GUMALA A
GUMALA NEWS EASTER 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
EASTER 2013
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENT
Focus on health; importance of Elders Thunurrdu! Health continues to be a key issue that Gumala Aboriginal Corporation is working on. In mid-March I met with the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) in Perth to discuss the lack of renal dialysis services available to Gumala Members in ‘our country’ in the Pilbara. What I learnt from this meeting was not only the need to provide a community supported renal dialysis facility in Tom Price, but to also get information out to Members on chronic kidney disease. Our kidneys can be getting weak without us even knowing, so it is really important for all Members (young and old) to have regular health checks. Also in March, I had a meeting with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA) to discuss Gumala’s initiative to open up an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in Tom Price. Dr. Dan McAullay and Jenny Sala were more than helpful with advice and indicated strong support for establishing a culturally appropriate health service in the Tom Price region. The soon to be appointed Gumala Health Committee (see page 24) will have a big role to play in getting this off the ground. On another important note, I had a teleconference in March with a youth suicide prevention organisation to learn about a program they run, called ‘One Life’, based around mental health and well-being. We are hoping to develop a partnership with them in the near future.
Our Elders
2
One of the key focus areas for Gumala News in each edition from now on is to give our Elders a stronger voice. So we will be capturing and telling their stories through Gumala News. So I encourage our Elders who wish to tell Gumala News their story to contact Gumala and to share their yarns.
GAC Chairman Stephen Peterson I am often asked by nonIndigenous people ‘how does one become an Elder?’ Becoming an Elder is not a matter of age or holding the most knowledge. It is a way of being that is recognised solely by people in and around the community.
any younger. It has been a difficult summer for a few Gumala families who have lost loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with those families during this difficult time. Finally, I would like to wish all of my fellow Traditional Owners a happy and safe Easter.
The respect of being an Elder is earned through active service to the community and their people.
Stephen Peterson
The culture, lore, knowledge and language that is passed on to an Aboriginal person from a young age means that it becomes part of him or her.
Chairman
GUMALA NEWS
is a Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 2744) publication.
They in turn pass on their culture, lore, knowledge and language to the younger generation. And this continues generation after generation. I want to thank all Gumala Elders for the knowledge that they share with the whole Gumala family. These teachings are essential for our culture and identity. We are fortunate to have many respected Elders amongst our Membership. But our Elders are not getting
Front cover photo: Gumala Elder and GEPL Director Dawn Hicks. See Elders feature stories from page 12. Elders photos by Elly Lukale, GAC.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 CEO’S COMMENT
Gumala calls on political bipartisanship to enact changes to Federal legislation Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) has recently written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to express our concerns regarding current Federal taxation legislation pertaining to Aboriginal Corporations under Native Title. This letter, signed by myself and GAC Chairman Stephen Peterson, followed a speech I delivered at the Native Title, Land Access and Cultural Heritage conference held recently in Perth. The key message contained in both the letter and the speech was that although GAC currently delivers millions of dollars of programs (non-cash benefits) to support our Traditional Owners (three of the greatest ancient Aboriginal tribes in WA’s iron ore rich Pilbara region), the effectiveness of these programs is limited by the Federal Government’s tax legislation.
The issues that confront our Traditional Owners are very real and regular relief payments made to them by Gumala and other Aboriginal Corporations would enhance and lift their standard of living. Moreover, if the intention is to “compensate” for Traditional Lands being disrupted, arguably, any compensation monies whether provided through a PBI or otherwise should be exempt from being taxed. Gumala is calling on the Federal Government and Federal Opposition, in a spirit of bipartisanship, to re-examine tax legislation and to enact changes in the Parliament in
order to transform this restrictive and paternalistic approach to compensation monies. In our letter addressed to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, the Chairman and I (on behalf of our Corporation, Elders and Board of Directors) requested a meeting with them both to discuss current challenges facing our Traditional Owners, as well as highlighting the important work we are doing at Gumala. We look forward to those meetings taking place in the future. Steve Mav Chief Executive Officer
Our tax-exempt PBI (Public Benevolent Institution) status warrants that we operate within strident tax jurisdictions which prohibit us in providing regular cash benefits to our Traditional Owners. We believe this to be unfair and discriminatory. We are unable to assist our Members in having more options such as regular cash payments without jeopardising our PBI status. With the increase of Aboriginal Corporations established under land use agreements (most under the umbrella of a PBI), each Corporation is generally restricted in assisting its Traditional Owners financially.
GAC Chief Executive Officer Steve Mav
3
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
KEY APPOINTMENTS
Gumala’s business arm appoints new Managing Director Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) Chief Executive Officer Steve Mav has been appointed Managing Director of Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd (GEPL). Following his appointment, Steve said that in his dual roles as CEO of GAC and Managing Director of GEPL he would strive to achieve a strategic alignment and greater synergies between the
parent company and its business subsidiary. “I will have overall responsibility for the management of both GAC and GEPL,” he said. “The intention is to achieve strategic alignment between GAC and GEPL and to maximise the benefits to the Traditional Owners. “The result will be better
synergies and greater operational effectiveness across both GAC and GEPL.
Exciting Phase “This is an exciting phase in the growth of Gumala as we undertake transformational change consistent with self-determination for the Traditional Owners.”
Gumala’s longest serving employee appointed to management role The longest serving staff member of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, Traditional Owner Ronwyn James, has been promoted to a Trainee Management position at Gumala. Ronwyn joined the organisation in 2000 as a Receptionist and has since received several promotions, including the most recent roles of Member Solutions Specialist and Health and Culture Specialist. As Trainee Manager, Ronwyn’s goal is to provide superior service to Gumala Members. Ronwyn is a Traditional Owner from the Innawonga language group.
Gumala’s Trainee Manager, Gumala Member Ronwyn James has been a loyal employee at Gumala for approximately 13 years
4
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 KEY APPOINTMENTS
Gumala appoints Banyjima Elder as Indigenous Mentor & Cultural Advisor Gumala Aboriginal Corporation welcomes the appointment of highly respected Gumala Elder Archie Tucker as the organisation’s Indigenous Mentor & Cultural Advisor. Archie is a Banyjima Traditional Owner who formerly served on various Gumala Aboriginal Corporation Boards, including serving as Chairman of the Board. He was born at Giralia Station and grew up in Wittenoom with his brother and two sisters. He is a hands-on man in his community and modestly refers to himself as a handyman. He travels regularly to various Pilbara homeland communities and regional centres and works tirelessly in the communities.
Gumala’s Indigenous Mentor and Cultural Advisor Archie Tucker
Banyjima Traditional Owner promoted to management position Gumala Member and staff member Ronnelle Hicks has been promoted to Trainee Manager.
New addition to Support Services Gumala Member Cecilia (Winkle) Parker has joined Gumala’s Support Services division in Gumala’s Tom Price office. Cecilia was recruited to the position of Receptionist following a similar role she performed for Gumala’s business division, Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd.
Ronnelle joined the Tom Price office in 2012 as Indigenous Co-ordinator/Mentor, bringing with her a solid background in Aboriginal Education, mentoring and a passion for Aboriginal languages.
Cecilia is a Traditional Banyjima woman who has been raised in Tom Price.
Originally from the Pilbara, Ronnelle is a traditional Banyjima woman. Prior to working for Gumala Ronnelle was employed as a Manager for Aboriginal Education for the Pilbara District (3 years) and the Education Department (10 years). Her employment background also includes the Aboriginal Advisory Council.
