Cape Magazine - New Season 2015

AN INITIATIVE OF CAPE YORK PARTNERSHIP

NEW SEASON 2015

Top honours for

Cape COMMISSIONERS

Keeping

SUMMIT

in Hope Vale

of unity

Your say on Wedding LANGUAGE sparks Empowered bells ALIVE spirit Communities for Cape couples COMMUNITIES | HEALTH | CULTURE | LIFESTYLE | NEWS | REFORM

NEW SEASON 2015 PUBLISHED June 2015 ADVERTISING Enquiries capemag@cyp.org.au CONTACT US Phone 07 4046 0600 Email capemag@cyp.org.au Level 3, 139 Grafton Street, Cairns QLD 4870

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Back Cover: Photo of Elim Beach by Hope Vale’s Kathi Gibson-Steffensen.

Cairns Head Office Level 3, 139 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD 4870 Phone 07 4046 0600 Aurukun Opportunity Hub 5 Kang Kang Road, Aurukun, QLD 4892 Phone 07 4083 4505 Coen Opportunity Hub 7 Taylor Street, Coen, QLD 4892 Phone 07 4083 5001

Editor’s

Welcome

It’s hard to believe that we are half way through the year.

For Indigenous people across Australia there is a swell of great change in the wind with Constitutional Recognition, Empowered Communities, and for Cape York the One Claim native title application.

For too long we have struggled for the right to development and to make the big decisions about our own lives. But Cape York is not alone.

Indigenous people around Australia are talking about the same problems and have developed the Empowered Communities initiative, which will change the way that we as Indigenous people work together and the way we work with governments. It will put Indigenous people in the driver’s seat. A team from Cape York Institute has visited almost all Cape communities this year to talk about the Empowered Communities idea. We talked more about it at the Cape York Indigenous Summit, and we’ll talk some more about it at local Summits and in September at the big Summit on country.

This is a huge year for Summits, getting down to business, and sorting out how we will work together to progress our own development our way. As Fiona George put it at the Summit— ‘it is a New Season’. We have themed this magazine the New Season because of the strong positive vibe in the air around Cape York. So many people are doing great things and are ready to work together to make big things happen across our magnificent region. A fantastic example is how parents are supporting education through the Student Education Trust. In 2014, 738 young people in Cape York Welfare Reform communities had trust accounts, where parents put money aside to make sure their children have everything they need for education at home and school. This is a remarkable achievement. In one year our parents saved $303,000 towards education. Since 2006 these families have saved more than $2 million. It shows what we are capable of, given the opportunity. It also shows how our people will take up opportunities if solutions are driven from the ground up and designed by them.

These families with Student Education Trusts are a leading example, not only for those living in Cape York, but to families all over Australia.

Some are saying that the One Claim application is the single biggest idea to unite us as one, a platform from which to fight together for each other. These are very exciting times!

Remember, this is your magazine to celebrate your people and your lives… and love. This edition, the New Season, we bring Wedding Bells! You’ll read about two well-known Cape couples who recently tied the knot. Send us your photos of special anniversaries, christenings, confirmations, and of course, nuptials.

I know you have great story ideas, so send them to us, or get writing yourselves for us to publish.

Our country and our culture is our gift to the world... let’s celebrate our world.

Enjoy the weeks ahead,

Hope Vale Opportunity Hub 3 Muni Street, Hope Vale, QLD 4895 Phone 07 4083 8800 Mossman Gorge Opportunity Hub 16 Kankarr Road, Mossman Gorge, QLD 4873 Phone407 4084Magazine 4400 | Cape

FIONA JOSE – EDITOR

Contents

COMMUNITIES | HEALTH | CULTURE | LIFESTYLE | NEWS | REFORM

15 11

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

EMPOWERMENT

07 11 20

Cape Summit – what we said Zeila Wallace- empowerment in action

EMPLOYMENT

CAPE SUMMIT UNITES US

26 28

36

WEDDING BELLS

Kayla Mallie beats the odds Dreaming Track open for business

LIFESTYLE

36

Wedding bells for Cape couples

CULTURE

38

28

Commissioners awarded top honour

Language lives on in Hope Vale

EDUCATION

DREAMING TRACK OPENS

44 48

48

GOOD TO GREAT SCHOOLS

LILLIAN BOWEN LIVING LANGUAGE

Djarragun College kicks goals Cape York learning model rolls out

LEADERSHIP

53

Cape York Leaders in training

MONEY

55

38

Tribute to Hersey Yunkaporta

OUR LAND

57 58

Apprentice rangers Many happy land returns

READ THE CAPE MAGAZINE

ONLINE NOW

CAPEYORKPARTNERSHIP.ORG.AU

Cover: The Queensland Governor presented 14 Cape York FRC Commissioners with Order of Australia Medals

NEW SEASON 2015 5

SEND YOUR EVENT PHOTOS TO CAPEMAG@CYP.ORG.AU

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW CAFÉ OWNER OPERATOR, LYNESSE LUDWICK

B ENT UDDI RER NG ENE UR

Come and try the best food and coffee in town at Lynz Café Hope Vale.

Hope Vale business vendor Jade Ludwick, selling bush lemons from Grandmother Hammet’s farm on her weekend off school. Earnings: $49!

BREKKY S E C I V ER BAMA S IDE AWARDS AND PR R ONE QUARTE

The two hn /Jon Ni from BamaJo Services ancholsons: John Nicholson Jon Nicholson, Partnership d Cape York Board mem ber.

6 | Cape Magazine

ning, or, Bob Man this year.

Council May r ie al rl on ea gi ky Re Cairns ma Services brek at the Ba

d women from Shirley Costelloedan in Hope Vale ” Sh ed “R the king jewellery ma sy bu en be ve ha Festival. for the Laura Dance

Professor Marcia Langton, Cape York Partnership Board Co-Chair, with the staff from Bama Services.

Naz McLean giving a surprise performance at Vincent “Porky” Harrigan’s 40th birthday. The multi-talented nine-year-old recently took out third place at a fashion parade in Townsville.

Top

Honours

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL RECIPIENTS

T

he work of Family Responsibility Commissioners to help people make positive changes for their lives and families has been remarkable and recognised by the highest office of the Crown.

On Australia Day it was announced that 14 Indigenous Cape York people from the Welfare Reform communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge would be awarded Order of Australia Medals (OAM) for their leadership in the role of Local Family Responsibility Commissioners.

They received their medals from the Queensland Governor at a special ceremony in Cairns on May 19.

The FRC and Local Commissioners in action is impressive, and shows the positive changes Indigenous people can lead for themselves, when empowered to do so. These Commissioners are the heavy lifters and drivers of the transformation that is re-establishing social norms and rebuilding local authority.

The FRC now has a total of 27 Local Commissioners, including new appointments from Doomadgee.

NEW SEASON 2015 7

Aurukun recipients Commissioner Edgar KERINDUN (Sara Clan)

“I am very honoured to receive an OAM, the work is extremely rewarding.”

Commissioner Kerindun was born and raised in Aurukun and is a Traditional Owner of the area.

He was elected to the position of Aurukun Shire Councillor in 2012 and subsequently retired from the position of Engagement Officer at Queensland Health. He was one of the original Community Police Officers in Aurukun and continues to promote justice and rehabilitation for ex-offenders.

Commissioner Kerindun and his partner, Aurukun Commissioner Doris Poonkamelya, have in their care three children from their extended family. He has a strong belief that if you show respect to everyone, everyone will have more respect for you.

Commissioner Doris POONKAMELYA (Putch Clan)

“Unexpected and a true honour to receive an OAM. We all work to make a difference.”

Commissioner Poonkamelya was born at the Kendall River Outstation and her family moved to Aurukun when she was a child. She retired as a senior health worker from Queensland Health in 2009, where she worked for 29 years. She is a founding member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group and is also deeply committed to education for young people. As a recognised Child Safety Carer, Commissioner Poonkamelya believes in ensuring a safe environment for children to grow and mature.

Commissioner Sarah WOLMBY (Aplach Clan)

“Very surprised, I feel on top of the world and very humbled.”

Commissioner Wolmby was born and raised in Aurukun, only leaving her home community to attend boarding school to obtain a year 11 education. Commissioner Wolmby previously worked for 15 years as a community health worker with Queensland Health and has worked in child care and teaching centres. She is an avid supporter of children receiving a strong education to enable them to successfully graduate from senior and tertiary education and gain employment either in Aurukun to enrich the community, or outside of Aurukun in their chosen career.

Commissioner Ada Panawya WOOLLA (Winchanum Clan)

“It is an honour and I am grateful and appreciative of all who have travelled this road with me over the years. I do what I do so we can all have a better future, I believe in trying to enhance things for everyone.”

Commissioner Woolla was born and raised in Aurukun and attended the Cairns Business College.

She was elected as Councillor of Aurukun Shire Council in April 2012 and works alongside the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services to assist families and children in Aurukun. She is a foster and kinship carer, an office bearer in the church, a founding member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group and a respected mediator and community Elder.

Commissioner Vera KOOMEETA (Aplach Clan)

“I am overwhelmed to receive this honour, the work is for the betterment of the community.”

Commissioner Koomeeta was born in Aurukun and attended Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in Cairns, obtaining a qualification in community teaching. On 28 April 2012 Commissioner Koomeeta was elected to be an Aurukun Shire Councillor. She is a Justice of the Peace and a registered interpreter as well as a member of the Aurukun Community Justice Group. As the representative of her clan group, she is involved in several committees and holds positions on a number of boards. When not working, she can be found spending time with her granddaughter, camping and fishing.

8|

Coen recipients

Commissioner Peter Pedro PETER (Lama Lama Clan)

“Thank you! I’m happy to receive the award and thank my family for their support.”

Commissioner Peter is an Elder of great significance within the Lama Lama Clan and the wider community. He is a valued member of the Coen Men’s Group which passes on skills and knowledge in leatherwork and woodwork to the younger men and produces goods for sale. He teaches the traditional art of carving spears and woomeras, as taught by his Elders, and passes on traditional wisdom. Commissioner Peter is also a member of the Coen Justice Group.

Commissioner May Mary KEPPLE (Winchanum Clan) “I feel privileged and honoured to receive this award.”

Commissioner Kepple is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and the Recognised Entity for Child Safety in Coen. Commissioner Kepple has had a variety of positions in retail and sales and currently works as the Recognised Entity for RAATSICC. She enjoys painting on canvas and previously managed the Wunthulpu Visitor Centre in Coen. As an accredited foster carer since 2007, she remains committed to the welfare of children, ensuring they receive opportunities for self-development and a bright future. She spends her weekends on country with her daughter and grandchildren, passing on culture and the ways and words of the Elders.

