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GOOLUM News We are a primary health and wellbeing organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people operating on the traditional lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples. We strive to provide a holistic model that responds to the physical, social emotional, Cultural and spiritual need of our people.

December, 20232023 October,

Bravery and persistent pushes Charmaine past the finish line

n a remarkable feat of determination and togetherness, Charmaine Lockwood, a 15-year-old

Aboriginal teenager from Stawell Secondary College, successfully completed the Great Victorian Bike Ride, a non-competitive, fully supported cycling event covering 600 kilometers from Orbost to Wonthaggi in Victoria, Australia. Charmaine spoke enthusiastically about the challenge, highlighting its inclusive nature, "Great Victorian Bike Ride – A Challenge that anybody can do. It’s supposed to challenge yourself on how long you can stay on a bike for." Undoubtedly a daunting undertaking, Charmaine and her schoolmates, a group of 10 students and 4 adults, pedaled for an average of 7-8 hours a day, facing unpredictable weather conditions and challenging terrains. Despite bad weather, the riders persisted, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to the journey. Reflecting on the immense scale of the ride, Charmaine confessed to the emotional toll of

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Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative//goolumgoolum.org.au Goolum News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative respectfully acknowledges that our offices are based on unceded land of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawajali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples. We pay our respects to their ancestors, and to Elders, both past and present, and to the future Elders and caretakers of this land.

Always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land.

As we draw close to the end of another year, I would like to take this opportunity to simply say thanks. To all our staff who are so committed and passionate about caring for community Thanks. To all of the community who engage, inspire and challenge us to be better every year - Thanks. This year we have focused on Celebrating Families in our newsletter, and we will continue to celebrate all of the achievements and milestones of community into next year – so always Ants, Goolum CEO

let us know when someone needs ‘Celebrating’!

We have a lot to look forward to in 2024 – The New Community hub, Your Hub will be up and running by mid-year which is a huge achievement for the Board, the members, and the community. We will continue to look for ways to improve all of our services and events and welcome community participation in advisory groups and yarning circles as we plan the year ahead. To all of those affected by ‘Sorry Business: in 2023 – our thoughts, prayers and love is always with you – take care. Finally – please all enjoy a lovely, peaceful, family filled break and we will catch you all in 2024.

Meet the Goolum Goolum Board of Directors

Jake Goodes

Nola Illin

Lachlan Marks

Chairperson

Deputy Chair

Secretary

Adrian Morgan

Kelly Britten

John Gorton

Director

Makayla Secombe Director 2

Goolum Goolum News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au

being away from home for nine days, revealing, "I

Alice Springs, Sydney, Darwin. It’s just a great

had trouble missing home and my own bed. On the experience to get to hang out with kids from second night, I had a bit of a mental breakdown because I was just missing home so much. I couldn’t handle it, but I still got through it." One surprising aspect of the experience was the

different schools and towns,” she said. An important aspect of the Great Victorian Bike Ride for Charmaine was the representation of indigenous groups, particularly Team Australia.

opportunity to bond with fellow students, especially Charmaine proudly shared, "We wore Indigenous those she wouldn't typically interact with. "It was good to hang out with people I don’t normally talk to and have fun with them," Charmaine shared, emphasising the importance of teamwork during the challenging journey. Camping out on footy ovals along the way, the group faced leaking swags, forcing them to seek

tops and rode as a group together. Our school also won one of the tops which will get hung at the school. I also got another top which will get framed and hung up at Goolum Goolum." Charmaine expressed her hope for greater participation from her community, stating, "I would love to see more kids from Goolum Goolum get involved next year." She acknowledged the

refuge in tents. Even in the face of adversity, the support from their teacher Murray, who arranged for a rest day at the hockey club in Sale, provided a welcome respite from the cold and wet conditions. Charmaine highlighted the diversity of the participants, noting that the ride allowed her to connect with students from different schools and towns across Australia.

significance of sponsors and chose Goolum Goolum as her sponsor for the ride. Charmaine’s journey in the ride is a testament to the resilience, togetherness, and personal growth that such challenges can bring. Her experience reflects not only the physical demands of the ride but also the mental and emotional strength required to conquer unfamiliar terrain and forge lasting connections.

"I get to meet people from across the country,