JUNE 2025
Family Violence information Evening Gap Gap Dyirr
Goolum Goolum held its first annual Family Violence Prevention event on 15 May 2025, uniting the community to share powerful stories, hear from guest speaker Leah Purcell, and take a stand against family violence.
CEO Ants Craig
Board of Directors
Jake Goodes Chairperson
Nola IIlin Vice Chairperson
Lachlan Marks Board Director
Kelly Britten Board Director
John Gorton Board Director
Dalk
Welcome to the June Newsletter
Well done to all involved in the FV information evening. Thank you also to our colleagues across the sector who came out in support with their stalls on the evening. Our special guest Leah Purcell was fun, she was inspiring, and her presentation really hit the mark about how we need to own this space and work as one community to address FV.
I look forward to having Leah return to yarn about our progress.
Lots of fun activities have been happening and good to see our deadly kids living the dream at the ‘G’ Dreamtime clash. Winter is now upon us and the cold weather arrived this week with a blast. It’s a good reminder to get vaccinations and to be very aware of symptoms.
The Dalki Ghuli Hub is getting ever so close to opening – furniture is arriving, and we expect formal handover in the next couple of weeks.
We thank everyone for their patience, particularly our sta for putting up with cramped o ce spaces.
This Friday we get to o cially farewell Uncle Ron Marks who recently retired to take life a bit more slowly and relaxed.
Pamela Branson Board Director Board Director
I cant thank Uncle Ron enough for the contribution he has made: his presence and endless supply of stories and cultural knowledge was lapped up by all our sta – I think the men in particular will miss those morning sessions with Uncle holding court and sharing his stories – And going on all the laughter and banter that come out of those catch ups I know they were o en exaggerated and always fun!!!
We will miss you and there is a nice comfy chair at the café in the hub with your name on it!!
Ants Take care.
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative respectfully acknowledges that our o ces are based on unceded land of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, 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.
NAIDOC WEEK 2025
As we enter 2025, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of
Lines by Jeremy Morgan Worrall
Family Violence Information Evening
Goolum Goolum held the first annual Family Violence Prevention event on 15 May 2025. It was a great way for community to come together and hear about support services around family violence. As a community we pledge ‘Our Community, Our Responsibility, Will you be the Di erence’ in taking a stand against family violence. The event was well attended, the real stories provided by community o ered education and knowledge to all and sparked conversations about how we can make a di erence. Guest speaker Leah Purcell spoke openly about her own personal journey and the strength that can be drawn from community.
Family Violence Information Evening
The Family Violence evening began with a heartfelt opening ceremony led by the community. Goolum Goolum honoured guest speaker Leah Purcell with a commemorative boomerang, and the men of the community took a powerful pledge to stand up and protect women from violence.
Nikki Foy Team Leader ACEO Program First Nations Services, Victoria Legal Aid , Leah Purcell, Karla Randle, Luchia Ador Lawyer from VLA
Looking Back at Youth Events
Youth Drop In- Identity Workshop
During our last Youth Drop In, our teens got together to talk about their identity. One of the biggest contributors to your identity is your family.
The mob got very creative and expressed the di erent people in their lives through art in their own unique perspective.
Hunter painted a footy oval with each person playing being someone special to him. Everyone else in his family is painted around the oval spectating the 'game'.
Thank you to Kelly and Johnny for coming along and building stronger connections.
The Koori Way - Elders Dinner
Respected people of our community came together to have a dinner with our youth. While sharing a hot meal everyone used their creative skills to colour some vape/smoke free pictures for us!
Thank you to everyone who attended .
The Koori Way - Lights, Camera , Action!
Our Tackling Indigenous Smoking team are excited to announce that a tiny film is in the making ! Our wonderful primary school kids (now movie stars) came together to be interviewed on a particular subject. Stay tuned!!
Motivational Monday in Stawell brought the community together for a positive and upli ing start to the week. The group met at 10:30 AM to connect, recharge, and focus on wellbeing. A er the session, they enjoyed a peaceful walk to Silverband Falls, taking in the natural beauty. The day o ered meaningful moments of reflection, connection, and support.
Dreamtime at the 'G-Auskick
Deadly Young Guns Shine at Dreamtime at the 'G
Two of our very own deadly community kids, Arlo Harrison and Jimmy Tucker, were given the chance of a lifetime, stepping onto the hallowed turf of the MCG to play in the hal ime Auskick game during the Iconic Dreamtime at the 'G clash between Richmond and Essendon.
In front of a roaring crowd of over 70,000 footy fans, Arlo and Jimmy proudly pulled on their deadly white boots and showed o their footy skills on one of the biggest stages in the country. These two little legends currently take part in the local Auskick program at the Noradjuha Quantong Football and Netball Club, Where there already making a name for themselves with their passion, teamwork, and love of the game.
