Miss NAIDOC at the Minjungbal Cultural Museum. 7 July: Family Day. 10am2pm Bands, arts and crafts, information stalls, face painting, workshops, sausage sizzle, performances, jumping castle and kids activities at Gold Coast Beachside Campus (Plaza). Details call Gnibi (02) 6620 3955 8 July: 10am NAIDOC Baby Show 0-5/Little and Junior Mr/ Miss NAIDOC Judging, 11.30am Baby Show Presentations, 12pm Disco, at HACC Centre, South Tweed Heads, 11am Senior Citizens Luncheon Tweed and Gold Coast at Foxies – Piggabeen, West Tweed Heads. 5.30-9pm Little and Junior Mr/ Miss NAIDOC Presentations 6-2 yrd at the PCYC, Tweed Heads. 8 July: Elders luncheon from 12 noon to be held at Cobaki. The Elders luncheon is an annual event to celebrate and acknowledge the wisdom and importance of our Elders. By invitation only. For info phone Linda on 0415 955 101. 9 July: 10am Street march beginning at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre, Brett Street, Tweed Heads to Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. 11am Corroboree at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. 7pm12am NAIDOC Dinner Dance at Visions Room, Twin Towns. 9 July: Musgrave Park family day. Gold coin donation. 9 July: Family Day.10am2pm Bands, arts and crafts, information stalls, face painting, workshops, sausage sizzle, performances, jumping castle and kids activities at SLismore Campus (Oval), Military Road, Lismore. Details call Gnibi (02) 6620 3955. 10 July: Blackout Family Day featuring Australia’s pioneer of Indigenous Hip-Hop Brothablak and ACPA Dancers. Participate in cultural activities and learn more about our local services. Lots of great activities for all the family.10am-2pm at the Tugun Community Park, Off Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun (Near Com Ctr). Contact Melissa or Val (07) 5525 5630.
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More photos from the Community Leadership Seminar
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Monday July 5, 2010
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Indigenous art Splendour competition in the Grass AN art competition to celebrate and support the Gold Coast’s Indigenous artists is now open for entries. The Council’s biennial Indigenous Art and Design Award is open to Indigenous artists who can demonstrate a "cultural or historical connection to the Gold Coast". Chair of Community Services and Cultural Development Cr Bob La Castra said the award was first held in 2006 and has clearly been a positive influence on local Indigenous artists. “This award offers the potential for national and international exposure for all participating artists because all work submitted is considered for selection as part of the city gifts program,” he said. “Under this program, the work of local artists is recreated in gifts and mementos for official visitors to the city.” Indigenous artist Anthony Walker said winning the 2D category in 2008 had a significant impact on his career. “After winning the award I was offered representation with one of the Gold Coast’s leading galleries and went on to have a solo exhibition, supported by Arts Queensland, at the Koori Heritage Trust Centre in Melbourne,” Anthony said. “My development and exposure as an artist has just grown since being involved.” All forms of visual art are accepted including painting, drawing, photography, new media (digital images, video art), small sculpture, craft and design and this year’s theme is Ngalingah Jagun (Our Land). The prize for the overall winner is $3500. There are also $1500 prizes for best 2D artwork, best 3D artwork, best photography and best new media. There is also a special youth category for artists aged between 16 and 21 with a $1000 prize. Entries close 24 September. All work submitted will be eligible for display in an exhibition to be held in the Council Chambers foyer from 14 to 29 October. ● For more information and entry forms please visit: www. goldcoastcity.com.au
Zennith will take to the stage at this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival to be held in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. ONE of Australia’s and Melbourne soul man most anticipated music Dan Sultan will perform festivals will host some at the mid winter event of the biggest names in which features music acts alternative and pop music alongside quirky arts. this year. The festival will be held Splendour in Grass will from the 30 July to 1 feature Ben Harper, The August, and for the first Pixies, Scissor Sisters, time it will be held at Mumford and Sons and Woodford in the Sunshine Paul Kelly. Coast hinterland after But joining them on stage being moved out of the will be some of our own Byron Shire. deadly performers. Splendour in the Grass is North Queensland also celebrating their 10th reggae band Zennith birthday.
