GUMALA Aboriginal Corporation ICN 2744
GUMALA NEWS July 2013 When reading this publication and sharing it with family and friends, please be mindful that it may contain images and/or names of people who have since passed away When reading this publication and sharing it with family and friends, please be mindful that it may contain images and/or names of people who have since passed away
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENT
Addressing poverty in This article by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation Chairman Stephen Peterson appeared in the National Indigenous Times newspaper on May 8, 2013.
The recent National Indigenous Times article (“Wealthy Western Australia – from the Secret Country to Forgotten Peoples,” 3 April 2013) highlighted some important issues relating to Aboriginal people in the Pilbara not benefiting from the region’s massive iron ore industry. As a proud Nyiyaparli Traditional Owner and the Chairman of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC), an organisation that receives compensation monies (via the Trustee of the General Gumala Foundation), I would like to also provide a perspective from a growing Aboriginal Corporation. The article highlighted some very real issues happening in the Pilbara and the stark reality that many Aboriginal people in the Pilbara are, as reporter Gerry Georgatos pointed out, “missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity to rise out of poverty.” GAC is in the business of poverty alleviation. This is a clearly stated objective according to the Trust Deed we work under.
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As a result of the YLUA, the Yandicoogina iron ore development went ahead on the land of the Nyiyaparli, Banyjima and Innawonga Traditional Owners. Located about 120 km from the Pilbara town of Tom Price, the Yandicoogina mine has gone on to become Australia’s biggest producing iron ore mine.
About the compensation monies That’s a great financial windfall for our people you would think, right? But it’s not that simple. Under the YLUA, the compensation monies paid by Rio Tinto are held in trust by Gumala Investments Pty Ltd (GIPL), which is the Trustee of the General Gumala Foundation. Under the Trust Deed, the Trustee invests around 40% of the compensation monies in long term investments that guarantee that the Traditional Owners will receive important benefits long beyond the life of the Yandicoogina mine.
I hope my comments below will paint a clear picture of the struggles we have faced, the successes we have had, and practical plans that we are rolling out to deal with the many complex issues we face.
The Trustee also provides GAC with an annual budget, which we allocate to various programs and projects under the core Income Utilisation Categories of Health and Well-being, Education and Training, Community Development, Lore and Culture, and Business Development.
Gerry’s article refers to Gumala and land use agreements. GAC holds one single land use agreement, the Yandi Land Use Agreement (YLUA), which we secured with Hamersley Iron (a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto) in 1997.
We’ve also grown a lot during the last five years. To put things in perspective, GAC has gone from an operating budget of $2 million and 650 adult members five years ago to an operating budget of $20 million and 1200 Members. Five years ago we only had a few
programs that supported our members in various ways. We now have about two dozen programs. For example, we pay for items that involve our Members and their children accessing a good education (including fees, books, clothes, computers, uniforms and school lunches). Other examples include paying for everyday costs such as food, medical bills, utility bills and car repairs. Other examples include lore and culture programs, as well as a new initiative that gives a helping hand to new and existing businesses run by our Members. When it comes to money being spent on improving our local homeland communities, we are slowly making inroads. We’ve got a fantastic, first-of-itskind early childhood centre in Wakuthuni. This is the 3A Project, which is a first in Australia and comes thanks to a partnership between the University of Melbourne and Tom Price Primary School. Due to the great success of this learning centre, we are planning to open more of these centres in other homeland communities. We are going to build houses in South Hedland and Tom Price, to provide affordable housing for our Traditional Owners. We have built a multi-purpose community centre in Bellary Springs and are currently designing another for Youngaleena. We are constantly upgrading our traditional Lore grounds. We operate a community
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
the Pilbara maintenance program, a community capital works program and a community assistance program. There is a lot more we are doing across various areas, but quite often you don’t hear about it because the loudest voices are usually the ones reminding you of the things that are not getting done. I guess that’s human nature. I can understand the frustrations my fellow Traditional Owners feel. They feel as though on the ground in their communities we are not providing them with enough support. Believe me, we are doing a pretty good job considering the resources at our disposal and the issues involved with providing community improvements in remote Indigenous locations. I’m not saying we are perfect. We are always looking at ways to improve and serve our Members the best way we can. And when you consider how much we are actually doing, which is mostly on our own (without Government funding), we are doing pretty well. You only have to ask any Chairman of any Aboriginal Corporation and they will all tell you the same thing – you are constantly dealing with a complex set of variables. It’s never easy. Then, there are of course the reporting and governance requirements of our federal regulator, the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC).
GAC Chairman Stephen Peterson
Corporate Governance This is vitally important for best practice corporate governance, but it does take up a great deal of our time and resources. At the end of the day, we have an excellent relationship with ORIC, Rio Tinto and all of our key stakeholders. And we know through membership feedback both in our communities and at our AGMs that most of our Members know that we are doing a good job in ensuring that short, medium and long term benefits will continue to come from the compensation monies. I’d like to finish off by telling you a personal story about me.
Years ago I did a boilermaker apprenticeship and worked in the mining industry for years. I didn’t see a lot of black fellas working in the mining industry back then. Now, years later, I see a lot more Aboriginal people working in mining in the Pilbara than there used to be. Yes, there is still a long way to go, but there has been progress. There needs to be more progress. A lot more. But at least we are moving in the right direction. Our job now is to keep pushing, so that the next generation don’t have to face the same struggles that our generation and past generations faced.
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S COMMENT
2013: our year of consolidation, 2013 is proving to be the year that Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) is substantially consolidating its position as one of Australia’s leading Indigenous organisations. Our unique, transformational and best practice approach to poverty alleviation is delivering groundbreaking programs and projects, spanning health, education, lore & culture, training and employment, business development and community development programs. The variety of success stories in this magazine, including a small snapshot of the many achievements of our Traditional Owners, is a celebration of the advancement of Aboriginal selfdetermination. As part of the aforementioned year of consolidation, I wish to highlight two important events that are currently in progress: The Yandi Review and the strengthening of the strategic alignment of GAC and our business arm.
Yandi Review Underway The five year review into the Yandi Land Use Agreement (YLUA) has commenced. Mr Fred Chaney and Mr Paul Lennon have been appointed by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto to undertake the review.
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Mr Chaney and Mr Lennon are currently holding community consultation sessions with Gumala Members in various towns in WA.
b. To suggest an implementation plan detailing how those outstanding outcomes should be put into action and closed out.
Why is this review so important?
2. Of these key issues identified, assess the workings of the YLUA to determine whether the agreement:
A clause in the YLUA between Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd (Rio Tinto) and Gumala Aboriginal Corporation requires the parties to undertake a formal assessment of the workings of the agreement every five years. The last formal review was undertaken in 2009 by Mr Lennon and Mr Chaney. The review and report will be finalised by 16 September, with the report to be presented at the Q3 2013 Yandi Monitoring and Liaison Meeting. The Monitoring and Liaison Committee is responsible for making the final endorsement from the recommendations of the review. A Review Working Group (Steering Committee) has been established to undertake the detailed work required for the review and assist the independent co-principals where required. The basic terms of reference of the review are: 1. To review the recommendations of the last review (2009). a. To identify whether any recommendations from the 2009 review that remain outstanding should be implemented; and
a. Is operating in accordance with its terms; and b. The procedures and processes established to implement these matters are operating effectively. c. Examine the best approach to long term sustainability of the General Gumala Foundation. The full terms of reference of the review are available on Gumala’s website. Visit www.gumala.com.au/ member-services/member-notices
Strategic alignment with our business arm Another significant current event that is underway is a major strengthening of the strategic alignment between parent company GAC and GAC’s fully owned business subsidiary Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (GEPL). The focus on this strategic alignment was initiated earlier this year when the GAC Board resolved to become more involved in the operations of GEPL. As a result of this, I was appointed
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JULY 2013
growth and strategic alignment as GEPL’s Managing Director while continuing to serve as GAC’s Chief Executive Officer. Whilst the overall responsibility for the management of both GAC and GEPL has become a challenge I am well and truly relishing it. I am well aware that the achievement of full strategic alignment between GAC and GEPL is required in order to maximise the long term benefits flowing through to the Traditional Owners. To this end, changes to the organisational structure, operational systems, controls and processes are being implemented in order to ensure that GAC and GEPL are working together closely, effectively and efficiently. GEPL’s financial performance will be incorporated into GAC’s consolidated financial statements as part of future GAC Annual Reports. In addition, GEPL’s Perth office has relocated from Welshpool to GAC’s administration office in the Perth CBD (165 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth). This is an exciting phase in the growth of Gumala, as we continue to embrace wide-ranging, transformational innovations that enable poverty alleviation and self-determination of the Traditional Owners we serve.
GAC Chief Executive Officer Steve Mav
GUMALA NEWS
is a Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 2744) publication. Front cover photo: Trainee Managers and Traditional Owners Ronwyn James and Ronnelle Hicks. Photo by Elly Lukale, GAC.
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
KEY STAKEHOLDER
Q & A with
Professor Collette Tayler
when they were finding it difficult. I continued my studies in WA and finished my PhD by looking into the different communication and learning steps between preschools and school.
Chair of Early Childhood Education and Care, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne
How did you first become involved in the Abecedarian Approach? I searched the literature to find the best-researched strategies for promoting and improving early learning among children. I was especially interested in evidence to support children whose lives are not represented by privilege or surrounded by highly educated adults. Rather, I analysed the programs that made the biggest difference to children in diverse and disadvantaged circumstances. The program that began by working with children and families from birth, not from pre-school entry, was top of my list. That’s because I knew the neurosciences had clearly established that the first three-years of life are very important to the developing brain. So Abecedarian was the program. It was reported through hundreds of academic research journals but the practical details of what you actually have to do with children and families had to be traced through the original lead educator (Joseph Sparling).
Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s “3A” early childhood learning project, which came about thanks to the strategic partnership between Gumala and The University of Melbourne, receives on-going guidance and support from lead educator Professor Tayler. Gumala is the first organisation in Western Australia to implement the Abecedarian Approach in an early learning centre. The innovative partnership between Gumala and The University of Melbourne dates back to 2011 when the two organisations teamed up to plan, design and construct Gumala’s Early Childhood Centre at Wakuthuni.
Collette, could you tell us a little about your professional background? I trained as an early years teacher in Queensland and taught young children in rural and remote
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locations before moving to Western Australia in the 1970s. My work in universities began in WA because of my experience of improving children’s early literacy (listening, speaking reading and writing), especially
How was the creator of Abecedarian, Joseph Sparling, involved in the process of adapting it to the Australian approach? We call the program 3A in Australia: 3A indicates it as adapted to Australian settings. Joe visited many multi-functional Aboriginal Children’s Services (MACS) across Australia in 2010. Since 2011 he has worked with the Northern Territory Department of Education to adapt the materials to suit Aboriginal communities. This work continues. Joe’s visits help to ensure that the core
GUMALA NEWS
approach remains strong as we adapt materials and customise the implementation to best suit the families and communities involved.
How has the Abecedarian Approach been adapted to work at Gumala’s Early Childhood Centre at Wakuthuni?
JULY 2013
More and more we hope that the families lead the program: adults don’t have to have high levels of English literacy.
Big steps forward but there is a way to go before the program is proven to make a big difference, especially over time.
The Partnership with Tom Price Primary School (TPPS) has also been very important. Most of the TPPS early years teachers and assistants have now been trained in the approach. They really want to support the children’s learning.
