BE
COUNTED
Monday, DECEMBER 6, 2010
Edition 11
Cost: $1.00
ISSN: 1837-9176
Beyond tomorrow
INSIDE
Schools out P8
Preston Campbell pictured with Year 12 graduates from around the Gold Coast. Picture by Ursula Skjonnemand. MORE than 20 Year 12 students celebrated leaving school with Titans’ Rugby League star Preston Campbell. The dinner was part of the Titans’ Beyond Tomorrow mentoring program. Preston told the school leavers about the challenges he faced in life including his battle with depression. “I’m trying to help young people like you who may have a similar story to what I had,” he said.
“Coming out of school is a little bit daunting ... the difference between you guys and myself is coming out of school you guys already have these opportunities here for you like with the Titans and Beyond Tomorrow Program.” Preston congratulated the students. “It’s tough and it can get scary out there, just know that the Titans are here for you and if there is anything we can do don’t be afraid to ask,” he said.
Above left: Maureen Newton, Craig Williams and Trisha Newton. Above right: Valmai Saunders and Melissa Browning. -Photos by Solua Middleton
Artists inspired by musicians P10
Indigenous All Stars Team named P16
BE COUNTED WISHES YOU A MERRY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS.
Gold Coast’s Indigenous cheerleader squad fire up
CONTENTS Networking night .......................................... P3 Recipe, Youth Space...................................... P5 Bumelah Festival .......................................... P6 High School Formals ................................... P8 Indigenous All Stars line up ......................... P16
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. 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 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
Kingscliff High students Lenisha Noter (15), Jessica Beam (15), and Kreeann Phillips (15) Lorina Beam (12 - hands up) are in the squad. ~ Picture by Gina Combo. AN Indigenous Cheerleading squad from Harvey Bay and she hasn’t missed a has been developed in the lead up to session yet,” Valmai said. The girls train every Saturday for three the All Stars clash at Robina Stadium in February. hours at the Ikin Dance Studio at Varsity Lakes. There are 38 girls in the squad aged between 8 and 20 years-old. They are also aiming at the squad to The Cheerleading squad is supported by be a long term community activity for the local young people that will help the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Advisory Council, local in promoting a healthy active lifestyle, provide self esteem, confidence and Community members, Ikin Dance and now the NRL. Cultural Pride. Valmai Saunders from Aboriginal and If you want to catch the girls in action Torres Strait Islander Partnerships before the All Stars clash they are Advisory Council said the Cheerleading ‘is performing at the Ikin Dance Spectacular at Palm Beach Parklands on December going great’. “There is a girl that travels all the way 18 at 3pm.
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Address: PO BOX 372, Pottsville Beach 2489 Printer: The Print Spot, 18-20 Quarry Rd, Murwillumbah. Be Counted would like to thank contributors: Gold Coast United, James Brown, Ursula, .Gina Combo, Tilly Middleton, and Keeliah Frost.
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Night of networking
INDIGENOUS men and women involved in business gathered for a night of networking. The event held at the Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus attracted more than 20 people from Brisbane through to Byron Bay. Guest speakers included Paul Dodd, CEO of the World Indigenous Cultural Exchange and Economic Development Organisation and co-founder of Corporate Culcha and Associate Professor Jeremy Buultjens of Southern Cross University’s Regional Futures Institute. The gathering was a follow up to the Gold Coast Aboriginal Yarning Circles held earlier in the year by the SouthEast QLD Indigenous Business Chambers of Commerce.
Clockwise from top left: L-R: Lucas Proudfoot, Beau & Melissa Togo & Wendy Sampson; Leanda Cooper & Amanda Shoebridge; Paul Dodd & Charlie Jia; Larry Budd & John Gillespie; Jeremy Buultjens; Jodi Sampson; and Guriguru.
Robina Hospital rooms get a makeover Photos by SOLUA MIDDLETON.
