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.
November, 20232023 October,
Tehya Clarke Making Waves
I
n the heart of Hindmarsh, a vibrant addition to the lifeguard team is not only ensuring safety at the local pools but also
inspiring the community, particularly the younger generation, to pursue their aspirations without hesitation. Meet Tehya Clarke, a First Nations woman, whose recent start as a lifeguard at Hindmarsh Shire Pools is already making waves. Tehya Clarke reveals that her motivation to become a lifeguard was rooted in a desire to acquire new skills and secure summer employment. "This role aligns with my personal aspirations of wanting to help people and be a friendly face people can recognise," she explains. As a First Nations woman, Tehya sees her role as more than just a job. She envisions it as an opportunity to inspire those who may feel apprehensive about pursuing certain jobs or believe they lack the necessary skills. "I hope that the community feels safe when wanting to swim at the pools in the Hindmarsh region with the lifeguards who are working there," she expresses. "I want to inspire the younger generation into expanding their skills and trying out lots of different jobs to gain experiences." Tehya Clarke, a newcomer to the lifeguarding profession, shares her aspirations for her career, emphasising her commitment to understanding every aspect of the lifeguard role. "My goals as a lifeguard are to grab the ropes and understand all the aspects of lifeguarding, getting very good at identifying what needs to be done," she states. Returning to the profession next summer is a top priority, along with honing her skills to effectively scan the pool and assist anyone in need.
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Beyond ensuring safety, Tehya
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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.
Dear Goolum Goolum community, I'm thrilled to share the success of our recent Wimmera River Challenge, a joyous gathering that united Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families for a day of cultural celebration and connection. Despite the wet weather, the event exceeded expectations, highlighting the strength and unity within our community. Ants, Goolum CEO
In addition, Goolum Goolum has been honoured with a Tidy Town's Award for our impactful
HAND UP event. This recognition underscores our commitment to addressing mental health stigma and fostering open, supportive conversations. HAND UP has not only won awards but has played a vital role in creating a safe space for mental health discussions. This achievement is shared among our dedicated community members, volunteers, and staff. As we celebrate, let's reflect on the strength within our community. These successes are a testament to our unity, resilience, and commitment to a brighter future. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these achievements. Wishing you continued strength and joy.
Christmas Closure Information Hi all,
As we are fast approaching the Christmas break we’d like to remind you to make sure you have enough scripts to ensure you don't run out of medications over this time.
We will be closing at lunch time on Thursday the 21st of December and re-opening Monday the 8th of January 2024 (We will be organising enough webster packs over this period too).
All the best, The Clinic team
2 Goolum Goolum News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au
The rain couldn’t stop community connection
Tehya from page 1 recognises the broader impact lifeguards can have on
want to just make a difference in people’s lives, build my
community well-being. "Lifeguarding can make the
skills up in life, and be able to be a person people feel
community feel safe to swim and be in a place where
comfortable and happy around."
there are friendly faces and people looking out for you," she says. "I hope to get to know most of the regular patrons and be a person they can feel safe around."
As Tehya Clarke embraces her role at Hindmarsh Shire Pools, it is evident that her dedication to community safety and creating a welcoming environment will leave
Tehya Clarke is not only ambitious within the pool area
a lasting impression on pool-goers and inspire those
but also has broader aspirations outside of work. "I
around her. Her journey as a lifeguard extends beyond
aspire to become a secondary school teacher, which I
the pool deck—it's a commitment to inspire and uplift,
am going to study for next year," she reveals. "I also
both in and out of the water.
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D
espite adverse weather conditions leading to the cancellation of water activities, last Friday's Wim-
mera River Challenge at Dimboola Rowing Club was a resounding success. The community converged for a day filled with engaging activities and a delightful community lunch. Despite the change in plans, the spirit of togetherness prevailed, showcasing the strength of the community bonds.
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"3% Our People": Local Aboriginal Youth Tackle Over-Incarceration in Australia Through Music
I
n a stirring musical collaboration, local
The Presets add an anthemic quality to the track, turning
Aboriginal youth Makayla and James Handy
the chorus into a rallying cry for solidarity against the
join forces with artists Angus Field, Dallas Woods, The Presets, and Nooky in the music video "3% Our People."
systemic injustices faced by Aboriginal people. The accompanying music video, featuring Makayla and James Handy, provides a visual narrative of protests,
The song sheds light on the critical issue of over-
resilience, and the clash of Aboriginal culture against
incarceration faced by Aboriginal communities in
societal misconceptions.
Australia.
"3% Our People" not only serves as a musical anthem
The lyrics dissect the impact of Westernization, the
but also as a call to action, demanding society's attention
perpetuation of false narratives, and the historical
on the over-incarceration crisis.
trauma of the stolen generations.
The collaboration urges collective efforts to dismantle
Dallas Woods and Nooky contribute razor-sharp verses,
systemic barriers and inspires hope for a future free
while Angus Field's lines express a determination to
from the historical shackles that have burdened
protect future generations from enduring the same
Aboriginal communities for generations.
struggles.