It was a moment they'll never forget and neither will we, Congratulations, Arlo and Jimmy! You've done your families and community proud
Please
Please contact
Monique Emmett
monique.emmett@goolumgoolum.org.au
Kinship Care, First Supports and Play Therapy
rhianna.peachey@goolumgoolum.org.au
Tuning
Please contact Rhianna Peachey sharna.cockerall@g
Please contact
S harna Cockerall
TuninG inTo KidS is a emotiOnal coAcHinG pRogRam. EmotiOnal CoAcHinG is a toOl to resPonD to emotiOnS tHat can helP cHilDren unDerStanD, regulate anD worK tHroUgH tHeIr emotiOnS so tHeY can manage tHeIr owN behaviOur anD resPonD in sociAlLy apPropRiAte waYs.
The pRogRam is desigNed to helP parenTs recogNise tHeIr cHilD’s emotiOnS in tHe eArLy sTages before tHe emotiOnS become overWhelMinG for tHe cHilD.
ParenTs anD carerS are emPowered anD enCoUraged to acCepT anD validate tHeIr cHilD’s emotiOnS anD pRobLem solVe.
DADs ANd PrAMs
FatHerS cOMINg TOGEThER
SupPorT DADs BEiNg DADs
OuTINgS FOR DADs INcLUDINg
KIDs (O-5yRs OLd)
june
MONDAY
YaRnINg ABOuT ChILdREN
CONtACt FOR MORE INfORmATIoN
COMmUNITY CONnECtIoNs NatHan NASh 0427 797 236
GG Sta and New Sta Profiles
What helps keep motivated
Fun facts or hobbies
Favourite Sports Team
Program Area
Olivia Coates
20/05/2025
Family Services
IFS
Every day presents a di erent challenge, and I enjoy Problem Solving.
Enjoy playing music
Bombers
06/06/2024
Family Violence and Child Wellbeing
Family Violence and Child wellbeing practicioner at The Orange Door
What helps keep motivated I really enjoy helping people and letting them know there is help available.
Fun facts or hobbies
Favourite Sports Team
Start Date
Program Area Position
“The day you plant the seed is not the day you harvest the fruit” I’ve recently joined Laharum Football Club, women’s seniors team. Love having a go and its so much fun
Hawks
11/06/2020
Medical Centre
NDIS Coordinator
What helps keep motivated My Family
Fun facts or hobbies
Favourite Sports Team
Ellysha Shields
Netball, Gym & keeping active and spend time with friends and family Western Bulldogs
Kate King
Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Medical Clinic
Speech Pathology
Mary Jean (MJ)
Every Thursday alternates between Horsham and Stawell
Days:
Thursday 5th June
Thursday 19th June
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Place: Horsham
Diabetes Educator
Every 2nd Wednesday
Days: Thursday 12th June
Thursday 26th June
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Place: Stawell
Lesley Robinson
Please contact
Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Days: Tuesday 10th June and Tuesday 24th June 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Place: Horsham
Clinic Doctor
Dr Garry Matthews
Days: Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Please contact
Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Place: Horsham
Clinic Doctor
Dr David Hunchak
Days: Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Please contact
Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Please contact Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Please contact
Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Place: Horsham
Clinic Doctor ( O site )
Days: Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Dr Emily Wilson
Telehealth and phone calls only
Podiatry (Monthly)
Andrew Nashed
Days: Tuesday 17th June 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Place: Horsham
AUDIOLOGY
11th JUNE 2025
Diabetes Educator Lesley will now be available on Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays. Remember
Medical Clinic
Please contact Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301 5381 6301
Please contact Medical Reception Clinic
Please contact Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Maternal Child Health Nurses
Thursdays
Jenny Bull
-Eliza Miller- Amy Beddison
Horsham
Women’s Health Nurse
Selina Pilgrim
Days: Wednesdays
Nurses:Jenny Bull
-Eliza Miller- Amy Beddison
Place: Stawell
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Place: Horsham
Aboriginal Health Workers
Louise King/Carol Kennedy
Days: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Place: Horsham
Clinical Nurses
Brian Harrison/Selina Pilgrim/Tracey Wood
Days: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Place: Horsham
"Scan the QR code to fill out the survey and go into the draw to win a deadly prize pack!"
Our journey
Medical Clinic
Midas had been having reoccurring illnesses that led to his ears being blocked by fluid resulting in him not being able to hear most of the time. The GP (at GGAC) had seen Midas a few times and eventually the fluid would drain away and then he got better.
It was reported that Midas o en snored and didn’t get enough deep sleep. He would wake easily and move his head while sleeping.
