“Your gender doesn’t matter just try your hardest and keep practicing”
Kianah Batty
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.
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 our March Newsletter
Welcome to the March newsletter. This months newsletter is packed with great stories, loads of program information and I encourage all to take full advantage of what’s on o er.
So happy to see of our young people excelling at their sports –congratulations Kianah you are a role model. And Mason – keep running young man and keep inspiring others.
It seems we have a bit going on with activities with the Sista Girls group featuring as well as the youth group painting their deadly skateboards at both Horsham and Stawell. Naidoc is on the radar and we also Barney and his Auskick program and our amazing Koorie Supported Playgroups in both Horsham and Stawell.
Pamela Branson Board Director
Brandi Olsten Board Director
Most importantly it is Footy Tipping season – The season kicks of this week and our very own Goolum tipping competition is open – good luck to all the so-called experts and the rest of us hopefuls. Thanks to Rhys for organising the tipping (he’s in the hopeful’s category). Good to see new faces also being featured this month. Great to have Alicia back with us and we welcome Tim to help us sort out all the IT issues on site - noting he is already flat out! Flavia has included some beautiful pictures of the new hub, and we are now getting to the stage of final fit which is exciting. At our next board meeting we hope to announce a formal opening date. Ants.
Goolum Community HUB
The latest progress on our new Community HUB is truly coming to life, showcasing meaningful cultural elements that celebrate our heritage. In one of the gathering spaces, stunning ceiling lighting now depicts Bunjil the Eagle, a powerful symbol of wisdom and protection. The display area features a beautifully designed skylight, allowing natural light to enhance the space and create an inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, the conference yarning room is taking shape with unique hanging installations representing traditional bark canoes, honoring the rich history of our waterways and the journeys of our people. Each of these elements reflects the deep connection to culture and community that the HUB embodies, making it a place where everyone can come together, share, and grow.
Meet Kianah Batty:
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly 2024 Indigenous Sports Star of the Year
Breaking Barriers in Sport and Winning Big!
How did you feel when you found out you had won the Goolum Goolum Indigenous Award?
I was really surprised and proud! It felt amazing to be recognized for my e orts in sport, and it gave me even more motivation to keep pushing myself.
Can you tell us about your journey this year in soccer and football?
It’s been a huge year! I’ve had the opportunity to play both soccer and football at di erent levels, which has helped me grow as an athlete. Being part of di erent teams and experiencing new challenges has made me stronger and more determined.
Being the only female on your Horsham Falcons14 team must come with challenges—how do you navigate that, and what motivates you?
How do you balance training, school, and other commitments?
It’s definitely a challenge, but I try to stay organized and manage my time well. Having a good routine and support from my family helps a lot.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as an athlete?
To never doubt myself, keep my head up and look on the bright side even, if we are losing.
What is your next step in sport?
What was it like competing in the Southwest Victorian Football Representative Squad?
I’ve learned to focus on my game and prove that I belong on the field just like anyone else. My love for the sport and the support from my family and coaches keep me going. It was an incredible experience! Playing alongside some of the best players in the region pushed me to improve my skills. My team made to The grandfinal but lost by 1 goal.
I want to keep improving and hopefully play at an even higher level. Whether it’s soccer or football, I’m excited to see where the journey takes me.
What message would you like to share with other young girls who want to get into soccer or football?
Your gender doesn’t matter just try your hardest and keep practicing.
Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your journey?
My family, Mum and Dad has always been there for me, encouraging me every step of the way.
www.goolumgoolum.org.au
Picture:Meishy Newell, Kianah Batty and Aaliyah Batty
Introducing Our Yallum Yallum Elders and Respected Persons Council
Each month, we will shine a light on members of our Yallum Yallum Elders and Respected Persons Council, recognizing their invaluable contributions and leadership.
Through these stories, we aim to highlight the significance of their work and inspire others to step forward in guiding our Community in the Justice space.
