January 2011
A milling venture in the NT helps furnish an income They may not be calendar girls but the lumberjacks take a good photo
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE > Saddling up for a Kimberley venture > From the horse’s mouth – a volunteer’s thoughts > Getting it right – helps for a good culture
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CEO’s MESSAGE
FURNISHING A FUTURE
What we do is working!
A Northern Territory community has axed a potential danger and in the process developed skills which could see wood turn to gold.
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DANCING UP A STORM
SADDLING UP
We take a look at a dance troupe from central Torres Strait that wowed them in the nation’s capital.
It is a craft that was once commonplace in the outback and most country towns – in the Kimberley the skills of saddle making are being resurrected to assist a budding business venture.
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GETTING IT RIGHT
MORE THAN FACTS
Governance is not on everyone’s lips, but for a Western Australian community it is the pathway to ensure future generations know and understand their culture.
ICV is helping to close the gap and how.
Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation promoting human and community development through volunteers. January 2011 ICV News Front Cover: Daly River Sawmill Strip artwork: Rowena Lynch, 2009.
Copyright 2011 Indigenous Community Volunteers ABN 90 093 123 418 Editor: Michael Cavanagh editor@icv.com.au If you would like to be included on or removed from our mailing list please contact the editor by email or call 02 6122 6444.
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This newsletter is printed on Australian made recycled paper.
CEO’s message
The ICV Board has appointed Stephanie Harvey as Chief Executive Officer. Stephanie is a Bidjara woman fro m Queensland. She has worked wit h ICV as the National Op erations Manager and more recently, as the Deputy CEO .
WHAT WE DO IS WORKING With 2011 underway ICV is looking forward to delivering real outcomes with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We will be working even closer with communities, volunteers and other stakeholders – we want to look at where the ‘gaps’ are to further refine our program and deliver top quality services.
We want them to have the opportunity to develop their true potential, whether it is as a parent themselves, an artist, community worker or wherever their passions lie.
The past 12 months have seen some wonderful achievements and significant impacts that improve economic and social inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are determined to use our resources in a manner that will improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.
ICV’s program commits to capacity building and where possible, integrating with whole of community development outcomes so that projects are viable and sustainable. Indigenous people and communities are incredibly resilient and resourceful, but sometimes lack the know-how to turn ideas into reality.
The stories in this newsletter are a great example of what I mean. Our work ranges across the broad spectrum of community and human development; from health care to governance, from micro business and tourism ventures to information technology. Our community driven projects also traverse the length and breadth of Australia. In this edition we have included stories that range from urban Melbourne through to remote areas of the Kimberley and the Northern Territory. While each setting and environment may differ, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disadvantage regardless of the location. Last financial year ICV initiated 1038 projects and facilitated 1063 volunteer placements around the country, in urban, rural and remote areas. As an Indigenous woman and a mother myself, I know that we all want the same things for our children: we want them to be healthy, to have access to health services and housing and opportunities for education and training.
“ Our volunteers and financial supporters come from all walks of life, but all have one thing in common; you are passionate about contributing to the wellbeing of all Australians.”
That’s why I love working at ICV because we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to tap into the goodwill and expertise of so many Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. I am looking forward to working with you in the year ahead, and keeping you updated on the impacts your support is having. Stephanie Harvey is CEO of Indigenous Community Volunteers.
We want them to be able to grow up and get a good job and contribute to their family, community and society.
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Cutting a swathe As a 3rd generation saw miller responsible for winding up the family operation, the last thing Ian Straker thought he would be doing would be assisting in starting up a sawmilling operation while being an Indigenous Community Volunteer. Timor Sea
That is what the qualified engineer from Gympie in Queensland’s south east found himself doing with the Daly River community which is located 220 kilometres south of Darwin in the Northern Territory.