SOME of the children’s wards at Robina Hospital have had a facelift. It’s thanks to Gold Coast based artist Jason Passfield. The artists painted three rooms in the hospital which is embodying the phases of the hinterland region. Jason said the series of paintings were from an Aboriginal perspective as well as his respect to the local Aboriginal families and clans of the hinterland area. His first room was a room based on the hinterland area where you can see rivers, the ocean, coastal bulrushes, dragonflies and a Rainbow Serpent making its journey
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Monday December 6, 2010
through the hinterland. The second room represents the land, beaches and ocean of the Gold Coast. It features kangaroos and wallabies which are a source of bush tucker. The final room displays the hinterland in bloom during spring. It features artworks of berries, caterpillars, grubs and butterflies. Jason has also painted a number of goannas called ‘Blackie’ on the walls and halls and hidden places throughout the hospital. Staff members who work in the areas painted said they have had an excellent response from children who have visited the room.
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Dhinawan’s a hit in the UK
LAST edition we reported that Dhinawan had made it on the Oprah shortlist, but we won’t find out until she arrives here this month. But Dhinawan has been making international headlines for another reason. The Brunswick Head based all round cultural performer has made it to number one on the UK with a song he performed on an English children show ZingZillas (pictured). “Didgeridoo Hullabaloo” was the most downloaded children’s song in England. The colourful characters and Dhinawan reunited in Sydney to launch the show in Australia. Dhinawan has also just received an Encouragement Award for Education, Learning and Knowledge from the New South Wales Aboriginal Affairs Minister Paul Lynch. “I am very surprised and honoured to be receiving this award; I would like to thank the People who nominated me.”
START YOUR FUTURE TRADE CAREER WITH THE INDIGENOUS APPRENTICE MENTORING PROGRAM Shedelle Biumaiwai – Apprentice Mechanic, AITC student 2009
AITC is Australia’s most innovative Trade College combining senior school education with on-the-job trade training. 98%of our 2010 students are graduating with a QCE and full-time apprenticeship. We are now enrolling Year 11 & 12 students for 2011. Book into one of our Information Evenings today.
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Brett’s building himself a career
Jason Sessarago presenting to Brett Shaw, Indigenous Apprentice of the Year award BRETT Shaw turned a short work experience stint into a great opportunity. In two weeks of undertaking work experience with Coastal Building and Construction, he’d impressed the bosses so much he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse. Not wanting to lose him, the company offered him a school based apprenticeship, which he gladly accepted. Brett continues to impress at work and at school at the Australian Industry Trade College. In addition to excelling in his studies, he serves as an ambassador for AITC regularly as a representative at community events and information nights where he speaks to potential students and their parents. In 2009 he was named the College’s Indigenous Apprentice of the Year. Brett makes the most of his spare time and is often working during his school holidays and weekends … which means he’s completing his Certificate III in Carpentry more quickly than expected. In what little spare time he has he enjoys being a part of the Mudgeeraba Redbacks Football Club. Brett’s also working on completing a Certificate II in Business and a Certificate II in Information Technology. Brett Shaw was awarded the 2009 Prime Ministers award for Skills Excellence in School in the Indigenous category. Each recipient received a certificate and a cheque for $2000. Brett Shaw received an additional $2000 for his category. The Australian Industry Trade College’s Business Development Manager Gerry Misfud said Brett and other applicants of the College commented on the support they received from the AITC community and opportunities they’d received from their local employers. “They all emphasised the value of acquiring vocational skills while still at College,” he said. “We congratulate all the past team members (students), for their respective awards and look forward to seeing them grow into future leaders in their industry. The Indigenous Apprenticeship Mentoring (I.A.M.) Program has been set up to assist training and mentoring new breed of young Indigenous apprentices.” ● For more information contact the AITC on 1300 852 172.
Monday December 6, 2010
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YOUTH SPACE Be Counted welcomes our newest youth columnist Keeliah Frost from Pottsville. Youth Space is about giving young people a voice in our community and the wider community.
KEELIAH FROST
I WANT to tell you a story of a girl who decided she wanted to go to a concert with her friends. Her parents insisted she had to pay for it herself so she decided to get a job and after weekends of work, she finally made it and got the tickets. This girl is me. I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to go to this concert! It was my priority for months and I worked every weekend to achieve my goal!