Yuma Yirramboi
Community Consult Consult Employment, Training & Education
Goolum Goolum community members were invited to participate in the Yuma Yirramboi Initiative: Aboriginal Employment Action Research during February. An important project funded by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry & Regions (DJSIR). This initiative aims to support economic parity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians by developing region- specific culturally safe employment models.
Facilitators from Greenshoot Consulting were onsite, meeting with Community and sta in the Aunty Irene Room to share experiences and insights regarding employment, training and education for our community. This was an opportunity to have a voice towards a future State-Wide strategy and an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities to improve education & employment pathways.
Celebrating Sistas
Our Sistas from Horsham & Stawell enjoyed a beautiful session of creativity and connection, making stunning dreamcatchers! These workshops are more than just cra —they’re about celebrating culture, sisterhood, and community. Seeing everyone share skills, ideas, and encouragement was truly special. Big thanks to everyone who joined Celebrating Sistas – Dreamcatcher Workshop
Our beautiful Sistas group had a fantastic time playing Bingo & Salsa dancing, which is a fun new addition to their activities. They are planning to bring in Flavia in for some lessons next time.
Cat Clarke attended the Sistas Group to have a cuppa and a yarn about teaching future cooking classes.
We are loving having the young ones come together to support each other and have some fun. Goolum will be proud to have these displayed during this year’s NAIDOC Week, so make sure to keep your eyes out!
We are excited to be heading to Stawell on Wednesday 5th March for another skateboard painting session, then back at ‘The Station’ on Wednesday 12th March for a clapstick painting/burning session with headspace!
Early Learning
Expression of Interest
Tuning into kids is a weekly program that runs for 6 weeks and the main focus of the program is to come together and discuss ways we can respond to children’s emotions in a supportive way.
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
Tuning into kids works on emotional coaching, this means learning skills to support children to become aware of their own feelings and emotions and supports for them to be able to regulate, to a point of managing their own behaviours, and the best ways to put this in place within each individual’s home.
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 support to reflect or name emotions that are being experienced and if necessary to work through emotions and problem solve
The program has sessions based on naming emotions within children, how the child may be feeling in the situation and compares it to adult situations and strategies for now and ongoing.
The 6 Sessions cover:
1: How to raise emotionally intelligent children
2: Naming the emotion
3: Understanding your child’s emotional experience
4: Problem solving and self-care when emotion coaching
5: Emotion coaching your child’s anger.
6: Emotionally intelligent parenting now and in the future
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NAPLAN Information for Koorie Families
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F o r a p r e v i e w o f w ha t t h e t e s t l oo k s l i k e
c he c k ou t t he P ub li c de m on s t r a t i on s i t e
A ll s t ude n t s h a v e t h e r igh t t
GOOD CLEAN FUN
play. afl /auskick
noradjuha quantong auskick program IS YOUR CHILD WANTING TO LEARN THE GAME OF AFL?
Our ver y own Barney Harrison has been appointed the Auskick Coordinator at the Bombers and wants to help our deadly little aspiring footballers with their Football development . starting Thursday 27th March 2025 @5PM
Transpor t available Registration fee covered! Quantong Rec Reser ve
Family Services Programs at GGAC
Please contact S aman t h a D arc y
Please contact Kelly Britten
Please contact
Monique Emmett
Please contact Rhianna Peachey
Please contact
S harna Cockerall
kelly.britten@goolumgoolum.org.au
Individual and Family Therapy
monique.emmett@goolumgoolum.org.au
Kinship Care, First Supports and Play Therapy
rhianna.peachey@goolumgoolum.org.au
Tuning Into kids, Tuning Into Teens and Carer Network Group
sharna.cockerall@g
Mason’s Running Journey
Community Achievements
Mason’s passion for running began in July 2023 at the NAIDOC Day 5K run/walk, where, at just 7 years old, he completed his first 5K non-stop and won first place. Since then, he has been a dedicated participant at Wimmera River Parkrun most Saturdays, consistently improving his times and pushing himself each week.