Gumala’s Trainee Manager Ronnelle Hicks
Gumala’s Tom Price Receptionist Cecilia Parker
5
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
OUR YOUTH
Swan Districts have lured 17 year old Gumala Traditional Owner (Banyjima) Trevor Dhu Jnr to move from “up north” to “the big smoke” in order to pursue his love of footy and receive a quality education. Former West Coast Eagles stars Chris Lewis and Troy Ugle “talentspotted” Trevor playing footy in South Hedland last year. They then got the CEO of the Swan Districts Colts to come and watch him play. Trevor then received an invitation in December to fly to Perth for pre-season training with Swans. They were so impressed that they signed him up. Trevor’s parents, Gumala Member Trevor Dhu Snr and Corrine Dhu, are particularly pleased because under the two-year “V Swans Program”, Trevor Jnr intends to fulfil two goals – to get the best out of himself on the footy field, and to successfully complete his high school studies. As part of the V Swans Program, Trevor Jnr has commenced Year 11 studies at La Salle College in Middle Swan, Perth. Under the program, Trevor shares accommodation with three other Swans players, who are supported by “house parents” or “mentors”. The teenagers are also getting good life lessons in being independent, having to cook and clean for themselves. Trevor Jnr told Gumala News that while it is a big change coming to Perth from a small town he is settling in really well. “I’m coping with being away from home. I have a good support system from my parents who keep in contact a lot. My football friends have also been good support. The La Salle College have also been really good with time management. They’re really flexible and are working my study times around my football.”
6
Trevor Dhu Jnr (far right) training with his Swan Districts teammates
WAFL football & education opportunity lures young Banyjima man to the city
While Trevor has the support network of his family, two leading males in his life are his biggest inspiration.
Major Inspirations “I have two major inspirations in my life my grandfather and my father. My grandfather, Edward Dhu Snr is an inspiration because he is a leader and a hard worker in South Hedland and I aspire to be like him. “My father, Trevor Dhu Snr is an inspiration to me because he was an up and coming footballer in Alice Springs. I would like to carry on with football and be able to carry on the dream for my father,” he said. So what makes a good footballer? Trevor Jnr said he believes it takes skill and character. “I believe to be a good footballer you have to be good at football and have a good character. And to have a good character you have to show leadership in your community, work with younger people and be a role model.” Trevor Jnr’s mother Corrine said that while the family have always kept him grounded and are pushing him to focus on his education, they also encourage
him to pursue his football ambitions. “Trevor is settling in well and his footy training is progressing well. He is focussed and determined to stay on track,” she said. “A lot of these opportunities wouldn’t be possible without Gumala’s help.” The quality parenting received from his parents has been a positive influence on his life and it is from their wisdom that he wishes to pass on his advice to fellow Members. “The advice I would give to other Members is to set goals that are reachable. So for example, if you want to be better at football then you have to train hard.” This is the latest of Trevor’s achievements in his young life so far. Corrine said that last year he went on a three month overseas exchange trip to Scotland through his previous school. He has also been on leadership summits and worked hard in various areas of school life. Trevor Jnr is one of many Gumala Traditional Owners that Gumala supports under our Education Programs and Scholarships.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 KEY STAKEHOLDER
Sam Walsh appointment as Rio Tinto Chief Executive is well deserved Gumala Aboriginal Corporation wishes to congratulate former Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Sam Walsh on his recent appointment as Rio Tinto Chief Executive.
mine and Gumala’s ability to translate these benefits into tangible, economic and social development programs may not have fully materialised without Mr Walsh’s support.
Without a doubt, Mr Walsh’s strong record of performance within the company has been recognised by the Rio Tinto Board. In addition, Gumala always had Mr Walsh’s strong support during his time as Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive.
Today, Gumala has over 30 Member Services programs, an operational budget of over $20 million, expanding Community Development initiatives and a professional workforce in excess of 150 employees (including our business subsidiary Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd).
The compensation monies Gumala receives from the Yandicoogina
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Sam Walsh. Image courtesy of Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto appoints new Iron Ore Chief Executive Gumala’s key stakeholder Rio Tinto has appointed Andrew Harding as Iron Ore Chief Executive, replacing Sam Walsh who became Rio Tinto Chief Executive in January 2013. Sam Walsh said the appointment of Andrew Harding strengthens Rio Tinto’s senior management team and is in line with the company’s strategy of developing the next generation of talented Rio Tinto leaders. “Andrew’s experience across a range of Rio Tinto businesses and countries and his three years on the Executive Committee mean he is ideally placed to run the highest-earning business in the Group. He began his Rio Tinto career in the company’s Iron Ore business in the Pilbara when it was a smaller operation and now he is ready to take it to the next stage by expanding capacity by more than half in just over two years.” Andrew Harding was appointed Chief Executive of Rio Tinto
Copper in November 2009. He joined Rio Tinto in 1992 and spent seven years in the Iron Ore business, including the position of Manager, Mine Operations. Andrew went on to roles in Coal, Energy, Aluminium and Technology & Innovation. Prior to his appointment to Chief Executive Copper, Andrew was president and Chief Executive Officer, Kennecott Utah Copper.
“Thanks to this key stakeholder relationship, Gumala is able to provide our Traditional Owners with a wide range of funding opportunities that are enriching and transforming their lives. ”
Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Mav said: “On behalf of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, we wish to extend our whole-hearted congratulations to Andrew on his new and exciting leadership role as Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO). “ RTIO and Gumala share a strong, positive and transparent stakeholder relationship, which dates back to the signing of the Yandi Land Use Agreement in 1997.
Rio Tinto’s recently appointed Iron Ore Chief Executive Andrew Harding. Image courtesy of Rio Tinto.
7
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
KEY STAKEHOLDER
Q & A with Rio Tinto’s General Manager, Yandicoogina – Alex Bates Gumala News recently caught up with Rio Tinto’s General Manager of the Yandicoogina mine, Alex Bates. Alex provided valuable insight into the mutual importance of the Yandi Land Use Agreement, which represents the genesis of our critical stakeholder relationship.
What is your professional and personal background? Professionally: I began my career as a Civil Engineer, working in South Africa and London before joining Rio Tinto in 1997. I was interviewed by Rio Tinto in the UK before being transferred to Rio Tinto’s copper operations in Africa.
taking on the role of General Manager of the Yandicoogina mine? Working with such a great team of people who are all part of our successful operations at Yandicoogina is a privilege. It’s a great operation involving great people.
My management roles for Rio Tinto progressed from Africa to Australia (Northern Territory and Queensland).
The Yandicoogina mine produced 54.7 million tonnes last year, the highest output in the mine’s history. Yandicoogina is without doubt the Australian mining industry’s “quiet achiever”.
I accepted the role of General Manager for Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Yandicoogina operations in WA at
Another significant achievement at Yandicoogina’s Junction South East pit is the recent implementation
recognised. We are very proud because this recognition reaffirms that our core value is about embedding a zero harm safety culture, where we truly believe that we can all go home safely at the end of every shift.
In your view, what is the significance of the Yandicoogina mine in relation to Rio Tinto’s overall Iron Ore division? The Yandicoogina mine produces more than one quarter of Rio Tinto’s share of iron ore production in Australia. When you consider that Rio Tinto Iron Ore is currently
“The Yandicoogina Land Use Agreement ensures that Rio Tinto is paying Gumala’s Traditional Owners for the iron ore resources we extract from their traditional land. Those compensation payments are well-managed, which means that long after the mine closes, future generations of Traditional Owners will be provided for.” – Alex Bates
the beginning of 2011. Personally: I am originally Welsh and spent most of my high school education years in the southern African country of Namibia. I moved to Australia in 2004 and am now a proud Australian citizen together with my wife and four children.
What do you consider to be your most rewarding achievements since
8
of the first fully autonomous open pit in the world, thanks to the autonomous trucks that now operate at Yandicoogina (using Autonomous Haulage System technology). Yandicoogina was also recently presented the Rio Tinto Chief Executive Safety Award. We were up against a lot of competition - every other Rio Tinto mine, refinery and smelter right around the world – and we were
responsible for over 80 per cent of Rio Tinto’s total earnings, this underlines the importance of the Yandicoogina mine. The Yandicoogina mine is a low cost, large output operation with an award-winning safety record. However we need to all remind ourselves that without the Yandicoogina Land Use Agreement there would be no Yandicoogina mine at all.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
Alex Bates pictured beside Gumala Elder and original signatory to the Yandi Land Use Agreement, Gordon Yuline. Image taken at the official opening of Gumala’s Adelaide Terrace office in the Perth CBD late last year.
What is the nature of the relationship between Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Gumala, and have there been any growing pains? The Yandicoogina Land Use Agreement ensures that Rio Tinto is paying Gumala’s Traditional Owners for the iron ore resources we extract from their traditional land. Those compensation payments are well-managed, which means that long after the mine closes, future generations of Traditional Owners will be provided for.