I had planned to go to this concert with three of my friends, and my Aunty agreed to chaperone as that was another parental condition.... This in itself was a bad idea as two of these friends were going to be a handful. The day of the concert arrived and I can’t remember ever being that excited in my whole life! My closest friend and I went to my house to get ready while the others got ready elsewhere. The drive up was exciting, we were having fun and anticipating having an awesome time. On the way to meet my Aunt my Mum let all of us know the type of behaviour she expected from us all. No mosh pit and respectful behaviour towards my Aunt. Doh! As if I wouldn’t be respectful. I thought mum was being a little over the top. It was when we got to the concert and got
the tickets that it all began and I realised I had to make a choice and a stand. I can’t remember having so much fun, from the moment we got our tickets it was my decision to make this a fantastic experience but little did I know that the my two friends were plotting. As my friend and I were dancing and singing the other two girls sat there and whispered. When we sat down one girl said ‘Hey Keels do you think your Aunty would let us go in to mosh pit?’ I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.... Did they not hear a word that my Mum had said? I had to make a decision. Do I ignore what my mum and Aunt were expecting of me? Was I happy being in the stands and enjoying a concert that I had paid for with my own money? Did I want to suffer from the reaction of my friends?
To be completely honest the choice I made was an easy one. No way! I was not going to ask my Aunt to change the tickets. Was I having a great time where I was? Absolutely. Did I listen to what my Mum said about no mosh pit? Absolutely. I stood up to my friends and I am proud of the stand I took. Although they were cranky they realised that I was not going to put my Aunt in the position and they eventually just enjoyed the concert and had an awesome time. It was not only me that was proud of my behaviour, my parents and my Aunt were too. In the end by making the stand I made I kept myself and my friends safe and we ALL had a great night. I was also happy when my friends apologised for their bad behaviour. Looking forward to my next concert experience.
Cooking up Bacon and Corn Chowder by Josh Ridgeway Ingredients
● 6 rashers Bacon ● 1 onion ● A clove garlic ● 1 cup celery ● 3 tsp thyme ● Bay leaf ● 3 medium potatoes peeled and cut ● 3 cups chicken stock ● 440g corn kernels ● 440g creamed corn ● 1/2 cup sour cream
Description Cook bacon, add onion and garlic. Add celery, bay leaf, thyme, cook. Add potatoes and chicken stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins. Add both corn kernels and cream corn and cook until tender. Add sour cream. Serves: 4 Time: 30-40 mins Rating: Easy
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 December 6, 2010
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Festival gets ready for an All Star crowd
Sponsored Column
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an appointment for a medical check at your regular clinic. A nurse or Aboriginal health worker (where available) will take some basic health measurements from you before you see your GP. Your GP may then conduct some further tests, at this stage you can also discuss with your doctor any health issues you may have. If any further investigations or appointments are required, these can also be arranged with you at this time. It is important you discuss with your health team any issues which may impact on your ability to maintain your good health and wellbeing so that they can tailor your wellness plan to best suit your needs and your lifestyle. Healthy individuals lead to strong, healthy families and communities so when you are contacted about having a health assessment please take up the opportunity and let your health team assist you in maintaining your health and social and emotional wellbeing.