Commissioner Garry Lloyd PORT (Lama Lama/Kuku Yalanji/Awapathu Clans) “I’m very honoured to receive this award, thanks to my family, FRC and a special thanks to the community of Coen. Without their support I would not be receiving this award.”

Commissioner Port is from a well-respected Coen family and son of Barry Port, the famous Aboriginal police tracker. Commissioner Port is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and works at the Hope Vale campus of Cape York Academy (CYA) as a School Engagement Officer. In this role he works with the children encouraging attendance, conducting the breakfast program, dealing with behaviour issues and liaising with parents. He is deeply involved with supporting young people to ensure they reach their full educational potential.

Commissioner Elaine Louise LIDDY (Lama Lama Clan) “I feel privileged and honoured to receive this award.”

Commissioner Liddy is a fluent Umpithamu language speaker and has contributed to the dictionary of the Umpithamu language. Commissioner Liddy has been pivotal in establishing the Lama Lama Rangers, who live and work on the Lama Lama homelands of Port Stewart. She is now a full-time Cultural Heritage Adviser, a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and is a highly respected leader of the Lama Lama Clan. She devotes her spare time to the care of her homelands,and to passing on tradition and culture to future generations.

The Family Responsibilities Commission was established on 1 July 2008 as a partnership between the Queensland and Australian Governments, Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership and the four Cape York communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge.

The aim of the FRC is to re-establish socially responsible standards of behaviour through encouraging people to take responsibility for the wellbeing of themselves, their families and their communities.

9

Hope Vale recipients

Commissioner Brian COBUS (Nruurruumungu/Muuli Clans)

“My life has revolved around the community of Hope Vale and receiving the medal is a huge honour for which I feel very humble. I’ve got enormous personal satisfaction by being able to be a positive influence for people.”

Commisisoner Cobus is a Director on the Hope Vale Congress Aboriginal Corporation and the Hope Vale Community Justice Group. Commissioner Cobus did not have the opportunity of further education, leaving school at grade nine to work on farms. He now encourages children to obtain the best education possible. As a Traditional Owner, Commissioner Cobus passes on sustainable management practices to his grandchildren as well as his famous fishing skills.

Commissioner Victor Patrick GIBSON (Binthi/Bulcan Clans) “Thanks to the people who nominated us and who thought we were the appropriate people to be Local Commissioners. It’s also great to get so many congratulations from everyone.”

Commissioner Gibson worked as a Student Case Manager for CYA in Hope Vale for three years until his retirement. He is also a member of the Hope Vale Men’s Group and organiser of the Young Leadership Forum, encouraging young people to become the leaders of tomorrow. Commissioner Gibson has devoted much of his working career to Hope Vale, serving as Deputy Mayor and a councillor.

Commissioner Doreen HART (Binthi/Bulcan Clans) “This award is not just for me, it is for my people who courageously stood up for reform and are working hard to make a better life for them and their children.”

Commissioner Hart currently holds the position of Cape York Regional Coordinator for the Empowered Communities program with Cape York Partnership. Her former roles included Community Development Officer, Living Change, for the Wunan Foundation, Chief Executive Officer for the Apunipima Cape York Health Council and Housing Officer for the Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council. She is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and a member of the Thurrbill Community Justice Group and the Local Advisory Group.

Mossman Gorge recipients Commissioner Loretta SPRATT (Olkola/Lama Lama Clans)

“I’m overwhelmed and honoured to be recognised for this achievement which I could not do alone.”

“I thank Local Commissioners Karen Shuan and Karen Gibson and Mossman Gorge community for their support.” Commissioner Spratt was born on Thursday Island but spent her infant years in Coen and Hope Vale before settling in Mossman Gorge with her husband Nathan McLean. She has worked in the areas of sport and recreation and is currently employed by Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Incorporated (BBNI) in the horticulture area where she can pursue her passion. Commissioner Spratt continues to work closely with young people and the women of her community to promote strong, healthy and supportive families.

Commissioner Karen GIBSON (Nyungul/Kuku Yalanji Clans)

“Being acknowledged on this level, gives me a sense of gratitude. I believe God has granted me my mother Bella, to influence my whole character, to have endurance to contribute over the years to community.”

10 |

Commissioner Gibson was born and raised in the Mossman area. She is an artist whose work has gained national recognition and exposure. As an artist, Commissioner Gibson also enjoys inspiring other young artists to follow their dreams. She has previously held the position of Vice Chairperson of BBNI and is the current Chairperson. Other positions held include Board Member for the Cape York Land Council, Director of Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Tours and Attendance Case Manager with Cape York Partnership.

NEW SEASON 2015

of the 200 it ir sp e v ti ec ll co e h “T eated a strong cr as h ed er th ga s er lead . The energy ge an ch r fo l il w d an voice s like we are el fe it d an l fu er d on is w ositive era of p y er v a to in g in ov m powerment. em d an y it il b si on sp re ’ government al su u as s es n si u ‘b is Th best for us.” approac h is not the rship pe York Partne Fiona Jose, Ca

Our Summit

LOCKHART RIVER LA

“G overnment need s relinqu ish c ontrol an to Ind igeno us pe ople t d en a ble o ur own solutionos ‘d esi gn end em ic h e a lth c h a for llen ges.”

Cleveland Fag an, Cape York HeaCEO Apunipima lth Council

HISTORY

Over the past 20 years, the gathering of Indigenous people at Cape York Summits has produced important, even historic, stepping stones on the road to a better future for us and our children.

Chairman of the Cape York Land Council, Richie Ah Mat said, “Together, big decisions have been made (at Cape York Summits) about our rights—and our responsibilities— regarding land, health and other issues that will affect generations to come.”

The first Summit at Lockhart River in 1990 led to the establishment of the Cape York Land Council. Other Summits led major health and land initiatives for Cape York Indigenous people.

Chair of Balkanu, Waubin Richard Aken, said that since then, the united strength, wisdom and passion of voices raised at each Summit have begun to be heard by Indigenous communities—and governments—around Australia.

1990 Summit er Land iv R rt a Lockh

12 | Cape Magazine

River Lockhart

90 mmit 19 Land Su

ND SUMMIT 1990

of th ings th at There are lots and lots for es. you and I have to do tureoursis elvwhat There’s an old saying, futh at ’s right. you make out of it, it, Future is what you makbee ouvetryoffirm every one of us have tod carry others in our conversation an k…” th at are wea ber CYLC, 1990 Ina Hall Founding mem

Empowerment

Our main

THEMES Things we are worried about, excited about, and ready to fight for...

Our health and wellbeing

Our children

Our potential to build wealth

Our culture and identity

How we are feeling e York is “I ’m excited Cap com in g to geth er.”

ABOUT THINGS… “Feeling positive about empowering our communities, families, alliances with our brothers and sisters across the Cape York Region.”

“Disappointed at lack of employment.”

“Disappointed about high food costs and that it is often ‘off’ on delivery.”

“I am excited about what Aunty Ina said, seeing the visual (presentation), the old people gave us a blessing.”

“Some communities are strong and outspoken, this is a good thing.”

“Worried about chronic disease.”

“I am excited that we are all coming together to work towards solutions.”

“Disappointed contracts are given to outside contractors when there are locals within the community qualified to do the job.”

“I am concerned w sa me fi ghts th at o u e are fi ghtin g th e fi ghtin g for d ec adr esEld ers h ave been be fore us.”

to geth er, g in m o c t u o b a d e it c “Ex g.” it ’s h e a lin g, rec onc ilin

NEW SEASON 2015 13

Empowerment

20

What we hope to see in

YEARS...

“Our people will have the opportunity for businesses, our people will have the opportunity to grown within their own family and have things for their children.”

“Sending children to school five days a week.”

“Keeping culture in balance.”

“I want to be sitting on the top rail, and seeing young fellas working, mustering and doing paperwork. I want to see heads of cattle running on the paddocks on my country.”

“I want my grandchildren to come home with an A+.”

“Elders strong within the community.”

“More Indigenous people owning their own homes.”

“Children knowing their identity.”

“All Traditional Owners being a strong community and sitting down and listening to one another- being one voice.”

“Sitting as one and working together.”

“I want to be grey and know my daughter and descendants are recognising story places.”

“Health Clinics with our local doctors, nurses—run by own people. Our own Indigenous teachers, own people running our schools and clinics, and traditional medicine and modern medicine working together.”

“Parents involved in education.”

“My people are in control of the blue economy— blue is everyone controlling their own resources and works in their country, land and sea estate.”

14 | Cape Magazine

Empowerment

The

NEW ROAD

We have leadership.

We are ready to move to empowerment.

ELIM LAND SUMMIT 1991

Our Elders laid the foundations...

PLAINSILVER S 1994

The Empowered Communities agenda was built by our Elders who came together at the first Cape York Land Summits. They used their pensions to start the Cape York Land Council (CYLC), starting the long but determined drive to secure rights and self-determination.

Now it’s up to us …

LO RIVCKHA E R RT SUM L MITAND 199 0

NEW SEASON 2015

15

Building the Bridge What is Empowered Communities?

Empowered Communities is about changing the way we work together as Indigenous people, to support those that need help. It is about claiming our right to development and fixing the power imbalance between Indigenous people and governments. It is about governments respecting us and our processes and becoming a real partner for the long haul.

We as Indigenous people of Cape York know what we need and want, and why.

We have never before properly worked out how. Empowered Communities proposes the ‘how’ we can build our bridge to Empowerment. This illustration proposes the elements that we as Cape York people would need to work on together, and things government would also need to do to enable our success.

“It starts in the house. It is up to us to give the direction in the house to our children.”

3%

KERI, AURUKUN

Indigenous Australians

Where did the idea come from?

At Garma in 2012, a group of Indigenous leaders from around Australia were yarning and realised they were all worried about the same things and fighting similar battles. The group formed the Empowered Communities proposal to put Indigenous people in the driver’s seat making the big decisions about the lives of their people.

“We are proud people… In the past Bamaga was one of the first communities to hold Summits and we need to stand up again.”

ANTHONY, BAMAGA

“We don’t have a voice, government talks about job opportunity but after CDEP left we got nothing. We don’t get jobs. You can talk all you want but where are the jobs?”

RON, MAPOON

16 | Cape Magazine

Here’s what our Cape York people are saying about Empowered Communities...

Empowerment

Cape York engagement A total of 197 people attended 14 Empowered Communities (EC) information sessions over the past three months. A broad crosssection of leaders from health, local government, land, business and social sectors took part.

“Govern ments put all the money in swapped or mixed or ad little boxes and those boxes can’t be ded together.” COOKTOW N

The Empowered Communities team has also briefed Cape York Indigenous Mayors Alliance, Balkanu, Cape York LAnd Council and Apunipima.

Most expressed support of the EC concept model as it was presented.