We are committed to continue engaging with Gumala and working together. We have a strong collaborative relationship.
Last year the Rio Tinto Board approved a $1.8 billion budget to expand the Yandicoogina mining operations.
We have some differences, but these are healthy differences that lead to debate and eventually better outcomes for both parties.
This includes an expansion in the construction camp, permanent village and associated works and services; the opening of the Junction South West (JSW) pit (“first iron ore” is expected at JSW during the first quarter of this year); a new dry processing plant at JSW; a new wet processing plant at the Junction South East pit and a new stacker in our stockyard.
Rio Tinto wants to ensure we continue a mutually rewarding win-win partnership with Gumala. It really is a genuine partnership.
What are Rio Tinto’s future plans for the Yandicoogina mine?
Our key focus for Yandicoogina in 2013 is to safely maintain our >
9
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
“THE ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR
Alex Bates addressing an audience of over 100 special guests at the official opening ceremony of Gumala’s Perth CBD office
> position as one of Rio Tinto’s lowest cost iron ore mines.
What was the key outcome of the most recent Yandicoogina Monitoring and Liaison Meeting between Rio Tinto and Gumala? A key outcome of the last Yandicoogina monitoring and liaison meeting related to a new closure plan. The old Yandicoogina mine closure plan, containing the plan of how we will leave the
THE LIFE OF THE YANDICOOGINA MINE IS AT LEAST ANOTHER 25 YEARS. WHEN WE FINALLY CLOSE THE MINE, WE WANT TO LEAVE A POSITIVE LASTING LEGACY FOR THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS.” – ALEX BATES site when the mine eventually closes, was unworkable and was unsatisfactory for both Rio Tinto and Gumala. The newly improved closure plan is expected to be finalised in consultation (including consultation workshops) with the Traditional Owners later this year. It will then be submitted for Government approval.
What is the estimated “mine life” of Yandicoogina?
The estimated timeline for the life of the Yandicoogina mine is at least another 25 years. When we finally close the mine, we want to leave a positive lasting legacy for the Traditional Owners. I don’t think that the legacy is fully apparent yet, but I believe it will be completely apparent in the fullness of time. The importance of the Yandicoogina Land Use Agreement and its legacy cannot be overstated.
What happens to Yandicoogina iron ore? Iron ore from the Yandicoogina mine travels along about 450 km of railway line to Cape Lambert (95 per cent of shipments) and Dampier (5 per cent of shipments), where it is then shipped to overseas customers (the majority of which are Japanese, South Korean and Taiwanese companies). Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Pilbara operations utilise about 1500 km of railway line, which is the largest non-Government heavy haulage railway line in the world.
10
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 TRAINEESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Rio Tinto’s revamped Work Start Program at Yandicoogina aims to provide career pathways for Gumala Members Rio Tinto’s recently appointed Supervisor of Aboriginal Programs, Jeromy Harvey, is encouraging Gumala Members to take part in this year’s Yandicoogina’s Aboriginal Work Start Program. Jeromy is a Kija man from Kununurra. The program provides paid onsite training that gives trainees with little or no previous work experience in the mining industry a potential pathway into full time employment with Rio Tinto. The program is an 8-12 month paid traineeship program that has been designed to teach the specifics required for each participant’s area of interest. Operator positions in fixed plant or mobile plant and site administration roles have been the traditional pathways, although the team at Yandicoogina are scoping new trade-based opportunities for 2013/14. The program allows trainees to be fast-tracked or spend a little more time in a certain phase depending
on the individual’s need and developmental progress.
means no support networks,” he said.
Beginning with a one week on, one week off roster, onsite corporate inductions and additional workshops to assist with teamwork and communication skills, the program aims to develop the skills required while allowing the trainees to slowly ease into the rigours of full time Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) employment.
“Mining towns like Tom Price have these support networks.
The Work Start Program assists and supports trainees with the FIFO lifestyle and the impacts this may have at work, home or in the community. The lack of exposure and training on-site in a FIFO environment was identified as a major contributor towards the limited success of the original Work Ready Program at Yandicoogina. Rio Tinto Iron Ore – Yandicoogina General Manager Alex Bates added that the fact that there is no established town at Yandicoogina creates additional work challenges for Traditional Owners. “It’s a challenge because no town
At Yandicoogina all employees are intrastate and interstate FIFOs. Traditional Owners have very close family networks, making the FIFO work environment difficult for them to manage. “Hopefully the one week on, one week off roster (rather than two weeks on, one week off) we have just implemented with the Work Start Program will make a difference and help Traditional Owners successfully complete the program.” Gumala Members who are interested in Yandicoogina’s Aboriginal Work Start Program should contact Jeromy Harvey. Jeromy Harvey Aboriginal Programs Supervisor Yandicoogina – Human Resources Rio Tinto Iron Ore Ph (08) 9179 7107 Mobile: 0408 215 680
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)
11
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
OUR ELDERS
My Story Dawn Hicks Banyjima Elder Director, Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd
I was born Roberta Dawn Parker. I’m a Banyjima Traditional Elder and owner of the Banyjima country. My father was Wobby Parker and he was the applicant to the Banyjima Claim. He was a tribal Lore man. He was born at old Munjina Station which is at the top end of Karijini National Park. This is where he spent his childhood with his father, Mandajiwarrda, and his mother, White Head. Munjina is where my grandfather’s father was born at old Digmans Station where the Rangers quarters are today. It is now my responsibility to take care of ‘5 mile’, otherwise known as Windell
12
Block. This is where my father has his Lore ground and his bush camp and where I am now going to be living and caring for what he has left behind.
This is where my grandmother White Head and my grandfather Mandajiwarrda are buried, at Mulga Downs station, in his beloved Banyjima Country.
I was six months old when I was given to my grandparents Mandajiwarrda and White Head. It was traditional that the first born were given in this way so I would learn the Banyjima traditions and culture. So, it was tradition that the grandparents groomed the next Elder and leader of their Banyjima country, which is my role now.
When my grandfather died I was given to my mother’s mum, Dora Gilba, who lived at Wittenoom. My dad was working out at Rocklea Station and he had my little brothers and sister with him.
My childhood life was growing up in Munjina and Mulga Downs station and we lived out at Cowra out camp which is still there today.
I finished high school and gained a job teaching at Wittenoom Primary School. While I was working I then helped raise my little brothers and sisters in Wittenoom. I met my husband Les Hicks and we got married and had our first
GUMALA NEWS child, Ronnelle Hicks. She is a Wittenoom baby and the first of the next Banyjima generation of the Mandajiwarrda Clan. We then had Delvine Hicks (Deli), and then my baby son Ethan Hicks. He is my father’s big ubaji grandson and he will now take care of his grandfather’s country for me. My mum was the Innawonga Elder and the applicant to the Innawonga claim group. She was a bush medicine woman and she taught this to everyone. She couldn’t read or write but she published a book. I love and admire my mum; she never let anything stop her from accomplishing what was needed to be done.
Coming Home My mum organised the first Homeland Movement home to Tom Price when she bought her Innawonga family home. In 1984, the first homeland Innawonga meeting was held at Halfway Bridge. That is how Wakuthuni was established. When Wakuthuni was first established, there was only my eldest brother, Johnny Parker, and his wife Dawn with their four children living in Tom Price. He was Karijini National Park’s first Aboriginal Ranger (for the Department of Environment and Conservation, which at the time was called CALM). We all lived in bough sheds and mum had a caravan. My mother and father were so proud of their big son, and they loved their daughter in-law, Dawn Hubert, and their son’s children Johnnell, Cecilia, Haines and Jayden who helped mum establish Wakuthuni along with myself and my family. My mum was happy she had brought her family home and my dad supported her all the way. The first project of the Wakuthuni community was education and schooling. The Wakuthuni community is 25 kilometres from the nearest school, which is on the Tom Price town side. My
EASTER 2013 mum and I called a meeting with the Government’s Education Department to ask how they could help our Innawonga children go to school. This is how the bus that runs from Wakuthuni to Tom Price School today started. My mum wanted the children of Wakuthuni to have a good education, so that’s why we negotiated with the Government. My mum wanted the children of Wakuthuni to have the social skills to interact with others outside of their community. My two children, Ethan and Deli, benefited from this service. There is no handicap for Aboriginal people to utilise Government structures. You just have to want it for the best of your people no matter what it is.