The Broadwater Parklands will come alive in February for the Bumehla Festival. (Picture of Yugambeh Corroboree by Solua Middleton.) ORGANISERS of the Bumehla work, so we will be encouraging Festival are excited as preparations everyone to learn a few words – are underway. like Jingeri, or greetings.” Queensland Premier Anna Bligh Australian Rugby League announced in recent months that Indigenous Council Chairman, the NRL and Queensland Events William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone said the had signed a partnership that the festival was a great addition to the Rugby League All Stars remain 2011 All Stars calendar. in Queensland until 2013 and “It will enable Rugby League fans the inclusion of the Indigenous to be an even greater part of the (Bumehla) Festival on the Gold wonderful spirit of this event,” he Coast in 2011. said. Once again Skilled Park will be The NRL Chief Executive David the host for the 2011 all-stars clash Gallop said this event celebrates on Saturday, February 12. the diversity in Rugby League The two-day Bumehla Festival will which it brings people together to build on an All Stars celebration support and help enrich the lives of that has already become the communities in need. symbol of Rugby League’s “The All Stars has already had commitment to Indigenous an amazing impact on Indigenous Australia and to promoting communities around Australia and harmony across all cultures. in 2011 we look forward to building Pronounced Boo-mah-la, the on this legacy through the Bumehla Festival name means “Celebration Festival at Broadwater Parklands,” of the people”. he said. Yugambeh Musuem is organising “Given the 2010 game was a the cultural event at the Broadwater sell-out more than a month before Parklands. it was staged, the Broadwater Director, Yugambeh Museum Parklands live site will also provide and Director of The Drumley a great location for people to come Walk Events Rory O’Connor together and enjoy the game on said: “The Yugambeh Museum is the Saturday night.” excited about the All Stars match Festival organisers are planning happening in our country.” a number of events which will “Specifically we are helping the included cultural performances, art NRL link with local community for exhibitions, family entertainment, the Bumehla Festival at Southport Rugby League skills clinics and Broadwater Parklands. appearances from the Indigenous “We see it as a great opportunity All Stars teams players and other to show off our community’s legends, and a big screen to watch talents, while we’ve got so many the match on if you can’t make the people in town. game. The free public Festival will “We have been having our own be held at Broadwater Parklands Yugambeh Corroboree for three from February 11-12 and will years now, so we know a lot of include a series of Indigenous arts, great local artists and want them to heritage and sporting activities and have a chance to sell their material entertainment, culminating in a live while Bumehla is on. telecast of the game on a giant “Language is a big focus of our screen.
Monday December 6, 2010
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Congratulations to Photos by Gina Combo. SCHOOLS out and our graduates are either continuing their study, leaving school and heading into the world. Palm Beach Currumbin celebrated
their Year 12 formal at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre. Tweed River High celebrated it Year 10 Graduation on the December 1 at Greenmount Resort. Banora Point High followed suit the
following night with their Year 10 graduation also at the resort. If you graduated and would like to see your pic in the next edition email it becounted.mag@gmail.com with a caption and we’ll publish it.
THIS PAGE: Top left Palm Beach Currumbin Year 12 Formal lads from left Jacob Orr, Marley Phillips, Jai Phiri and Jarren Watego. Top right: Palm Beach Currumbin’s Marley Phillips. Banora Point High Year 10’s Bianca Wood and Marcus Cridland. Bottom right: Tweed River High Year 10 students Nikita Simon and Mahala Phillips. NEXT PAGE: Top left: Banora Point High Year 10 - Trey Gannon. Top right: Banora Point High Year 10 Leah Gardener and Jerome Smith. Bottom left: Tweed River High Year 10 - Jinoid Scott. Bottom right: Tweed River High Year 10 - Stella Ivey.
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Monday December 6, 2010
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the Class of 2010!
Keeping the roof over your family’s head ENTRIES are now open for the art competition aimed at keeping Indigenous families in housing. The Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ) were successful in receiving Community Public Grant from the Residential Tenancies Authority to run a joint project with Krurungal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being encouraged to enter the ‘Keep the ROOF over your family’s head’ art competition. Entries received will be exhibited at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tenancy Information and Exhibition Day in February next year, coinciding with the All Stars Clash. TAASQ will be producing a large fridge magnet with
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selected winning artists images reproduced on it along with some tenancy information. This magnet will be available at the exhibition day. Five artists will win $100 cash prize on the day of the exhibition and be recognised for their art work and contribution. You don’t need to be an artist to enter, you just simply need to create an image you think fits within the competition guidelines. Entry forms can be picked up from the TAASQ office, Krurungal or Kalwun. ● For more information or entry details contact Diane or Rochelle on (07) 5591 1102 or via email tenant@onthenet.com.au
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Black and deadly THE Black & Deadly Girls group recently volunteered to the re-vegetation program on the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve. The girls, under the guidance of the local ranger took part in weeding and planting along the coastal reserve. Aunty Shirley Auciello was on hand to show the girls bush tucker among the surrounding vegetation.