All those who attended the sessions so far are in universal agreement that: ͳͳ the ‘business as usual’ approach must change ͳͳ that Cape York Indigenous people must find a better way to work together at all levels, locally and regionally to progress development of our people and our communities ͳͳ a new way forward was needed in relation to the way government works with us Cape York Indigenous People.

Many participants showed strong interest in the Summits and the next steps around local and regional alliance building, formal commitment and regional and local development agendas as they were excited about having the opportunity to shape these elements to their own local situations.

“W needs to be spe know what en govern ment w t and it isn’t where ants to spend it.”

FRED,

ment. e g a n a m f and sel Cape.” y c n e i c fi f u t self-s autonomy for the u o b a k l a t to ut “We need we need to ta lk abo , AURUKUN ISS And PHYL

LAURA

14

Communities covered are:

Lockhart Hope Vale Laura Wujal Wujal Injinoo Mossman Cooktown Mapoon Coen Napranum Kowanyama Aurukun Bamaga Pormpuraaw NEW SEASON 2015 17

Empowerment

Empowered Communities proposes a framework “Thankyou for bringing these ideas that we will need to think about. We will need to do a lot more workshops. I know it is hard but it is time.

It is for this generation now to do.”

JONATHON, AURUKUN

There were many questions raised about how EC would work and what EC might mean for you and your community.

Some of these questions cannot be answered just yet because much of the detail about how EC would work on Cape York is yet to be developed. It is essential that local Indigenous people develop processes and solutions that will work for them.

How will this happen?

Cape York Partnership, in partnership with Apunipima, Cape York Land Council and Balkanu will be supporting local and regional leaders to develop this detail through: • Local Summits between July and September • Regional Summit on country in September.

Next steps By the end of the September Summit it’s hoped that key elements would be achieved: A high level partnership agreement that would enable ‘opt-in’ to Empowered Communities via organisations and leadership groups This would establish:

“Wh at we need to do now is think outside of the box.”

WILLIE, HOPE VALE

ͳͳ the rules for how we as Indigenous People will work better together ͳͳ our commitment to Principles of Empowered Communities.

A high level Regional Development Agenda ͳͳ covering our plan for our place and our people and all the things essential to our Development, our Empowerment and improved Productivity. ͳͳ first priorities you agree to support.

Process to support development of Local Development Agendas What is this - Local Development Agendas are exactly like the Regional Development Agenda but more specific to each local area. Local Development Agendas may require more time to get right. Rather than rush these, we propose to support local communities, into 2016 todevelop these.

“I reckon we should start from the grassroots, that’s where the main power comes from, it does not come from government.”

TIM, HOPE VALE

18 | Cape Magazine

SEND YOUR EVENT PHOTOS TO CAPEMAG@CYP.ORG.AU

Kids of Hope Vale.

Baptism: Angus Mclain, Silika Tayley, Nathanial Mclain, Justin Braemwell.

ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH HOPE VALE

Opening of the Wujal bridge: Justin Ball, Char Ronan Bassini, Stella Bassini. maine Nandy,

Lester er DaveD,onohue. ball, Past e h g ra u B o r, D e e lk allas Wa ion: Shan Commu, nShikira Tayley, D n to ip h S

Charlotte Burns and her grand daughters with Past or Dave.

condaryrist rogramrse from Mfraom aders P-M e Le ll e rk u o Y Cape Malik Creed hahmin Pratt S studenetsAshgrove andho lme.

Colleg Stuart

CAPE YORK LEADERS PROGRAM GRADUATIONS AND FORMALS

Congratulations to CYLP tertiary student Tanay Ropeyarn, from Injinoo, who recently graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Law.

Cape York Leaders Program secondary students Isabella Raleigh from St Peters Lutheran College and Maddison Reys from Marist College Ashgrove.

NEW SEASON 2015 19

Empowerment

My family

Zeila: “M y husban d my reasoand children are n for livin my rock, g.”

my inspiration

IN HER EARLY YEARS, LIFE FOR ARTIST AND MPOWER COACH-CONSULTANT ZEILA WALLACE WASN’T EASY—WHICH MOTIVATES HER TO HELP OTHERS TO MAKE THEIR LIVES A LITTLE EASIER AND TO MAKE HER OWN A COLOURFUL ONE

F

rom humble beginnings, the 30-year old has ticked all the boxes on her personal wish list and is looking forward to helping other community members do the same.

“I like helping people to make positive changes in their lives,” said Zeila, who recently built a home in Cooktown with her husband.

Zeila is quick to attribute her wisdom and drive to the beautiful people who ‘grew me up’.

“I grew up with love, respect, and my culture and I wouldn’t give it up for all the riches in the world,” she said. “My family are very caring and giving people.”

“We didn’t have anything flash, no DVDs, no toys or dolls, but my Dad would make special occasions special in his own way. He said over and over to me, that he wanted me ‘to be someone’.

“I always dreamed of getting married, having children, and buying a house and a car. I have done that now, so maybe it’s time for a new goal … perhaps travelling—after I have paid off my car,” she added.

“I knew I wanted to do things differently for my children. I don’t drink or smoke. I’ve seen first handwhat it does.”

20 | Cape Magazine

Raised in Wujal Wujal, Zeila attended Bloomfield River State School, before completing her schooling at St Patrick’s College in Townsville.

“The week I graduated from high school, I found out I was pregnant,” she said.

MOTHERHOOD AND WORK Six months after the birth of her son, Gauai Jnr, she obtained her first job, as a housing officer, with the Wujal Wujal Shire Council.

She worked there until she was elected to the council in 2008—the same year she married her high school sweetheart, Gauai, on her Grandmother’s country at Archer Point.

Gauai and Zeila are all about family and spending time together and out on country on the weekends and school holidays. The couple also enjoy their exercise and fitness.

“My husband and children are my rock, my reason for living,” said Zeila. “Without the support of my Aunty, sister-in-law and family, I wouldn’t have been able to take on employment opportunities because there was no daycare available.”

She juggled her role as a councillor with a full-time position as a PCYC sports and recreation officer, while also studying for a Sport,

Recreation and Fitness Certificate through TAFE. When Gauai Jnr was in Year 4, the family moved to Cooktown to broaden the boy’s educational opportunities.

Zeila joined the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers, where she undertook a range of roles.

HELPING OTHER FAMILIES The opportunity to join the Cape York Partnership MPower program in September last year, was too good to refuse, despite a daily commute to Hope Vale, on top of family demands caring for her two-year-old daughter Zeikera, as well as a 15-year-old, Jalun.

Gauai, now 12, obtained a Cape York Leaders Program scholarship and is a boarding student at Brisbane Grammar School.

I grew up with love, respect, and my culture and I wouldn’t give it up for all the riches in the world.

“Where do I start? I enjoy my job,” exclaimed Zeila.

Working within the welfare reform community has been an exciting challenge for Zeila.

“Coming from another community that is not a part of the welfare reform, I can see the benefits it offers.

“It gives the people endless opportunities to build capacity to take control of their finances.

“I really like working with Cape York Partnership MPower, because we are helping families to plan for a better financial future for them and their kids.”

PERSONAL COMMITMENT “Yes, we need to make changes, and it is up to each and every individual to want to make that change,” said Zeila.

“We at MPower can only help with planting the seeds of inspiration and vision for a better future for their family and home environment: it comes down to each individual playing their part and doing their role as best as they can.”

“I especially love the Student Education Trust (SET), which provides a way for parents and carers to put money into this special account for each child’s educational needs,” she added.

“I myself have taken up the opportunity to sign both my children and cousin up for SET, as I see SET as very beneficial for their education. I can continue putting funds into this account to support them with the financial cost of their education until they have turned 26 years of age.”

ARTISTIC EXPLOITS Over the past five years, Zeila has rediscovered her love of art.

“I always loved art when I was growing up,” she said. “I enjoyed drawing and then began painting in 2010, selling my first work in that same year.

“My paintings are of stories that were told to me by my family about bush tucker and my culture.”

Zeila now sells her paintings—“contemporary Aboriginal art”—through the Kuku Bulkaway “Telling Our Stories” Indigenous Art Gallery in Cooktown.

She looks forward to continuing to help her MPower members create their own positive stories.

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1 Dugongs 2 Black-headed python 3 Zeila at work in her art studio/shed

NEW SEASON 2015 21

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Employment & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

pride

Building “I like learning new skills, working with the crew, and travelling all around the Cape to do jobs.”

E AWARD WINNER PRID UCTION STR BUILDING CON

– Ashley Pearson

The Bama Services Q2 Pride Award winners with the selection committee– Brett Schultz, Ashley Pearson, Travis Waia, Jias Mitchell, Jono Coker and Nicola Armstrong

“We do everything from our hearts.”

WINNER PRID LANDSCAPE CO E AWARD NSTRUCTION

– Travis Waia

E AWARD WINNER PRID TENANCE AIN LANDSCAPE M

“I like working at Bama Services, because all the guys get on well together and the company tries its hardest to look after employees.”

– Jias Mitchell

BAMA SERVICES HAILS STAFF WITH THE RIGHT STUFF Indigenous business, Bama Services, is building a strong reputation in landscaping and construction work in the Far North.

On May 20, before the start of another busy working day, Bama Services employees gathered at their Bungalow headquarters in Cairns for a breakfast barbeque to share their stories and acknowledge the winners of their Pride Awards.

The quarterly awards recognise the achievements of individual staff members who have excelled in three areas—Pride of Person, Pride of Plant and Pride of Place—over the preceding threemonth period. The awards, which are open to workers across the three Bama divisions—Building Construction and Maintenance, Landscape Construction and Maintenance, and Civil Construction— acknowledge the importance of building personal pride.

Bama Services’ Support and Wellbeing program seeks to help staff develop self-esteem and confidence, as well as technical skills— qualities that will assist them both at home and in the workplace.

Recognition of the calibre of Bama Services staff now extends beyond the organisation. JMAC Constructions Cairns Connect landscaping project foreman/supervisor, Harry Barker, who attended the award ceremony, paid tribute to all the workers present.

“You guys are totally committed,” he said. “You are a credit not only to your company, but to Cairns.”

The winners of the first quarterly Pride Awards for 2015 were John Nicholson, Gerald Bindoraho and Justin Banu.

1 Tyler Parter, Justin Banu, Richard Grogan, Luke Woibo and Ashley Pearson enjoying some brekky 2 John Nicholson cooking brekky. 3 Rance Stafford, Jono Coker, Travis Waia, Gerald Bindoraho and Jias Mitchell tucking into some brekky.

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22 | Cape Magazine

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NEW SEASON 2015 23

Culturalkindy landscape BAMA SERVICES ADDS A TOUCH OF CULTURE TO A PLAYGROUND WITH A DIFFERENCE

C

ultural landscaping topped the wish list when Indigenous business, Bama Services, was asked to revamp the playground at the Cairns Early Years Centre and Kindergarten at Bentley Park.