Second Project at Wakuthuni I started as the first Aboriginal Islander Education Officer (AIEO), so that the children wouldn’t be afraid in this new environment. When I moved on from the role, my oldest child Ronnelle took over as the AIEO at Tom Price central primary school before moving to Gumala.
The Yandi Land Use Agreement In 1997, my mum, dad and I were among the original signatories of the Yandi Land Use Agreement (YLUA) with Rio Tinto. This was the founding of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation. Today I am one of the last remaining signatories. My dad and mum have passed on now but I am carrying on what they started. My future hope is to see Gumala stand the test of time for the future in every avenue and field. These Elders could not read or write so imagine the future for our children because they can read and write. Their wishes are starting to unfold and become a reality. The world is their oyster.
“I WAS SIX MONTHS OLD WHEN I WAS GIVEN TO MY GRANDPARENTS... IT WAS TRADITIONAL THAT THE FIRST BORN WERE GIVEN IN THIS WAY SO I WOULD LEARN THE BANYJIMA TRADITIONS & CULTURE.”
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)
13
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
OUR ARTISTS
Revealing the artist within The Pilbara is fertile ground for talented Gumala artists. The sacred homeland and dreamtime experience has influenced many Banyjima, Innawonga and Nyiyaparli people’s artwork over the centuries. Mix dreamtime with natural talent, creative flair and a passion and importance to keep their spiritual and traditional stories alive throughout the generations have greatly influenced the artwork produced by Gumala Members today. Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s Indigenous Liaison Officer, Garry Parker, is no exception. Well known in the Pilbara for his wood carvings and artefacts including boomerangs and shields, his boomerangs are often featured at lore closing ceremonies when used by young Members. They are a big seller at Karijini National Park, often selling out
within two to three days. Like many other Gumala artists, he says his artwork is inspired by both the Pilbara and culture. “A lot of art in the Pilbara reflects personal and spiritual stories.”
The Spinifex Art However, no stranger to art, Garry’s artistic hand extended beyond his carvings and artefacts last year in August when he learnt how to make lino prints on spinifex paper. Under the guidance of the art teacher at Tom Price Senior High School, Garry learnt how to make spinifex paper which requires boiling the spinifex for 4-5 hours, pulping it and then screening it. Combining his passion for carving, Garry carves designs into lino squares and with printing ink and his chosen colours; he prints pictures onto paper.
The ‘Revealed’ Art Exhibition His new talent in spinifex artwork will be showcased at his first ever exhibition at the ‘Revealed’ art exhibition for the first time to a Perth audience at Gallery Central, Central Institute of Technology, from 13 April – 4 May. ‘Revealed’ is an exhibition which the Department of Culture and the Arts aims to give emerging Aboriginal artists in WA the opportunity to exhibit their artwork and gain professional development. Last year Garry submitted examples of his artwork to a pre-submission panel. It was a competitive entry process with over 100 artists from 23 centres submitting pieces. The exhibition is set to be an outstanding accomplishment for Garry after only eight months of creating spinifex paintings.
Gumala’s Indigenous Liaison Officer, Banyjima man Garry Parker, will be showcasing his spinifex artwork at the ‘Revealed’ art exhibition from 13 April - 4 May in Perth
Carving: A Natural and Spiritual Gift
14
For the respected traditional Banyjima man, carving has been a natural talent and skill handed down to him by his uncles and grandfathers since he passed his cultural stage growing up. “I like carving, it is just relaxing. But the linos are much easier than carving wood. When people do art >
“When people
do art they express their personal stories and paint about their dreaming places to keep them alive.”
GUMALA NEWS
> they express their personal stories and paint about their dreaming places to keep them alive.” “A lot of my paintings and artefacts are about identity. I express my ideas and personal stories into carving artefacts and
EASTER 2013
spinifex art,” he said. It’s a simple message that he hopes will be passed on to younger Members: “A lot of artwork goes back to culture and keeping your identity
in terms of who you are and where you are from. “Keep a lot of your identity because you won’t be able to do art from anywhere else except your identity.”
MONEY MATTERS
Money Smart advice – sorting out your finances Don’t let another year go by without sorting out your finances. If you are seeking advice concerning your money matters, The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) have an interactive website for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people with free advice about all aspects of financial topics including budgeting and saving, borrowing money, cars and mobile phones, door-to-door sales, superannuation, scams and warnings. Visit https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/publications/audio/money-talks Or call their help desk on 1300 365 957.
15
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
OUR ELDERS
“YOUNG PEOPLE OF TODAY NEED TO BE DEADLY, SMART & STRONG” were used to ride on and two were pack horses. Roma recalls fondly that she used to ride on the back of the horse with her father. Later, she saw the introduction of horse-to-sulky (horse and cart), and then cars.
Growing up on Country: The Good Old Days Growing up on the station, Roma reminisces on a happy childhood where people were always happy and joyful “from the inside.” “People would come home from their days out mustering and tell stories by the campfire and would be laughing and interacting with everybody.” “People were always happy, joking and laughing. They were not drunk happy as there was no alcohol or drugs. People worked on the stations and were happy without substances,” she said.
In Profile
Roma Butcher Innawonga Elder
Roma Butcher was born in Onslow 100 yards from the hospital, under a tree. Her mother did not believe in going to hospitals to have her children, so the children she had were born “out bush.”
Kooline, Wyloo, Mt. Stuart, Boolaloo, Nanutarra, Minderoo, Urala, Glenflorrie and Meilga Stations where her family was housed in tin sheds built by the station managers.
Her mother was an Innawonga Elder and her father was Ngarla Wongka who was raised by the Thalanyji people and spoke fluent Thalanyji.
The sheds were basic and hosted two bedrooms, a kitchen in the middle and had toilets and showers outside. The majority of the time, her mother and aunties would cook outside on the camp fire.
As a little girl, she was raised on various stations along the Ashburton River including
There were no cars. The family moved around on horseback and owned four horses, two of which
16
She also recalls children had to be in bed by 4pm. There was no television or video games and the countryside was her playground. Roma, her sister and their friends would amuse themselves by chasing lizards, tracking animals, killing birds and then making fires to cook and eat them afterwards. As Roma and her sister grew into teenagers, their father’s culture saw that teenage girls were not allowed to go anywhere near their father or have any contact with their fathers. A tradition she has noticed has changed today. “Nowadays I see children talking to their fathers freely. It is different now.”
Gaining an Early Education When Roma started school in Onslow, the school was
GUMALA NEWS segregated with Aboriginal children in one building while the white children went to the Onslow Primary School. This continued until the Government built the Gilliamia Hostel where children from the outlying stations were accommodated and were allowed to attend the Onslow Primary School. After Onslow Primary School, Roma went on to Derby Junior High. To get there the Aboriginal children had to fly in a DC3 airplane from Onslow to Port Hedland and then on to Derby. Roma boarded at the Amy Bethel Hostel and went to Derby Junior High for 3 years until her parents got her a job as a receptionist with the Native Welfare Office in Marble Bar. It was while working as a receptionist that Roma met the future father of her five children. As a family, they lived in Carnarvon raising three children while he worked for the Main Roads Department bitumising the Great Northern Highway to Whim Creek. The family lived along the main roads in tents using a kerosene fridge and freezer to store food. Cooking food was done in a camp fire outside.
EASTER 2013 He was my main support while going to university and we supported each other as well as having support around us.” “We were also raising three boys while we were studying. My kids went back to live in Onslow to live with my brother when they grew up. Without my family’s help none of this would have been possible.”
Giving back to the Communities Five years after she began her teaching degree, Roma graduated and paved a successful career teaching in South Australia and Onslow (where she was a L.O.T.E teacher and taught children the Banyjima language). Roma was then transferred to Fitzroy Crossing District High School. She taught in 36 communities in the Fitzroy Crossing Valley area as a remote mobile kindergarten teacher.
