Goolum News - June 2023

A road of possibilities for Kynan

Gindustry.

Kynan will be a keynote speaker at Goolum Goolum a-Trade expo on August 3 2023. Our expo is a key opportunity in Goolum Goolum's event calendar where young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can learn about their dream career.

It was at Goolum Goolum’s 2018 expo where Kynan made a connection that led to him landing a position at a university.

Initially studying VCAL at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, Kynan never really thought there would be an opportunity to work in the film industry.

“I was unsure of where I would go after school, it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. I played local football, I got to grow up with some very great people and a great support group. I studied VCAL at first, I wanted to get into carpentry, but by the end of my schooling I had lost the passion to do so,” he said.

“I went through many jobs, such as manual labour and almost into an apprenticeship.”

Possibilities opened for Kynan when his mum Kerrie alerted him to a TAFE course at Federation University in Screen and Media in 2018. He joined the course three days a week and enjoyed every minute of it.

Later that year when Kynan attended our career expo he bumped into a friend who happened to work at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne as part of an Indigenous unit ‘Jim-Baa -Yer’. After a conversation, he landed an interview with the unit and the university to enroll.

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.

Gunai Kurnai and Monero filmmaker Kynan Clarke

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 Mulwill,

Welcome to another edition of the Goolum Newsletter. It is a busy time of year with preparations for NAIDOC week events as well as being an important time of year to take care of our health. Our clinic team are ready with flu vaccinations and of course we continue to promote additional covid vaccinations for those who are eligible.

Later in the year, our nation will have the opportunity to vote on the VOICE and Goolum s Board will take its time to come to a position that we will articulate on behalf of the organisation. We are acutely aware that this referendum will stir up feelings and commentary on both sides of the argument that may cause stress and harm to our community. We will be proactive in supporting respectful dialogue and will not back away from calling out harmful misinformation. We will distribute resources to our community and other agencies as the debate progresses.

Great to see our footballers and netballers enjoying support through the Indigenous rounds and we were pleased to be able to sponsor various teams with uniforms etc. Another great feature story in this edition about another one of our young people forging their way in the world and making community very proud.

Stay strong, stay healthy and Go Pies!

Meet the Goolum Goolum Board of Directors

Jake Goodes Chairperson

John Gorton Director

Nola Illin Deputy Chair

Lachlan Marks Secretary

Adrian Morgan Director

Kelly Britten Director

MakaylaSecombe Director

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shoot out in the little desert and was

“Not just my biggest supporters but also biggest influencers in shedding light into passion and availability in careers, allowing me to believe anything is truly possible,” he said.

“A role model I would like to acknowledge would be my boss, Tony Briggs. As an Aboriginal man in the film industry, he has shown and taught me so many things about the industry and how we, as Aboriginal filmmakers, can influence the creative field and share our stories.”

between lockdowns, a position came up to work for Typecast. At that point of time my workplace at Crown was put on hold due to the pandemic...in that instance I applied for the position

Kynan said for young people aspiring to follow a similar career path to keep an open mind when opportunities arose.

“My advice for young mob is to not compare you or whatever you’re doing to other people and try something you love,” he said.

Entertainment and Birrarangga Film Festival was an interesting path, where they filmed Tracey Rigney’s short ‘Elders’, directed by Tony Briggs,” he said.

“Tracey Rigney is a family friend of ours and had put in a good word to producer Damienne Pradier to take me on and give me experience on being on a film set, it was a three-day

He was offered the position not just for Typecast Entertainment, but also Birrarangga Film Festival which is a around the world.

“Having experience with them before, it made sense for me to try and reach out and apply. I eventually got to know them better and have been a part of an amazing team ever since,” Kynan said.

Kynan said his parents have been his role models who he attributes to most of his success.

“Film is a difficult industry to get your feet into, but once you do, it seems to fall into place.

“Obtaining work experience in the industry I am in, you will have to work and learn by yourself or take further education where it allows you to obtain the knowledge.

“The direction you want to go in the future, especially in this industry, you need to know people and those contacts could lead to something bigger and potentially steer you in the direction you want.”

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For our loved ones, our Elders

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative is busy preparing for a bumper NAIDOC Week this year.

The week, which takes place July 2-9 of 2023, will seek to celebrate the contributions, love, and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders

Goolum Goolum Chair Jake Goodes said Goolum Goolum acknowledged the prominent role Elders held in our community.

"They are the cultural knowledge holders and teachers. They are the activists, survivors, leaders, and hard workers who have fought for a better future for our people,” he said.

"They are the foundation of our communities and our loved ones who are there for us during the hard times and the good times.

“They are our role models. They know when to guide us to a better path and when to pull us into line.

“They can also be our quiet achievers within our families and communities.”

He acknowledged the contributions Elders have made to generate positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our Elders have borne the burden of having to make change in the face of intergenerational inequality. Equality they continue to fight for today,” he said.

“We must pay thanks, respect, and acknowledge our Elders. Take the time to sit down with your Elders and listen to them. They are a critical link keeping our culture alive.

"Their strength carries on the survival of our people.”

To commemorate Elders of our community, portrait flags are being displayed along Firebrace and Hamilton Street in Horsham. Portraits credit to Matt Dooling photographer.

This year marks the 48th annual NAIDOC Week, an annual occasion of remembrance and resistance that has evolved into a vibrant national celebration of our Communities, Cultures and Country. This is all alongside our excellence, collective resilience and survival as custodians of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

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Goolum Goolum has a range of activities planned for this year’s event.