Artists inspired by the work of Archie Roach
Left: Guest admiring Tears from Mundamarra by Jo Lapic. Right Bundjalung Women Artists: Tania Marlowe, Tammy Kapeen, Thelma Kapeen, Aunty Bertha Kapeen, Aunty Kath Rhodes, Aunty Julia Paden, Alice Roberts, Lynette Bolt, Carolyn Roberts. INDIGENOUS artists from across the Northern Rivers celebrated the songs of one of Australia’s great voices. Arts Northern Rivers in partnership with the Barratt Gallery in Alstonville recently held a very special exhibition celebrating the music and message of Archie Roach – one of the most loved and respected musicians in Australia. Indigenous artists
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throughout the region have been asked to respond to an Archie Roach song of their choice – one that evokes a poignant and individual message that inspires their creativity. Robert Appo, Arts Northern Rivers Indigenous Arts Development Officer, conceived the idea at a time when he asked Archie to sit for him as a subject for Robert’s 2010 Archibald Prize submission. Robert, himself an artist
and Bundjalung man, puts it in his own words, “Listening to Archie’s songs whilst painting his portrait became an emotional and internal exploration for me as I painted.” “I really began to understand the meanings to the songs and felt a connection to the music. I wasn’t painting a portrait anymore - I was taking a spiritual journey.” It was from this genesis that the idea of creating an
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exhibition was born. Within days of placing the call out to the region’s artists submissions came pouring in – clearly Robert has touched on something special and alive in the community. The exhibition was officially opened by Rachael Linwood – (Acting) Head of School, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian People, Southern Cross University.
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All the way to the top
Dan Sultan and Scott Wilson. By SOLUA MIDDLETON HE’S the hottest thing in Australian music right now, he’s Aboriginal and he spoke to Be Counted about his latest accolade and other things. Dan Sultan has just taken out two of his four nominated ARIA Awards for Male Artist of the Year and Blues and Roots Album of the Year for his second album ‘Get Out While You Can’. He’s always thought it would be nice to win an ARIA but wasn’t conscious of the fact when writing this album. “It was crazy, still is, I’m still getting used to it … It’s really gratifying and humbling and really exciting,” he said. But the irony of winning these two awards was that he was nominated in the same category as John Butler whose music grants program JB Seed helped Dan to complete he’s debut album Homemade Biscuits. “It was funny, John’s always been such an amazing supporter of me and my group and what we are doing, and he was actually one of the first people to text through when we won Blues and Roots album which he was up for as well,” Dan said. While the ARIA’s looked like a bit of a shambles through the TV set the one thing audiences agreed was a highlight was Dan joining INXS as lead to perform ‘Just Keep Walking’. “It was amazing,” he said. “I love that band, I’ve always loved that band and I’ve always loved Michael as a frontman. “It was pretty daunting, I had to put that out of my mind and I didn’t want to try and be him, I just had to do what I did
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and hope that people enjoyed it. Just after Dan was announced the Male Artist of the Year and dealing with the flurry of media interviews, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a referendum would be held to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution. When we spoke to Dan he admitted he didn’t know much about this recent news. “What I do know is that you look at Australian coins and there is a platypus, an echidna, there’s an emu, a kangaroo and an old Aboriginal man ... so that says it all,” he said. “I think it’s time we get a bit more respect and we’re officially seen as something other than fauna. “I think it’s a step in the right direction, I think we’ve got a long way to go. “I’m amazed it’s taken this long.” But he told Be Counted he was confused about media coverage of the ARIAs and why some winning artists, including himself, were left out and others included. “It’s funny the mainstream media you know, I opened up the Daily Telegraph the day after the ARIAs, there’s a picture of Ricki-Lee (Coulter) and a picture of Angus Stone and Megan Washington and Angus and Megan won Arias - but there wasn’t a picture of me,” he said. “They don’t know how to see me these mainstream white fellas - he’s Aboriginal but he’s not in body paint, he’s Aboriginal but he’s fair skin and he’s into rock’n’roll. “Everyone thinks we gotta look like a $2 coin. “Not having a picture of the male artist a day after ARIAs is a bit of a shame job actually. “I’m not canning Ricki-Lee as a person