Bama Services’ littlest “clients”, many of whom are Indigenous, asked the Landscape Construction crew to incorporate a feature that celebrated their link to the Traditional Owners of the land on which the kindergarten was built.

The local Elders visit on a weekly basis, as part of the centre’s thriving cultural education program.

24 | Cape Magazine

In response, Bama Services cleverly created two pebble mosaic paving totems, depicting a willy wagtail and a grasshopper.

“Both the children and staff had noticed that for some strange reason, the playground attracted grasshoppers on Mondays and Tuesdays, while willy wagtails liked to visit on Thursdays and Fridays,” explained the kindergarten’s director-teacher, Vishanthri Hayne-Keon.

“So we asked the Gimuy Wulabara Yidinji Tribal Authority if it would be appropriate to name our two children’s groups, the ‘Wagtails’ and the ‘Grasshoppers’—and they

approved our choice. Both animals appear in the story of the Rainbow Serpent.”

GIANT BELLS AND DINOSAURS The striking paving stones have been a big hit with the three and four-year-olds at the centre, as have the other features installed by the four-man landscaping team.

Under the supervision of Landscape Construction Supervisor, Andrew Mackenzie, the team totally transformed the 800 square-metre site. After returfing the grounds, they livened the landscape with Australian native plant species, including lilly pillys, violas, palms,

Employment & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The children think

the new playground is pretty special.

– Vishanthri Hayne-Keon leptospermums and grevilleas.

The crew then installed other items on the children’s wish list, including a bike path, sandpits, vegetable gardens, a vertical rack of plant pots (one for each child) and an impressive chicken coop—now the stately residence of a mother hen and her six lively chicks.

Other striking features include a set of huge aluminium tubular bells and two soaring, three-metre arched rows of galvanised steel poles designed to represent a dinosaur’s rib cage.

“The children think the new playground is pretty special,” said Vishanthri with a smile. “They can now spread out over the whole area. And the space lends itself to constantly evolve.

“We plan to ask the Elders to advise us on what kind of ‘bush tucker’ plants we can grow.”

PRAISE FOR BAMA CREW “It’s great that we had access to Bama Services, an Indigenous organisation, to help us turn this playground into a special place that reflects what we are trying to do here,” she added.

Andrew believes his crew, which undertook a similar project for the child care centre in Aurukun last year, did a good job. Two of the team members, Travis Waia and Luke Woibo, are currently studying for a Certificate III in Landscape Construction.

“The guys approached this entire job with real interest and energy,” said Andrew. “They wanted to make it a great success, and I believe they did.”

ANDREW MANANTAN, 26

The best part of the job?

Seeing the end product.

LUKE WOIBO, 26

The crew gets along really well. We’re hard workers.

TRAVIS WAIA, 28

We take pride in what we do.

The dinosaur’s “rib cage”

Willy wagtail paving stone

Grasshopper paving stone

WET SEASON 2015 25

Jenny Lock from Skill 360 Australia, Bama Services General Manager, Rance Stafford, and Sue Jackomos from TAFE North with Kayla

Life lessons A YOUNG MOTHER LEARNS … NO ONE CAN CHANGE THEIR START BUT ANYONE CAN START NOW TO MAKE A NEW ENDING

K

ayla Mallie left school to have her first child when she was 14. Now her son, Jias, and his two younger sisters, Jayda and Amaia, are the reasons why she has resumed her education with such determination.

“When I was pregnant with my third child, I realised I needed to decide which way my life was heading for myself and my children,” said Kayla, now 26.

“I want my kids to have a better life. They give me the motivation every day.”

That motivation recently attracted public recognition. Kayla, who joined Bama Services as a business administration trainee in March 2014, was named one of the top five contenders in both the Indigenous Trainee of the Year and the overall Trainee of the Year categories of the Far North Queensland regional finals of the 2015 Queensland Training Awards.

“It has made me realise how much I’ve achieved, having others point it out,” said Kayla, who now has a Certificate III in Business Administration under her belt.

It hasn’t been an easy road for the young woman. Kayla and her three siblings were raised by their single mum in Murray Street, Cairns. She attended Parramatta Primary School and completed just one year at Cairns High, before leaving to have her son.

26 | Cape Magazine

Kayla’s mother offered to look after baby Jias, so her daughter could resume her education. The prospect of returning to school was “too intimidating” for a 14-year-old coming to terms with motherhood and also struggling to escape domestic violence.

STUDY STRUGGLES When she turned 16, Kayla enrolled at TAFE North to improve her literacy and numeracy skills. She then tackled her Grade 10 Certificate. But she buckled under the combined weight of study and motherhood.

“I went off the rails,” she admitted.

Kayla went on to have two more children before finding herself at a cross roads. Education was the sign post to where she wanted to go and who she wanted to be: confident, independent and able to provide for her children.

“I think I was ready to take the next step,” she said.

In 2012, Kayla obtained a waitressing job at the Holiday Inn on the Cairns Esplanade and began studying for a Certificate III in Hospitality.

“For the first time, I started to develop a sense of pride in my life,” she remembers.

While she found the job rewarding, combining shift work, study and motherhood proved too stressful to sustain. She decided to take time

Employment & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Kayla Mallie at work at Bama Services

… the most important thing is to

dream big and believe in yourself. out in 2013 to review her education and career options, spend time with her children—and a beloved uncle in his final months of life.

“We were very close. He was like a father to me,” said Kayla. “He came down from Badu Island on holiday, and then got sick with diabetes. His organs began to shut down.”

Kayla and her younger sister cared for their uncle and spent time “celebrating his life” before he died.

CAREER DECISION During this time, Kayla came to realise what she really wanted to do with her life—become a social worker, specialising in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing.

“I just want to help my people,” she said simply.

She began looking for the first “stepping stone” towards her ultimate career goal—and found it last year at Bama Services.

“Working here has allowed me to pursue my education in a supportive environment among other trainees and apprentices,” she said.

“I now have a range of skills that will provide me with a platform to develop a career in the Indigenous welfare sector.”

Kayla’s confidence and professional aspirations are gaining momentum. Having completed her Certificate III in Business Administration, she plans to embark upon a Certificate III in Community Service at TAFE North later this year. Kayla will continue to work for Bama Services in her new permanent role as Administration/Support and Wellbeing assistant.

Despite her hectic pace of life Kayla is thriving. This is partly thanks to the holistic nature of the Support and Wellbeing program at Bama Services. The program includes a strong focus on the physical and mental health needs of trainees and apprentices.

“My health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my family,” said Kayla. “I play sport on a weekly basis, go to the gym daily and also try to maintain a healthy diet.”

NEW HORIZONS Kayla even finds time to undertake voluntary administrative and fundraising work as a secretary on the board at Boopa Werem Kindergarten in Bungalow, Cairns.

“It is very important to me to be involved in early childhood education,” she said.

The girl who was once too afraid to return to school is now a member of the Cape York Leaders Program, which provides leadership training and opportunities to emerging Indigenous leaders.

“Because of my journey, I would like to share my experience with other young people, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have experienced situations like mine,” she said.

“I want to tell them that it is never too late to learn.

Motivation and commitment are the keys to success, but the most important thing is to dream big and believe in yourself.”

NEW SEASON 2015 27

Employment & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Keeping the

Looking towards Cooktown from the scenic Mt Saunders section of the 20-kilometre Gamaay Dreaming Track, which is expected to open in late July.

dream on track THE GAMAAY PEOPLE HAVE FORGED A NEW ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY

A

through to construction. Worker attendance was an impressive n ambitious Cape York tourism project has reached an exciting 100 per cent during the tough construction stage. milestone, with the first leg of the Dreaming Track officially GAMAAY COMMITMENT launched by Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch.

Balkanu Cape York Development It was a proud day for the Gamaay people, the Corporation Chief Executive, Gerhardt Traditional Owners of the land on the north “It is an awesome experience Pearson, paid tribute to the determination shore of Cooktown, where the track was built. to walk it, and have of the Gamaay people in completing phase They turned out in force at the opening held at customers visit our country.” one of the project.

Cooktown’s Grassy Hill Lookout.

“The Traditional Owners have been A committed workforce of Gamaay people – Traditional Owner, Erica Deeral integral to the design, the community built the 20 kilometres of Class 5 track in just consultations, the research and the construction of the track,” he nine months. They are eager to start on the next part of the journey. said at the opening.

“It is an awesome experience to walk it, and have customers visit our “It’s important that Traditional Owners are involved in the design country,” said Traditional Owner, Erica Deeral, after the opening. and construction phases as this flows on through the business Another Traditional Owner, Adric Morris, said he felt “so proud to development phase and into the running of a successful business.” see someone smile when they see the view from the top”.

Mr Entsch was delighted with the Dreaming Track and its ultimate The Traditional Owners were dedicated to the project from design

28 | Cape Magazine

goal to extend more than 1,000 kilometres from outside Cairns to the tip of the Cape. He recognised the track’s potential to provide economic opportunities and culture-sharing for dozens of Traditional Owner groups.

“Quite frankly, I think this has the potential to become one of our greatest national walks,” he said after the opening.

The Gamaay Track is expected to open to the public in late July. The next phase involves building businesses associated with the track, such as fishing, guided and non-guided tours, bushwalker collection services and camp sites.

1

Quite frankly, I think this has the potential to become one of our greatest national walks.

– Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch THE NEXT STAGE Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation is working closely with the Traditional Owners on their business plans. The organisation anticipates the Gamaay people will need support for up to two years to develop their businesses, market their products and services, and run booking facilities.

Balkanu specialises in providing practical business development and mentoring structures for Traditional Owners. It will walk the journey with the Gamaay people and other Traditional Owner groups as the project winds its way up the Cape over the next few decades.

The project requires continued funding to help Traditional Owners realise their dreams. The first phase was completed through an injection of capital from both the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. The next phase is crucial for the development of business plans and acumen.

The project ticks all the boxes on the checklist of goals for communities and governments: job creation and skills training; business opportunities; long-term enterprise; and community self-sufficiency.

NEW TRACKS Traditional Owners, with the assistance of Balkanu, will each design and construct their own Dreaming Track. Each one will connect to the main Dreaming Track.

As well as the potential to become an international drawcard, the Dreaming Track sets the path to reducing Indigenous welfare dependency and creating healthy, sustainable communities.

2 1 The Dreaming Track is a Class 5 walking track. 2 & 3 A Community Workforce Development Grant from the Queensland Government enabled members of the Gamaay clan to undertake a Certificate III in Rural Operations, equipping them with skills in track construction and tourism services. 4 Gamaay Traditional Owners take a break during the construction of the Track, which they completed in just nine months. 5 & 6 Gamaay workers film a promotional video of the Track from Indian Head, capturing the spectacular view of the Coral Sea coastline.

