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.
January, 2024
October, 2023
From Overcoming Challenges to Empowering the Community
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n a heartwarming turn of events, Bec Willshire, a resident of Stawell, has defied the odds, turning her life around to become a certified swim instructor,
thanks to the opportunities provided by Goolum and SWIM Jobs Victoria last year. Bec's journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community support. In July of the previous year, Goolum Goolum with SWIM Jobs Victoria initiated a program to empower Indigenous individuals by offering them a chance to become swim teachers. Intrigued by the prospect, Bec attended the 2-day course in Horsham. Her initial hesitancy, rooted in a troubled past, faded as she immersed herself in the training. With limited work experience and having become a mother at 19, Bec saw this as an opportunity not just for herself but for the Indigenous children in her community. Stepping out of her comfort zone, Bec began completing the necessary courses. In August, she commenced her in-water training, steadily progressing until she gained the proficiency to teach independently. A series of assessments followed, culminating in Bec successfully completing the course and earning the qualifications necessary to become a certified swim instructor. Bec found teaching children to be an immensely rewarding experience, witnessing their joy as they developed swim skills and learned crucial water-safety rescue techniques. The opportunity to teach within the Goolum community allowed her to make a meaningful contribution, providing local children with the essential skill of swimming.
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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.
Dalki Muwill, Happy New Year to all. After a short break we are all back on deck and for many its time to get the young ones ready for school. I urge any families that have need of support to get the young ones ready for school, to please reach out and we will be more than happy to assist in any way we can. Ants, Goolum CEO
We have had and are doing some great activities over the summer break and a big thank you and congratulations to all who participated in the trip to Warrnambool and the two Back to School days. As always, we hope to keep celebrating families and today, we give recognition to Bec Willshire for successfully completing her Swim Aus course – great work Bec and I look forward to giving recognition to all our amazing families throughout the year. The community hub building is progressing well with frames and internal structures starting to go up – we have a couple of pics in todays edition 2024 – here we come!
Update on Goolum’s new Horsham Hub
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xciting developments are unfolding at the heart of the community, as the Goolum Hub, situated at the corner
of Hamilton and McPherson Street in Horsham, enters the early stages of construction. The $3-million project, slated for completion in late 2024, is set to become a vibrant hub for both the growing workforce and the diverse range of programs offered by Goolum Goolum. Anticipation is building around the multifaceted functionality of the Goolum Hub, which is expected to house offices for an expanding workforce. Additionally, new function areas are in the works, aiming to cater to the diverse needs of Goolum Goolum Programs and activities. This strategic initiative not only signifies progress for the organisation but also underscores a commitment to fostering a dynamic space that will further enhance community engagement and support. Stay tuned for the grand unveiling of the Goolum Hub, a cornerstone for future endeavours and community connection. 2 Goolum Goolum News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au
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"It's a great way to engage kids with an instructor
Jobs Victoria program. Established in 2021 through a
familiar to them, someone from within their
$3.4 million partnership between SWIM Coaches &
community," Bec explained. Goolum's initiatives
Teachers Australia and Jobs Victoria, the program
extended beyond formal instruction, organising various
aimed to breathe new life into the Victorian aquatic
activities around pools, rivers, and beaches, enabling
industry and support swim schools in recovering post-
Bec to share her knowledge actively. Despite being 35
COVID.
years old with her first job, Bec emphasised that it's never too late to pursue something enjoyable and make
The primary focus of the SWIM Jobs Victoria program
a positive impact on the community.
was to recruit, train, and place 280 swim teachers and aquatic professionals across Victoria in permanent part-
"I have now secured a position at the Stawell Sports
time positions for a minimum of 19 hours per week or
and Aquatic Complex as a school program swim
full-time roles for at least a 12-month period.
teacher, starting soon," shared Bec with gratitude. She
Additionally, the program engaged 110 project
acknowledged Goolum for facilitating her transformative employees in SWIM Australia extension courses, aiming journey and expressed appreciation for the ongoing
to provide long-term employment solutions.
support that ultimately led to her employment. Bec credited her partner and children as her greatest
The success story of the program, which concluded in
supporters, acknowledging their role in keeping her
September 2023, is not just in numbers but also in the
strong and confident throughout the journey.
positive impact it had on individuals, swim schools, and the community. Victoria University conducted an
Bec concluded her story with a vital reminder: "ALWAYS evaluation, documenting key outcomes and social REMEMBER TO BE SAFE IN AND AROUND WATER." Her
impacts.
journey serves as an inspiration, proving that with determination and community support, individuals can
Despite the conclusion of Jobs Victoria funding across
overcome adversity and contribute meaningfully to
Victoria, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia remains
society.
committed to supporting graduates. The organisation continues to offer a range of upskilling courses,
Bec Willshire's remarkable journey as a certified swim
ensuring that individuals like Bec Willshire can continue
instructor is not just a personal triumph but also a
to thrive in their teaching journey.
testament to the success of initiatives like the SWIM
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Playgroup Drop In We will now be at Black Cockatoo Playgroup every Thursday in Horsham for a ‘Drop-in Clinic’
Any questions/weighing of babies/ immunisations. No appointment needed.
