Community

BOOLA BARDIP WA MUSEUM

In April, YMAC Directors visited the new WA Museum Boola Bardip, which opened in November 2020. Directors were warmly welcomed by Museum CEO Alec Coles (and several exhibition and program staff). They viewed the Seven Sisters touring exhibition, and several permanent exhibitions featuring Aboriginal history and peoples from YMAC’s representative regions. The tour was followed by a luncheon that included discussion on the Museum’s regional plans.

NAIDOC WEEK

The 2020 theme for NAIDOC Week was ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, recognising that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. The Hedland office hosted a morning tea for locals to drop in for a yarn. In November 2020, staff from YMAC’s Geraldton office was able to participate in the annual Family Day at Bundiyarra.

DANJOO KOORLINY WEST PILBARA TOUR

YMAC was proud to support the PAV and Danjoo Koorliny West Pilbara Tour in May 2021 that involved the Danjoo Koorliny leadership team, in partnership with and hosted by PAV. While there, they were shown Country, and helped facilitate two community workshops – one in Roebourne, and one in Hedland.

PILBARA COMMUNITY SERVICES EXCELLENCE AWARDS

In June, YMAC sponsored the 2021 Pilbara Community Services Excellence Awards (PCSEA), organised by Pilbara for Purpose. The awards promote excellence and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Pilbara-based organisations, and individuals in the ‘Community Services and For Purpose Sector’. YMAC congratulates joint category winners; Val Walker and Kathy Brooker, who were presented their award at the PCSEA Gala Dinner held in Karratha by Natalie Parker (YMAC’s CoChairperson, Pilbara Region - Board of Directors) and Doris Eaton (YMAC’s Deputy Co-Chairperson, Pilbara Region - Board of Directors).

GREAT NORTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

YMAC carried over its 2020 sponsorship pledge to the 2021 GNFL Indigenous Round, which took place over the weekend of 17-18 July. YMAC acknowledges the GNFL and those involved with the league on reaching its 60th anniversary in April 2021 – and the contribution the league makes to the community.

POSTPONEMENT OF YAMATJI ONCOUNTRY AND ANNUAL ON-COUNTRY BUSH MEETING AT THE YULE RIVER MEETING PLACE

Regrettably due to restrictions resulting from lockdowns arising from COVID-19, both Yamatji On-Country and the Yule River meeting were postponed to later in 2021.

RED COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

YMAC sponsored the June 2021 Red Country Music Festival (RCMF), following the events’ 2020 postponement due to COVID-19. Held at the Red Earth Arts Precinct in Karratha, the sold-out event attracted music lovers and families, and was a great day out.

Danjoo Koorliny West Pilbara Tour