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Visit the following sites to find out more about this inspiring project: ABC News Dreaming Track story http://youtu.be/gb2WblPeLbg NITV News Dreaming Track Story http://youtu.be/8UBoBsjaARE NEW SEASON 2015 29

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Employment, Training and Workforce Specialists

30 | Cape Magazine

Employment & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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Jobseekers r the stal fo s ct fa arte

Lancin Peemuggin completed his heavy machinery training. “It’s the best training I’ve done. I can see that it will set me up for a good job.”

un ng in Auruk hinery Traini ac M vy ea ployment H NEW SEASON 2015 31 Cape York Em

g n i m o C oon!

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Celebrating

Aurukun

DATES: 30th June

32 | Cape Magazine

Coen

Hope Vale

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Family Day Mossman Gorge

29th June

Visit your local O-Hub to find out where your Celebrating Family Day will be held

Lifestyle

Learning

from the past OUR ELDERS HAVE MUCH WISDOM TO OFFER... GRACE ROSENDALE OF HOPE VALE SHARES SOME ADVICE ON FAMILIES SPENDING TIME TOGETHER

WHEN I FIRST BECAME A PARENT… “There were no TVs, electricity or cars—they came later on down the track. There’s things like phones and more alcohol and drug abuse now.

“Because we didn’t have electricity, I had to wash by hand.

Parents today find it easy, because everything is at their fingertips.

Nowadays they can just chuck the washing in the machine and it’s done. We never had Kimbies (disposable nappies) that you can throw away.

“The only entertainment the family had was a movie night every month or so, where everyone would rock up to the school or to the place of the people who were hosting it.

“They were hard days, but it never seemed like it at the time. We did things in our own time, no rush. They were the good ol’ days.”

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KEEP IN MIND TODAY… “Teach kids more respect. We had respect and that’s what’s lost today—so much back-chat you give up, you can’t get it across to them.

There’s a lot of respect thrown out of the window in today’s time.

“Have more family time. Kids come home late, there’s too many things going on—not enough family time.

“Get kids to bed earlier. Kids walk around here till late at night. Some parents don’t care at all. In my time, 7 o’clock and kids were asleep. It’s different now, the kids have late nights.”

STRONG FAMILIES SEWING WORKSHOP AURUKUN

S STRONG FAMILIE TURE FU T EN PAST PRES UKUN WORKSHOP AUR

NEW SEASON 2015

33

Lifestyle

Gerald Hammett knows his bush tucker.

Branching out

Irene Hammett shares her experiences.

A HOPE VALE COUPLE IS CARVING THEIR FUTURE IN TOURISM Gerald Hammett once carefully selected trees for logging. Now he and his wife, Irene, share the beauty of the rainforest— and their cultural history—with visitors from around the world.

In 2010, the couple launched Maaramaka Walkabout Tours and Campgrounds in Hope Vale.

“Maaramaka is the Indigenous name for the curtain fig tree,” said Irene, aged 74.

“There are significant stories around that tree—all Bama people have this story.

“There are lots of little places where animals can hide and as a child we were told that a little man hides in there and that he will take you and put you in the maaramaka tree—so we made sure we came home!”

LIFE AS A LOGGER Ironically, most of Gerald’s broad knowledge of rainforest and open forest tree species was cultivated during the two decades he spent working in forestry, including logging operations. Gerald worked throughout North Queensland after joining the local mill in Yungaburra at the age of 14.

“I worked with the botanist, Bernie 34 | Cape Magazine

Highland, and picked up how to identify plants,” said Gerald. “I worked with timber cutters—logging—and then got a job identifying and marking trees for logging. That was my main job and I was used all around North Queensland, from Ingham to Kuranda.

“I had a really good working life in forestry and met lots of different characters. I taught a lot of university students—we

We used to sit around all night talking about trees.

– Gerald Hammett had an interchange of learning. Aboriginal Elders working in the rainforest helped out.

We used to sit around at night talking about trees. I knew all the botanical names.”

SHARING HISTORY Gerald is the tour guide for Maaramaka Walkabout Tours, while Irene, who has a teaching background, including a twoyear stint teaching Direct Instruction at Hope Vale Primary School, shares her personal knowledge of a darker subject.

“I tell the tourists the history of how it was growing up under missionary rule and how I experienced lots of discomforts,” she said.

“We weren’t allowed to go anywhere. I tell tourists the truth—the true story—about everything I experienced growing up, how we lived.”

Irene has written two books in her own language, Guugu Yimidhirr, about her childhood love of horses and her grandchildren’s experiences at play in the rainforest. A third book, about her holiday memories of the local beach (accompanied by a CD), is in the pipeline.

Gerald, who spent his youth roaming the scrub gaining knowledge about “what to eat and what not to eat” in his mother’s country around Malanda, now has plans to produce a book about bush tucker.

In the meantime, he may need to resurrect some other old skills...

“We need a tree lopper to clear a path,” said Irene. “We are thinking of building a platform, so that people can walk around it. We will be offering relaxation tours, with lots of yarning.”

Lifestyle

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Join Garden Club • • • • •

Meet fellow green thumbs Learn tips from guest speakers Try growing seeds and plants Participate in workshops Share stories

Aurukun • Hope Vale • Coen • Mossman Gorge

NEW SEASON 2015 35

POP398

Find out next Club dates at the O-Hub

Lifestyle

Robinson &Bertha Salee nee Bowie

36 | Cape Magazine

Congr atulati ons!

Naomi &Tim Jaffer nee Hobson CAPE COMPANIONS: “JUST MARRIED” After 11 years of courtship, Cape couple Tim Jaffer and Umpila artist and business woman Naomi Hobson said the time was right to tie the knot.

“We are just so pleased it’s happened! Yaay!” Naomi said.

“Our engagement lasted about three years. No rush! We enjoyed being engaged.”

“Our wedding day was so much better than we could ever have imagined!

Everything fell into place and was exactly how we wanted it to be.

“It was the celebration of the year for both of our families and having all those closest to us made for an occasion we will forever cherish.

“We filled the Tanks Gallery at Edge Hill in Cairns with lighting, decorations and all our special guests… making the evening a truly magical one.

“We could not have been happier with how it all turned out on the day!”

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Jaffer!

WET SEASON 2015 37

Rediscovering lost language

THE ANCIENT LANGUAGE OF THE GUUGU YIMIDHIRR PEOPLE HAS THE VERY BEST CHANCE OF SURVIVING AND FLOURISHING FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. LILIAN BOWEN HAS TAKEN HER LANGUAGE INTO THE LOCAL SCHOOL AND THE CHILDREN ARE TAKING IT BACK INTO HOMES.

T

oo often throughout Cape York, ‘getting language back’ is a common theme in every day conversations.

Lillian Bowen is one of the lucky ones to have her language and is making it her life goal to give it back to her people.

“I have a passion for Guugu Yimidhirr. It’s a sad reality that three generations back have lost language,” Lillian explained.

“At my age there are only a couple of people who still have it. I kept mine because I had my uncle to communicate with and my dad. At the age of eight I used to sing the hymns out of the church book. I became fluent in teaching and speaking it because I could read it and write it.

“I have the urge to bring it back to the community and teaching it to the children is the best way to do that. The children are going home and teaching their parents Guugu Yimidhirr.

“I love to hear about the children teaching

38 | Cape Magazine

their parents. I’ve been getting a lot of comment from the parents telling me that their children are telling them all about

Garrgu bada ngayu wawu yinharrin bidhagurrngun yiyi guugu miirinhu walu ngayu miirrilil.

In the future I want these children to be able to teach this language the way I taught.

— LILLIAN’S VISION what they are learning in language. Many say, ‘Aunty Lilly I just love that you are teaching Guugu Yimidhirr to my children’.”

This is the first time an Indigenous language (Yirrgii Guugu Yimidhirrbi) has been taught using the Direct Instruction (DI) method.

The Academy Schools at Hope Vale, Coen and Aurukun use DI to successfully teach literacy and mathematics. The unique idea behind Lillian’s language lessons is that Guugu Yimidhirr is taught in Guugu Yimidhirr. English is left behind when you walk into the Guugu Yimidhirr classroom. Students experience Guugu Yimidhirr language immersion, students learn to think in their own language and to fully express themselves in their own language.

Lillian hopes many young people from Hope Vale will be interested in becoming language teachers and delivering lessons in the years ahead.

“Our aim is to use the workbooks and have adult classes. Because of the children, adults are now asking to learn the words again,” she said.

Culture Cape York Institute has been working with Lillian, Irene Hammett and others, to produce and publish new children’s literature in Guugu Yimidhirr. Three new books were published last year and there are many new texts waiting to be illustrated. Lillian has been working to get together a Guugu Yimidhirr writers’ group,with older people who have stories to tell and a good grasp of the language.

“Writing stories in our language gives something better for the children to pick up and take along with them,” Lillian said.

The children ask Lillian if she can teach them all day long. “They love it. I think they are just starting to realise that it is a very important part of their culture and it was their great grandparents that were speaking this same language.

“I often tell them: ‘don’t think that this language has come out of the sky. This comes from your people, from generations back, and you have to carry it on.’ They can’t believe that their grandfathers and before that were into this language.

“I can see it in their facial expression that they are starting to connect with what this means. When I tell them the stories of the Elders, you could hear a pin drop.

Lillian said it’s vital that this generation of children can continue her legacy. “I am actually so proud of what I have been able to do for the children. I’d like to take it further and bring the mother tongue back to children through singing and in art and craft as well.”

Educators believe Lillian’s classes and the children’s keen interest in learning their language is helping attendance and providing an extra incentive for coming to school.

“The children are very interested when I talk about, and do, the family tree. The children are so very interested. A child could be sitting next to another child and they learn that they come from the same roots. This is very important for them to understand,” Lillian explained.

“The children aren’t being taught these things any more in the home—it’s a shame.

I often teach the children hymns in Guugu Yimidhirr—‘This little heart of mine’ is a favourite.

Lillian is working toward putting together a choir.

“Our Elders used to sing in church like they had a conductor. I say to the children, to show their voices strong when they sing in church. You never know, one day I might take a little choir group overseas.”

Cape York Institute and the Cape York Academy have launched the first Guugu Yimidhirr workbooks for teaching in schools. Lillian Bowen’s spoken Guugu Yimidhirr course, Yirrgii Guugu Yimidhirrbi (Speak Guugu Yimidhirr) and the written Guugu Yimidhirr course, Gaban Balgala Guugu Yimidhirrbi (Write in Guugu Yimidhirr); are innovations in Indigenous language teaching. They are an ongoing collaboration between Lillian Bowen, Karin Calley of Cape York Institute and linguist Jan Goetesson.