At 18 months Midas health check showed a mild speech delay. The Maternal Child Health Nurses encouraged a hearing test with Tim Rayner and the ‘Healthy Ears Program’. The GP also provided a referral to a ears nose and throat specialist.
It was a combination between Tim Rayner’s ‘Healthy Ears Program’ and ENT Specialist - Dr Niall McConchie that a diagnosis was made. Midas had a hearing deficit and that his ears were full of fluid.
Dr McConchie recommended removing his adenoids to open his airways and placing grommets in his ears to assist draining the fluid and improve hearing. MJ (Speech Pathologist at GGAC) helped us with some ideas and ways to support Midas developing his speech further.
Midas was categorized as a Category 2 with an estimated 8 month wait, in the public system. Luckily there had been a cancellation, and the family travelled to Ararat to have the surgery completed only a few months later.
It was hard for Midas’s parents to see him anesthetized, but they knew it was going to pay o !
Ararat hospital provided a lot of support. The Anaesthesiologist prepared the parents with what to expect. The surgery went well and once the anaesthetic wore o Midas was back to his happy self.
It was amazing when his parents observed Midas pick up a rain stick and be so interested by the sounds the beads made as they dropped to the bottom of the stick. Midas turned it upside down a few times. Midas had never heard that pitch or sound before due to his hearing issues. Recovery from surgery was quick, he was a little bit clingy for the first day but with a little bit of Panadol he appeared to be well.
Since then, Midas’s vocabulary has exploded since his surgery as he can hear us now!
Midas has completed a follow up hearing test, and everyone is so happy with the di erence that was observed. The family are so grateful that his speech delay was picked up early and some early intervention services were put in place to help Midas.
I wanted to share this story with the community as I feel that the early intervention is imperative to having good outcomes long term.
Deadly mums cooking
MINI QUICHE’S
1/2 bunch of spring onions
finely sliced
1 large onion diced
500 grams of bacon diced
1 heaped cup of grated cheese
10 eggs whisked
1 packed of pu pastry ( 10 sheets)
1 teaspoon of chicken stock powder
Preheat oven 200 C, spray pattypan tins, add all ingredients to a large bowl, add eggs and whisk until well combined. With a round cookie cutter cut out the pastry, add to pattypan and fill with mixture, finally cook until browned.
Deadly Mums, Deadly Families in Action!
Our 8-week Healthy Movement Program kicked o on April 30th with loads of energy, laughter, and community spirit!
It’s all about getting active, feeling strong, and sharing the journey with other deadly mums and families in a safe, fun, and supportive space.
Maternal and Child Health
Thank you to all the beautiful babies and wonderful mums who have already contributed to our Boorai Wall at the Medical Clinic — your photos have brought so much joy and warmth to the space!
Boorai Wall
Maternal and Child Health
Support people to understand, identify and obtain a disability diagnosis.
Support to identify whether NDIS is the appropriate pathway for you.
Check your eligibility
Support to apply for NDIS.
Support to navigate the NDIS pathway from start to finish.
Support to link in with NDIS supports and services and remain engaged.
Eligibility
Wanting to investigate a potential disability for you or your family member from the age of 0-69 years of age.
Please
You have a formal diagnosis of a disability. Currently going through the NDIS process. Currently on the NDIS scheme and identifies as Aboriginal, needing support to navigate the system.
Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Victoria, responsible for causing the deaths of 1,348 Victorians in 2023. However, if detected early, more than 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.
Bowel screening is one of the most e ective ways to detect the early signs of bowel cancer, but unfortunately only 42.6% of eligible Victorians are participating in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
This bowel cancer screening test save your life AGED 46 TO 74 ? Don’t take the risk. Take the test.
Why you should do the test
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the risk increases as you get older.
Regular screening can help detect the early signs of bowel cancer. If found early over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.
Keeping up to date with bowel screening is an important way to stay healthy and strong for you, your family, and community.
Cat Program
Free - Cat desexing program
members who struggle with the high costs of desexing their cats. If you have anyone who may need some assistance with desexing and microchipping of their cats, please contact us. This is a non-enforcement activity.
We will happily include the first-year council registration fee for those who are happy to pay the renewal fee annually. Residents who do not wish to continue the registration can opt out for this option as well.
The process would be:
The community member makes contact provides their name address and phone numberthe cats details name breed, sex and approximate age.
I would then make the appointment at the vet and notify the customer of the date and fasting requirements.
I would collect the cat and transport to the vet for the appointment at approximately 8am on the morning of the surgery and return the cat back to the home once recovered from surgery, at approximately 3.30pm that same day. I would provide the recovery notes, desexing certificate
Those cats who participate in the free desexing would also be microchipped for free.
We are not offering just a free microchip – the desexing would come with the microchip.Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions at all.