Days and hours of service Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am - 3pm
For more information about Black
Contact: Jenny and Eliza 0488 138 482
Cockatoo Playgroup head to page 11.
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Treaty Day Out is a chance for mob and Allies to come together and show support for Treaty. You won’t want to miss this deadly lineup live on Wadawurrung Country! People enrolled with the Assembly can attend Treaty Day Out for free, but please note that you still need to register/book a ticket! If you are 16 years old or over and a Traditional Owner of Country in Victoria – living either in Victoria or interstate, or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has lived in Victoria for at least three of the last five years, you can enrol with the Assembly to have your say about the next steps on the journey to Treaty in Victoria. Head to this link: https://www.treatydayout.com/enrol
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arlier this month, a vibrant day unfolded in Warrnambool as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth gathered for an exhilarating surfing experience. Accompanied by surf instructors from Surf Victoria, approximately 50 young
individuals from the region embraced the thrill of riding the waves. The event not only provided a day of sun-soaked enjoyment but also fostered a sense of community and connection among the participants. Surfing, beyond being a recreational activity, became a medium for shared experiences and collective joy, underscoring the significance of community engagement and outdoor activities in enhancing the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
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Additional Information for Goolum’s 40th Anniversary We're thrilled to announce pickup spots for convenient transportation to Goolum's 40th Anniversary Family Day! Updated Bus Schedule:
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Ararat: Pick up at Information Centre - 82 Vincent St @ 9:10 AM
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Stawell: Pick up at Stawell Bus Station - Napier St @ 10:00 AM
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Dimboola: Pick up at Dimboola Post Office - 65 Lloyd St @ 10:00 AM
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Donald: Pick up on the corner of Lewis & Napier St @ 9:20 AM
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Horsham: Drop-off at 'The Stable,' Horsham Maydale Pavilion @ 10:45 AM
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Christine at 0417 511 890. Return Journey: The bus will depart from Horsham Maydale Pavilion at 2:00 PM. Please be punctual, as the bus will only wait for 10 minutes at each pickup location. GOOLUM'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY FAMILY DAY! Join us for a day of joy and community at Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative's 40th Anniversary Family Day on Sunday, February 11th, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at 'The Stable,' Horsham Maydale Pavilion. VENUE: 'The Stable,' Horsham Maydale Pavilion WHAT TO EXPECT:
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Special merchandise marking our 40th year milestone
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Music to keep the vibes going
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Delicious food and refreshing drinks
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Tiny goats stealing the show
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Interactive circus fun for all ages
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Face painting
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Water Slip and Slide (kids bring a towel)
YOU'RE INVITED! Extend this warm invitation to the entire Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative community and all dedicated staff, past and present. Let's come together for this momentous occasion. RSVP & QUESTIONS: For inquiries or to RSVP, reach out to Christine at 0417 511 890. Your presence will add to the celebration. CHILD SAFE EVENT: We prioritize the safety of our little ones, making this a child-safe event for everyone to enjoy. DRUG, ALCOHOL, SMOKING & VAPING FREE: Let's celebrate responsibly! This event is a drug, alcohol, smoking, and vaping-free zone. Save the date, bring your loved ones, and let's make Goolum's 40th Anniversary a day to remember! THIS IS A PARENT/CAREGR SUPERVISED EVENT
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Back to School—Horsham Photos by Regan Shaw
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he 2024 Back to School event in Horsham and Stawell celebrated community spirit as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families from
Goolum Goolum received essential supplies. Each student was equipped with a school bag, drink bottle, lunch box, and a haircut voucher, ensuring a strong start to the academic year. Beyond practical support, the event fostered a sense of unity and highlighted the significance of education. The inclusion of haircut vouchers added a thoughtful touch, promoting confidence and well-being. Overall, the event successfully combined practical assistance with community building, emphasizing the importance of education within the Goolum Goolum community.
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Back to School—Stawell
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Do you follow our Facebook business page? Scan the QR Code to check it out
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