Byron Writer’s Festival LARISSA BEHRENDT
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WRITERS from all backgrounds will roll into Byron Bay next month for the 14th Byron Bay Writers Festival. This year’s theme of family, lends itself to both fiction and non-fiction genres and the 2010 program turns its gaze to the role of the father. Festival Director Jeni Caffin said: “The father is often a remote, conflicted figure at the narrative’ core, struggling for close relationship, craving respect and love.” “On Sunday August 8, we will meet four writers who engage with the poignancy of fatherhood in very different ways.” Aboriginal barrister, academic, Indigenous rights advocate and author Larissa Behrendt is one of those authors who will explore the theme through her
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second novel Legacy. The central character’s life in Sydney is defined by her complex relationship with her father Tony, an Aboriginal rights activist confronting his own truths as his secret double life implodes. The outcome hangs on whether Simone can accept her father for the man he is and forgive him for the man he’s not. Professor Larissa Behrendt is appearing at a number of workshops on every day of the festival. She will be at sessions on writing Indigenous characters, fathers, and Keeping the faith: are writers influenced by the market? ● Byron Bay Writers Festival dates are 6-8 August. For details or tickets visit www.byronbaywritersfestival.com
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Celebrate your heroes NAIDOC Week is a chance to celebrate the richness of Indigenous history, culture and achievements. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said NAIDOC Week’s theme of Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading the Way, provided an opportunity to honour the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – both past and present – who have played a critical role in helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to chart their own course. “The efforts of these ‘Unsung heroes’, who exist in every community, small or large, rural, urban or remote, have ultimately been focussed on ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the right to participate in public life and the right to be involved in decisions that affect us,” Commissioner Gooda said. “These people are always there, supporting communities and toiling away to improve the lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. “Their efforts to overcome disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has helped to improve access to a range of services, including legal aid, housing, health, and education. Their efforts over the past 20 years also contributed to the Australian Government's decision last year to give formal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “These unsung heroes seek no accolades for their efforts but they are, in many cases, the backbone of their local community,” he said.” Commissioner Gooda said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples were blessed with a legacy of determination, resilience and survival. He said he hoped the broader community respected this fact and hoped that it would ultimately lead to an improved quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. “NAIDOC Week also gives the broader Australian community and individuals an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to make real inroads in strengthening relationships between Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities, within Indigenous communities, and between Indigenous communities and Governments. “The cornerstone to celebrating the achievements and richness of Indigenous Australia is mutual respect and I think we can only achieve this when we nurture respectful relationships across the board,” Commissioner Gooda said. “Challenging discrimination and building understanding of and between each other must begin at an early age and we should use weeks such as NAIDOC to encourage this.” Commissioner Gooda said the Australian Human Rights Commission’s rightsED resource provided valuable material for teachers and students wanting to address racism and discrimination in Australia. The rightsED resource is available free online at www.humanrights.gov.au/education ● NAIDOC Week runs from 4 July – 10 July. For information about NAIDOC Week, including local events, see: www.naidoc.org.au/index.aspx
YOUTH SPACE Be Counted is really wanting to focus on youth and share their voice with the wider community. Youth Space is dedicated to young people sharing their voices, the issues that impact you as young Indigenous people, whether they are triumphs or tragedies or just a good laugh. Be Counted’s aim for Youth Space is to see it become a place of empowerment and inspiration not only for the young people, but for the older generations. Send your letters, pictures, poems or if you are interested in being a columnist email becounted.mag@gmail.com
Check yourself before you wreck yourself
I WILL be talking about binge drinking. I personally think it’s really bad for you, your health. The youth want to do it all the time at parties or just when they want to have fun. Alcohol can also stuff up your system and leave you in bad situations; like, you could be really drunk one night and with a bunch of other guys and risk getting raped or killed. If you drink and drive you could be arrested by the cops and your license could be taken away, or even worse you could be in an accident where you could be killed and no one could know about it till the next day. And if you do drink you should sleep at a friends or just tell your parents they
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might understand if you tell the truth, and at least you will be safe. I read in the newspaper and saw on the news in the last couple of years a story about a drunk old man in Brisbane and the a couple of drunk teenagers set him up on fire. He didn’t live through it and that is what alcohol does to some people. Also with alcohol, when girls drink they can get very aggressive and lots of fights can break out. Like on Australia Day the people got into a lot of fights and breaking other people’s stuff and it got out of hand. That’s what alcohol can do to most people when they drink. And that’s my thoughts on alcohol and binge drinking.