That will depend on whether the children keep attending regularly, and how much the families come along and learn to use the strategies.
We are working to fit the strategies with each child and family. The critical (and exciting) stage now is key Gumala Members engaging with the families to strengthen the program.
During your time up in the community at Wakuthuni, is there any one particular stand out experience that you wish to share?
Families are the first teachers and when they take up the approach the children progress much more quickly and their learning becomes stronger.
There are many. One that stands out is openness of the welcomes I received each day from each and every child - they are so friendly, so smart and so quick to learn.
There is interest now in turning local stories into conversational reading books and learning games that can be used with the children.
They really do have fun together and they seem to love working with whichever adults are present – that’s great!
Why do you think this particular approach works at our remote Aboriginal community? Because the children are in their own place, they have fun and the program makes sure that the families are really welcome.
And even the dogs join in too – they are friendly and mostly do as they’re told – and the kids love that!
How would you describe the education outcomes at the early childhood centre so far?
We know from research elsewhere that the results depend on regular, sustained use of the strategies. The kids who take part really improve their learning and their capacity to do well when they get to school.
What future steps do you envisage for Gumala’s 3A centre? • The families doing 3A conversational reading stories and learning games with their children every day. • Mothers leading the program and being recognised for their expertise in leading early learning. • Deeper and deeper partnerships with schools so that each child’s education is sustained year after year until they enter college/ university and/or the paid workforce.
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Education
Gumala’s 3A education program showcased at the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Conference As a result of the outstanding success of Gumala’s 3A early childhood project, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation was honoured to be invited to the 5th Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) conference in June. Gumala’s Education Manager Lynne Beckingham along with the University of Melbourne’s Professor Collette Tayler delivered a 90 minute presentation
showcasing the implementation of 3A in our homeland community of Wakuthuni. The presentation was well received by delegates (representatives of other Aboriginal corporations and organisations) at the conference. Gumala also received positive feedback including training enquires and partnership opportunities.
The SNAICC conference is held each year to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood education and care services and to strengthen the care services that work. Gumala hopes to expand 3A and develop a customised Australian – Indigenous resource i.e. to use video and digital media to teach parents in remote communities learning games which they can play with their children.
Successful 3A training held at Wakuthuni Gumala’s Education Manager, Lynne Beckingham, and Education Specialist, Beverly Gill, held a successful 3A training group at the Wakuthuni Early Childhood Centre and Gumala’s Tom Price office in April. The Education team, in conjunction with the University of Melbourne’s Professor Collette Tayler and Jane Page, trained Tom
Price Primary School teachers and Gumala staff (including Gumala Members Ronwyn James, Delvene Hicks and Thelma Parker) who were interested in learning how to teach the reputable 3A program to our Members children at Wakuthuni. Gumala is also looking at expanding the 3A program to a number of different locations in the Pilbara over the next year.
Gumala secures new school agreements Gumala has secured new payment agreements with 21 schools in the Pilbara region. The new agreements, which were secured in April, are an addition to a large portfolio of schools that Gumala has agreements with Australia-wide. In the 2012 Financial Year, Gumala
worked with 200 educational and training organisations Australiawide including: Universities, TAFE campuses and other training colleges, high schools, primary schools and early childhood learning centres. Gumala provides funding assistance to eligible Members and their children, with the
funding paid directly to the educational and training organisations. The number of students registered for Gumala’s education funding and scholarship opportunities has continued to climb in 2013. In June 2013, 866 students were registered compared to 805 in January 2013 and 750 in June 2012.
News Schools on Payment Agreements: •Baler Primary School •Baynton West Primary School •Cassia Primary School •Hedland Senior High School •Karratha Primary School •Karratha Senior High School •Lockridge Primary School
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•Millars Well Primary School •North Tom Price Primary School •Paraburdoo Primary School •Pegs Creek Primary School •Roebourne District High School •South Hedland Primary School •Tambrey Primary School
•Tom Price Primary School •Tom Price Senior High School •Wickham Primary School •Newman Primary School •Newman Senior High School •South Newman Primary School •Onslow District High School
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 Education
Have you got children under 3 years old or have you just had a baby? Make sure you register your child (your baby can be registered from birth) with Gumala now to receive up to $1000 in support per year (for eligible Gumala children under our Early Childhood Assistance Program). Gumala can help with: • Educational toys • Childcare expenses • Play group, swimming lessons, kinder gym etc. To register, complete and send us the Early Childhood Assistance Program registration form on our website: www.gumala.com.au/documents The Gumala Education team can also help you with securing a copy of your child’s birth certificate if you do not have a copy.
3A Conversational Reading Activity The following is an activity that parents, caregivers, and family members can use with young children aged 0-5 to teach and help them interact with books and games at home. Conversational reading is an important part of the 3A early childhood program.
Abecedarian Approach Australia Abecedarian Approach Australia
Abecedarian Approach Australia
Conversational reading involves looking at and investigating books and can be used with babies to older children, with the levels of see, show and say adjusted to suit the child. Conversational reading involves a back and forwards exchange between the adult and the child without necessarily reading the book. You can complete this activity with any book, pamphlet, poster etc that you have.
See We use the We the3S 3Sstrategy: strategy: Make We use use the 3S strategy: sure when you are doing conversational reading with your child that you
place the child sideways so you can see what they are looking at or what they touch. You can then point and name pictures and check your child’s eyes to see See if he follows where you are pointing (remember to say the word. E.g. ‘Cat, you are See See “Wombat. See, here’s a wombat.” “Wombat. See, here’s a wombat.” “Wombat. See, here’s a wombat.” looking at the cat.”)
Show Show “Show me the wombat.” Show
“Show “Show me methe thewombat.” wombat.”
Say Say this animal called? “What’s
Say
“What’s this animal called?
“What’s this animal called?
Icons courtesy of the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education
Show When participating in this activity a child can give a response by using their body. Your child may point, touch, reach for or encircle something on the page. You can prompt your child’s action E.g. “Pat the dog”. Say The final level is also the most difficult especially for very young children and is used once children are able to say and name things. - Use ‘Wh’ questions for example: who, what, when, where, why E.g. What is the boy doing? Where is the ball? How did the ball get under there? Practise makes perfect. By having a conversation about a book each day with your child you will both benefit from the time spent together in this rewarding activity.
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
OUR BUSINESS ARM
Going from strength to strength Gumala News recently caught up with Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (GEPL) General Manager Daryl Smith, who provided some insight into his professional past, GEPL’s current position, as well as the company’s stategic direction. GEPL is the 100% owned business arm of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC).
GEPL General Manager, Daryl Smith
Gumala News understands you have an interesting professional background? Prior to my current role at GEPL, I worked for nine years in the construction industry, my last three years in WA as the State Manager for Land Lease (Infrastructure Services). Before that, I was a commercial pilot. I worked for Ansett flying 747s for about a decade.
that time GEPL was in care and maintenance mode due to the global financial crisis (GFC). We’ve progressed significantly since then.
What recent achievements by the company would you say have been their most significant?
Prior to my career as a pilot, I ran my own small businesses and also worked in the finance sector.
A substantial turnaround in profits was delivered in the financial year ended June 30, 2012. GEPL delivered its highest ever profit figure in that financial year.
How was GEPL positioned when you came on board as General Manager?
We’ve also completed approximately $80 million worth of work with our joint venture partner Georgiou.
I took on the role of GEPL General Manager in November 2011. At
The increase in the strength of GEPL’s balance sheet is a major
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achievement. For example, we have made $1 million cash investments in new Volvo prime movers and a float. Another key achievement is the light vehicle workshop that GEPL is about to open in Tom Price. This is the result of a 50:50 joint venture between GEPL and DVG. This new business is expected to result in an important new revenue stream, thanks to a gap identified in the local market for light vehicle maintenance. Another significant achievement is our increased capability in carrying out projects thanks to the recruitment of experienced project managers, project engineers and commercial managers.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Would you like to make any comment regarding the strategic alignment between GEPL and Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC)?
GEPL is in the process of diversifying its capabilities significantly, from everything to waste management, building maintenance, dust suppression, road maintenance and earth works.
A strengthening of the strategic alignment with our parent company, GAC has been a major factor in our relocation into GAC’s East Perth premises on Adelaide Terrace. Our strategic alignment also means the potential for increased training and employment opportunities for Traditional Owners. I’d like to remind Gumala Members that they should regularly visit the Training and Employment section of GEPL’s website (www.gepl. com.au) to view the latest job opportunities.
We are currently finalising a maintenance contract which will consist of the provision of light vehicle servicing. In conjunction with this, we are currently in the process of designing and constructing a light vehicle wash bay.
Could you articulate some of GEPL’s future plans?
In addition, GEPL is open to looking into diversification opportunities with other joint venture partners.
GEPL is currently working on the expansion phase of the Yandi project (contracted until mid 2015). We anticipate securing further Yandi contracts into the future.
We are also bidding on projects with the Georgiou joint venture. It’s important to note that the joint venture with Georgiou is an operational joint venture, meaning we provide resource and capability by way of management, supervision, plant and operators.
We will also continue to optimise our strategic alignment with GAC, in order to bring about: (i) profit generating business
projects that provide direct value adding benefits to Members; and (ii) diversified employment and training opportunities for Members. I would also like to note that we are carrying out works at Karijini Eco Retreat, which is centred on upgrading their power and water facilities.
Finally, is there anything specific outside of work that you are involved in that you would like to mention? From a personal perspective, I’ve been involved in the Youth Focus charity for the last four years. The specific event I participate in is Ride for Youth, which is a 700 km bicycle ride from Albany to Perth. It’s for a great cause: it raises funds for Youth Focus; it raises awareness of the issues concerning youth suicide, depression and self-harm; and it raises awareness of the services provided by Youth Focus. Visit www.youthfocus.com.au for more information.
Gumala Member and GEPL Employee, Delvene Hicks, in front of a new Volvo Prime mover
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
OUR BUSINESS ARM
Yandi success underlines GEPL’s strong mining contracts capabilities Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (GEPL) is continuing to successfully execute important Yandi Sustaining Project (YSP) works under the company’s “Minor Civil & Building Works and Construction Support & Maintenance” contract with Rio Tinto Iron Ore. The scope of the YSP is to expand production at Rio Tinto’s Yandicoogina (Yandi) iron ore development from 53 millionREPORT PROJECT MANAGERS PROGRESS tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 56 mtpa. Works on the YSP being executed by GEPL consist of: the installation of a Security Gate House, Communication Pit and Conduits Works, Security Gate House Communications Pole, Construction of camp diversion road, Construction of Loading Ramp, Design and Construction of Light Vehicle Wash Down Bay, Dust Suppression, Camp Maintenance Workers and the Supply of Plant and Labour for client requested Day Works.
WASHDOWN BAY
At the end of June, GEPL confirmed it had completed the installation of the Yandi Gate House and the construction of a Loading Ramp. The Yandi Gate House works consisted of:
GEPL is currently undertaking the design and construction of a Light Vehicle Workshop installation of the Gate House Building, construction of concrete footpaths, disabled access ramps, communications and electrical, bulk and detailed earthworks and design, as well as the supply and installation of a portable water pumping system. The construction of the Loading Ramp consisted of: construction of a truck-loading
ramp as per contract drawings; win necessary material from nearby borrow pits/stockpiles and cart away any excess materials. GEPL is currently undertaking works on the construction of a Light Vehicle Wash Down Bay. These works consist of: Construction of a detailed earthworks pad with an excavation for drive-in sump, including compaction and trimming; Construction of a bunded, reinforced concrete wash down slab; Construction of a reinforced concrete drive in sump; Design, supply and installation of all mechanical items. GEPL is also currently carrying out the design and construction of a Light Vehicle Workshop to be used during the Service Contract.