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or as a woman ... but she didn’t win no ARIA.” But it’s been a big year for Dan, he’s also taken out several other gongs this year including a Deadly Award and an Australian Independent AIR Award. He’s also been on the road touring national and international festivals and gigs. “Now that people are watching I have to be even better,” he said. He’s always known music was his path and it seems he was destined from an early age. “I started playing guitar when I was four years old and just taught myself all these instruments as I went along, it was never work, it was never hard ... I always just had fun with what I could do, I never knew what I couldn’t do,” he said. “It was always just fun and it was always just discovery and one day you turn around and you are 27 and two Deadlys, two Air Awards and two ARIAs in a matter of weeks.” But he admits it does get tiring being on the road for such long stints. “I just get a bit of perspective and everyone has got to work, everyone has to get up and do things and do what they got to do and this is what I have to go and do,” Dan said. “I’m in control, I’m my own boss and I can quit when ever I want but this is my passion, but whenever it gets a bit tiring I can put it into perspective and I know that I am pretty lucky.” So what does 2011 hold for Dan? “I’d like to go a lot further, you know, I’m very ambitious,” he said. “I think this is a nice indication of things going in the right direction.”
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Calendar
Ongoing: The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts offers National Arts and Crafts Industry Support grants. The funding it provides direct support to Indigenous art centres and arts supported organisations. For details visit www.arts.gov.au/indigenous/ NACIS, email indigenousach@ environment.gov.au or freecall 1800 006 992. Ongoing: The Indigenous Mentoring Program supports the professional development of Indigenous workers in the community services sector. The six month program partners people with mentors (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) from the wider human services sector. For details contact the Indigenous Mentoring Program Officer on 1800 835 866, or email beth. michon@deta.qld.gov.au. 6 December: Pace Information session at the Robina Library Meeting Room from 4:30 to 5:30pm. All parents and guardians of Indigenous children 0-19 are invited to attend any of the information sessions. For details contact Trisha Newton on 0430 711 642. 7 December: Pace Information session at the 2010 Elanora Library Meeting Room from 4:30 to 5:30pm. All parents and guardians of Indigenous children 0-19 are invited to attend any of the information sessions. For details contact Trisha Newton on 0430 711 642. 8 December: Pace Information session at the Southport Library Meeting Room from 4:30 to 5:30pm. All parents and guardians of Indigenous children 0-19 are invited to attend any of the information sessions. For details contact Trisha Newton on 0430 711 642. 8 December: Launch of second edition of Australia’s first Indigenous women’s magazine Evie 10am to 11am at
WICEEDO, 76 Musgrave St, Kirra. Details contact Marvette Logan on 043995175. 9 December: Creative Juices Networking Event. This is a chance to network and be festive with other Gold Coast creatives from 5.45 to 8pm in the Basement, Arts Centre Gold Coast, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise. RSVP by 6 December to cscdc@goldcoast.qld. gov.au. 13 December: Deadline for Playing Australia National Touring Program which assists the touring of performing arts across Australia. Round 37 of Playing Australia has now opened for tours beginning after 1 July 2011. Documents are available at www.arts.gov.au. For details email playing.australia@ environment.gov.au or call 1800 819 641. 30 December: IPTLC (Intellectual Property and Technology Law Clinic). The clinic provides free legal advice and legal services to members of the arts and technology communities who can’t afford to consult a lawyer. 5.30pm to 8pm. Advice is provided face-to-face at the QUT office in Brisbane. Telephone advice can also be arranged. To make an appointment, contact Cheryl Foong on (07) 3138 2046. 31 December: Registrations close for new TV game show based on language called Go Lingo! It’s for students ages 11-12 to play a variety of hi-tech games. Students must be in primary school in 2011. Visit http://www.golingo.tv for registrations and more information. 10-21 January: Brisbane’s Expressions Dance Company, is now accepting applications for places in their summer training program, the Brisbane Contemporary Dance Intensive, held from 10-21 January. Applications close 10 December 2010. Call (07) 3257 4222 .