Roma pictured with her Bachelor of Teaching degree on graduation day
“There were 36 communities in and around the Fitzroy Crossing Valley area and as a Remote Teacher I had to cover most of those communities.
to knock you down and tread on you. So my advice to the younger generation is to just make sure you get ahead in life.
“I had a wonderful teacher aide who knew everyone and she was really good with the children and knew the languages that most people in the communities spoke which was an absolute advantage for me.”
“Then you will have two things; your culture and your education. No-one can take that away from you.
Eventually, Roma and her five children moved back to Onslow where she worked as an Aboriginal Islander and Education Officer (AIEO) at the Onslow School for five years.
After four years in the Kimberley, Roma returned to her homeland in Paraburdoo, where she taught for six years and has continued to live today.
She is also encouraging the younger generation to stay deadly, smart and strong in their Lore and Culture.
Roma later met Paul Butcher who was later to become her current husband. They married in Adelaide in the Botanical Gardens.
Roma’s Advice: Be Deadly, Smart and Strong
“Today there are a lot of drugs and alcohol which are killing our communities and Lore and Culture.
In her early 30s, Roma moved to Adelaide in South Australia and enrolled as a mature aged student at the South Australian University at the Underdale Campus.
Today, as a respected Innawonga Elder, Roma is calling on the younger generation to be “deadly, smart and strong”. This is something that was told to her by Aboriginal School Principal Chris Sarris.
Our language is also fading away because nobody has been strong enough to stand up and be counted. Language needs to be taught in the schools so it can be brought back so that everybody can speak it,” she said.
“I did a Bachelor of Teaching degree. Paul was the driving force behind me going to university and getting my degree.
“From my own experience I went through tall poppy syndrome. That is when you are highly educated and other people tend to want
“Everyone has what it takes to be someone and education is paramount. Stand up and be counted. Do not hide away.”
Paving a career in Teaching
“Always live curiously, always ask why and never be ignorant. Ignorance is not bliss.”
17
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
KEY APPOINTMENT
Gumala appoints Member Solutions & Training Manager
Gumala Aboriginal Corporation is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Member Solutions & Training Manager Marie Hayes. Marie was appointed to the position in early 2013, bringing with her a wealth of experience in managing workforce development and developing training centres. Marie holds a Masters in Business Administration and has extensive experience working in the public sector in workforce planning and HR for the Department of Commerce, the Public Sector Commission and the Department of Education. She has been involved in the public sector, Aboriginal Traineeship scheme and the Attention and Retention of Teachers in Remote Areas. Originally from Mauritius, Marie immigrated to Australia in 2005. Upon her appointment at Gumala she said she had a strong interest in making a difference to the welfare of Aboriginal people especially in training and workforce development.
Member Solutions and Training Manager Marie Hayes
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Cultural Amphitheatre design refinements underway Design plans for the cultural amphitheatre and tourist accommodation units to be built at Karijini Eco Retreat are currently being refined by Gumala’s Community Development Team. This is expected to be followed by a design and construct contract being entered into. Once completed, the facility will consist of a cultural amphitheatre, four 8-bed dorm style accommodation units, and an ablution block. Gumala plans to provide training and employment opportunities for Members wherever possible during the construction phase of the project.
Gumala remains fully committed to the Homeland Movement vision Gumala is continuing to provide support to our Members who live on traditional country. This includes continued support in our homeland communities in the following areas: community maintenance, community assistance, community housing maintenance, community capital works, and lore camp upgrades. Gumala is also progressing efforts to secure Land Tenure at our homeland communities.
18
Housing Strategy expansion plans In addition to Gumala’s South Hedland and Tom Price Housing Projects, Gumala is currently exploring other opportunities to provide affordable housing solutions for Members living in regional centres in the Pilbara. Gumala’s Housing Projects are part of Gumala’s Pilbara Housing Strategy, which targets affordable housing solutions for Gumala Members. The strategy involves sourcing land and constructing appropriate residential accommodation for our Members to rent in the Pilbara.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 OUR ELDERS
In Profile
Ken Ingie Innawonga Elder
Ken Ingie was born and raised in Onslow on various cattle stations around the country.
practising Lore and Culture, speaking fluent Innawonga, and traditional dancing.
An Innawonga Elder, Ken now resides on his traditional homeland of Bellary Springs community.
He also remembers a time of ‘citizenship rights’ when he was growing up. If you didn’t have citizenship rights you were not allowed to drink or go places so you were not influenced by alcohol.
While Bellary Springs community is his homeland, Ken remembers growing up with his siblings - Warren, Stuart Snr and June on different stations including Ashburton Downs and Mt Stuart. “My mother and father were both Innawonga Traditional Owners and so were both my grandmothers. But we did not get the opportunity to grow up on country in our younger days because we were exiled to the stations,” he said.
Childhood Memories Growing up on the stations Ken remembers they were able to keep their culture alive by
“Growing up we had a lot of traditional dances. It’s difficult to do this today as we all live apart,” he said. “I just hope that the younger generation can keep our Lore and Culture going but I would like to see more dancing. I hope that they can keep the dream alive. Don’t wander away from what you are taught and keep our customs going,” he said.
Keeping his Culture Alive Today Ken keeps his culture alive by going for walks in the bush,
on camping trips and showing younger Members what is on country. Having grown up in his culture, Ken believes that being an Elder means being “someone who has the knowledge of the customs and everything that goes with the land.” Ken moved to Bellary Springs later in life with his family from Onslow. The family asked the station owner in Rocklea about moving back and were given Innawonga land back to use.
Views on Gumala “We were already living here before Gumala Aboriginal Corporation came along.” “Since Gumala came along, CEO Steve Mav has done a lot of good things. There was no funding for communities. Steve has come along and has supported the setting up a lot of programs,” he said.
19
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
HEALTH
Gumala Member makes her mark as a health professional A Gumala Scholarship graduate is working hard to improve Indigenous health and give back to her community following six years of dedicated study.
of the Year in the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.
NAIDOC Scholar of the Year
Banyjima woman and midwife, Alicia Bellotti, has been working at Geraldton Regional Hospital for a year since she graduated from Curtin University in 2011.
It is her latest achievement on top of being named the 2009 NAIDOC Scholar of the Year, Geraldton and the 2007 Aboriginal and Vocational Student of the Year.
A year into her dream profession, Alicia says she is enjoying being a role model for her people. “What inspired me to become a nurse and midwife is that I wanted to have a better understanding about health issues and wanted to personally contribute to improving our Indigenous Health,” she said. “The aspect of my job as a registered nurse and midwife that I enjoy is being a role model to the
Above & below: Alicia completed a Registered Nursing Degree and Post Graduate Diploma in Midwifery people in the community, caring and supporting people in times of need and I love interacting with people and sharing my knowledge.” It has been a long academic journey into the health sector. Alicia began her studies in 2005 with a Certificate 3 in Home and Community Care, Certificate 3 in Aged Care Work and a Certificate 4 in Health Science Foundation at TAFE (2006), and a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing at TAFE. Alicia then went on to complete her Registered Nursing degree at Curtin University before graduating with a Post Graduate Diploma in Midwifery. “My journey has been interesting over the past six to seven years. It has been jammed packed with study, kids, family commitments and I must say fun along the way.” Alicia was also motivated to continue on her path when she received several unexpected achievements throughout her studies. Last year she was named the 2012 Aboriginal Health Category Nurse
20
“Unexpected achievements have kept me going and I feel comfortable where I am in my life. Focus and determination are probably the two best words I can sum up to explain how I have survived.” “I hold my head up high because my achievements are simply part of that self-discovery process for me. I am finally in a confident position and concentrating on things that are important to me, my kids, my family and the Aboriginal community,” she said. Gumala supported Alicia through her studies with an education scholarship. Today, Alicia is encouraging other Members, young or old to make the most of the opportunities Gumala offers and access education scholarships to pursue and fulfil their dreams. “Through the services that Gumala Aboriginal Corporation provides, Members are able to access a variety of learning resources and services which allow them to gain the required skills to achieve employment in their chosen fields of work.” “Through education and employment, Aboriginal people are seen as role models not only by their family and peers but also to the wider Aboriginal community,” she said.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 HEALTH
Gumala appoints Health Specialist Gumala Aboriginal Corporation has appointed Robyn Withnell to the position of Health Specialist.