DALY RIVER
DARWIN
Daly River
While working in other parts of the Territory Ian had heard that the community was pushing to start up a sawmilling operation. Local men from the tiny community wanted to learn a trade that would produce income for the community instead of relying on government welfare. We began by helping them scope and purchase a mobile sawmill, and then sent a volunteer to train them to make outdoor furniture with the timber. Ian soon found himself spending varying lengths of time living and working with the community which was “desperately looking for meaningful things for the blokes to do” as part of the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP)-backed programme. The community had purchased a portable sawmill and Ian enthusiastically embraced the role when it became obvious to him why there was the need for the operation. Many years ago when the community was operating as a Catholic mission, African mahogany trees had been planted. The trees were between 30 and 40 metres tall and had become a safety concern. The community wanted to make the environment safer while possibly reaping some economic benefit.
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“The trees had become dangerous. They were dropping branches on to the rooves of the buildings and while no-one had been injured there was the possibility as they caused a lot of damage,” Ian said. Soon there were around 20 or so community members displaying a “lot of enthusiasm”, eager to be involved. “The whole place was a hive of activity as the chainsaw crew were cutting the big branches while the crane pulled the branches out and the tree lopper was up in the trees. Another two people were controlling traffic ensuring no-one strayed into the area,” Ian said. “The bigger bits were then fed into the sawmill to be cut into slabs for furniture-making.” CDEP Coordinator Richard Fitowski, described Ian’s contribution as “fantastic” which led to a “great relationship,” enabling the community to contact Ian on a semi-regular basis to discuss various issues that may arise. A point backed up by Mike Calvert, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nauiyu Nambiyu who says the project has become an exercise for the entire community, with children from the school often coming to watch their fathers working on the scheme.
“ I hope the expertise that has been developed can be used to train other communities to safely use sawmills that they buy.”
Ian Straker
“It has been a highlight for our CDEP. They [the workers] now have a focus...It has got to the point where they are working when not being paid. They have taken ownership of it. They are so committed to it.” Ian also believes there are other ways in which the newly-acquired skills can be applied. “I hope the expertise that has been developed can be used to train other communities to safely use sawmills that they buy.” This is already happening with members of the Wadeye community travelling across to Daly River to look at the operation as it too explores the possibility of getting a saw milling operation up and running. Over the next 12 months, the community also plans to build up a stockpile of processed timber which it can then sell to furniture-making operations. The first step in this scheme occurred when former teacher and furniture-maker Peter Dorman spent six weeks with the community as part of the ICV program helping to develop their cabinet-making skills. “I am here to basically teach the participants how to operate a wood lathe and make bowls, etc. and then to follow up making different pieces of furniture,” explained Peter who is from a village near the NSW coastal resort of Port Macquarie. The workers have come a long way since Peter began working with them. “The skill level was very poor due to the lack of knowledge on how to use the power tools and machinery correctly. Woodwork skills were limited but their eagerness and ability to learn has developed these skills to a satisfactory level,” Peter said. While Peter has worked as a volunteer overseas, this was his first ICV project. “I have enjoyed the experience and the interaction with the workers. I have enjoyed seeing workers develop skills and get a pride in their work and help others with difficulties.” He says a good example of this was when the workers built a sign with the business name that was then hung from the ceiling above them. This showed how the operation had “built morale and pride in themselves and the workplace.” Some community members have also signed up for a furniture-making course through Charles Darwin University.
Cutting Exposure They may not be your typical calendar girl, but pictures of the Daly River saw millers can now be found in the homes of the region and also some government departments. When the men weren’t working on the sawmilling project, they were taking photos of their efforts using Ian’s camera. As the number of photos increased, it was suggested they put together a calendar. “Ian and a few of the boys came up to my office. I had a spare computer and they put it together,” CDEP Coordinator Richard Fitowski explained. “It came up really well and the community was really proud of it.” It came up so well, that not only was it used by the families, but a number of government departments also received it, and were full of compliments. Added to this, the manufacturer of the Lucas Sawmill used by the community and which is Victorian-based “were also very happy with it” when the firm was sent a copy.
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Kicking up their heels The 29-strong Urab Dance troupe from Poruma Island in central Torres Strait showcased their culture with performances which included the Great Hall of Parliament House in the nation’s capital.