GEPL is currently carrying out works on the construction of a Light Vehicle Wash Down Bay
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The full scope of works of GEPL’s “Minor Civil & Building Works and Construction Support & Maintenance” contract with Rio Tinto Iron Ore at Yandi is scheduled to reach full completion by early 2015.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 NAIDOC WEEK
Art design competition a big hit during NAIDOC celebrations
By Delvene Hicks
The 2013 Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (GEPL) Art Design Competition was held on 28 June 2013 at the Tom Price Senior High School. The competition was a great success with over 100 entries received from students at the school. The Art Design Competition was part of this year’s NAIDOC celebration 2013 in Tom Price. All of this year’s entries were of exceptional quality with all participants designing and creating the various pieces of art to match the local community NAIDOC theme ”we walk and talk about land together”. All entries in The Art Design Competition were judged by a panel comprising GEPL Operations Manager Chris Martin, Tom Price Skip Bins Lisa Coleman, and Gumala Traditional Owner and Elder Dawn Hicks. The winner and runner-up of the 2013 Art Competition were announced at the NADIOC School Assembly on Friday 28th June 2013. The winner received a West Coast Eagles Guernsey signed by the team players and the runner-up received an EP3 camera pack kindly donated by GAC and DVDs kindly donated by Blockbuster Tom Price.
GEPL’s Administration Trainee and Gumala Member, Delvene Hicks and GEPL’s General Manager, Daryl Smith present the winning design at the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Tom Price. Delvene successfully project managed the Art Design Competition. At the same time, GEPL would like to thank and acknowledge our other important sponsors Tom Price Skip Bins, Block Buster Tom Price, Roe Legal Services, John Holland and Pilbara Foods.
Furthermore, GEPL would like to express its appreciation to Trevor Henderson, Tom Price Senior High School Principal and staff for their support and involvement throughout this competition.
The Art Competition presentation was followed by a BBQ lunch at the Senior High School in celebration of NADIOC Week. GEPL would like to thank this year’s Art Design Competition major sponsors: Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) and Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation for their support in the reconciliation of walking together event for our next generation of leaders of Tom Price.
Left to right: runner-up winner, Ashley Barker and first place winner, Haley Stanger
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
NAIDOC WEEK
Gumala helps Tom Price celebrate NAIDOC Week in style In the spirit of NAIDOC week, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation was involved in several events in Tom Price from 7-14 July. On 7 July, Gumala joined the Tom Price community in celebrating the opening of NAIDOC Week. Highlights of the NAIDOC Cultural Expo (which Gumala was heavily involved in) were: • The Flag Raising Ceremony • The Welcome to Country • The launch of Tom Price Community Reconciliation Action Plan
• The GEPL art design competition winning entry • Cultural displays, art exhibitions, damper competition and much more. On 13 July, Gumala also hosted a concert featuring a line-up of prominent Indigenous bands from Western Australia in Tom Price.
The welcome to country was followed by live performances from renowned bands to help the local community celebrate NAIDOC Week: • Fitzroy Express • Women of Soul • Steven Pigram and • The Bad Influence
The concert began with a traditional Welcome to Country by Dawn Hicks, followed by and Garry Parker (and family) performing a traditional corroboree during the evening.
Remembering land rights this NAIDOC Week NAIDOC Week is a celebration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. It is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to come together to honour the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, culture, and communities and to acknowledge their invaluable contribution to Australia’s National Identity. The National theme for NAIDOC 2013 is: “We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963.” This year’s theme commemorates the 50th anniversary of the presentation of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions to the Federal Parliament. In August 1963, the Yolngu
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people of Yirrkala in north east Arnhem Land sent two traditional petitions made of bark and framed in traditional ochre paintings to the Australian House of Representatives. The two petitions protested against the Commonwealth’s permission for mining rights on Arnhem Land reserve and asked for Yolungu people’s traditional rights and ownership of their land to be recognised by the Australian Parliament. The petitions were the first traditional documents to be recognised by the Commonwealth Parliament and paved the way for Aboriginal people and their land to be recognised by the nation.
The appeal for recognition of Yolngu people’s rights to land also acted as a vehicle for changes in the Constitution in the 1967 referendum, the statutory acknowledgment of Aboriginal land rights by the Commonwealth in 1967 and the abolishment of the term terra nullius by the High Court in the Mabo Case in 1992. Collectively as a nation, Australians continue to build a future that better reflects the achievements and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples, with a richer understanding of the unique connection to country that our Traditional Owners share.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Rashard Tucker
NAIDOC WEEK OPENING DAY (TOM PRICE) IMAGES
The official flag raising ceremony
Gumala staff Ronnelle Hicks and Fran Hildreth with giveaway merchandise
Maleek Tucker
Elders Bonnie Tucker (front left) and Dawn Hicks (back) pictured with young Lila Rondin
Jai Ishiguchi
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
OUR ELDERS
I was named after the station I
was born at in 1953 - Mt Stuart Station. My mum and dad were working there at the station, my dad as a stockman and my mum as a house maid. Before them, my grandmother worked at Mt Stuart Station as a mid-wife. In our family are my brothers Ken (Snr) and Warren and my sisters Colleen, June, Lorraine and Tina. A brother and sister of ours are now deceased. My mum also had a child that died at childbirth.
e l ofi
r P n
I
Growing up on country: Fond Memories My mum and dad also worked as shepherds (for sheep) at Rocklea Station and Duck Creek Station. My dad also worked as a stockman at Bullaloo Station, which is where June was born. We moved around quite a lot in the Pilbara, with my dad working as a stockman on various stations. I have great memories of growing up. I remember my dad used to take us around in an old land rover. I remember he had this one goat that he used to take around in the back of the land rover with us. So we always had nice goat milk to drink. And my dad never killed the goat! I remember my mum used to cook these really nice patties made from kangaroo minced meat, onion and flour. She also used to cook damper in the camp over for us and she also baked bread for us and the pastoralists she worked for. We ate the bread but liked the damper better. I remember we would go walkabout from the stations to go to all the Lore ceremonies. The pastoralists knew it was important to us so they never had a problem with us going walkabout. Going back one generation before that, one of the pastoralists (an Irish fella) and my great grandmother had two children together. But he did not officially recognise that he was the father.
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Stuart Ingie Snr Innawonga Elder Then when the stolen generations started happening and the halfcaste kids were being taken away from their parents, my mum was just a kid and she was hidden out of sight by her aunty. So my mum was one of the lucky ones to escape the stolen generations. Two of my uncles (my mum’s cousin brothers) were taken. It was very sad. My dad wasn’t affected by the
stolen generations because he was very dark-skinned. It’s ironic that being a dark-skinned Aborigine saved him.
School Yard memories: Early School Days So as I was saying, I’ve got a lot of great memories of my childhood. But it was hard being away from my family, which happened because of an act of parliament
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
“My dad wasn’t affected by the stolen generations because he was very darkskinned. It’s ironic that being a darkskinned Aborigine saved him” that all children had to go to school. Onslow was the nearest school, so I was sent to Gilliamia Hostel (a children’s boarding house in Onslow). Then me and my sister Colleen were sent to Derby School Hostel (formerly known as the UAM) United Aboriginal Mission for high school. It was very hard because we could only go home at Christmas time. So we were away from our parents and family for most of the year.
The 1967 Referendum Back home, my mum and dad continued working on various stations. But things changed after 1966, when Aboriginal people were given the right to drink alcohol and drink at pubs. That changed my father. Aborigines couldn’t handle their drink. Things changed... for the worse.
High School memories My high school education took a turn in 1968 when I went from Derby to Perth. I was sent to Churchlands Senior High School. As well as this, I played basketball for the Scarborough YMCA every Saturday. I had started playing basketball in Derby, and by the time I was playing in Perth it had become a bit of a passion of mine (and still is). There was only one black fella in the team… that was me. We went a whole year without losing, and we won the grand final down at Perry Lakes Stadium.
Making a living in the Pilbara After high school I went back up
to Onslow and started working for a fisherman, making nets for him. After his business venture fell through, I got a job working as a labourer for the Shire of Ashburton. After a few years working with the Shire, I got a job for what was then called the Native Welfare Department. I worked there for three years as a caretaker. It was an interesting job but you do see a lot of hard things, including old Aboriginal people hitting the drink pretty bad. I’ve only had a drink once since the 1970s, and that one drink was to celebrate my son being born (Stuart Jnr in the mid-eighties). My next jobs were as a caretaker at the Gilliamia Hostel, Derby School Hostel and Derby Hospital. Working as a caregiver had lots of rewards. I’ve always been a protector and will do anything to look after kids properly. I remember this one time when someone, an adult, was trying to abuse one of the girls, and I took him outside and had a big fight with him and got rid of him. I was pretty happy because I protected the girl and gave him the good hiding he deserved. Around 1980 I got transferred to Bridgewater in Perth (Bridgewater Care and Assessment Centre, Applecross). It was a centre that looked after kids. All the kids called me “Uncle”, which was nice. Then I was transferred to the Walcott Centre and Longmore (Longmore Remand and Assessment Centre), which were both for children. And then I moved back up north and worked at the Moorgunyah Hostel in Port Hedland and the Oolanyah Hostel in Marble Bar.
All of these jobs, as a caregiver, included other tasks like cooking for the kids and cleaning. I still bump into some of these kids from time to time. But some of the kids have passed on, which is very sad. While I was working in Marble Bar, my first son Stuart Jnr was born, and I was also looking after my wife’s three other children (from her ex-partner). During a domestic row with that ex-partner, her daughter was killed. These things should never happen… it was a really big tragedy. After Marble Bar, I worked as a teacher aide at Woodstock, which was one of Strelley Community School’s three annexes, about 200km south of Port Hedland. I also managed to get formal qualifications, graduating from Notre Dame University in Broome in 2002. I didn’t make it to the graduation ceremony though, as I had to attend the funeral of my nephew, who died in a car crash in Marble Bar.
Founding of Gumala In amongst all of this, Gumala came along. I was a founding Member in 1996, and have been on a few Boards of Directors (both for Gumala Aboriginal Corporation and Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd). During Gumala’s first few years, Members got nothing at all except sitting fees. Things have come a long way since then. These days Gumala is doing a lot of good work for the people. One thing we have to do, though, is learn how to fully access all of Gumala’s programs so that we and our families take advantage of all the opportunities on offer. I think Gumala’s education programs have especially made a big difference. My experience of getting an education has shown me how important it is for all of our kids to get a good education. Getting a good education is just as important as being an Aborigine.