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HAND UP an Award Winning Event
I
n a dazzling celebration of sustainability and community commitment, the Keep Australia
Beautiful VIC recently concluded its 2023 Tidy Towns & Cities Sustainability Awards.
inclusive space for the community. Accepting the award, staff from Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the importance of addressing
Among the shining stars of the event was the Goolum
mental health challenges within the Indigenous
Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative, which not only secured a
community.
nomination but emerged victorious in the Indigenous Culture category for its outstanding contribution to community well-being.
They highlighted the success of the HAND UP Event in fostering open conversations and building a supportive network that empowers individuals to seek help without
The cooperative was recognised for its innovative and impactful "HAND UP Event," a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues within the Indigenous community.
fear of judgment. The Indigenous Culture Award not only acknowledges the achievements of Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative but also shines a spotlight on the broader efforts to create sustainable, resilient, and beautiful communities
The 2023 HAND UP event also showcased and celebrated cultural resilience, emphasising the strength that comes from connecting the community as one. Among the highlights were traditional dancing
across Victoria. The event's success is a testament to the cooperative's commitment to fostering positive change and promoting mental health awareness within the Indigenous
performances that not only entertained but also served as community. a powerful expression of cultural pride and resilience.
As we celebrate the winners and finalists of the 2023 Tidy
The HAND UP event also featured a vibrant barbecue
Towns & Cities Sustainability Awards, Goolum Goolum
hosted by the Horsham Lions Club, bringing people
Aboriginal Cooperative stands out as a shining example of
together over delicious food and reinforcing the
how community-driven initiatives can make a lasting
importance of communal bonds.
impact, not only in creating a cleaner and more
The Keep Australia Beautiful VIC organisers commended Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative for its exceptional
sustainable environment but also in fostering the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
dedication to promoting mental health awareness and
The HAND UP Event serves as an inspiration for others to
cultural strength.
follow suit, encouraging a collective journey towards a
The HAND UP Event, in particular, was lauded for its
more sustainable, resilient, and beautiful future.
effectiveness in breaking down barriers surrounding mental health discussions and for creating a safe and
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Embracing Culture Through a Lens
W
e're excited to share the incredible
more than just pixels; it's a reflection of the rich history
journey of our local Aboriginal and Torres
and deep connection that our local Aboriginal people have
Strait Islander youth who recently embarked on an with the land. unforgettable camp with the Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative —Gulgurn Manja. These talented young photographers set out to capture the beauty of Wotjobaluk Country, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking.
During the camp, our youth had the incredible privilege of being educated by Elder Uncle Ron Marks. His wisdom and knowledge about the local culture, places of cultural significance, and the history of the Wotjobaluk people in the Wimmera region left an indelible mark on all who
These stunning images showcase the natural wonders of
attended. These moments were not just about
Mitre Lake, Wimmera River and more in the heart of
photography but also about preserving the stories and
Wotjobaluk Country. The essence of these pictures is
traditions of our ancestors.
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Courtside with Melbourne United
A
group of Indigenous youth
mentoring side of things that you
For participant Jandamurra
from Wimmera made their
come together as one community,
Lauricella, the Koori Academy has
way to the city for a day of a
one Mob,” Uncle Ricky explained. For
been an adventure that goes beyond
lifetime, not for a game, but for
him, the significance of sport goes
the court. "People that don't really
a court appearance, all in
beyond the court. "If I didn't have
get to do this stuff and get out of
preparation for the upcoming
basketball, I would have followed my
their house and learn about
Melbourne United Indigenous
uncles into prison. Because I was a
basketball, the game that they love,"
game.
disengaged young man and sport
he expressed, reflecting on the
was my savior."
broader impact of the initiative.
their home, the group was not only
Now passionate about providing
"It's been an adventure really; Uncle
presented with a chance to step onto
opportunities and a safe, stable
Ricky has taught me a lot," he
the court, but they were also
pathway for young people aged 4-17, added. "Koori Academy is great for
Away from the familiar landscapes of
equipped with packs of essentials and Uncle Ricky emphasised the
all because we get to learn new
kitted out for the occasion. The
transformative power of sports in
things like to dribble and bounce pass
initiative aimed at showcasing the
redirecting the lives of disengaged
and chest pass."
importance of engaging and
youth.
promoting positive experiences for these young individuals.
The Koori Academy, a collaborative
Robyn Lauricella, the Aboriginal
effort between the Koori Academy,
Liaison officer for Horsham Police,
Victoria Police, and Melbourne
“We’re making generational change,” stressed the importance of socialising United, aims to rebound from emphasised Uncle Ricky Baldwin, the
and well-being for the children
setbacks and assist others. Since its
driving force behind the Koori
involved. "This is just an opportunity
launch in 2018, the initiative has
Academy. His academy brings
to get out and interact with our mob
engaged thousands of children across
together Aboriginal and Torres Strait
and just be there and support them
Victoria, not only improving their
Islander children from low socio-
as well."
basketball abilities but also enhancing
economic backgrounds, offering them the opportunity to play basketball and, more importantly, to shape their futures positively.
Horsham Police's Matt Olston added, "We are approachable. We're just other members of the community. They can talk to us and break down
“You’re making them feel valued,
some historical barriers that have
that they’re important, that
been there for a long time."
their life skills off the court. It stands as a testament to the power of sports and community collaboration in shaping a brighter future for the younger generation.
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