Monday July 5, 2010
PIETA WHARTON
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Future in the force Editorial: Changes GOLD Coast TAFE Diploma of Justice student, Geret Kaworo is destined to be a police officer. 18-year-old Geret from Arundel has been inspired to follow in the footsteps of five family members who are already serving in the police force. Geret said he realises he has been very fortunate as he has been successful in obtaining two scholarships. “With a family history of successful rugby league players including Sam Thaiday I was extremely happy when I received my first scholarship for football at Coombabah High School,” he said. “I currently play as a winger in the under 19’s at Southport Rugby League Club.” According to Geret he had originally planned to enrol in the Diploma of Fitness but was influenced by his uncles who work in the police force. “When I thought about what I wanted to do for a career, I realised I would like to help the community and started to look at my options,” Mr Kaworo. “My school told me about the Indigenous scholarships that were available at Gold Coast Institute of TAFE. “With the support of my family and school I decided to apply to complete a Diploma of Justice. “I was pretty excited when I was advised that I was shortlisted and was required to attend an interview in front of three panel members. “I must admit this was a bit daunting but when I could demonstrate that I had the passion required to undertake this course I was successful in obtaining the scholarship. “It is very important to me to complete my course and I look forward to graduating at the end of the year. “I would certainly recommend anyone interested in applying for an Indigenous scholarship at Gold Coast TAFE because it helps you financially so you can focus on your studies.” Geret is from a Torres Strait Islander background and one day would like to return to his heritage as a police officer to make a real difference.
OVER the past month we have seen massive changes to the Government. Our democratically elected and now former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was ousted by his own party. Mr Rudd lost the confidence of the Labor Party and some of the nation. This paved the way for his deputy to take over the reins as PM. Julia Gilliard is the first woman to hold the position of Australian Prime Minister. As a woman it’s great to see another woman running the country. But I wish she had been appointed in another way. Was Kevin Rudd, (at some point the most popular Prime Minister), given a fair go? I’d like to hear your thoughts. So while there’s been this big shift in the Australian political sphere, there seems to be little change to racist attitudes in sport. I was appalled when I heard that Joey Johns had used poorly chosen words to rile up his team. It’s an example of how ingrained the stench of racism is embedded in society and sport. But Timana Tahu’s strong stance against racism proved he was someone who wanted to be counted and no longer sit and accept racism in his world. His walkout signified more than a no tolerance attitude, it signified that things need to change now and that he was willing to do something to create change. I’m sure lots of people will think twice now before letting their lips run loose. Be Counted still needs your contributions of all kinds, including photos and stories covering community news, events, sport, letters, announcements, poetry, youth, employment, health, education, profiles and more. You or your organisation can now take advantage of listing your event in the monthly calendar. Send all contributions to becounted.mag@gmail.com
Cooking up Tortilla Pizza - From the kitchen of Adelle Morse
Ingredients ● Tortillas ● Tomato paste ● Pitted olives ● Proscuitto ● Capsicum ● Rocket ● Olive Oil ● Tomatoes ● Mozarella cheese
Cooking directions: Pre heat oven to 200 degrees Slice tomatoes and spread over tortilla, add torn mozarella, pitted olives, slices of proscuitto. Bake for five minutes.