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GUMALA NEWS Homeland Movement: Move to Bellary Springs In 1997 I moved to our homeland community at Bellary Springs. There were no roads and no buildings there at the time, except for this one small building where my mum lived in. She was the first person to move back there… her and my aunt Dulcie Condon. Moving back to their traditional homeland was not always easy for my mum and aunty. They had this one old car which they used to drive into Tom Price with. And if they got a flat tyre, they’d have to walk all the way home. It took years before we had electricity out there. All we had was one small generator to run the power. My son Stuart Jnr and my daughter Tracey were the first kids living at Bellary Springs. Nowadays there are about 50 people living there. Sometimes there are hundreds of
JULY 2013
people there, during funerals and lore time. I still practice lore and culture all the time. I’ve put my three boys through. My daughters have also gone through Lore. For me, lore and culture is a great thing. It’s a part of life. It’s an important part of my identity as an Aborigine. I’m recognised as an Elder and senior lore man, and I teach all aspects of lore and culture. And I preach what I practice. I also teach Lore and culture to western society, sometimes working as a cultural awareness presenter. I speak Innawonga in the Lore sense, and I speak Banyjima because my grandfather and great grandfather were Banyjima. I always push lore and culture a lot because it is not as strong as it was and it needs to be kept alive. Our young people need to get all of the lore and culture knowledge. It’s not easy because of western
influence. This is something I have always tried to pass on to my kids and grandkids – my children: Stuart Jnr, Tracey, Leigh, Amelia, Zachariah and Dwight; and grandchildren: Antwaryn, Taycin, Jeffrina, Terrance and Nolleen (named after my wife Nolleen). I also lost my grandson Malcolm recently, which was a very sad time. I try to show my kids and grandkids that it’s important to understand the beliefs, values and culture of both sides – western society and traditional Aboriginal society. Like I said before, getting a good education is just as important as being an Aborigine. But what is also important is making sure you understand both ways of the world - the western world and the Aboriginal world.
OUR ARTISTS
Gumala Elder reveals hidden artistic talent The Gumala Membership boasts a large number of Members with creative flair and artistic abilities. Gumala News discovered another Member with a creative hand when he recently brought in two of his paintings of famous singers into Gumala’s Perth office. Innawonga Elder, Claude Cox, amazed Gumala staff with his two canvas paintings of famous American singers: the king of rock n’ roll, Elvis Presley, and country singer, Dolly Parton. “I painted Dolly Parton and Elvis using a picture of each of them in 2011. The Dolly Parton painting took me six weeks and the Elvis painting took me three months. They’re both my favourite paintings I have done so far. Everyone wants them but I’m going to keep them,” he said. The former stockman turned
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hobby artist first picked up a paint brush when he was taught about painting by a professional artist at Fremantle Art Gallery in 2007.
tones. “I enjoy painting because it keeps my mind busy but I like doing paintings of people rather than landscape.”
Over the last six years, Claude has continued painting on canvas with acrylic paint and has worked on his technique including learning about detail, skin colour and
Claude says his next project will be a painting of an Aboriginal girl and one day he hopes to paint world champion boxer Danny Green.
Gumala Elder Claude Cox and his paintings of Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 OUR STAKEHOLDERS
Yandi Sustaining Community Consultations underway
Gumala Elders, together with three Gumala staff (including Gumala Member Garry Parker), attended the Yandi Sustaining Project consultation meeting with Rio Tinto representatives at Marillana Creek
Images courtesy of Rio Tinto
Several Gumala Elders, along with Gumala’s Indigenous Liaison Officer Garry Parker, recently completed the first of a series of consultations between Rio Tinto and Gumala’s Traditional Owners. These consultations, which will continue until April 2014, are part of the Yandi Sustaining Project (YSP) and ensure the involvement of Traditional Owners in the monitoring of significant earthworks being undertaken at the Yandicoogina mine. The first consultation took place in late June at Marillana Creek in the presence of Elders Trevor Parker, Guy Parker, Alec Tucker, Bonny Tucker and Charles Tucker. The consultations are being are being facilitated by Garry Parker and Gumala’s Indigenous Engagement Specialist Alessandro Scarcella.
Elder Guy Parker
Elders Alec Tucker and Trevor Parker
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Our Stakeholders
Rio Tinto holds Work Start Information Day Rio Tinto held a successful Information Day for its Work Start Program at Gumala’s Perth office in May.
The Information Day gave Gumala Members the opportunity learn about:
Gumala Members
• The Work Start program
interested in a
The aim of the Information Day was to provide Gumala Members with information and advice about about Rio Tinto’s Work Start Program at its Yandicoogina (Yandi) mine.
• The benefits of working for Rio Tinto
career with Rio Tinto through the Work
• How they can prepare themselves for the program, and
Start Program should
• How to apply for the program.
Tinto on 0408215680.
contact Jeromy at Rio
Left to right: Paula Ellis, Felicity Robinson, Patrick Drayton, Jacinta Drayton (nonmember), Pansy Mills, Kiara Mills, Marie Hayes (GAC) and Jeromy Harvey (Rio Tinto).
Rio Tinto work ready program The Rio Tinto Work Ready Program commenced in Tom Price in early May. The program is a pre-employment initiative designed to attract and up-skill Pilbara Aboriginal people in order to maximise their ability to gain and retain employment with Rio Tinto operations or within organisations/businesses providing services to Rio Tinto. Gumala Members interested in attending the next Work Ready Program should contact: Ken Lockyer, Work Readiness - Advisor, Communities, Rio Tinto Ph 0408 000 774 Email: kenneth.lockyer@riotinto.com
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Important tip for Gumala Members applying for jobs at Rio Tinto: Clearly identify that you are a Traditional Owner, and state which language group you belong to (Banyjima, Innawonga or Nyiyaparli)
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Hard work and ingenuity pays off for sustainable family business A Banyjima family has forged a successful contracting business on the back of the mining boom in the Pilbara and is planning to take their company nation-wide. Last year Gumala Members Peter, Laurie, George, Kevin, John, Susan, Elizabeth, Debbie and Jennifer Todd set up their own family business, Koodaideri Contracting Services (KCS). KCS is an Aboriginal family 100 percent owned and operated business which specialises in providing high quality wet and dry construction machinery to leading mining companies and sub-contracting companies throughout Western Australia and with the vision of expanding Australia wide. The Todd family’s idea to start the business manifested when they attended Rio Tinto’s business Supplier Forum in early 2012. They found that due to a rapid economic expansion growth in the Pilbara area due to the mining boom there was a gap in the market for Indigenous owned and operated contracting companies. So they decided to band together and form an Aboriginal family owned business. “Between the five brothers we
have over 100 years’ experience in the mining industry. We decided to go into business on the back of a strong family connection to our mother’s country (Mulga Downs) where she was born, raised and worked on the station. “KCS are really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in becoming a big part of providing not only a professional service to the mining industry - but also creating opportunities of employment for our people and developing a strong and sustainable business that will be a leader for other Indigenous businesses to follow,” said Peter. Over the last year the family has built up their portfolio of contract machinery and equipment such as cranes, lighting towers and industrial generators to mining companies in the Pilbara including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals Group, Woodside, Leighton Contractors / Broad Construction Services. Earlier this year, Peter travelled to Darwin to discuss opportunities with Leighton Contracting on the Ichthys gas project and also exploring opportunities to expand into Queensland and break into the oil and gas industry over in the eastern states. As an Indigenous owned company they are also committed to giving back to their people and employing Gumala Traditional Owners and also creating opportunities for other Aboriginal people as machine operators, riggers, plant mechanics and administrative roles.
The Todd family: Laurie Todd, George Todd, Kevin Todd, Peter Todd, John Todd, Susan Lewis, Deborah Cassidy, Jennifer Fakasiieki and Elizabeth Boyd
“My people are the most important people to me. That not only includes my family but also Banyjima Members both in the Pilbara and interstate. Once fully established KCS would like to provide career building opportunities for youth within KCS.”
Peter Todd “Any Banyjima Members who are seeking employment in the mining industry are most welcome to apply for our traineeships or apprentices when they become available in our business. “KCS would like to take this opportunity to thank Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, RSMI Bird Cameron, Viento Group, Downer EDI and Leighton Contractors / Broad Construction Services for their support, and also Gumala Aboriginal Corporation for their ongoing support to the Todd family’s business through the Business Development Program,” said Peter “As a Gumala Beneficiary, I would like to pay my respects to the Traditional Owner Elders both past and present because without them I would not be where I am today. I wouldn’t be able to receive the assistance through Business Development that I have been able to receive for my business.”
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Our Traineeships
Gumala’s longest serving employee setting the bar for future trainee managers Early this year Innawonga Traditional Owner Ronwyn James was promoted to the position of Trainee Manager at Gumala Aboriginal Corporation
What is your professional background? My professional background is in Office Administration. My first employer was Karijini Aboriginal Corporation (through the Community Development Employment Program), where I started as a cleaner and then a couple of years later I completed a traineeship in Business Administration with them.
What do you want to achieve in your new role? I want to improve on my current skills and I want to gain a Diploma in Management either in Business Management or Aboriginal Corporations and Communities Management.
How do you feel about your promotion? I’m happy with my promotion and I’m excited and a bit scared about the new challenges that lay ahead.
What is a good day at Gumala for you? A good day at Gumala is when my plans for that day are achieved and I then can cross them off my to do list or at least put a big dent in my work load.
What does your new role involve? Over the next two years I’ll be very busy not just with my current work load but I’ll also be studying, travelling, attending board meetings, monthly visits to the Perth Office, internal and external work experience placements.
Any other comments? I want to make sure that this trainee manager’s program works and that we get every element of it right, because we have to set the bar for other members to take on this traineeship, and at the end of it I also want to be a mentor to our future trainee managers.
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Facts about Ronwyn • Ronwyn is a Traditional Owner from the Innawonga language group. • She is GAC’s longest serving employee, having worked in our head office in Tom Price for more than a decade. • Ronwyn became a Gumala Member and commenced her career with Gumala in 2000. She started as the Receptionist and then Gumala combined her role to Elderly & Infirm Project Officer & Receptionist, before moving on to various promotions within the Member Solutions Team. • Ronwyn grew up in the Pilbara, including Onslow and Port Hedland and now Tom Price (she moved to Tom Price in 1999). • Ronwyn previously worked at the Department of Community Development as well as a two-year traineeship at Karijini Aboriginal Corporation.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 Our Traineeships
Trainee Manager pushes for “best outcomes” Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (Gumala) Member and staff member, Ronnelle Hicks, was promoted to Trainee Manager earlier this year and is inspired to see her work continue to benefit the Traditional Owners. The proud Banyjima woman has moved up in her career with Gumala, having joined the Tom Price office in 2012 as our Indigenous Co-ordinator/Mentor.
Indigenous Co-ordinator and Mentor role As an Indigenous Co-ordinator and Mentor, Ronnelle was responsible for mentoring Gumala Trainees and co-ordinating projects. Whilst Ronnelle was working in the role full time she also worked hard to complete a 12-month Diploma in Frontline Management, which she graduated with in June. “It was during this time that Gumala offered me the position of Trainee Manager and to be a part of the GAC Trainee Manager Training scheme for 24 months,” she said.
Promotion to Trainee Manager Her new role as Trainee Manager will see her working with different departmental managers and working in their areas to complete three week work placements throughout the duration of the program.
Ronnelle said that being offered the new role has further inspired her to continue working for her people and to see the best outcome for the Traditional Owners. “I feel fantastic about my new role and I feel inspired and proud and to be working for my own people. A good day for me is when I see the work that I am doing is benefiting the Traditional Owners in a positive manner.” “At the completion of the Training Program I hope to be in a position within Gumala to encourage other Members to be employed by Gumala. I hope to be an ambassador for the Training Scheme and to be a mentor to others based on my experience and the challenges I have faced in my training career path,” she said.