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Monday December 6, 2010
Editorial: Have you achieved all you wanted to this year?
EDITOR SOLUA MIDDLETON THIS month we have our largest edition yet with content spilling out of the pages, in fact we’ve had to save some stories for next edition. Sadly due to other commitments our regular A-League legend James Brown was unable to have his regular column but he’ll be back next edition. I’m looking forward to hearing his take on how Australia lucked out in the 2022 World Cup bid to Qatar. But we welcome our latest addition to the Be Counted team, Keeliah Frost is our new Youth Space columnist. I’d love to hear, and I’m sure Keeliah would too, your feedback on her debut column. 2010 has gone very fast for me and it’s easy to forget to take time to reflect on everything that’s happened during the year. It’s a busy time of year for everyone and there is lots going on, some days it’s hard to keeps up if you know what I mean. It’s time to think this is what I have achieved and what I still would like to. Which brings me to my next point, New Year’s resolutions. I’ll also be doing a special featuring our regulars New Year’s resolutions and that includes my regular readers too. If you want yours printed send them with your contact details and a photo (optional) to becounted.mag@gmail. com or Solua Middleton, Editor, Be Counted, PO Box 372, Pottsville Beach, NSW 2489. Well I hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Thanks for sticking around. Solua
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Dining with a Titan
Clockwise from top left: Aunty Bev Anderson with Keebra Park Year 12 graduates from left, Kimberley Cash, Perii-Lee Campbell, Alex Tobler, Myles Dagley, Bec Healey and Stacie-Lee Campbell; Sinead Singh, Malachi Urquhart, Katrina Singh, Timothy Green and Keith Green; Lesley Richardson, Aunty Pat Leavy, Tayla Durham, Sarah Wharton and Tilly Middleton; Janelle McQueen, Preston Campbell and Claudette. From left: Matthew Sanderson, Dion Sanderson, Beau Watson, Krystal Ashton, Margaret Ashton and Aunty Laura Peacock;
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Monday December 6, 2010
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LET YOUR SPIRITS FLY. - THE 2011 HARVEY NORMAN RUGBY LEAGUE ALL STARS -
V SAT 12TH FEB
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On Saturday 12th February 2011, the Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars return to Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, capping off a week long festival that celebrates our indigenous past and multicultural future. The very best of the NRL face off in a game built on pride, power and passion. Tickets still available. Be quick, tickets are selling fast. Get your tickets now from ticketek.com.au
Looking into the future
Beyond Tomorrow recipients Alex Tobler, Shanice Saunders and Myles Dagley. THE Titans have recently launched an education and employment programs that will deliver ongoing benefits of the All Stars to young, Indigenous students. Titans Beyond Tomorrow program highlights the ongoing legacy of the All Stars concept, which in 2010 saw $1.5 million raised for community programs with a particular focus on Indigenous issues. The program will target 150 Indigenous youth from South East Queensland and aims to grow the employment
prospects of high school students through further education and training opportunities. It will involve Titans players taking on a mentoring role with high school students from the final months of their schooling and six months into their chosen career path or training. The three students pictured above are involved in the Beyond Tomorrow Project which began with a camp on the Gold Coast in August this year. They will each be mentored
● From page 16. who the fans will select in the opposing NRL All Stars. “No doubt, come February 12, 2011 we will see some incredible skill on the field, but beyond this, we will also contribute to a range of community programs that are making a real difference in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Australia and that is the direct result of the All Stars concept.” The 2011 Indigenous All Stars team will again partner with the Federal Government’s ‘Learn. Earn. Legend!’ initiative which encourages young Indigenous Australians to stay in school and aspire to success in the workplace. “This game goes well beyond 80 minutes of football, it is a match that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people embrace because it celebrates our culture, something that gives all the boys great pride,” Indigenous All Stars
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next year to ensure they continue to pursue their career ambitions once school is over. Alex Tobler from Keebra Park State High School plans on attending TAFE next year to become a personal trainer. “The program was designed to help us year 12s in creating a future for us and you need all of the help you can get to get a job,” he said. His schoolmate Myles Dagley wants a career in the landscaping and building industry. “My confidence was blazing after that camp. The code was
member, Greg Inglis, said. “The community focus of the match means it will have a benefit that goes well beyond what takes place on the field.”