Drizzle with olive oil and add fresh rocket. You can also add your own favourite pizza topping combinations. Serves: 1 Rating: Easy Time: 5mins
Each edition of Be Counted will showcase one our reader’s recipes. Send in your recipe and a photo of your culinary delight, with your full name and contact details to email becounted.mag@gmail.com
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Monday July 5, 2010
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In the back of the net with ... James Brown
Be proud of our Socceroos AT the time of writing the 2010 FIFA World Cup is heading to the quarter-final stage and as usual there have been plenty of shocks and controversy to keep people talking. Opinion appears to be split on the Socceroos’ campaign but for me they did the country, and themselves, proud. The first result against Germany wasn’t great (losing 4-0) but when you look at how Germany have gone since then it does put that result into perspective. The Socceroos were forced to play a large portion of the game with ten men when Tim Cahill was shown a controversial red card, but Germany scored the same amount of goals against England who played the whole match with their full complement of players. England were expected to be one of the major forces
in the competition and were totally outplayed by the Germans, who went on to win 4-1. In the Socceroos’ second game against Ghana their performance was much improved and had we again not been reduced to ten men when Harry Kewell was sent off, I think we could have gone on to win the game. Our boys showed everyone that they were very much alive in the tournament and the win over Serbia in the final game provided more evidence of that. In the end the size of the loss to Germany proved decisive, but to finish the tournament with one win, one draw and a loss to one of the powerhouses of world football is certainly no disgrace and we should all be proud of our national team. Gold Coast United’s Shane Smeltz and his New Zealand
team-mates provided one of the great romantic stories of this World Cup. Nobody expected them to get a point or even score a goal, and although they didn’t make it through to the knockout phase they ended the tournament undefeated. Shane in particular was outstanding. He set up the last minute equaliser against Slovakia then shocked the world when he gave the All Whites the lead against Italy, the reigning world champions. What a fantastic achievement for him and I can only imagine how it felt when he saw the ball hit the net. There has been a lot of talk and controversy about the Jabulani ball used during the World Cup and even more talk about the early exit of traditional favourites Italy, France and England. But for me one of the great
JAMES BROWN
talking points has been the apparent closing of the gap between the established nations and the so-called smaller countries. The sharing of knowledge across the globe has certainly contributed to this and it highlights one of the beauties of our game. On any given day one team can beat another regardless of who they are and it’s vital to make sure that you are at the top of your game in every minute of every match. Long live the underdog!
Queensland celebrate five in a row THE second game of the 2010 NRL State of Origin series was more anticipated than any other origin game in it's 30-year history. With a build up of scandalous events leading up to the rugby league clash, the intensity and hopes were high. In a series that celebrated 30 years of state against state, man against man and, fan against fan - the hype and celebrations, there were some disappointing setbacks. Former New South Wales origin great Andrew Johns faced scrutiny after bringing the code into disrepute with alleged racial slurs against Aboriginal Maroon's representative Greg Inglis, and fellow Maroon's star Israel Falou in the company of Blues come-back-king, Timana Tahu. Tahu showed no tolerance for John's behaviour when the Parramatta Eel took a strong stand against racism and a stand for his Aboriginality, making a shock decision to walk away from what would have been his 12th origin appearance. Following Tahu's departure, Andrew Johns also announced his resignation as assistant coach for New South Wales. News of the Johns and Tahu incident questioned if this latest blow to the Blues
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camp would either hinder or enhance their chances of putting an end to the Maroon's four straight series win. It was a case of the show must go on, as Blues coach Craig Bellamy and his squad put on their brave faces to cross the border and take to the field at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday June 16 - and a show it was! The whistle blew amidst a tense stadium and within the first minute it seemed that the pride of our four Indigenous stars was a force to be reckoned with. Sam Thaiday and his number twelve jersey delivered some early hit-ups in defense, while play-maker Johnathan Thurston showcased his swift ball skills to contribute to the Maroon's fast play. Within minutes of the first half, it was Greg Inglis who faced the spotlight yet again – this time, under more positive circumstances – to see him cross over the try-line scoring the first four points of the clash. In front of the roaring home-crowd it didn't take long for another Murri brother, Willie Tonga, to showcase his skills and run a-muck with Israel Falou to see Falou score and take the Maroons to an easy 10-point lead over the Blues. With plenty of fire in the bellies of