Prior career path Prior to working for Gumala, Ronnelle had a solid career in Aboriginal Education. Ronnelle started her career path in education at the Tom Price Primary School as an Aboriginal Islander Education Officer before gaining a qualification in LOTE (Language Other than English) teaching. Following her teaching years, Ronnelle left the Tom Price Primary School to work for the Education Department as a coordinator for Aboriginal Education and Acting Manager for the Pilbara District before joining Gumala.
Trainee Manager Ronnelle Hicks
“I
hope to be an ambassador for the Training Scheme and to be a mentor to others based on my experience and the challenges I have faced in my training career path.”
Interested in working for Gumala? Gumala Members who are interested in working at Gumala Aboriginal Corporation should email their resumes and a covering letter to: jobs@gumala.com.au Our HR department maintains an up-to-date database of candidates. Specific Gumala job vacancies are advertised on our website. Visit www.gumala.com.au/careers
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
OUR ELDERS
Memories & Reflections:
Gumala would like to thank Denise Groves for interviewing her grandmother and documenting her story
Where is your traditional homeland?
M
y father was born at Roy Hill. My mother was born in Spring Station near Roebourne. I got married at 16 on Abydos Station on the 14 July in 1942. My husband and I didn’t have time for a honeymoon because my husband went out mustering. We went back to Tamborough and then when my son was a few months old we went and lived in Marble Bar. I lived in Marble Bar for over 60 years.
What area do you live in now? For the past 9 years I have lived in the Port Hedland Aged Home.
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Redcliffe, on a
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Tuesday night on the 18 August 1926. Redcliffe is now known as Redmont.
Your family and background? Our family, the Coffins lived in between Tamborough, Woodstock, and Hillside. When I was growing up I felt really lucky because we grew up with our other families, the Cliftons and the Lockyers. Everybody shared and looked after one another.
Are there any special childhood memories about growing up on country that you would like to share?
We used to get bush tucker, and there was always plenty of water around. Our family travelled around looking for minerals, mainly tin and gold. We made our clothes out of flour bags. We slept on the ground. At night I used to love sleeping close to my family. I loved feeling their warmth. Our family had a cart and when it rained we used to put a tarp over it to protect us from the rain. It was a big picnic for us all our life. We never missed what we never had.
How are things different today compared to growing up?
I have so many special memories about growing up on Country.
We lived on country and we used to hunt and fish. We had so little but so much.
I had all my family together, and even now I can remember all the people who were with us.
When I was growing up Aboriginal people weren’t allowed to have guns, so we relied
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
“I’m proud of my hunting skills. I was known for hunting kangaroos, and how I could track goannas. Nowadays my grandsons and some of my other relations bring me kangaroo and goanna and I cook them in my oven. Before I used to cook them in the coals in the river beds.”
on our kangaroo dogs to help us get kangaroos. My Granny Coffin, my dad’s mum, had two dogs, Brindle and Roger. We never had problems like we have today, especially with things like drinking.
How are things different today in Lore and Culture compared to growing up? In our days, Lore was a secret thing, you never spoke about it.
How is language different today compared to growing up? Although we spoke our language our parents made us speak English because they were frightened welfare would take us away.
What is important to you in terms of Lore and Culture? It is important to know Lore and Culture because you need to know your country, who your family are, and who your relations are. You need to know these things so you can pass them on to the next generation.
What are your hopes for current and future generations of Gumala Members? I like to see people make the most of the programs and services Gumala makes available to us.
What cultural traditions/ customs did you have oncountry growing up that may be different or that you still do today?
I’m proud of my hunting skills. I was known for hunting kangaroos, and how I could track goannas. Nowadays my grandsons and some of my other relations bring me kangaroo and goanna and I cook them in my oven. Before I used to cook them in the coals in the river beds.
If there was one piece of advice you could pass on to the younger people, what would it be? For young people, don’t talk about Lore things, as it’s a sacred Lore and very powerful. Leave that for old people. I also want them to stay out of jail.
What does being an Elder mean to you? I love being an Elder because I’m so proud of all of my family, all of the old people who looked after us, and taught us about the country we grew up on. As an Elder I now have the responsibility to share what I was taught to others. When I look around, I’m proud of all of my family. We are a good family. I’ve now got great great grannies- they are fifth generations. Not many grandmothers are as lucky as I am to have all my family around.
How has Gumala changed from when it started until now? Gumala has got bigger and there seems to be lots more meetings, and things to work out.
In what ways do you feel Gumala has benefited the community? What still needs to be done? There’s different programs available for Members and we can get support for things that we couldn’t get in the past. Gumala is also supporting things like education for our young people, and Lore and Culture. But there’s lots of things that need sorting out so that everybody agrees on what is best for our community. I don’t often understand things being said at our meetings but after the meetings my family explain things to me. But I like going to the meetings as I like seeing everybody, and I get to see all my family come together.
WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY Gumala wants to speak to as many Gumala Elders as possible from our three language groups, in order to capture your stories... To get the ball rolling, please call Gumala’s PR & Communications team on 1800 GUMALA (1800 486 252)
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Gumala’s Community Development Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (Gumala) continues to push forward with a range of community development projects. Led by Gumala’s Community Development team, the list of ongoing projects span community maintenance, community assistance, community housing maintenance, community capital works, lore camp upgrades, as well as other homeland community development initiatives.
Youngaleena Community Centre On the back of last year’s successful design and
construction of the Bellary Springs Community Centre, Gumala is currently working towards the design and construction of a community centre at Youngaleena. Our Community Development team are working closely with the Youngaleena community to design and construct a multi-purpose community centre. The centre will provide a space to house the School of the Air, a 3A Early Childhood Centre, as well as other functional community uses. Initial construction work is anticipated to commence this Spring. The project will provide an opportunity for the community to assist with the construction process, with hands-on training
Artist’s impression (3D model) of the Youngaleena Community Centre
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opportunities such as earthworks, building labour, landscaping and horticulture. Interested Members should contact either Esther or Silas at Gumala on 1800 486 252 if they are interested in working on the construction process.
Tom Price precinct Gumala has submitted a proposal to Rio Tinto and the Shire of Ashburton for an integrated precinct in Tom Price which would incorporate: a new head office, the Tom Price Elderly Complex, a health facility, a training facility, a cultural centre and a new Gumala Radio studio. We look forward to
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
projects continue to roll on receiving advice from Rio Tinto and the shire.
Karijini amphitheatre and accommodation facility Our Community Development team is also progressing design and construction plans for the cultural amphitheatre and tourist accommodation at Karijini Eco Retreat. The team is working towards a start date of early 2014, with an estimated completion date of March 2014. The project will consist of the construction of a state-of-the-art cultural amphitheatre and dormstyle accommodation units at Karijini Eco Retreat.
Housing projects Gumala is close to lodging the drawings for authority approvals for the South Hedland Housing Project. Once planning applications and building permits have been granted, Gumala will be able to sign a construction contract for building work to commence. The ten Gumala-owned residential lots of land in South Hedland’s Demarchi sub-division were purchased following our commitment to pursue access to affordable rental accommodation opportunities in the Pilbara for Gumala Members. The Homeland Movement vision continues to grow. Gumala purchased seven lots of residential land in Tom Price, with a plan in place to construct affordable rental homes for our Members. Further options are being explored for housing solutions in other Pilbara towns.
The cultural amphitheatre and accommodation facility, which will be located at the Karijini Eco Retreat (photographed above) has a targeted completion date of March 2014
Training and employment opportunities at our homeland communities If you are a Gumala Traditional Owner who is interested in participating in training, leading to casual employment opportunities, call our Community Development Manager Grant Divall at Gumala’s Perth Office on 1800 486 252. Examples of the kind of work you could soon be working on in our homeland communities include: • Constructing sheds • Constructing bough sheds • Undertaking building maintenance duties • Learning basic electrical and plumbing skills whilst working with qualified contractors • Learning about construction machinery operation and tool skills • General work on other community related projects including gardening and landscaping. In the near future, GAC’s Community Development team hopes to be able to work collaboratively with the membership to deliver projects across the Pilbara.
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
MY STORY
Naydene Robinson Banyjima Woman
Recalling personal memories of the stolen generations and reconnecting to her people and her land
I’m from Banyjima Country,
Mum and dad took us all to Meeka to meet our nanna and pop. I remember this day very clearly. When we got there mum went straight to her mum. Nanna asked her “how come you came to me? There are two other ladies here and you came to me”. Mum told her “I have never forgotten you or your face never, nor dad’s face.”
which is where my mum and her parents were from. My mum’s parents, Gardie Tucker and Ginger Parker, belonged to the Banyjima language group. In 1936, my mother (Sella Tucker) was taken away from Mulga Downs Station at the age of six and placed in the Moore River Native Settlement (Mogumber Mission).
We all went to the races and then they came back to Cue with us for a while. Nanna told us kids we were Boorangoo because she is Boorangoo and we belong to Banyjima Country.
She stayed there until she was 14, and was always told (even though it wasn’t true) that her parents were dead. She ran away a lot, and when she was picked up and brought back they would shave her hair and put her in a cement cell nicknamed ‘the boob’ lock up as punishment. She was locked up for two days at a time and was given only bread and water. Because mum had travelled to Roebourne and by boat from Cossack to Fremantle, then by truck to Moore River, she thought she was in another country and didn’t try to look for her parents because she thought they were dead. When she was finally able to leave the mission, she started working on farms in and around the town of Moora. She had my eldest brother Chris, and then he was taken away from her when he was 18 months old and placed in Sister Kates’ Childrens’ Home in Perth. Mum met my father, Reuben Robinson, the next year and had nine children to him. My father was another stolen generations victim. He and his six sisters and three brothers were taken away and put into Moore River. My mum and dad lived together
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We never knew anything about Banyjima culture until then, because at the mission they made mum and dad “unlearn” their culture. That’s what the missionaries did. They washed the kids’ mouths with soap every time they spoke in their language. in Moora, where I was born. Then we moved to Cue, where I grew up with my five brothers and four sisters. Cue is my father’s country. His mother, Irene Scott, was born at Millie Soak, 10 km north of Cue. She was a Wadjarri woman. My father’s father James Robinson was a white man from Mullewa.
So Mum lost her language. But she never forgot the place she came from - Mulga Downs. She also used to talk about White Springs too, which was a mission in the Pilbara. Then pop and nanna left to go back to Nanutarra Station, which is where they worked. They came back a few more times to Cue to see us.
MY MUM AND NANNA REUNITE AFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS APART
RECONNECTING TO OUR COUNTRY AND OUR PEOPLE
In the early 1960s, when I was just a young girl, an Elder from Meekatharra came to Cue one day and told my mum that her mother was looking for her. Mum said “I don’t have a mother. She died. That’s why I was put in the mission.
In 1965, mum and dad took us nine kids through all the stations: Mt Vernon, Ashburton Downs, Kooline, Mt Stuart.
The Elder assured mum that she was alive and she would like to meet with mum at the Meekatharra (Meeka) races, which was in a few months’ time.