The NRL will also work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, an organisation established on the first anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, to foster healing in Indigenous
Monday December 6, 2010
‘no shame’ so the no shame factor came right in,” Myles said. Shanice Saunders from Kingston College at Loganlea is planning to study justice management at TAFE. “I want to work for either customs or immigration,” she said. The Minister for Indigenous Employment - Mark Arbib said at the launch: “We know that while we are seeing more and more Indigenous students staying on in school is a good thing,” he said. “At the same time as that we have got to ensure a pathway through to employment.”
communities, through a new partnership that will see the All Stars promote practical and community based healing initiatives throughout Australia. “The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation is pleased to be partnering with the All Stars to support the development of successful models to address healing for Indigenous peoples,” said Foundation Chair, Florence Onus. “Indigenous people today are on a journey to come to terms with the grief caused by events of the past and this partnership will help them do that and move forward in a positive and productive way.” Rugby League fans can continue to have their say on the teams by voting for the 16 publicly-voted players in the NRL All Stars side at www.nrl.com/allstars. The first round of voting for the NRL All Stars is open until December 28.
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Indigenous All Stars unveil team
Indigenous All Stars show off this year’s uniform for the Rugby League All Stars Match. ~ Photos courtesy NRL. GREG Inglis will reclaim the dream that was denied earlier this year through injury when he joins the likes of Preston Campbell, Scott Prince, Johnathan Thurston, Jamie Soward and Nathan Merritt and Australian Test stars Sam Thaiday, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Willie Tonga in the 2011 Indigenous All Stars side. The line-up for the second Rugby League All Stars match on February 12 at Robina Park on the Gold Coast, also includes newcomers Matt Bowen and Ryan James in a team that has captured the imagination of sports fans across the country and inspired Indigenous communities. NRL Chief Executive, David Gallop, ARL Indigenous Council Chairman, William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone and Indigenous All Stars coach, Laurie Daley joined Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, at the State Library of Queensland’s Kuril Dhagun centre last month for the announcement, which also saw the NRL and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation unveil a new partnership that will help deliver reconciliation initiatives to communities throughout Australia.
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Indigenous All Stars coach, Laurie Daley, today named the following team for the 2011 Harvey Norman Rugby League All Stars: PLAYER - CLUB • Preston Campbell (c) - Titans • Nathan Merritt - Rabbitohs • Willie Tonga - Cowboys • Greg Inglis - Rabbitohs • Jharal Yow Yeh - Broncos • Scott Prince - Titans • Johnathan Thurston - Cowboys • Tom Learoyd-Lahrs - Raiders • Travis Waddell - Raiders • George Rose - Sea Eagles • Sam Thaiday - Broncos • Jamal Idris - Bulldogs • Greg Bird - Titans • Ben Barba - Bulldogs • Jamie Soward - Dragons • Carl Webb - Eels • Cory Paterson - Knights • Joel Thompson - Raiders • Ryan James - Titans • Matt Bowen - Cowboys Australian and Broncos prop Sam Thaiday received the highest number of votes from fans with more than 10,000 people lodging their Indigenous All Stars team since mid-September to reveal the
Monday December 6, 2010
stellar list of players announced today. “Once again the fans certainly have delivered a formidable side, with the players announced today some of the most exciting and inspirational talent in Rugby League,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said. ARL Indigenous Council Chairman, Mr William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone said: “Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander player dreams of the day when they can represent their people.” “For the 20-players named this dream has come true and they will all be playing with the pride of their people.” Rugby League fans were responsible for selecting the majority of the 2011 Indigenous All Stars team to join captain Preston Campbell for a match that brings together the game’s best athletes and celebrates its cultural diversity. “The public has selected a first class team with the squad announced today and we are definitely in the best position to defend our title at Skilled Park in February next year,” Indigenous All Stars coach, Laurie Daley said. “It is now an exciting countdown to the match, where we will wait to see just ... ● Continued page 15
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