The bright lesson books, posters and workbooks are exuberantly designed and illustrated.

WET SEASON 2015 39

Keeping our

language alive

BY SHIRLEY COSTELLO

The Guugu Yimidhirr people, like all Aborigines in Australia have been here for over 40,000 years. The Guugu Yimidhirr Tribe first came to prominence in 1770 when they engaged with Lt. James Cook and his crew on the ship Endeavour. As is well known in history the Guugu Yimidhirr Tribe hosted Lt James Cook at Gungarr (Cooktown) for seven weeks.

While Lt Cook was making repairs to the Endeavour, he was introduced to the Guugu Yimidhirr language. From this encounter our language became immortalised in the English language with the naming of that giant hopping marsupialGangurru (kangaroo).

The early missionaries encouraged our language by writing and learning it to make communication easier. Hymns, bible lessons, and letters were written in Guugu Yimidhirr.

During World War II the Guugu Yimidhirr people, as well as its historical owners, were forcibly evacuated to the far away Aboriginal community of Woorabinda. This exile lasted seven years.

The Elders made certain that the language was being used, as they had been told that many tribes had lost their language.

The Guugu Yimidhirr language is being kept alive in Hope Vale through the CYA Campus and Cape York Institute, the Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC), Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre and most importantly in Hope Vale homes.

Through the PaCE program, the Guugu Yimidhirr language is being enhanced in order for more people to become teachers of this beautiful language.

40 | Cape Magazine

…it became immortalised in the English language with the naming of that giant hopping marsupial—Gangurru (kangaroo).

ABOUT SHIRLEY Since 1991 Shirley Costello has studied Guugu Yimidhirr and has documented its various spellings and phonics. She has worked hard to create interesting and fun lessons so that the interest in her lessons at the Indigenous Knowledge Centre continues.

She says that many of the Elders repeat over and over, “don’t ever lose our language because it will be too difficult to find if it’s lost”. “And they are right,” Shirley says.

Shirley is a primary school teacher and plans the Guugu Yimidhirr Language Program, delivering two hour lessons each fortnight.

She says that two hours provides enough time to engage, understand and absorb how to read and write the language.

“I was surprised when a student wrote a note to me in language.

I thought ‘we’re doing alright for now’. It is the ultimate reward to hear our people speaking and reading in Guugu Yimidhirr.

“This program will continue in 2015 with more people, including non-Indigenous people, who have already expressed interest.”

Culture

Time for school DORA GIBSON RINGS THE BELL FOR EDUCATION

Retired teacher, Dora Gibson, is now a bridge builder.

Based at the Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Hope Vale, she strives to build bridges between parents, their local schools and communities through her work as co-ordinator of the PaCE—Parent and Community Engagement—program.

Funded by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, PaCE aims to increase parental support and participation in school decision-making, encourage parents to further develop their own knowledge and skills and increase access to early learning via playgroups, kindergarten and child care.

“We need to take education seriously because that is our key to success,” said Dora.

Growing up in Hope Vale, Dora, now 62, admits that as a youngster she did not value education despite her father’s encouragement. She was sent to boarding school in the 1960s, then came home to a job in the post office, before getting married and having four children.

It wasn’t until after the birth of her third child that she ventured back into a classroom, to work as a teacher aide at Hope Vale school, where colleagues soon spotted her potential.

“I had different teachers telling me what a good teacher I would make,” she said.

In 1993 she decided to take their advice.

TRAINING TO BE A TEACHER “I was in my 40s. I wanted to be a good role model for my children and show them that you are never too old to do anything, if you put your mind to it,” she said.

Dora could not afford to leave her young family and study in Townsville. Fortunately, she was able to take advantage of a new initiative at that time—the Remote Area Teacher Education Program—which enabled her to pursue her studies from a program site established by Education Queensland at Hope Vale School.

My daughter, Tamara, and I graduated together.

She spent two years studying to obtain a Community Teaching Certificate through TAFE, before embarking upon a further three years of study at JCU—attending lectures via teleconference—to gain a Diploma of Education.

By this time, Dora had already made the transition from teacher aide to teacher at Hope Vale school. But she didn’t want to stop learning. In 1998, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at JCU. Her graduation ceremony, four years later, was memorable for a host of reasons.

“My daughter, Tamara, and I graduated together,” she said proudly.

“It was also a bit emotional, because I remembered how much my dad, Ted Bowen, had valued education. He died several years before I graduated.”

Dora was still open to fresh challenges. In 2009, she was seconded to a multi-literacy program for struggling students at Hope Vale. Two years later, she spent a term as acting principal at Coen primary school, where Tamara was also teaching.

When she returned to Hope Vale school, Dora began using Direction Instruction (DI) to teach a group of students with varying levels of disability.

“It was a real eye-opener,” she observed.

“With DI, the students definitely improved their numeracy and literacy skills.”

JOINING PaCE In 2012, Dora retired from teaching, only to take on an even broader educational role with the PaCE program last year.

“PaCE deals with kids from the other end of the spectrum—from the community point of view. I am dealing with teachers, I am dealing with parents and children, giving them support,” she said.

Last year, she helped to introduce the Thamal Nhilaa (“New Roads”) program at Cooktown High School and Hope Vale School, which enabled disengaged students to divide their time between school (three days per week) and work at a local community organisation/agency.

It is just one of many bridges to education that Dora will build.

NEW SEASON 2015 41

It’s never

too early to

SET

GET

Plan early for their education: • Buy toys for muscle control and hand-eye coordination • Develop reading and learning skills • Budget for day care and kindy • Buy school uniforms and books

Why sign up when they’re little?

“I want to see my kids with a good education and a better future.”

SET DONOR, AURUKUN

• The sooner you start, the sooner your child will benefit • Your money is there when you need it

SET

Find out how you can give your child the very best start with SET 42 | Cape Magazine

Aurukun • Hope Vale • Coen • Mossman Gorge

SET401

Student Education Trusts

Education

Ready for school,

ready for life EVERY DAY AT SCHOOL COUNTS Every parent wants their child to have great opportunities in life. Being in school all day, every day, is the best way to make this happen.

So, how do you keep focused on your responsibility to send children to school, when there is so much going on in the community?

Cape York Academy spoke with three mothers in Aurukun to find out how they make school a priority in their homes: ALTHEA | COMMUNITY TEACHER Children: one son, one daughter “No matter what’s going on, education comes first in our house. I want my children to have good opportunities. Friends, the pool table...they all come afterwards. My son wants to be a footy player and we often talk about how going to school is important for that kind of opportunity, especially after he retires!

“My son is not a morning person, so there’s always lots of talking in the morning! I have to do a fair bit of reminding that school is important and that if he wants to see someone or do something after school, we can talk about it after he comes home!”

ANTOINETTE | TEACHING ASSISTANT Children: one son, one daughter “My sister-in-law always says: ‘If your kids want to be somebody, they have to go to school every day. Tell them education is important. If they say no to school, well you tell them no to playing games, to movies, to playing with friends.

“If my kids wake up in the morning and say they don’t want to go to school, I try and find out why, so I can solve it. If there’s a bigger problem, I can go and talk to the teacher about it, but if it’s just because the TV’s on, well, I just make sure I turn it off, because then they usually go and get ready!”

JASMINE | TEACHING ASSISTANT Children: one daughter “I grow Kalani up with routines. When I’m tired after a long day at work it can sometimes be hard, but I think they need discipline, because we are their parents, not their friends. I grew up with discipline.

“Kalani wants to be a dancer. Off to boarding school, and then audition for a dance school.

“This is a funny one—she wants to go to school in England! She’s been watching movies and one of the girls goes to school over there. I would miss her if she goes there, but it would be good if she goes.

“I want her to experience a different lifestyle. I went away to boarding school in Townsville. It was hard being away from my family, but I had to go so I could get some education. I couldn’t do this job without it.”

Did you know?...

If a child misses school one day a week every week during their primary school years, it means they will eventually miss out on a whole year of school.

THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE BY THE TIME THEY GO TO HIGH SCHOOL. NEW SEASON 2015 43

Education

Kickinggoals TWO DJARRAGUN STUDENTS—DIFFERENT GOALS, SAME DETERMINATION Bradwell Dick and Richie Barba are two teenage boys out to kick some goals in life.

In Bradwell’s case, this is the literal truth. A gifted AFL player, he has his sights firmly fixed on a professional sporting career.

Richie, on the other hand, wants to head straight to university to study engineering.

Both boys, who are Year 12 class mates at Djarragun College, are determined to succeed—and share that success with their families and communities.

44 | Cape Magazine

“It’s in the blood. I grew up with the sport.”

– Bradwell Dick ON THE BALL – BRADWELL Bradwell Dick hit the ground running within days of moving from Mornington Island down to Djarragun College to become a boarding student at the beginning of last year.

“On my first Friday here, I played mid field for Pyramid Power (Gordonvale’s AFL team) against the Trinity Beach Bulldogs,” said the enthusiastic 17-year-old, his eyes lighting up in memory.

“I kicked four goals and got voted ‘best in the game’ by the umpire. I was happy.”

The second youngest of six children, Bradwell’s sporting career kicked off in Alice Springs where he spent much of his childhood living with a cousin, after his mother died on Mornington Island when he was four.

The youngster took to AFL like a duck to water.

“It’s in the blood,” he said proudly. “I grew up with the sport. My family played, the whole community played, every day.”

FAMILY OF CHAMPIONS For the Dick family, which has produced several gifted players, AFL is not just a recreational pursuit, it’s a professional calling.

Bradwell still remembers the day, as a small child, that his father told him his brother, Brad Dick, then living in Perth, had been drafted to play for the Collingwood Magpies in Melbourne.

“As soon as I heard the news, I knew I had someone to look up to. It became my dream too,” said Bradwell.

His ambitions were spurred on in 2013, when his nephew Jake was drafted to the Port Adelaide team, followed by this year’s news that his cousin’s eldest son had been snapped up by the Adelaide Crows.

Bradwell himself, has been no slouch in making his mark in the sport.

He progressed through the ranks, from under-nine to under-15 teams in Alice Springs. He was selected

to play for Northern Territory Thunder at the Under 18 National Championships in Melbourne, in 2012.

“I remember watching a Western Bulldogs training session and going to the MCG. I couldn’t believe I was there. I thought I was dreaming,” he said, wide-eyed.

Bradwell re-joined his father on Mornington Island in 2013, where he completed Year 10, but didn’t play much AFL. “Nah. That’s a rugby league place,” he said with a shrug.

SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES He leapt at the chance to move down to Djarragun College near Cairns in 2014.

“There are many more opportunities here,” he said.