All the families were waiting at the stations on the way… they had word we were coming and came to meet us and give us some “goodies for the road” and into Nanutarra Station (there wasn’t any roadhouse there then). That was the first time I met pop
GUMALA NEWS (Timmy Parker’s father) [dec.] and his family. I remember playing and swimming in the Ashburton River with all of the kids, especially his eldest daughter(Fiona Ashburton’s mum) [dec.]. When we got there we were told nanna and pop were out at the outcamp so Mr J. Andrews [dec.] and his wife took us in their green International truck to the outcamp. We stayed there for a week or more before going into Onslow in the green “Inta” with Mr Andrews and his wife to get stores in Onslow… and to see the ocean (us kids had never seen the sea before). Before we left to head back to Cue, all of the family told us to come again. Nanna and pop said they would come when they got time off work. But they never did come to Cue together again because we lost our nanna. She passed away at Nanutarra and is buried at the station. Pop came back to Cue many times, and he would always tell us to come back to Banyjima country so that he could show us the country. He told us “it’s my job now to make sure you come back because your Gunthay isn’t here now, I gotta do it.” While I was at high school in Geraldton I used to write letters to my pop at Peedamulla Station. He used to get someone to read my letters and write the letters for him and send them to me... and there was always $10 inside. I thought it was great getting money in my letters from my pop. I went to visit my pop at Peedamulla in 1976 with my three oldest girls Connie, Carmen and Donna. Their father did a few weeks work there for the manager Peter Salmon and then we went into Onslow to meet my nanna (Archie Tucker’s mother) [dec.] for the first time. The kids and I went back to Wittenoom with my pop Ginger, nanna (Archie’s mother), pop Alec Tucker and his wife Jill in their HR Holden. We also went to Mulga Downs and out bush.
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Nanna (Archie’s mother) lived in Wittenoom with her husband. He worked at Mulga Downs and her eldest son (Archie’s eldest brother) [dec.] worked at Frank Sodda’s cool drink factory. He used to bring little bottles of cool drink home for his grandchildren (my girls). After a few months in Wittenoom and Mulga Downs, we headed back to Onslow with Alec’s father [dec.] and his wife and pop Ginger. We stayed there for a while with pop (Maitland Parker’s father) [dec.] and his wife before heading back to Meekatharra. Nanna (Archie’s mother) came in 1981 to visit us (my five brothers were staying at my house in Bentley at the time) in Perth and while she was there the Queen was in Perth so I took nanna to see her at Government House Gardens. Because nanna had a walking stick the people let us through to the front row and nanna saw her and called out to her “hello Queen”. The Queen waved to my nanna. It was a great day. She wrote back to her sons in Roebourne and told them she had seen the Queen. She was very happy and so proud of her grandchildren, her eldest sister’s daughter’s kids. I went back a few times to see pop (Timmy’s dad) and his family - they were staying out at Gorge Mill on Mulga Downs. Then the next time I went back they had moved just outside the Mulga Downs boundary. That was the first time I met aunty Dawn Hicks (nee Parker) and her family there at the bottom camp. We would go bush around Cowra. The next time I went back pop had
moved up on the hill. There were no houses, only bough sheds. In 1995, after spending Christmas with my two uncles Archie and his brother [dec.] and their families, and my sister Sandii and her family, we all went camping at Gregory Gorge and visited Millstream and another places. When we got back to Roebourne, pop (Timmy’s dad) came around to see me and told me he now had two houses on the block (at Youngaleena) and wanted me to spend some more time there. I lived in Youngaleena for a time, where my daughter Teeharnee and grandson Ricky did School of the Air with Barney Parker. Connie, Carmen and her two daughters, Rachel and Romnee, were there. So was my daughter Naydene’s girl Felicity. They were all littlies.
FIRST TALKS WITH THE MINING COMPANY Around this time, Hamersley Iron would sometimes come and visit the Elders at Youngaleena. One day the company’s liaison officers Jeremy and Brian came to meet with us. Other Elders came as well: David Stock, Gordon Yuline and a number of others… they were all sitting under the tree in between the two houses and pop (Timmy’s dad) sent for me to join them. He told me they were having a meeting about mining that was to take place on our country. When the men had to talk “men’s business” pop told me to go back home. He would send for me when there were things I could listen to (my two daughters Connie and
Naydene Robinson signing the Yandi Land Use Agreement March 1997
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Carmen kept the sandwiches, tea and coffee going for the visitors).
Hamersley Iron’s office in Dampier and signed the agreement.
It was at this meeting that the name Gumala was chosen for the group. The Elders said “because Gumala means ‘altogether’ in Banyjima, that was to be the name.” I feel privileged, humbled and honoured that I was the only woman at that first Gumala meeting and witnessed the name choice selected by my Elders.
Then I went to live with my nanna (Dawn’s mother) [dec.] in Wakuthuni. It was exactly 30 years from my first visit to the Pilbara until I went to stay for a length of time with the family in my mother’s country. I have also spent holidays on my uncles’ block, Wirrilimarra.
I am so proud that my pop chose me to sit in on that very first meeting. He told me “you belong to my eldest brother and his eldest daughter.
I’m glad I continued to go back with my Elders and have them show me country, a time when the gates on the country weren’t locked, and we were free to travel the country.
My brother is not here, but you are here now.” That was the first of many meetings on our country. Then, soon after, me and Brian Tucker were chosen (by our Elders) to be signatories of the Yandi Land Use Agreement with Our Elders. We all went to
Even though I have lived and worked in Perth for many years now, and as a teenager I worked on Berringarra Station near Cue and Three Rivers Station near Meekatharra, I am a Banyjima woman and I belong to that country.
I have six daughters, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I feel we now have the opportunity to give our children many things, because they are our future. Let us leave some of their country for them to camp, hunt, fish, and to find themselves. A place with no locked gates, where they can go. A place they will remember what they already know, for them to dream and contemplate and learn what they need know. A place for them to find out what they are capable of becoming… in a safe, serene and quiet place… for them. A place that belongs to them. Most importantly, a place where they are free to get back to nature, to learn who they are and to be proud descendants of the Banyjima Nation.
Our STAKEHOLDERS
Tom Price and Paraburdoo Business Association Karijini dinner Set amongst the spinifex and clear starry Pilbara night sky, our award winning Karijini Eco Retreat hosted a three course dining experience on Saturday evening 22nd June 2013, along with VIP guests including: AFL legend and Senate candidate David Wirrpanda; Vince Catania MP; and Nationals candidate for the seat of Durack, Shane Van Styn. The event was organised by the Tom Price and Paraburdoo Business Association and invitations were offered to locals to attend the dinner as a way to celebrate and promote tourism opportunities in the area. Banyjima Traditional Owner, Tim Parker, opened the evening with a Welcome to Country by stating “If you look after the country, the country will look after you” (this was translated by Banyjima
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Tadam Lockyer, Vince Catania, Tim Parker, Stephen Peterson, May Byrne, Shane Van Styn, David Wirrapanda and Karen Egan. Traditional Owner May Byrne), while Gumala Radio Broadcaster Tadam Lockyer was invited to be the MC throughout the night.
Despite a pinch of winter chill in the air everybody enjoyed the Eco experience with great service and food in the Alfresco Restaurant.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
OUR TERTIARY STUDENTS
Nyiyaparli woman opens up about life as an aspiring journalist A Gumala tertiary student is complementing a double major in media with a highly successful blog and is already gaining media exposure through volunteer work experience for a community radio station in Broome.
stories and experiences of her family: Gumala Member Peter Derschow (grandfather) and Maureen Kelly (grandmother); Gumala Member Amy Dhu (great-grandmother); and Gumala Member Lisa Hirini (mother).
Nyiyaparli woman, Rangi Hirini, is currently in her second year of a double major in Journalism and Broadcasting at Edith Cowan University.
Rangi has written several stories about Indigenous issues that affect modern day Australia for her online University news publication, 3rd Degree.
An aspiring journalist with a passion for entertainment journalism, Rangi is forging her way into the media through breaking celebrity news stories on Goolarri Radio which airs across Broome every Wednesday.
“I like to focus on Indigenous issues because it is something that I can relate to. I have heard the experiences my grandparents and even my mother have had and it makes me very passionate about these issues,” she said.
Entertainment Journalism Entertainment journalism is a passion she has been drawn to since she was a child. “I feel like I was drawn to entertainment journalism. I feel like I was born to do it and looking back it just seems like something that has always been there when I was growing up. I used to go to Port Hedland to visit my grandmother, respected Elder Maureen Kelly, and she would give me her magazines and I would cut out celebrities and pin them on my bedroom wall,” she said. Alongside her work experience, Rangi also posts the latest celebrity gossip on her successful blog ‘celebritygossipbyrangi’. At just 18 years old, her blog saw her gain over 1,200 followers in its first four months of being online.
Cultural Inspiration: Indigenous Issues While entertainment journalism is her first passion, Rangi has also been inspired by her culture, the
In May, Rangi wrote a wrap-up story about the Browse Basin gas hub project at James Price Point, which made the lead story on the University’s online news website. “I was quite proud about the gas hub story being the lead story because it had a lot of connections to me. I have lived in Broome and there were a lot of family connections to the area in the story and it is another part of my family’s country that we have ties to.”
Connection to country Growing up, Rangi has been blessed to learn about her culture from respected family members and having lived on country in mining towns such as Port Hedland, Broome and Karratha before moving to Perth for University. However, she feels that Port Hedland is home. “When you fly over the red dirt coming into Port Hedland it definitely feels like home,” she said. In September, Rangi will travel to the North Island of New Zealand to experience another Indigenous culture that she has yet to discover, her Maori heritage from her father, Murray Hirini. “I am quite excited about going to New Zealand because I haven’t been able to learn too much about my father’s side of the family so I am excited to learn more about his family and where I come from.”
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GUMALA SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship student kicking goals in final year of high school A young Banyjima man is “making good academic progress” at a prestigious Aboriginal College in Perth whilst paving a way into a professional football career, having been accepted into the 2013 AFL Under 18 Championships team for Western Australia in May. Warrick Wilson (17), who is currently completing year 12 at Clontarf Aboriginal College, is juggling an academic timetable, work experience and his football commitments with the U18s WA football team and the Swan Districts Colts. This year Warrick is studying English as a second language/ dialect, Religion, Mathematics, and Work Place Learning. Alongside his core academic subjects, he is employed as a trainee for Qantas while he completes a Certificate II in Transport and Logistics, Baggage Handling. It is his third certificate he has worked towards in the last two years. Last year, he completed a Certificate II in Civil Construction at ERTECH Holdings and partially completed a Certificate I in Engineering with Polytechnic West. Clontarf Aboriginal College Year 12 Coordinator, Kellee Kemp said: “He is making good academic progress. He is an independent, mature and responsible young man, who leads by example among the other students in the Boarding House.”
Message to younger Gumala Members Warrick has been supported by Gumala through a scholarship for his school fees since he started at
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Clontarf Year 12 student and WA U18s AFL representative Warrick Wilson Clontarf in year 8. For a young man, he knows that determination and hard-work pays off and this is the advice that he wants to pass on to other young Members. “If you want to achieve something, just go for it,” he said.
Maintaining connection to country While Warrick may have settled
into boarding school and life in the big smoke, he still maintains his culture and connection to country. Earlier this year, Warrick spoke to his school on National Apology Day and assisted with the official opening of a new College Trade Training Centre. When football commitments allow him, Warrick returns home to his
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 AWARDS
remote community, Jinparinya, outside of Port Hedland. “I am able to keep my connection to my culture and my country when I return home in the school holidays by going on country and learning about it,” he said.