Poruma Island
Torres Strait
Poruma Island
QLD
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under 30 of them are aged and women – 23 en berra. m g an un d C yo an e Th Brisbane packed houses in – played before oup also e ICV-backed gr e in Canberra th tim eir ng the opening th ki g ar m rin y Du s at the ceremon ill sk e nc da ralia. eir displayed th t Gallery of Aust gallery at the Ar t ar us e. no yc ge Br di tin of the In -General Quen was the Governor ce en di au e th In so performed at ra arrival they al er nb Ca eir th Prior to ane. ate Library Brisb the Museum & St
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The most “special thing was getting to know Indigenous people on a more personal level”
Dave Cooper
Taking the bit between the teeth Saddle maker Dave Cooper travelled a total of 9000 kilometres to work with a community south west of Kununurra in Western Australia – to help develop a skill which was commonplace many years ago – but which today is quite specialised.
Dave who is from Braidwood just outside of Canberra, was on his first ICV project. He spent two weeks with members of the Speewah and Woolah communities. Initially it was to assist in the repairing of saddles that were being donated from the surrounding communities. The plan was for the Martin family and several other members of the two communities to use the renovated saddles as part of their proposed horse-trekking operation, catering for tourists travelling through the area. However the promised saddles took longer than expected to be delivered. When they did arrive it was obvious to Dave who has 17-years experience as a saddle maker, there was little chance of resurrecting the gear. “They were irreparable, because they had been left outside, exposed to the elements which caused the leather to become rotten and brittle.” Of the 10 saddles sent “only one had a good tree” – this is the frame that is the base or structure for a saddle. Fortunately during the wait for the saddles to turn up, Dave had spent time with community members showing them how to use the tools and having them make items such as leather tobacco pouches.
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This gave those attending the course the basic skills to make small items which could be sold to tourists who stop at the Doon Doon Roadhouse, located on the station of the same name where the communities are also located. “Hand stitching is by far one of the hardest things to master but by the first day they could do it without my guidance,” Dave says. “I’ve trained people around Braidwood, mainly students on work experience. The Martins’ picked it up way quicker than anyone I’ve worked with in the past.” While things looked bleak for the original plan of repairing and making saddles by the end of the first week, all was not lost. Dave learnt of a business in Kununurra which could supply the right leather necessary to make a saddle for the “one good tree.” A few quick phone calls, and someone was despatched to town to pick up the goods – although time was running out as Dave wanted to be back home in time for the birth of his first child. For one as experienced as Dave, using all the right tools which include a sewing machine, it takes him approximately three days to complete a saddle.
Kununurra
VOLUNTEER PROFILE Brian Lewis Technically speaking – in my own words In the time I have been with ICV I have participated in three projects – while involving my IT skills – the programs varied from working with a dance troupe in central Torres Strait through to Melbourne’s Koorie Night Markets. My ability to provide IT skills to communities through ICV follows on from studying Information Technology which includes a Bachelor of Information Systems and I am completing studies in Geographic Information Systems. Living in Tasmania I have always had an interest in exploring our own backyard (Australia) and Aboriginal culture. For a while I did volunteer work at the local library, but after a while I started to look for more avenues to volunteer and broaden my experience, which I was able to do after registering last year with ICV.
However he had only taken the most basic hand tools with him on his long sojourn as he had not expected saddle making from scratch would be part of the plan. Now he found himself in a remote part of Australia, with only the most basic of leather tools, but with eager participants wanting to extend their skills.
The first ICV project was on Poruma (Coconut Island) where a website was produced for the Urab Dancers/Buthu Lagau Saral. It was an interesting and exciting experience out in the Torres Strait frontier. ICV then sent me to undertake consultation with the Yarnteen College in Newcastle. Due to time constraints the project was not completed and the organisation head decided to proceed in a different direction. In September I worked with three different organisations.
Simplified patterns for the saddle were drawn up and cut and soon six of the regular participants were working together on a new stock saddle with the “one good tree” providing the base.
The main one involved the development of a website for the National Native Title Council. This involved planning, discussion about what content to include and image manipulation.
Success was achieved and a completed saddle is now available for Joseph Martin who is handling the horse-trekking business.
With the Koorie Night Market I was advising the operators on how best to manage their current website, update it, and put them in touch with their host provider which provided updated information. This was done after the previous web master had left the team and another member was taking over.