Now a valued member of Pyramid Power, Bradwell was selected to join an under-17 Cairns representative team, the Cairns Lions, which travelled to Melbourne in April. There they took on the Riddle District and Ballarat teams at the annual Goldfields Match.

“I was rapt,” said Bradwell. “It was my first opportunity to represent Cairns.”

It probably won’t be the last. He may soon face the prospect of leaving the Far North to pursue his sporting ambitions in south-east Queensland or interstate, if he is drafted—as his coach, Brett Kennelly, confidently expects.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY Wherever his sport takes him, the ambitious youngster vows he will not forget his community.

“While I was in Melbourne, I met Eddie Betts, who plays for the Adelaide Crows,” he recalled. “He told me that he sends money back to Geraldton, in Western Australia, to help build his community there.

“That’s what I would like to do,” Bradwell added earnestly. “Send money home to make my country strong.”

Bradwell’s spirit and determination is already doing just that.

NEW SEASON 2015 45

Education

“I want to be a role model for my siblings.”

– Richie Barba ROLE MODEL – RICHIE Fellow Year 12 classmate and Pyramid Power player, Richie Barba, has a quieter, but equally strong, sense of purpose.

“I want to be a role model for my siblings,” said the 17-year-old, who has two younger sisters and a little brother.

For Richie, this is as much about what he doesn’t want to do, as what he does want to achieve.

“There are people in my community that like to drink and fight. I don’t want to be like them,” he emphasised.

What he does want to do is study engineering at university, then secure a good job, so he can assist his mother financially and pave the way for his siblings to follow him.

“My mother always helps out when someone is in need. I want to be able to help her,” said Richie.

He has been attending Djarragun College as a day student since his family moved from Thursday Island to Cairns in 2007.

While he enjoys playing AFL with Bradwell and Pyramid Power, Richie primarily views sport as a way to “keep in shape” and make him fitter to pursue his career goals.

46 | Cape Magazine

Engineering experience His single-minded determination to become an engineer received additional fuel in January last year. Richie was one of two Djarragun CollegeYear 11 students selected to spend a week exploring the engineering faculty at the University of Queensland campus in Brisbane.

“It was brilliant,” exclaimed Richie. “We stayed on campus and got to visit the class rooms. The lecture auditorium was bigger than my house.

“That’s where I want to be. I want to finish school and head to uni.”

One of Richie’s uncles, his Mum’s big brother, Sailor Wuruki, already lives and works in Brisbane,.

Another uncle, Richard Wuruki, “drives giant trucks” for a mining company in Port Edmund, Western Australia.

Supporting family Richie fancies a job as a diesel plant fitting engineer.

“Hands-on and good money, so I can help my family,” he said enthusiastically.

In the meantime, he will continue to apply himself to his Year 12 studies and persevere in his efforts to be a good role model for his siblings…even if they don’t appreciate it yet.

“They’re a handful,” he said, rolling his eyes.

Join us at

Learn • Connect • Succeed ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PREP-YEAR 12 Club and Culture | Sports Academy | Boarding

Community + Opportunity

Enrolments now open

= Djarragun College

The College provides children from remote communities in Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands with the opportunity to obtain a firstclass education in a safe and caring environment, which values and encourages family and community involvement.

NEW SEASON 2015 47

Education

2

Look...

3

1

what Cape York started

BY CAPE YORK ACADEMY

DIRECT INSTRUCTION TRAINING IN DARWIN 1 Cheryl Cannon 2 Stephanie Blitner 3 Naomi Gibb, Juliet Greenlees, Nicole Peeler

ANOTHER 33 SCHOOLS ARE FOLLOWING CAPE YORK ACADEMY’S LEAD It is five years since Cape York Academy (CYA) started its education reform programme in its three campuses at Aurukun, Coen and Hope Vale. The schools have been making great improvements and caught the attention of other schools around the country.

On the back of this, the Australian Government Department of Education is funding another 33 schools to implement the Academy’s Literacy programme through its Flexible Literacy for Remote Primary Schools Programme.

Weipa’s Western Cape College is among those that have adopted the programme, and the rest of the new schools are spread out across remote areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Some of the new schools are using Direct Instruction and some are using Explicit Direct Instruction.

Prior to the launch of the programme at the start of this school year, the Academy’s 48 | Cape Magazine

parent organisation, Good to Great Schools Australia (GGSA), delivered training to more than 300 teaching and leadership staff in Darwin, Perth and Weipa. The events were a big success and there was a lot of positive feedback about being involved.

The Deputy Principal of Angurugu School on Groote Eylandt, Stephanie Blitner, visited Cape York last year, attended the Darwin training event and observed that her staff were keen to start the programme.

“I went with Minister Chandler and Minister Price to Cape York and visited the Academy schools,” she said. “I was very impressed: I know Noel says they’re fair schools, but I think they’re great schools.

Just thinking about what we can do back in our own school really excites me.”

Now, a few months into their implementation, Angurugu School Principal Ben Slocombe says that already, “families are starting to see their kids have success”.

A team of international experts and GGSA coaches—including a few well-known faces from Hope Vale and Aurukun—are supporting the schools. Cheryl Cannon, former principal at the Academy’s Hope Vale campus, and Nicole Peeler, Naomi Gibb and Juliet Greenlees—formerly teachers in Aurukun—are all working for GGSA to help these new schools improve their literacy rates.

Deputy Principal of the One Arm Point Remote Community School in the Kimberley region, Amy Carpenter, likes the structured approach of the programme, not just for the students, but for the teachers.

“I really wish I had this as a graduate teacher...DI makes us ready,” she said. “It gives you everything from day dot about how to be a successful teacher, and an effective teacher.”

Education

A SUP-er result!

CAPE YORK YOUNGSTERS DIVE INTO WATER SAFETY SESSIONS Things went swimmingly, when children in several Cape communities got the opportunity to extend their water skills with SUPKids.

SUPKids is a programme designed to teach stand-up paddle boarding and water safety to youngsters, particularly those in remote locations.

SUPKids coaches, Mick Wilcomes and Linzi Wilson, hitched a ride with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to deliver the water safety programme to a combined total of around 50 children in Hope Vale, Coen and Aurukun.

“It’s not until you actually see the children engage and participate in this kind of water safety activity that you realise that this kind of programme has never been delivered before in these parts of the Cape,” observed the Royal Flying Doctors Service Wellbeing Centres team leader, Shaun Selwood.

Saving lives “Locals told us about a five-year-old child from Coen, who saved his two-year-old cousin after attending a SUPKids water safety

session,” said Shaun. “The two children were in a swimming pool in Cairns in January this year when the incident occurred.”

Cape Patrol Inspector Paul Jones was impressed by the all-round benefits of the SUPKids programme.

“Doing something out of the ordinary is really good for the kids and the community in general,” he said. “It’s good for their selfesteem and gives these kids a chance to break out of any negative cycles.”

NEW SUPKIDS SESSIONS The SUPKids team also enjoyed their Cape coaching sessions.

“We met some incredible local kids and hope to return soon,” said Linzi.

SUPKids is currently seeking partners to support the development of this year’s water safety programme.

“Our aim is to work alongside organisations which understand the importance of empowering young people and giving them the tools to lead a safe and healthy lifestyle,” said Linzi.

Visit www.sup-kids.com for further information.

NEW SEASON 2015 49

Leadership

CAPE YORK LEADERS PROGRAM

2015

Leadership Camp Twilight pool party .

Senior boys rehearse for the Talent Show night.

lbadi, Bernard Sa . ordinator,ati ay Co D on on ti si Inform and Tran Mentoringents at the University with stud

es.

Getting ready for high rop

Even the rain couldn’t dampen the fun of this team building activity.

Noel speaking about Recognition in the Constitution .

s mentoring juniors.

Senior Academic Leader

tes give to Past gradua t boarding tips aboust ents. younger ud

50 | Cape Magazine

Surf’s up!

Years 0 , 11 and studen1ts discuss 12 univers it y Univers life with Sunsh ity of the e Co Nicole in Copleya.st’s

NEW SEASON 2015 51

Leadership

Movingcloser

Close the Gap assembly at Brisbane Boys Grammar school on Wednesday 18 March 2015.

Front row: Kade Wallace (CYLP), Zack Combo, Gauai Wallace (CYLP), Terrell Bowen (CYLP) Second row: Jesse Green (CYLP), Dylan Minniecon (CYLP), Zeek Perkins, Kallum Clarke (CYLP), Adrian Lingwoodock, Kaava Watson (CYLP)

STUDENTS SHARE DANCE AT BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Dance is a universal language – so what better way to acknowledge Close the Gap Day? Indigenous students at Brisbane Grammar School—including five boys enrolled in the Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP)—performed a number of traditional dances during school assembly on 18 March.

Their repertoire included two dances from the Hope Vale region, the Guugu Yimidhirr spirit and crocodile dances, as well as the Kabi Kabi welcome dance and the Birri Gubba animal dance.

From left to right: Jesse Green (CYLP), Dylan Minniecon (CYLP), Kade Wallace (CYLP), Zac Combo, Zeek Perkins, Terrell Bowen (CYLP), Kallum Clarke (CYLP), Gauai Wallace (CYLP), Adrian Lingwoodock

52 | Cape Magazine

CYLP students Gauai Wallace, Terrell Bowe (not CYLP) and Dylan n, Kallum Clark, Zeek Minniecon performin Perkins g at the Clo assembly at Brisbane Boys Grammar se the Gap

Cape York Leaders Program Skilling Leaders

Finding

their voice

ANTHONY MARK: “I want to achieve my goals.”

LYDIA STRATFORD: “I want to pass on the skills I learn to our children.”

LOTTIE LUFF: “Communication is the key—listening and sharing stories.”

PAUL COOK: “You have to have confidence in yourself first.”

LEADERSHIP TRAINING GROWS CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS “You see it happening in front of you. That ‘light bulb moment’…that shift, that change when someone realises they have learned something, they have achieved something,” observed Melissa Browne, the Cape York Leaders Program Training and Development Co-ordinator.

Melissa is currently watching a group of trainees, mostly middleaged women, begin to experience those ‘light bulb moments’— and become beacons for their communities in the process.

“They want to improve themselves and their communities,” said Melissa.

The group recently travelled to Cairns to participate in the Skilling Leaders program workshops, which strive to help individuals develop the ability to lead.

Every program participant sets personal leadership goals, such as completing a job-related training course, tackling a health issue, or working on a relationship.

“Some people have found employment, or taken up other positions they didn’t ever think they could do,” added Melissa.

The latest workshop explored leadership in the workplace.

In August, the group will meet again to tackle the topic of community leadership.

For the ladies and two gentlemen, confidence and communication skills are twin priorities. They are hoping the leadership program will help them find their own voices.

AGNES MARK: “I want to know how VICTORIA KENNEDY: “I want to be an to communicate with people at advocate for the disadvantaged.” higher levels.”