Kicking goals towards a career in professional AFL Outside of the classroom Warrick has continued to also make great strides towards achieving his lifelong dream of playing professional football. It is a dream he has had since he was a child. Last year Warrick was selected to be a part of the 20122013 Australian Institute of Sport AFL Academy which includes the top thirty 16 and 17 year old boys in Australia. It was an opportunity that saw him take part in a football tour in New Zealand in January. “I was selected from the North West State Academy in 2012 U16s Championships held in Sydney last year. When I was given a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport, I was star struck.” Warrick’s mother and Gumala Member, Linda Parker said: “We’re so proud of Warrick. When he was little he used to dream about playing AFL. We are so
proud of everything he’s achieved so far and we are really pleased he has gone this far for a young Indigenous boy.” Warrick also represents Clontarf in Football. “Warrick is an active member of the Clontarf Football Academy, participating in all their games, camps and events. This year he was honoured with the Captaincy of the Clontarf Football Academy which includes being Captain of the Senior Football team,” said Ms Kemp. Warrick’s other football successes have seen him become a member of the Swan District Colts team, the WA Indigenous Under 15s team and he was selected to play for Flying Boomerangs in Fiji in 2011. Last year he was also selected to play for the North West Academy in the National 16s Carnival. After graduation at the end of the year Warrick intends on staying in Perth to further his football career. If any Members are interested in more information about Clontarf Aboriginal College they can visit Clontarf Aboriginal College’s website www.clontarf.wa.edu.au or phone (08) 9251 0666.
Images of Warrick Wilson courtesy of Clontarf Aboriginal College
Gumala crowned with two prestigious awards Gumala Aboriginal Corporation was awarded two prestigious awards in June. Gumala and NEC Australia were announced as Merit Recipients in the Society Domain-Community Category for its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project at the 22nd WAiTTA 2013 awards on 14 June. Gumala was presented with a Finalist Merit award, which is an award granted for an entry that is within 95 percent of the winning entry at both state and national levels. Gumala will go on to compete nationally at the iAwards in August.
Annual Reporting Award Gumala was also crowned a winner at the prestigious Australasian Reporting Awards. Despite significant competition from organisations around Australia and New Zealand, Gumala was awarded a bronze medal for the organisation’s 2012 Annual Report in the category of Community and Welfare. The Australasian Reporting Awards, which is an event that was established in 1950, awards organisations for excellence in all aspects of their annual reports. The Awards provide all organisations that produce annual reports with an opportunity to benchmark their annual reports against the ARA criteria and world best practice. The Awards are presented to recognise the achievement of high reporting standards.
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GUMALA SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship girls continue to achieve with boarding school education Three Banyjima scholarship students are continuing to achieve from their studies at a boarding school in Perth. Martika Parker (year 10), her sister Ivette (Louise) Parker (Year 12), and Peta Drummond (Year 10), are working extremely hard in their respective years at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls.
Ivette (Louise) Parker and friends at the 2013 St Hilda’s Year 12 Ball
The girls are all excelling in their schooling, with Peta showing particular interest in maths. Earlier this year, Ivette (Louise) attended her Year 12 ball with her school friends and ball partners. Gumala Scholarship student, Heidi Parker, successfully completed Year 11 at St Hilda’s in 2012. These scholarship students are the grandchildren of Banyjima Elder Slim Parker.
Ivette (Louise) with ball partner at the 2013 St Hilda’s Year 12 ball
Year 10 boarders - second on the left: Martika Parker; middle row second from the right: Peta Drummond
Letter of appreciation Dear Gumala, I am writing to thank you for providing me with an education at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. My name is Louise Parker and I have been boarding at St Hilda’s since Year 9. I am now in Year 12. I would not have got here without your support. I am a Banyjima girl who grew up around Tom Price and Onslow. I started high school in Tom Price, I completed Year 8 at Tom Price Senior High School and then I got the opportunity to go to St Hilda’s in Year 9. Since arriving at St Hilda’s I have enjoyed playing basketball and netball and have made many friends in the boarding house. In Year 11 I joined the INSTEP Program where I completed the Certificate II in Customer Contact
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and began workplace learning, where I attended a work placement of my choice one school day a week. I have been completing work experience at the David Wirrpanda Foundation for the last two years. I have worked alongside the role models and the mentors participating in the Netball Program, Mums and Bubs Program, P242 Program (Plan 2day 4 2morrow) Employment Program and the Deadly Sista Girlz Program. I have mainly been involved in the Deadly Sista Girlz Program which empowers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to make informed decisions about their personal health and well-being to lead a positive and healthy lifestyle. I have enjoyed being a role model to girls in this program and getting
to know them and watching them benefit from the program. As well as working at the David Wirrpanda Foundation I am currently studying a Certificate II in Community Service at Challenger Institute of Technology. In this course I am learning about the community service industry and how to work in a number of fields including Youth Work, Disability Services and Aged Care. I am enjoying this course and learning some new skills that will help me in the future. Thank you again for this opportunity I will always be grateful. Yours sincerely Louise Parker
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 GUMALA SCHOLARSHIPS
Gumala students gets first hand insight into Parliament Gumala Scholarship students Brooke Parker and Trevor Dhu Jnr were recently selected to attend a Government work experience program in Canberra. Brooke (17) and Trevor (17) were selected to attend the LearnEarn-Legend! one-week work experience program in June. The Learn-Earn-Legend! is part of the Government’s commitment to closing the gap on education and employment outcomes. The program is designed to encourage young Indigenous students to stay in school and training so that they can gain jobs after their school years. Over the last four years, the program has provided 100 Aboriginal students from across the country with the experience to meet in Canberra and spend a week in Parliament learning about how government works, experience life in a political office,
watch Question Time and spend a day in public service agencies and departments. Brooke was selected after a teacher suggested she would be an ideal candidate for the program. Brooke said:“I was really excited about going because there were going to be many Aboriginal students from across the country so I was really looking forward to meeting new people from other places.” Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the week long program provides students with hands on experience inside the national parliament, and introduces them to career opportunities that exist within the public service.” The program is funded through the Indigenous Employment Program and aims to increase Indigenous employment in the
Shaka Cook graduates from NIDA A Gumala Scholarship student has successfully completed his 3 year degree course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. Innawonga actor, Shaka Cook, was awarded a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) but was unable to attend the Graduation Ceremony in May this year due to filming commitments in Melbourne for an ABC television production due to be aired later this year. After completing his degree, Shaka returned home over Christmas to be part of Lore time and fulfil his obligations at home. He has since returned to the east coast and his agents are lining up auditions and opportunities for him.
Brooke Parker public sector to 2.7 per cent by 2015. Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins, said: “These students are future leaders in their communities and this program will expand their horizons, showing them possible job opportunities and pathways into government work.” The Federal Government says it will inject $650 million into the Indigenous Employment Program over the next four years.
OUR YOUTH
Lilly learns to swim! Name: Lilly Dhu Age: 4 Language Group: Banyjima Parents: Gumala Member Robert Dhu Jnr and Tara Berridge About the Photo: Lilly Dhu passing her next swimming level. Gumala assists Members children’s sporting pursuits, such as swimming lessons, through our Sport & Recreation program; and all school based sporting pursuits through our Education programs.
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MEMBER SERVICES
Member Services Programs update GAC would like to remind our Members of our Member Services Programs for the new financial year (1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014). The programs available for the new financial year are:
Health & Wellbeing Programs:
Business Development Programs:
Healthy Living Program Medical Program Critically Ill Patient Support Program
Business Research, Feasibility & Training Grant (New Business) Business Planning & Professional Services Grant (New Business) Business Working Capital Grant (New & Existing Businesses) Business Related Travel Grant (Existing Businesses) Business Professional Services Grant (Existing Businesses) Country WA Vehicle Repair & Maintenance
Education Programs: Early Childhood Assistance Program Primary Education Assistance Program Secondary Education Assistance Program Tertiary Education Assistance Program Scholarship Education Assistance Program Country Week Participation Program Computer Support Program
Community Development Programs: Housing Assistance Program Emergency Housing Assistance Program Utilities Program
Where to get the application forms: All the application forms for the programs have been mailed out to Gumala Members’ postal addresses. Application forms are also available: - on the Gumala website: www. gumala.com.au/documents - by phoning us on 1800 486 252 (and we will email or fax you a form) - by visiting Gumala’s Tom Price or Perth offices between 8.30 am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Culture Programs: Funeral Travel Assistance Program Funeral Program Lore & Culture Travel Assistance Program Lore & Culture Family Assistance Program Art & Crafts Program
Other Programs: Sport & Recreation Program Headstone Program Natural Disaster Relief Program Acknowledgement to Elders Program
Reminder: Applications can only be processed once all paperwork has been received by us. So please ensure all relevant paperwork is provided with your application to avoid delays in processing. GAC requires your assistance to ensure the information we have on record is correct. Please advise GAC if you have changed address or any of your details need updating, fill in and send us the change of details form (download it at www.gumala.com. au/documents or phone us).
Application form check list: For a speedy process, always check that you have: • Completed the form (providing as much information as possible) • Signed the form • Sent the form to Gumala • Sent to Gumala any other supporting documents required
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How to give us your application forms: Email: As part of Gumala’s long term vision of increasing the quality of service, we would be grateful to receive application forms from Members by email to enable fast and efficient processing: gac@gumala.com.au (please write Gumala application form in the subject line of the email) or Fax it to us: If you are unable to email your completed form to Gumala, please fax it to Gumala on (08) 9219 4555 or Drop in to our Tom Price or Perth offices.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 MEMBER SERVICES
Gumala launches two new programs Housing Assistance The aim of this new program is to initiate or sustain Member housing tenancies or home ownership. The program enables Members to access financial assistance during times of ‘instability’ to meet rental and mortgage responsibilities.
Art and Crafts Program This new program aims to provide Gumala Members with support for the practice of visual and performing arts. Under this program, Gumala can assist eligible Members with: • Helping to meet the cost of buying art equipment and craft supplies (brushes, canvases, paint, etc) • Helping to meet the cost of attending art and crafts workshops • Helping to meet the cost of fees for attending visual or performing art and crafts course) • Helping to meet the cost of producing art (short film, CDs, plays, etc) • Help in attending art exhibitions (where Members artworks are being exhibited)
Original oil on canvass painting by Gumala Member Kaye White
Gumala’s SMS service Over recent months, Members would have noticed that they have been receiving SMS messages from GAC in order to notify Members of important information. If you prefer to have your number removed from our SMS messaging service list, please let us know by calling us on 1800 486 252.
HEALTH
Ear Health Campaign recognition Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s Ear Health Campaign has been nominated for two awards as part of the 2012 Regional Achievement and Community Awards. We have been nominated for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs Indigenous Service Award as well as the Prime Super Community of the Year Award.
The Awards highlight and reward the valuable contribution of businesses, towns, environment and sustainability initiatives, individuals and communities who are involved in making regional and rural Western Australia a better place to live.
Development and Lands Regional Achievement and Community Award winner.
One of the 10 category winners will also be selected as the Department of Regional
Congratulations to Gumala’s Tom Price staff who were involved in all aspects of this innovative initiative.
All entries will be forwarded onto a judging panel who will meet in September.
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HEALTH
About Gumala’s Medical Program The aim of the program is to ensure that the medical and health needs of Gumala Members and their children are being met.
The program can also pay for Members’ and their dependents’ private health cover and ambulance insurance.
Nothing is more important to us than our health and the health of our loved ones and friends. When you lose your health, your whole world can be turned upside down.