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both teams, it wasn't long before both teams rolled up their jersey sleeves and "brought back the biff" before half-time with Blues Luke O'Donnell receiving a nice origin souvenir from our brother Sammy T, after tensions exploded with O'Donnell taking QLD's Darius Boyd head-first in stadium soil with a spear tackle. Following the forty-minute whistle, the Maroons went into the sheds with a 16-0 lead and came out facing the second-half confident that the series was theirs for the taking. Not short of more biff, a relentless Inglis and the Blues Beau Scott went jab for jab late in the second-half after Tonga earned his spot in the third game with a try in the 44th minute, followed by two more tries from Falou and Cooper Cronk to take the Maroon’s to an embarrassing 34-0 lead. It was a case of too little too late in the final minute when Brett While put the only points on the Blues score-bored with a try to make the final score 34-6. After a whirlwind lead-up, the Maroon’s defied the drama, got on with the job and proved yet again why they are the very best with a record five-straight series wins and sending the Blues back over the border with, well … the blues!
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Touch football Photos and story by SOLUA MIDDLETON
Denis, Mary, Darnell and Denver Smallwood.
THE inaugural Curtis Finn Celebration Touch Day attracted 13 teams. The tournament was held in the memory of local lad Curtis Finn who tragically took his own life last year. His sister Tamra Forde wanted the event to be a touching tribute to his life. “Touch football was something he loved and it always brings a lot of people together, so it was a natural progression to use this type of sporting event to commemorate his memory and a support charity,” Mrs Forde said. The carnival was not only an opportunity to get in the sun and have a game of footy, it was also about raising money and awareness of youth depression. Mrs Forde said the day was a great success. “It was really good, Mum and Dad were pretty proud,” she said. “For them to see everyone participating for his name, it just goes to show how many people he did affect and to see them all together just really put it all in perspective.” Mrs Forde said the event went really smoothly and that the feedback was really good. “Next year we will come back bigger and better.” Money raised from the event was given to the Inspire foundation, that work with youth. Mrs Forde said they reached their target. “We received $5672 which means we can help about 572 people. Taking out the round robin compeitition was the Wollumbin Warriors, who were each presented with medals. Tamra said the carnival would be held again next year to mark the second anniversary of Mr Finn’s passing. “I look forward to seeing everyone coming back next year.
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Dylan Finn Murray Foster and Grant Appo
Ethan Bekue and Kieran Chilcott
Monday June 7, 2010
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cup a success Tamra Forde and Scotty McKay
Courtney Thompson, Mariah Bryan-Thompson, Alisha Parsons and Paton Burrell.
Jason Chandler, Sue Bekue, Tiola Thompson, Tania Lamos, with Kyden Lamos and Ezekiel Cora in front.
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Monday July 5, 2010
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SPORT
Maroon’s give the Blues a high-five! Story and photos by NAOMI MORAN THE second game of the 2010 NRL State of Origin series was more anticipated than any other origin game in it’s 30-year history. With a build up of scandalous events leading up to the rugby league clash, the intensity and hopes were high. In a series that celebrated 30 years of state against state, man against man and, fan against fan - the hype and celebrations, there were some disappointing setbacks. ● Continued on page 9 ABOVE: Former NRL star and Maroon representative Wendell Sailor can count on one hand just how good his brothers are. LEFT: Celebrating in front of ‘The King’ Wally Lewis statue were some deadly Murris. From left, Joseph Wallace from Brisbane, Sabine Creed and Norman Swain from Cairns. BELOW: After a hard day’s work at QAIHC Tracey Appo and Sheree Hilt were ready to unwind and enjoy the Origin game.
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Monday July 5, 2010
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