Her career has seen her work in
Robyn brings with her a wealth of experience of working with Aboriginal people in remote and urban settings.
education with Community and
Robyn originally started working with Gumala in April 2012 as Personal Assistant to the General Manager of Governance.
Drug Service (3 years).
She holds a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Sector Management and has worked with Indigenous and not for profit organisations for 30 years.
health with the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service for 16 years, in Youth Training Services (3 years) and in the drug and alcohol sector with the Aboriginal Alcohol and
Robyn has also had the amazing experience of living and working in the remote Aboriginal communities of Jigalong in the Gumala Health Specialist Robyn Withnell
Pilbara and Mowanjum in the Kimberley.
Gumala kick-starts plans for health services expansion Gumala Aboriginal Corporation is planning to enhance the already established medical programs available to Gumala Members and also expand services in the following areas:
Renal Dialysis Gumala’s Health Specialist Robyn Withnell has begun working on establishing a Community Supported Home Dialysis facility in Tom Price and advocating for members who dialyse in various other locations throughout the state. The West Australian State Government has a Renal Health Plan 2010 – 2021 and Tom Price is not expected to have renal
dialysis services available at the hospital within those years. As part of Robyn’s role she is hoping to connect with renal dialysis patients or their family members to learn from their experiences and identify specific needs of Gumala members suffering from kidney disease.
Access to Community Controlled Health Services in Tom Price region Gumala is keen to see an Aboriginal Medical Service operating out of Tom Price and discussions are underway to see this initiative take shape. This may take some time, but the goal is to see a culturally
appropriate health service available to Members in the region. If you are passionate about this initiative, Gumala is calling for expressions of interest from Gumala Members living in the Tom Price region, who would like to be involved in the ‘Gumala Health Committee’ (see further details on page 5). Gumala Members wishing to raise any other issues related to health are encouraged to contact Robyn: Email robyn.withnell@gumala. com.au Phone: 1800 GUMALA (1800 486 252).
“GUMALA IS KEEN TO SEE AN ABORIGINAL MEDICAL SERVICE OPERATING OUT OF TOM PRICE AND DISCUSSIONS ARE UNDERWAY TO SEE THIS INITIATIVE TAKE SHAPE.” 21
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
HEALTH
A health message from Gumala Kidney disease – the growing epidemic
By Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s Health Specialist Robyn Withnell
One-third of Australians are at risk of kidney disease. More worrying is that most people are unaware of these risks. The number of Aboriginal people with end stage kidney disease who need dialysis treatment has increased by more than 96% since 1991, and is 7 times the rate for other Australians. (ATSI Health Performance Framework 2012) Today, one in seven Australians show at least one indicator of kidney damage, however, in many cases, a person can lose up to 90 per cent of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms. The rate of kidney failure is steadily climbing in Australia, with the number of cases rising by around six per cent each year.The good news is that with EARLY DETECTION, the right medication and management plan, the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease can be slowed significantly.
WHAT DO KIDNEYS DO? The kidneys play a major role in maintaining your general health and wellbeing.Think of them as an extremely sophisticated, environmentally friendly, waste disposal system which sorts non-recyclable waste from recyclable waste, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also cleaning your blood. Every hour, your body’s blood supply circulates through the kidneys around 12 times. Each day, your kidneys process around 190 litres of blood, with around one-to-two litres of waste leaving the body as urine. Much of this waste is produced by the body as it processes the food you eat.
HOW DO KIDNEYS WORK? Most people are born with two kidneys, each one about the size of an adult fist, bean-shaped and weighing around 150 grams.The kidneys are located at both sides of your backbone, just under the rib cage or above the small of your back, and are protected from injury by a large padding of fat, your lower ribs and several muscles. In each kidney, blood is filtered through 225 kilometres of tubes and millions of mini-filters called ‘nephrons’.The excess fluid and unwanted chemicals from this filtering process become urine and are passed from the kidneys to your bladder.The kidneys also play a role in the production and regulation of several important hormones and enzymes, which help to: • Control blood pressure • Make red blood cells • Maintain strong and healthy bones
22
All this makes the kidneys a vital player in your body’s mechanism and your overall health.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 HEALTH
HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN OUR KIDNEYS ARE ‘PLAYING UP’? Many people suffering with kidney disease show no signs of decreasing kidney function, which means that kidney disease goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated. In fact, as many as 2.3 million Australians may be affected by early-stage kidney disease and not know it. Don’t let yourself be one of these people! As kidney function decreases, waste begins to build up in the blood. Symptoms of this – if they are present – may include feeling sick, vomiting and loss of appetite. Some people may also notice a change in the number of times they need to pass urine and the amount which is passed. Other symptoms of kidney disease may also include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands, face and feet, headaches, high blood pressure and blood in the urine.These symptoms may worsen gradually as kidney function declines. So please have your kidney function checked if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
HOW CAN WE REDUCE THE RISK OF KIDNEY DISEASE? The evidence shows that lifestyle factors can increase the risk of kidney disease. Smoking causes narrowing of the arteries including the small vessels that are in the filtering section of your kidneys. Excessive alcohol consumption makes your kidneys produce more urine than normal and excessive drinking can have a negative impact on other parts of the body that may contribute to kidney damage, such as the liver. Alcohol has high sugar content and may cause weight gain which may lead to diabetes, which is the most common cause of kidney disease in Australia. Although the liver is the main processing centre for cholesterol, when we eat animal fats, it returns the cholesterol it can’t use back in to the blood stream. This cholesterol can build up into fatty deposits which can cause the arteries to narrow and can eventually block the arteries altogether, leading to heart disease and stroke. Heart disease and kidney disease go hand in hand. Heart disease affects the blood vessels such as your arteries and veins. High blood pressure affects the kidneys by putting more stress on the body’s blood vessels, including the kidney filters. If high blood pressure continues unchecked, it can cause vessels to become thickened and narrowed, leading to a reduced blood supply.The final effect is to reduce kidney function by starving the kidneys of oxygen and nutrients. Stress can cause high blood pressure, so it is important to live your life as stress free as possible.
We can lose up to 90% of our kidney function before having any signs or symptoms
CUT YOUR RISK • Control blood pressure • Stay fit and eat well • Maintain healthy weight • Watch cholesterol • Reduce stress • Reduce alcohol intake • Be a non-smoker
If you would like to quit smoking, call Robyn to discuss options available to you: 1800 GUMALA (1800 486252)
Some kidney disease is hereditary due to Polycystic Kidney Disease so if you have a family member with kidney disease, please have regular check-ups and tell your doctor about the family history. Why not make an appointment with your doctor to have a kidney function test? It can be as simple as a urine test to detect indications of any problems. It’s better to find out early so treatment can slow and even prevent the path to renal dialysis. This step could add years onto your life. Source of information: Kidney Health Australia
23
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
Expression of Interest (EOI) GUMALA A
is called from Gumala Members who would like to be considered to represent the membership on the Gumala Health Commiteee
If you: • Are passionate about health and related issues • Want to lobby hard for equality of services for people living in the Tom Price region • Want to investigate an Aboriginal Medical Service for Tom Price • Understand that health relates to many issues not just medical • Know that Aboriginal health is managed best in Aboriginal hands Then submit an Expression of Interest (a letter to the Chairman) detailing why you think you would be a strong Health Committee member. This will be a voluntary role with no sitting fees paid. People in Tom Price are encouraged to apply as the first initiatives will focus on the Tom Price region. Submit to:
Gumala Health Commitee C/- The Chairman of GAC PO Box 28 Tom Price W.A. 6751
Or hand deliver to Reception at GAC in Tom Price or Level 1/165 Adelaide Terrace East Perth
Closing Date:
15th April 2013
For More information, please call Robyn Withnell (Gumala Health Specialist) on 1800 486 252
24
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 OUR ELDERS
Q & A: Nyiyaparli Elder Peter Derschaw Where is your traditional homeland? I was born at Woodstock Station in the Pilbara in 1942 and my birth was registered in Marble Bar. Marble Bar has always been my home and I lived there for 68 years. I worked all around the Marble Bar area including places like Newman and Pannawonica, working as a plant operator on the construction and formation of the railway lines into Port Hedland.