FIONA REID: “I want my community to respect me in the future.”

SUSAN KENNEDY: “I want to be able to speak out about issues in the community.”

CHARMAINE BOWEN: Becoming a leader

SELENA BOWEN: Leader in training

facebook.com/CYLeadersProgram

53

Without MPower, I wouldn’t have my beast.

“More of our people should go to MPower and fulfil their stories and dreams.”

Roy Gibson of Mossman Gorge worked closely with MPower to achieve his goal of buying this “beast”—his car. His next goal is home ownership.

54 | Cape Magazine

Aurukun • Hope Vale • Coen • Mossman Gorge

MPW389

Start your MPower journey today

Kenlock Yunkaporta at Hersey’s grave this year

A tribute to

Hersey Yunkaporta

Hersey Yunkaporta HERSEY YUNKAPORTA’S DETERMINATION TO SAVE MONEY FOR HER SON’S TOMBSTONE PROVIDED EXTRA MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION TO GET MPOWER OFF THE GROUND. HOW HERSEY STARTED MPOWER MPower, formerly known as Family Income Management (FIM), was established in 2001 by Cape York Partnership. Westpac secondees from the Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships program visited Aurukun to help build the program to assist local people with money management.

Vit Koci, Westpac Group’s Jawun Indigenous Community Partnerships Program Manager, said one of the first steps was to engage with the local community. “When I stepped out of the Mayor’s office where the Jawun secondees were based, I encountered a little lady emptying the bins in the Council foyer,” Vit recalled. “I thought, ‘this is as good a place as any to start’ and I asked if she’d mind talking to me.”

The woman, Hersey Yunkaporta, was very shy but she agreed to share her thoughts.

Vit sat down with her and explained the idea of families getting together to budget and contribute money for certain goals.

“I asked her what she thought,” said Vit.

“Hersey very timidly told me it was a great idea. I thanked her and moved on.”

The next morning there was a knock at the door to the secondees’ office.

“There was Hersey with a $50 note in her hand wanting to start saving right away,” said Vit. “We explained we were unable to accept money at that stage because the program was still only an idea. She left with her $50, but the following morning she was back. That happened every day of our month-long stay in Aurukun.”

With Hersey so desperate to save for her son’s headstone, the secondees contacted the Council’s deputy CEO at the time, Dean Kneebone, to see if there was a safe place for Hersey’s money. Five months later, Hersey had saved $4,000, which was safely locked away in the Council’s safe.

HOW DID HERSEY DO IT SO QUICKLY? She had recruited her husband, Kenlock, and their four daughters—each were contributing to the tombstone fund.

Hersey became the program’s greatest

advocate and recruiter. She would bring people into the office and convince them of the benefits. She and her family went on to save for a car and a boat.

Hersey sadly passed away in July 2012.

Vit, asked to deliver her eulogy, recalled the story of Hersey’s crucial role in driving the budgeting program’s success.

Hersey and Kenlock’s inspiration and leadership continues to resonate in their community. Hersey, and her spirit, are forever in our hearts.

At her tombstone opening in 2013 Vit Koci, Westpac Group’s Jawun Indigenous Community Partnerships Program Manager, spoke of Hersey’s quiet determination.

As the first FIM/MPower clients, Hersey and Kenlock were recognised: • At a lunch with then Prime Minister, John Howard, when he visited Aurukun for the Beagle Camp summit

• On the ABC Australian Story programme in 2002 • On the Channel 9 Business Sunday programme in 2003

NEW SEASON 2015 55

“Feelinggood...

FINANCIAL FREEDOM IS A GREAT FEELING

Our people who have set up Students Education Trust accounts for their children know this feeling. More than 860 children in the communities of Aurukun, Coen, Mossman Gorge and Hope Vale have Student Education Trust accounts and 600 family members contribute on a regular basis.

More than 1723 people have signed up to MPower to get their money business on track.

More than 50 new members have signed up this year. These people are saying they are ‘feeling good’...

“ THE KIDS G

ET TO PICK

L ST U F F T H THE SCHOO

EY WANT…”

unts for his two SET acco as h e rg o G hase school y of Mossman antly to purc in m o d Gerald Nand re p d h he has use ooks. d socks and b children, whic an es o eir own sh s, ag ool b like to pick th s d ki y m uniforms, sch t u want, ff b t normal stu hool stuff they sc e th k ic p “Usually I ge to t otions. hen the kids ge eeds and em n r ei th es sfi school bags. W at sati they have wh happy and it ool because h sc it makes them to go to kids want It makes my akes me feel e. is there. It m ey n o other kids hav m e th e to worry if “I do not hav d for them.” mething goo so id d I at th good

GETTING AHEAD Doreen Pearson of Hope Vale joined MPower to help her get on top of her finances.

“When I got money I used to spend it foolishly and didn’t have a budget. Money used to come and go,” she said.

“I know my budget now and spend wisely. I understand money and how to save. Other young people should join MPower and learn about budgeting and money.”

EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR BOARDING SCHOOL “Keishia is so excited she posted her at boarding school. She was able to go to school with everything she needed, room set up on Facebook.” so she didn’t feel out of place. She Coen, of husband Jeneice Pratt and her was able to choose her own bedding, for Trusts started Student Education their daughters several years ago and towels, and linen.

“It made me feel proud to be able to haven’t looked back “We signed up about 4 years ago to send my girl off to boarding school with help me with extra costs, especially for everything she needed and wanted.

Jeneice said that Keishia was so excited boarding school. about her room, that she took a photo the afford to able I’m SET of “Because of her room and put it on Facebook funds having and costs of boarding when she was all set-up. “This speaks my available to purchase whatever volumes for how excited Keishia was,” child needs while at boarding school.

“My eldest daughter is in her first year her Mum added.

“I FOUND IT EASY TO STAY ON TRAC

K”

Anastasia Sagaukaz of Mossman Gorge is an MPower graduate and is now a member of staff!

“I joined MPower to pursue a better life with my little family and I want to be a good role model for my son as he grows up.”

“Internet banking and budgeting are my biggest achievement 56 | Cape Magazine

COMPUTER SKIL

LS MAKE IT EASY

Lillian Kawangka of Aurukun says that MPower has taught her to be computer lit er ate and be independent. “l have learnt my computer skills th rough MPower.

I always use the phone at iBank to contact the public trustee to help me with m y important needs. Now that l have a little girl, l would like to sign her up for SE T.”

Students carry water watched on by Jawun secondee David Icke

Junior Rangers

Phoenix Nuggins

shown the ropes

BY HAROLD LUDWICK

HOPE VALE CONGRESS RANGERS, BALKANU

The Hope Vale Congress Rangers have adopted 20 students from Hope Vale Primary School’s year 5 class for the next two years.

whale Students find a

The apprentice rangers will undertake a variety of activities until they graduate. In May we visited Alligator Beach to collect items for the ladies at the culture centre, learn about the beach and its plants, shells and bush tucker and to have a good time!

Thanks to teachers from Hope Vale Primary and secondees from the Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships program who came along and helped out. The Congress arranged delicious BBQ tucker for lunch and we were also supported by ethnobotanist Gerry Turpin, from the Australian Tropical Herbarium and Chris Roberts, our resident Balkanu marine biologist. It was a great day and the kids are still talking about it.

Junior Rangers from Hope Vale Primary School

57 | Cape Magazine

Students, Hope Vale Congress Rangers and Jawun secondees spent a great day at Alligator Beach

NEW SEASON 2015 57

skull

Many happy

land returns

RECORD LAND TRANSFERS AND A BIG YEAR TO COME

O

ver the last 20 years Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation and the Cape York Land Council have facilitated the return to Traditional Owners of more than three million hectares of land through land tenure dealings.

A record 400,000 hectares were returned in the last six months of 2014, including Mary Valley Station and five separate properties, to its Traditional Owners the Olkola people, as the Cape York Tenure Reform Program—managed by Balkanu and the Queensland Government—hit top gear.

And there’s more to come: 2015 looks set to be a big year for Traditional Owners yearning for the return of homelands.

Finalisation of an arrangement about iconic Shelburne Bay is

The Bromley Native Title Determination has returned 1,645.1 square kilometres of land to the three Traditional Owner groups.

58 | Cape Magazine

reaching conclusion after nearly ten years’ negotiation between Traditional Owner group Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland Government. Internationally recognised for its spectacular stark white sand dunes, perched lakes and stands of Hoop Pine, the deal around the 118,000 hectare area is expected to be sealed in the first half of this year.

A focus of negotiations over the next 12 months will also be the nearby Jardine River National Park, the Heathlands Resources Reserve to the north of Shelburne, and Bromley to the south.

The Bromley negotiations are symbolically important,­it was the site of the proposed Cape York Space Base. The campaign against it precipitated the start of the Cape York Land Council.

The Shelburne Bay Native Title Determination delivered 1,181.2 square kilometres of land back to Lucy Hobson and the rest of her people, the Wuthathi.

The Bromley Determination encompasses two former pastoral holdings known as Bromley and Boynton.

Twin victories: Traditional Owners, the Wuthathi people, celebrate the Shelburne Bay Native Title Determination on 29 April at the Cairns Convention Centre. This was the day after the Bromley Native Title Determination, where they shared their joy with the two other Traditional Owner groups in that region, the the Kuuku Ya’u and Northern Kaanju peoples. (see photo inset).

Tenure partitioning discussions will start soon in relation to these properties.

Another area currently under negotiation is a group of four properties north of Hope Vale known as the ‘Sandstone’ group. Upper Bridge Creek, McIvor River, Starcke East and West blocks covering 58,000 hectares, have significant cultural and natural values.

Importantly for the future of communities, the area offers real promise to reap long-term economic benefits through tourism and timber extraction.

Further properties on the program will include Orchid Creek near Lockhart River, the Yuka Baja National Park at Archer Point, and many of the Island National Parks off the Cape York coast.

Thaypan Traditional Owners, including Elder Tommy George, joined Balkanu and Queensland Government agency staff on a field trip through Mary Valley. (Photo by Alex Wells, Balkanu)

Balkanu anticipates that there will be further demand from Traditional Owners for the acquisition of land on Cape York and progressing the joint management of national parks in the Eastern Yalanji area.

Balkanu works closely with the Cape York Land Council, which provides independent legal advice to Traditional Owners over land dealings. Free and informed consent from Traditional Owners who may hold native title over the land is critical to ensuring a successful, legally binding outcome.

Melsonby Cave art.

(Photo by Alex Wells, Balkanu)

NEW SEASON 2015 59

Amazing images that celebrate

the beauty, the people, places and stories of the world around us.

Photo by Kathi Gibson-Steffensen, Elim Beach, Hope Vale

NEW SEASON 2015 60