Mission completed, Dave headed back home to be in time for the birth of his first son Jack. With plans for further saddles to be made, Dave is dealing with suppliers to ensure the communities have the necessary gear to expand. Having completed his first ICV project, Dave says there were plenty of “laughs and fun”, the most “special thing was getting to know Indigenous people on a more personal level... a very fulfilling experience.”
If you, like Dave would, like to contribute to ICV but are short of time, you may also wish to consider giving a donation. Visit www.icv.com.au/donate-now for more details.
The 3rd organization was called the Tarwirri in Melbourne. This was simply about domain transference/meet and greet and is an ongoing project. Working with ICV was a great experience providing me with further insight into Aboriginal issues and daily life in Australia, especially in the remote areas of Australia. I’ve also gained a greater confidence in myself and a better ability in working with others.
Brian Lewis lives in Tasmania and has been involved with ICV since 2009 after coming across the website: www.icv.com.au If you are unable to volunteer your time like Brian you can still help ICV in its aim to close the gap by giving a donation at www.icv.com.au/donate-now
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The Nhunadar Watchinar Parnba Community
Crossing the t’s And Dotting the i’s Making Sure That It Is Right
A greater understanding of the system is one of the aims of a Western Australian community as it looks to a possible native title claim.
The Nhunadar Watchinar Parnba Community Aboriginal Corporation is located approximately 160 kilometres north of Geraldton near the mouth of the Murchison River. It is now confident that it is operating “in a true and correct manner” after taking part in an ICV-backed workshop on governance.
Jennifer Evans
The Corporation is developing several projects “so we can take our grandchildren and great grandchildren back to country to learn about their culture” – this includes building a cultural centre.
After accepting an invitation from ICV, Jennifer spent four days working with the group which varied from teachers, through to some involved in horticulture and management – she was struck by their determination.
Members of the Corporation “brainstormed” during the workshop and came up with a 5-year strategic plan enabling it to apply for government finance and carry out fundraising activities.
“The depth of the connection to their country and the passion and commitment of the family to help their community and country, especially establishing a better future for the next generation. The members had a very diverse and high level of skill upon which to draw,” she noted.
Corporation Chair Jennifer Clayton believes it has provided direction for the body to be a sustainable community. “If we are going to be a corporation and go back on to our country and care for our country we want to be true and correct in the documentation so we are complying within the rules and regulations of our constitution,” she explained. “It has given us a direction to aim for the future employment, education and training for our children and grandkids.” Assisting the community in its endeavours was Jennifer Evans who has been involved in two ICV projects.
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“ The overwhelming pride of the members when they had completed their vision and mission statement was very moving.”
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The project was one that was evolving and Jennifer observed that right up to the night before formalities began certain aspects were being finalised. Once things were underway the group was resolute the skills picked up during the course would be applied. “There was a clear determination by the group to ensure specific aspects of governance became clearer in the final briefing meeting the night before the workshop,” she said. “The overwhelming pride of the members when they had completed their vision and mission statement was very moving.”
ICV’s ACHIEVEMENTS A SNAPSHOT...
ICV is growing from strength to strength with more trained volunteers and more projects in 2009–2010. A majority of our projects were seen by communities to have encouraged economic opportunities. ICV is helping close the gap: • We initiated 1038 projects and facilitated 1063 volunteer placements with communities. • Four fifths of our projects had an education impact and almost three quarters had economic development or employment impacts. • Communities reported that two-thirds of our projects had a welfare reduction impact. • Almost one-third of all the projects we completed were linked to other ICV projects. • 99 per cent of our volunteers advised that they were satisfied with ICV as a way of connecting with Indigenous people. • Our shortest project lasted one day and the longest ran for the entire year. The average project length was 60 days.
• We grew the number of new urban projects by 130 per cent from 123 to 283. • 73 of our volunteer placements involved Indigenous people volunteering outside their own community. • We injected $1.1 million into Indigenous economies through the families of the Indigenous people we employ. We invested over $3,100 in training and development of each staff member. • Notwithstanding our program growth of 140 per cent, we reduced ICV’s direct carbon dioxide emissions by seven per cent from 639 to 592 tonnes. This is equivalent to removing around 11 cars from the roads.
• Almost three quarters of our new projects occurred in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.
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