Are there any special childhood memories about growing up on country that you would like to share? I spent most of my childhood at the Comet mine, 6 miles west of Marble Bar. We were always going out bush and surviving off bush tucker.
My grandad used to teach me all about our traditions and culture and his love of the bush. When I turned 14, I went to Geraldton to continue my education at Geraldton Senior High School. I left school, returned to the Pilbara, where I worked on sheep and cattle stations along the DeGrey, Oakover and Nullagine rivers.
Where do you live now? I have lived in Geraldton for the past two years.
As a founding Member of Gumala, how has it changed since it started in 1996? I was one of four founding Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners who attended the first meeting in
Youngaleena in 1996 and signed the Yandi Land Use Agreement. For five years before the Yandi Land Use Agreement was signed in 1997, I would travel from Marble Bar to Tom Price for meetings. These meetings were held in the bush and we lived off the land in order to attend them. Once the agreement was signed between Rio Tinto and the Nyiyaparli, Banyjima and Innawonga people, I continued to attend meetings for another 5 years. Gumala has grown since then from about 60 people in the beginning into the large membership that we have today. The hard work we put in at the beginning in tough circumstances has meant that current Gumala Members can enjoy a lot of programs, such as the Health and Wellbeing Programs.
“I WAS ONE OF FOUR FOUNDING NYIYAPARLI TRADITIONAL
OWNERS WHO ATTENDED THE FIRST MEETING IN YOUNGALEENA IN 1996 AND SIGNED THE YANDI LAND USE AGREEMENT.�
25
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
OUR YOUTH
Year 12 graduate wins place at University of Melbourne law school Hard work and dedication has paid off for a Gumala Scholarship student at Melbourne Girl’s College. Graduate student Karri Walker has been accepted into the University of Melbourne’s prestigious Melbourne Law School.
score last year. As a result, Karri was offered positions at either Monash University or the University of Melbourne, where she was also invited to meet the Vice Chancellor at a lunch before Christmas.
Karri has officially accepted a place at the University of Melbourne, where she will study towards a Law degree. A conscientious work ethic and hard work has paid off for the young Nyiyaparli woman, who received a 92.75 percent ATAR
Karri’s mother, Gumala Member Kate Walker said:
Karri Walker
“We would all like to say a big thank you for the education support Gumala has provided to our family. We really appreciate everything.”
“Hotrod” helps his team take out State Championships for third year running proud of our son and what he has achieved. He is dedicated and trains very hard, up to 6 hours per week. My wife and I are at every game supporting Harrison and his team.”
A young teeball champion and his team took out the WA State Championships at Langley Park in Perth for the third consecutive year at the beginning of March. Young Banyjima athlete, Harrison White (9), was selected to play with the Kalamunda Rangers Interdistrict Team, in the Teeball Association of WA’s State Championships. Over the last two years, Harrison and his team have won the State Championship back to back in the Under 9s and Under 10s ‘A’ grade division. This year, they went in hoping to win for the third year in a row in the Under 11s.
“He is known by his team mates as Hotrod as he is one of the fastest runners in the team.” His father, Gumala Member Harry White said: “We are very
Over the last three years Gumala has also supported Harrison with financial support for fees, uniforms and equipment. Gumala supports its Members and their children in their sporting pursuits. The aim of the sport funding support is to help improve the participation of Gumala Members and their children in sport by providing a funding subsidy for activities and events.
In the lead up to the State Championships, Harrison and his team have competed in three PreState Carnivals, winning 11 out of 12 games. Proud mother Karen White, who is also the team’s 3rd Base Coach and Manager, said: “We are very proud of Harrison. He thoroughly enjoys playing teeball and is currently positioned pitcher, second base and outfield.
26
Harrison is pictured with his team, left, and his family, right, (four generations of his family: Harry White, father; Daphne White, great grandmother; Harrison; and Kaye Jones, grandmother)
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 OUR YOUTH
Young Champion Boxer takes home Gold at National Championships Young champion boxer Julian Jeakings was crowned gold medalist at the 2013 Australian Boxing Championships in Adelaide in February. Julian (14), who is the son of Gumala Member and employee Paula White, took out the competition for a second year running. Last February, Julian took home the gold medal at the Australian Boxing Championships in Hobart. His latest success is a step in the right direction on the path to fulfilling his dream of being a world champion boxer. Julian, who has been boxing since he was 9 years old, is now focused on his trip to China at the end of March. Both he and his older brother Jayden, who is also a champion boxer, will take part in a training camp where they will compete against national teams from Russia and Kazakhstan. Julian also hopes to qualify for the World Youth Boxing Titles in the future. “One day I want to qualify for the Junior Olympics and then work my way up to world Olympic level,” he said. Gumala Aboriginal Corporation supports Julian’s boxing through scholarship funding.
Julian Jeakings with his back-to-back Australian Boxing Championships gold medals
Supporting our Traditional Owners through Gumala scholarships Gumala scholarships are currently provided to over 90 Gumala students (Members/Beneficiaries) in order to assist in their goals of outstanding achievements in their chosen fields. This includes academic (school, undergraduate and postgraduate), the arts, music and sport. 27
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
TRUSTEE LETTER
MEMBER SERVICES
Register of Traditional Owners letter
Member Services Notices
Gumala Traditional Owners who have recently received a letter from the Trustee of the General Gumala Foundation, Gumala Investments Pty Ltd (GIPL), regarding the “Register of Traditional Owners� should note the following: Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) wishes to advise all Members that the letter itself, as well as the decisions and advice contained in this letter, are from GIPL. Any calls or contacts regarding Beneficiary Status and the Register should be referred to GIPL immediately. Gumala Investments Pty Ltd (GIPL) contact details: Phone: (08) 9287 3900 Email: administration@ gumalatrust.com
28
SMS Service Gumala recently launched an SMS service, which allows us to send text messages to Gumala Members to advise of important or urgent information. It is therefore vitally important that Gumala always has your current mobile phone number on record. If we do not have your current mobile phone number, please call Member Services on 1800 486 252 so that we can update your details.
Lodging Applications As part of our long term vision of increasing the quality of service, we would be grateful to receive your application by email to enable fast and efficient processing. If you are unable to email your completed form, please fax it to us or drop it off in person at our offices. Remember, no matter which method you choose, always check that you have:
Applications on Friday
(i) completed and signed the form, and
When submitting an application to Gumala on a Friday, please ensure applications are received by our office well before 2PM if possible.
(ii) sent with the form any other supporting documents required. Otherwise there will be delays in processing the application.
This will provide the Member Solutions Officers with enough time to process urgent applications before the office closes.
The email address to send applications to (with the subject line: Gumala application form) is gac@gumala.com.au
Your Patience is Appreciated
Education Reminders
In addition to the large volumes of applications Gumala receivesd from Members, our Member Solutions Officers also answer hundreds of phone calls each day, in which they provide Members with a wide range of advice and assistance.
A completed Gumala Education application form must be submitted to Gumala with each request to recieve education funding.
We thank Members for your understanding and we appreciate your patience in waiting for us to get to your call.
Scholarship students must submit copies of their report and results from their education provider every six months to continue receiving support.
Remember to include supporting documents, including tax invoices.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
Early Childhood Learning Centre news
EDUCATION
by Gumala’s Education Manager Lynne Beckingham
It has been a busy first year for the 3A educational program at our Early Childhood Centre in Wakuthuni.
All of the students reported what a fantastic time they had and how much they enjoyed working with the community, parents, children and 3A staff.
The program wrapped up with special Christmas celebrations in December.
Gumala wish them well in their future studies and hope the program can be host to more students in the future.
On the day of the Christmas party everyone in the community was invited to attend.
We are so excited that a number of children who attended 3A at Wakuthuni in 2012 have progressed to school in 2013.
The teachers organised special Christmas craft activities and games, followed by a lovely morning tea, with presents for the children. A wonderful time was had by all!
We have a student who is attending Kindergarten a few days per week and also one who is attending year one.
Also in December, three Master of Teaching Students attended a two week practicum at the Wakuthuni centre. The three students from the University of Melbourne came to Wakuthuni to gain invaluable hands on experience in implementing 3A in an Indigenous community.