Initially motivated by the idea of winning, Mason soon embraced the challenge of self-improvement. He recently set a personal best (PB) of 24:04—despite stopping to tie his shoelace! He has already completed 25 Parkruns and is on track to reach 50 by the end of the year.
Beyond the physical challenge, Mason enjoys the social aspect of running. He is well-known at Parkrun, cheers for fellow runners, and loves analyzing results, milestones, and photos from each event.
Q&A
with Mason
Why do you like running?
It keeps me fit, and I like getting faster. What’s the hardest part, and why do you keep going?
Getting a stitch when I run too much, but I keep going to get better.
Do you see yourself running as you get older? Any big goals?
Yes, I want to do a marathon or even more one day.
Would you encourage others to try running? Any advice?
Yes! Just keep going, and you’ll be able to do it.
Mason’s determination and enthusiasm for running make him an inspiration to others. With his dedication, we can’t wait to hear about his next amazing achievements.
Mason Kennedy at Wimmera River parkrum. Wimmera River parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, or volunteer. Every Saturday at 8:00am.
Brian Harrison becoming a qualified Division 1 nurse
Can you share your journey to becoming a qualified Division 1 nurse? What inspired you to pursue this career?
I have had a keen interest in health for many years, dating back to my early 20s. Watching family members deal with their health conditions and helping my Nan, Irene Harrison, navigate her health a er being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was when I first developed a deep interest in healthcare.
I began my journey by enrolling in a Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Healthcare Practice through VACCHO. This training allowed me to become an Aboriginal Health Worker at GGAC’s Health Clinic in 2013.
Name: Barney Harrison
Age 36
Hometown: Horsham
Mob: Wotjobaluk Nations
Position at GGAC:
Registered Nurse
A er embracing this new opportunity and gaining valuable skills, I wanted to expand my knowledge of health assessments and explore ways to manage and prevent the health conditions Indigenous people face. To achieve this, I enrolled in the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Healthcare Practice, which broadened my scope and enabled me to make a meaningful impact in my community.
A er spending seven years working as an Aboriginal Health Worker, I knew I wanted more.
Favorite AFL Team: Carlton Blues
Hobbies: playing guitar and singing, watching movies and spending time with my kids
I craved deeper knowledge about healthcare, so in 2019, I made one of the most significant decisions of my life—I enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing degree. I’m sure many people thought I was crazy, especially since I had just become a father for the first time in 2018. But I thought, what an incredible story it would be if I pulled it o .
Four years later, I welcomed another child, Daisy, into my family. I studied and worked through the COVID-19 pandemic, all while our community faced sorrow, including the loss of my father, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Despite these life-changing experiences and challenges, I can proudly say that, at the end of 2023, I completed my Bachelor of Nursing degree. I could not have done it without the unwavering support of my beautiful wife, children, extended family, friends, and colleagues.
What advice would you give to others considering a career in nursing ?
Nursing is a very rewarding career and I love that I am able to share and help my community as a health professional, and I would encourage anyone who has an interest health to pursue it.
Maternal and Child Health
Mum's and Bub's group in Aunty Irene's room was visited by Shelly Mumford from Nhill to share information about Hindmarsh's new Day Stay Program.
A parenting service linked with Tweddle Child and Family Health, o ering one on one support and education to help with parenting issues such as. Sleep and Settling, Nutrition, Parent Health and Wellbeing.
Parents and Maternal Child Health Sta can work together to build positive strategies and outcomes and promote thriving parents and children when back in their own homes.
Please reach out to the Early Parenting Practitioner on 0448 906 100 or hindmarshdaystay@wwhs.net.au
We are still taking pictures of our beautiful babies to proudly display on the Booari Wall in the Medical Clinic, If you would like your baby to be part of this special display , please call MCH Nurse number 0488 138 482 Wed or Thu or leave a message.
Medical Reception Clinic 5381 6301
Speech Pathology
Medical Clinic
Mary Jean (MJ)
Every Thursday alternates between Horsham and Stawell