Reasonable over the counter medical needs such as cough medicine, pain killers, antiseptic creams, sanitary items, incontinence pads, condoms, baby products, head lice treatments and vitamins may also be covered.
The Gumala Medical Program has been designed to assist members with costs related to doctor and dentist appointments, x-rays, scans, prescriptions, spectacles, podiatry, physiotherapy, chiropractic and mental health counselling services.
So don’t put off getting your regular health check with your GP or dentist. When you are ready to make the appointment, simply complete a Gumala Medical Program
Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co-Benefit Scheme The Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co-payment Measure has been established by the federal government to improve access to PBS medicines for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with, or at risk of, chronic disease. For the people who qualify for this new scheme, the high cost of purchasing medication can be reduced by the doctor writing the script. So the next time you visit your GP, asked him whether your script can be covered under Closing the Gap. It could save you a great deal of money.
Who is eligible? The measure is intended to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age who present with an existing chronic disease or are at risk of chronic disease and in the opinion of the prescriber: • Would experience setbacks in the prevention or ongoing management of chronic disease if they did not take the prescribed medicine and • Are unlikely to adhere to their medicines regimen without assistance through the measure.
Eligible patients can be registered at either: • General practices participating in the Indigenous Health Incentive under the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) or • Indigenous Health Services (IHS) in urban and rural settings.
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application form, send it through to Gumala and as long as you have funds remaining in your program, our friendly Member Services Team will guide you through the process. Visit www.gumala.com.au/ documents to download the Medical Program application form.
Are you diabetic? Have you registered for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)? It is free and could save you hundreds of dollars every year. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government administered by Diabetes Australia. The NDSS delivers diabetesrelated products at subsidised prices and provides information and support services to people with diabetes. Registration is free and open to all Australians diagnosed with diabetes. Ask your GP or pharmacist for an application form and once registered, you could save a lot of money on your testing strips, syringes, pen needles and insulin pump consumables.
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AROUND THE GLOBE
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People approaches The annual “International Day of the World’s Indigenous People”, which is celebrated on August 9, marks the international day that recognises Indigenous peoples around the world.
importance of Indigenous people and their communities across the world.
Indigenous people and their communities play an important role in contributing to the environmental, cultural, spiritual, and historical issues of their native land and people.
Originally the day was designed to be commemorated for a decade only (1995 – 2004). However, in 2004 the Assembly declared that the day would continue to be observed for another decade (2005 - 2015).
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was first announced by the UN General Assembly in December 1994 as a day for the international community to observe the
On the home front, Indigenous Australians have inhabited Australia for at least 60 000 years. According to the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics there are about 670,000 Indigenous people living in Australia, with around 88,000
Indigenous Australians living in WA alone. Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s Chairman, Stephen Peterson said: “On August 9, Gumala Members and Aboriginal people across Australia should remember the importance of our history as Australia’s first people, our culture, and spiritual and environmental connections. “We should also acknowledge, as black fellas, where we have come from and where we are going as cultural people in the future.”
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GUMALA NEWS
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CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Army Reserves opportunities on offer in the Pilbara The Army Reserves are calling for applications from Aboriginal people interested in a career in the Army in Tom Price. Applications are being accepted for a range of openings from Aboriginal people in and around Tom Price. A career in the Army offers: flexible hours, the ability to work close to home for a minimum of 20 days per year and the opportunity to give back to your community. Gumala News recently spoke to Army Reservist Private Carrum Walley, who is an Aboriginal soldier that enlisted in the Army in 2012 as a Patrolman for the Pilbara regiment. As a Patrolman, Private Walley is involved in patrols and surveillance in communities, disaster relief and training. Signing up for the Army was not a difficult decision for the Geraldton
resident who had always had an interest in the Army. “Joining the Army was something I always wanted to do. My Grandfather was in the Army and served in World War II and my uncle was also in the Army so I wanted to keep the tradition going,” he said. Private Walley signed up for the Army online and had to pass a fitness test. Once he was accepted he was flown over to Kapooka, in New South Wales where he conducted his basic training. “During basic training you learn about weapons, field activity, first aid and fitness training, learning drills and how to march in the parade. “It was hard work but at the end of it it is awesome that you have done it. You can actually apply basic Army training into your everyday life at home.
“The army teaches you about personal organisation, fitness and how to stay fit all the time and feel great, and sometimes you even get to play with some fun gear which you can tell your family about. I didn’t know how to iron my clothes before I joined the Army. Now I know how to iron them. “It’s a good feeling knowing that my family are proud of me for being in the Army. “Once you finish your basic training, you go into your specialised infantry training. Once you have completed all your basic training you will be able to serve overseas,” he said. If you are interested in a career in the Army Reserves you can apply by calling: 13 19 01 or by visiting: defencejobs.gov.au/ArmyReserve. For information on Army Reserves in the Pilbara Call Warrant Officer Tim Grover Bravo Troop, Tom Price: 0408 934 112.
Private Walley and the regiment on a patrol he conducted called Exercise Dingo this year
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013 OUR YOUTH
Curtain call for young performer at the 2013 Australian Performing Arts Network A young all-round Banyjima performer has been selected to star in the 2013 Australian Performing Arts Network (APAN) from October – December this year.
Two days a week Ben sings and plays the piano and also participates in two hour dancing sessions four days a week and one day at Helen O’Grady’s Drama Academy.
Ben Jeakings (15), has been cast in several performances including: Telethon 2013 (19-20 October), “Dance it out Concert” (3 November), The Christmas Nativity Shows (16-20 December), and has also been short listed for other social and corporate events this year.
In the October school holidays, Ben, along with the other performers, will attend “The Performers Intensive for 2013,” a full three day workshop which teaches performers choreography and vocal training for the performances.
Alongside these productions, Ben has been cast in stage productions including Sub Senior, Legally Blonde, The Lion King, and Still Call Australia Home. Ben first got involved in acting when he was 13 years old and started doing speech and drama. He then moved on to the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy.
The workshops will also give Ben the opportunity to be exposed to some of Australia’s leading teachers who are working professionals in the industry. Following the spring and summer performances, there will be an opportunity for Ben to take part in the show production and tour of the APAN USA Broadway Tour in 2014.
The USA tour will see the group travel to New York and Orlando from 10-23 April 2014. The tour will include: five day workshops at Broadway Dance, Alvin Ailey Contemporary Studios, auditions with Broadway casting agents, go on a tour of the Julliard School of Arts, get tickets to Broadway musical shows and backstage theatre passes, and the opportunity to perform at Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. “I feel very privileged and glad to know that Gumala is helping out to pay for some costs. I feel it will be great to have exposure to lots of talent scouts and hopefully I will get picked up,” said Ben. Gumala has supported Ben in his performing arts through our Scholarship Education Assistance Program.
Multidimensional Talents For Ben, the experience of being involved in stage productions gives him the opportunity to showcase his multidimensional talents of singing, acting and playing the piano. Ben’s mother, Gumala Member, Paula White, said: “Ben enjoys the all-round experience of being able to be versatile. He recently performed in the Todd McKenny stage show, which was his first real stage show performance. The show went great. I really enjoyed it, and there will be many more to come. I know he loves all of it.” Preparing for the stage shows takes a lot of dedication, hard work and practise in the lead up to the big day.
Young performer Ben Jeakings
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Our Communities
Wakuthuni plays host for successful Information and Open Day One of Gumala’s homeland communities in the Pilbara hosted a successful Information and Open Day for stakeholders across government agencies, Aboriginal organisations, non-government agencies and homeland communities in May.
• deliver community safety strategies
The key objective of the Information and Open Day, which drew a crowd of approximately 200 people in Wakuthuni community, was to strengthen and improve community safety while developing collaborative relationships between government, non-government and Aboriginal communities. The day provided stakeholders with the opportunity to develop and collaborate relationships with each other and the Wakuthuni community. It also informed community members about the relationship and roles of each stakeholder.
• improve the health and safety of vulnerable persons within the community
The key goals of the Information and Open Day were to provide an open forum for stakeholders to:
• strengthen community partnerships • provide integrated service delivery promoting community well-being
• promote better management and delivery of justice within the community • improve service delivery Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) Chairman, Stephen Peterson said the Information and Open day would give stakeholders and our homeland community members the opportunity to engage effectively, while giving government and nongovernment support networks the opportunity to reaffirm to the community that they are out there supporting our people.
“We need to work together and build strong relationships with these support networks to help create the best outcomes for our people.” GAC Chief Executive Officer Steve Mav said the information and Open Day was a ground-breaking initiative, giving stakeholders a better understanding of the needs and desires of the community. He said community members would also gain a better understanding about the role each agency and organisation plays and how they could best support the community. “The success of the Information and Open Day is likely to lead to other open days in our other communities so that we can continue to build strong relationships, for the ultimate benefit of the Traditional Owners.”
Stakeholders participating in the Information and Open Day included: • Gumala Aboriginal Corporation
• Ashburton Aboriginal
• Pilbara Community and Youth Justice Services
Corporation
• Department for Child Protection
• Tom Price Youth Centre
• IBN Corporation
• Department of Sport and
• WA Police
Recreation
• Pilbara Population Health • Pilbara Health Network • Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation • Gumala Radio • Rio Tinto • Tom Price Youth Centre
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• Department of Education • Department of Attorney General/ Court Services (Magistrate) • St John Ambulance • Centrelink
GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
Images from the Information and Open Day held at Wakuthuni in May
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GUMALA NEWS
JULY 2013
COMMUNITY RADIO
Gumala Radio Broadcaster raises $4000 for World’s Greatest Shave Fundraiser Against the backdrop of a busy few months, Gumala’s famous Radio Broadcaster went under the razor to shave off his famous locks for the Leukaemia Foundation in the World’s Greatest Shave on 25 May. Raffles, sausage sizzles and hair paid off for Broadcaster Tadam Lockyer, who raised about nearly $4000 for the charity at the annual Muzzy’s Community Fundraiser and Trade Show in Tom Price. When Tadam heard about the fundraiser he set himself a goal to raise $3000 for the foundation. Raising about $1000 more than his goal was a great effort. Tadam is now sporting a new look - a number one haircut and a trimmed beard.
Before and after: Gumala Radio Broadcaster Tadam Lockyer
According to the Leukaemia Foundation’s website approximately 31 Australians every day are diagnosed with some form of Leukaemia.
for charity, it was also the first major haircut Tadam had had in over a year.
“The fundraiser was for a good cause. I also needed a haircut and it was something I could do for charity,” said Tadam. Not only was it Tadam’s first time participating in something ‘big’
GUMALA Aboriginal Corporation
“I usually get a trim but now I have had it done, it does feel a bit easier to manage and I am saving on shampoo too.” Tadam received great support
from Gumala staff who worked tirelessly in their spare time to support Tadam with fundraising events such as raffles, sausage sizzles and generating donations with the help of the Tom Price community and local businesses. Without their generosity, Tadam would not have been able to exceed his target amount.
Tom Price (Head Office):
Perth (Administration Office):
1 Stadium Road
Level 1, 165 Adelaide Terrace
Tom Price, Western Australia
East Perth, Western Australia
Phone: 1800 486 252 (1800 GUMALA) Fax: (08) 9219 4555 Postal Address: PO Box 3167, East Perth WA 6892
ICN 2744
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Email: gac@gumala.com.au Web: www.gumala.com.au