In term four in 2012, one of the 3A teachers, Rochelle Hooper began her maternity leave. Gumala would like to extend our Gumala’s 3A program is producing congratulations to Rochelle and ‘school ready’ children such as Jaidah her husband on the birth of their and Benji Limerick daughter.
3A (Abecedarian Approach Australia) Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s unique Early Childhood Centre and 3A (Abecedarian Approach Australia) learning program at our remote community at Wakuthuni are a result of the innovative partnership between Gumala, The University of Melbourne and The Tom Price Primary School. The initiative involved the design and construction of an early education centre at Wakuthuni, as well as an early childhood education and care program (the 3A Project).
In 2012 the 3A Project was given official endorsement via a partnership agreement by WA Education Minister Peter Collier. The 3A Project uses learning strategies which incorporate educational games, conversational reading and enriched care giving. The approach also assists parents through education on appropriate care-giving and learning activities for their children. The West Pilbara Communities for Children also supports the 3A Project.
Education Team to visit schools Education Manager, Lynne Beckingham and Education Specialist, Beverly Gill, are planning to visit several schools in the Pilbara this year. These visits are part of Gumala’s education plan to establish additional agreements with schools that will enable the streamlining of processes with the schools and parents.
29
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
HUMAN RIGHTS
Gumala supports United Nations “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” Gumala Aboriginal Corporation stands by the United Nations (UN) as it calls for the international community to observe the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which was recently observed on March 21. Across the world many individuals, communities and societies suffer from racism and the negative impacts it has on their lives. However, the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “all human beings are born equal in dignity and rights.” Therefore, every year the UN calls on the international community to observe the day and to be reminded of the part we all play to combat racial discrimination and its negative consequences.
Gumala fully supports the aims of the Elimination of Discrimination Day. UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon: “Racism continues to cause suffering for millions of people around the world...I look to all people to join the United Nations in our drive to eliminate racism. We must, individually and collectively, stamp out racism, stigma and prejudice.” On the home front, an alarming amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders feel that
30
they experience racism in their everyday lives in Australia. Reconciliation Australia reported in 2012 that 93 percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians believed that the levels of prejudice towards them are ‘very high’ or ‘fairly high’. One Gumala Member interviewed by Gumala News said that she does not notice the discrimination as much in the Pilbara as she does when she goes to the city. On one particular occasion she felt discriminated against in the city when she pre-booked a taxi that failed to stop and pick her up. She said the she was waiting patiently for the taxi to come. When it finally arrived, the driver ignored her and pick up a white
man near by. On another occasion she was standing in front of a hotel in the city after pre-booking her taxi. The taxi came and just drove right past her. “But those things don’t faze me. I’m comfortable in my own skin,” she said confidently. In July last year, the Australian Human Rights Association launched the National Anti-Racism strategy. Around 350 organisations including Reconciliation Australia have joined forces with the commission on the campaign.
At the time of the launch, Reconciliation Australia co-chair, Dr Tom Calma said: “Raising the issue of racism is uncomfortable for many Australians - and is even resented – but the reality is it still affects so many Australians every single day.” “We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians continue to experience high levels of direct and indirect racism and I think it’s time to have some tough conversations to really stop and think about how we can all work together to address this serious issue. “Stronger relationships, built on shared knowledge and respect, are a key part of reducing the level of racism experienced
by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples…” This year will mark the 47th observation of the day which was officially declared a UN day of observance in 1966 in remembrance of the victims who were killed in the infamous Sharpeville massacre six years earlier. On March 21, 1960, police in South Africa opened fire at a peaceful demonstration against the Apartheid ‘pass laws’ in Sharpeville, killing 69 people.
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013 WORK MATTERS
Gumala farewells long standing executive manager Gumala Aboriginal Corporation would like to sincerely thank outgoing General Manager Innovation & Services, Francois Langlois, for the five years of dedicated and invaluable service he provided to the organisation and its Members.
as Gumala’s Member Solutions Team. He was also a key figure in the capacity building process that has taken place in our Perth and Tom Price offices.
During Francois’ time at Gumala, he was one of the key executive managers behind the transformation of the organisation.
Francois was pivotal to the many achievements and successes right across our Member Services Division,including many Community Development Projects.
Francois helped establish and grow the Member Services Unit (MSU), which has been rebranded
The Board and Management of Gumala wish Francois all the very best in his future endeavours.
Tom Price “Work Ready” Program open for expressions of interest Expressions of interest from Gumala Members for the Rio Tinto Work Ready Program in Tom Price are now open. Interested Members should contact Gumala’s Operations Manager - Pilbara, Lisa Shields, by April 19: 1 Stadium Road, Tom Price Ph (08) 9188 4500
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-todate database of candidates. Specific Gumala job vacancies are advertised on our website from time to time: www.gumala.com. au/careers GAC’s outgoing General Manager Innovation and Services, Francois Langlois, flanked by GAC Chief Executive Officer Steve Mav and GAC Board of Directors Secretary David MacLean. Francois was gifted with a beautiful piece of original artwork painted by Gumala Member and renowned Pilbara artist Nina Smith
31
GUMALA NEWS
EASTER 2013
COMMUNITY RADIO
Gumala Radio hits the ground running in 2013 Thunurrdu!
for outdoor broadcasts. We are many Members. Nigel received Gumala Radio wants yourresponse voice from the also aiming to start workshops a positive Hello listeners, it has been a busy in the communities to give kids who are excited start to the year at Gumala Radio. Gumala Radio is a beacon for promoting Indigenouscommunity news, culture, stories and local music to the hands on experience and to to see music going out to the We have hit the ground running communities of Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Bellary Springs, Wakathuni, Youngaleena, Onslow and further encourage them with communities with workshops and with some big projects in store for Roebourne. radio. Gumala Radio Technician Gumala Radio reviving its outdoor 2013. Mike is alsoradio planning tonot doonly to provide local content for its listeners but also The aim of aRyan community station is broadcasts for the kids. One of the biggest projects we upgrades and maintenance encourage community participation. at have started with this year is I am looking forward to doing a couple of Gumala homeland the setup and upgrade of our Radio can be used aslater a powerful tool for communication the Gumala and the wider communities this year. moreinto outdoor broadcasts in recording studios. We are setting community to explore and speak about issues and current events that are relevant to its listeners the communities and events While Nigel Bird was in Tom up a ‘recording/live broadcast and bring communities together. this year and working with our Price, he had a successful visit to studio’ in the old Member Elders to record their stories and Wakuthuni. Gumala Radio is looking at expanding its programming in 2013 and providing fresh new content. Solutions Team’s office. knowledge. Until then, be safe While he was there, a community In February, WAM’s Project For this to be successful Gumala Radio would like toand extend an care. invitation to any Gumala member take meetingmember was called, so it was Officer, Nigel Bird, came on board or community that has any story ideas or topics that they would like to hear on the an ideal time for Nigel to meet Tadam Lockyer as a consultant to help set up the radio. studio. Through this new project Gumala Radio’s in a program, being we are also hoping to encourage If you would like to get involved in any way, whether through participating Administration Officer Elly feel free to send your Elders and Members to come in interviewed or providing ideas about stories and programming please Lukale (top) & Broadcaster have any feedback about and share and record their stories requests through to radio@gumala.com.au for consideration or if you Tadam Lockyer our programming. with Gumala Radio. We want to make sure that the Gumala Radio will be closing midday, 24th December 2012 and re-opening Monday 7th January new studio is friendly enough to 2013. We would like to wish you all a very safe and Merry Christmas and stay tuned to Gumala enable our Elders to be seated Radio in 2013. around microphones, telling stories, singing in language and sharing knowledge, whilst also making it flexible enough that visiting musicians and locals can broadcast live and record their own material. Gumala Radio is also investigating the possibility of securing music equipment for “recording/broadcasting Gumala Broadcaster John "Tadam" Lockyer sessions” which we can also take out to the communities
GUMALA A
or listen live: www.gumala.com.au Listen to Gumala Radio Live at www.gumala.com.au
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
32
Email: gac@gumala.com.au Web: www.gumala.com.au