This includes our flag-raising ceremony and art exhibition opening on Monday, Silo Art Tour ‘For Our Elders’ on Tuesday, Meet the Artists evening at the Horsham Art Gallery Wednesday, Courtney Ugle meet-and-greet Thursday and our annual Walk, Run event with community barbecue on the Friday.

See the official program here: https://issuu.com/ goolumgoolum/docs/naidoc_e-book?

fr=sZGUzMzU1MjQ5Mjc

For more info contact Communications Officer Dylan De Jong on 0419 728 500 or email Dylan.dejong@goolumgoolum.org.au

What it means to be an ally—National Reconciliation Week in reflection 2023

Strait Islander peoples.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal CoOperative encourages everyone to take the time to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and current affairs. There are many great resources out there for people, such as the National Reconciliation Week Website

National Reconciliation

Week is a time for all Australians to learn about the country’s shared histories, cultures, and achievements.

Everyone can make a small change each day and acknowledge and recognise the achievements that Abo-

riginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made.

Reconciliation Week is aimed at nonindigenous people to be allies and create events, activities or initiatives that encourage creating respectful relationships between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres

Alternatively, there are also many great documentaries on free-to-use platforms like SBS on Demand or ABC iView. We believe education is imperative on the reconciliation journey

Personal growth and companionship with staff and community were defining parts of Family Services Program Facilitator Talishia Hinch’s five years at Goolum Goolum.

She said she hoped her experience, especially learning about cultural safety and sensitivities, would be beneficial for future roles. “I love the saying of ‘know better, do better’. I wanted to be able to help the community and grow my own understanding. I can't even explain the growth I’ve had both personally and professionally. The relationships I built, within the staff and community, will always be held so close to my heart. “I am so very thankful for how I was welcomed around the organisation. I think my understanding and awareness of cultural safety and confronting the racism that very much still exists will be valuable in any role I move on to.”

She said she would miss working with the community and the relationships she formed along the way. “Saying goodbye to some of the people I worked with from the beginning absolutely broke my heart. I feel like I developed some really beautiful relationships and I am going to miss working with everyone so much. I will still see and work with many of you. “

Front row – L to R – Darnell Clapham, Jaykob Murphy, Charmaine Lockwood, Jaya Stirling, Marley Jacobs, Sue Pavlovich, Mitchell HarrisonCurrie, Jules Lockwood, Nulla Clapham; Second row L to R – BGLC person, Sidney Saltner, Stumpy, Robyn Lauricella, Talani Braesides-Staples; Third Row L to R – Amy Weatherall, Savannah Chester, Ngioka Bunda-Heath, Jalen Lockwood, Liam Clarke, Jaala Marks-Lovett, Kelanee Lovett, Ben Muir, Charlotte Barrett, Zachariah Clapham, Catherine Monument, Sani Townson; Back Row L to R – Nathan Rayes, Jandamurra Lauricella, Seamus Clarke, Ethan Clapham

Liam Clarke and Jalen Lockwood

Ethan Clapham, Ben Muir, Jandamurra Lauricella, Seamus Clarke

Photo Credit: Tiffany Parker

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players competed in the Indigenous round in a home game for Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend. Deanne King had a ‘proud-mum’ moment when her two younger sons Brody U17 and Hunter U14 played for the first time, pictured above with older brother Austin. Brody even scored his first -ever goal in competition against Stawell Swifts.

Austin King, her oldest son, also competed in the reserves team along team mates Lachlan Marks, Jyson, Jordan, Kyle, Benno and Scotty, pictured left. The guernsey’s for both the football and netball teams were designed by community member and artist Wotjobaluk woman Tanisha Lovett.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative and Barengi Gadjin Land Council sponsored the event.

The day started with a Welcome to Country by Benno and a smoking ceremony. Uncle Ron also did another Welcome later in the day.

Goolum Goolum welcomed men across our community to a Mens Health Day last week. The fellas all met in Horsham by the river to go fishing and for some tasty woodfired pizza. As well as dropping a line in the Wimmera River, our GP Dr Dave and Barney also spoke to the community about the importance of healthcare for men. The next one will be in Gariwerd, Halls Gap June 28.

Goolum Goolum’s Celebrating Sista’s program has been in full ‘swing’ lately. In the past month, the women have been dancing and participating in Water Aerobics. Early this month we also have two possum skin workshops organised.

Assembly: Facebook must do better

out of their way to leave racist attacks and slurs on our posts.

But what really got us worked up this week was when we reported foul racist abuse to Facebook and the company responded by claiming the comments complied with its community standards.

Astatement from the First People’s Assembly of Victoria regarding racism on Facebook:

We always knew that as momentum grew for things like Treaty, Truth-telling, and the Voice to Parliament, the darkness that lurks in our society

could be drawn out into the light.

And we always expected to cop more abuse online as a result. We’ re used to it – our team has to read it every single day.

In the last week, we’ve blocked about 300 people who have gone

So we’re drawing a line in the sand and demanding better. We’ve sent an open letter to Facebook calling out their pissweak policies when it comes to racism and we’d love you to add your name to this petition to show that we’re not alone in expecting better from them.

Advertising campaign launched

The Australian Government has launched its advertising campaign to help inform Australians about the Voice referendum being held later this year.

The referendum is about whether we should change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The advertising campaign encourages Australians to get ready for a conversation about the Voice by visiting Voice.gov.au.

There are a wide range of resources available on the website to help you learn more about the Voice.