COVID-19: VOICES FROM OUR MOB - Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper. Since 1973 - Northern Land Council
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Northern Edition
June/July 2020 • www.nlc.org.au
COVID-19: VOICES FROM OUR MOB
Australia’s oldest Aboriginal newspaper. Since 1973. 1
NEWS NEWS
EDITORIAL
Land Rights News We are (still) all in this together COVID-19 and quotes from the bush: ‘We’re
Northern Edition is
published by Samuel
Bush-Blanasi for the
ALRA land do not require ALA permits. The permit system waiting it out in paradise’
Northern Land Council. provides a clear and documented mechanism for checking
authorisation to be on land, but at the end of the day is
Contributions essentially a formalisation of rights that private landowners Samuel Bush-Blanasi, NLC Chairman, told NLC
Land Rights News
welcomes stories and
everywhere have to exclude trespassers.
When it became clear that Australia was facing a
Full Council Members on 3 April:
photos about Aboriginal coronavirus pandemic, and that the NT was at risk along “This coronavirus is very dangerous. We’ve got to listen and follow the rules. Stay put in
people and organisations. with everyone else, the NLC made a decision to stop issuing your community to protect yourself and family from the virus. Don’t travel out of your
Editors non-essential permits. This was before the internal travel community.
restrictions in the NT commenced.
Leah McLennan
When the internal travel restrictions kicked in, the NLC “So you mob, keep a distance of a few steps away from other people. No hugging or
Robert Gosford (and the other three land councils) worked closely with the handshakes. And no sharing drinks or smokes. Stay on country, care for family.”
Contact NT government and the police to make sure that the health
protections provided for under the Commonwealth Health
media@nlc.org.au Minister’s Biosecurity Determination were effective. This
Cover photos included assessing applications for exemptions.
Glenn Campbell NLC staff worked tirelessly - many from home, many from
Back cover
NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour their offices out bush - to help more than 800 Aboriginal Lisa Mumbin, NLC Full Council Member, told
Chips Mackinolty A message from the NLC Chairman Samuel
remote residents travel to and from their communities and
outstations during the lockdown to sort out urgent family or NLC TV on 27 April:
medical business.
Layout Bush-Blanasi and CEO Marion Scrymgour Those NLC staff also issued more than 3,000 emergency
“Being home, being on country, living on our traditional food makes us safe and healthy
jenda27 always, so I’d like to pass on my message to be safe. We are doing well but for the safe
worker ALA permits to make sure that doctors, nurses, health side family, we need to look after our health.”
FOR us the past few months have been pretty tough. And we workers, police officers, Council workers and other essential
know it has been even tougher for our mob out bush. service providers could keep our remote communities Jawoyn leader Ms Mumbin has been working for decades advocating for Indigenous
NLC CONTACT DETAILS While it is good to know that we can all move around running and our communities safe from COVID-19. Territorians. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on 8 June 2020.
inside the NT and travel to see family we’ve been kept away This was particularly important in the early weeks of the
Northern Land Council
from for months and go to town for long overdue shopping Biosecurity restrictions, when the NT government had not
45 Mitchell St for our families, now is not the time to get slack about the yet developed its own essential worker form for processing
Darwin NT 0820 coronavirus and the disease that it causes, COVID-19. access applications.
08 8920 5100 The big issue overshadowing Reconciliation Week for Witiyana Marika, NLC Full Council Member,
2020 was the international focus on deaths in custody, 'Remember, stay on country,
www.nlc.org.au
radiating out from Minneapolis to countries outside the USA,
care for family.'
told The Guardian on 8 May:
Facebook including Australia.
@northernlandcouncil We should all remember that the recommendations of “We are all just waiting, waiting. The homelands are maybe two or three hours’ drive away.
the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody At that time it fell to the Land Councils to ensure that It’s very, very nice. And clean. And beautiful. We are just waiting, just living in paradise.
Twitter We are away from distraction. People are fishing, catching mud crabs, oysters, stingray,
@NLC_74 (RCIADIC) were extremely broad-ranging and were not our internal documentation ticked both the ALA permit and
mangrove worms – yummy! It’s their season now. We don’t need Woolies any more. Being
restricted to police and prisons but were meant to try and Biosecurity screening ‘boxes’. It was the Land Councils who
Instagram there brings peace and power. We can feel freedom there, peace and power. Whenever you
address the underlying causes of the high rate of Indigenous were vetting and facilitating essential travel and protecting
@northernlandcouncil feel tired from the day to day, that’s where the power is to regenerate your spirituality. We
arrest and incarceration, including dispossession of land. communities from COVID-19 infection. might not come back to Yirrkala.”
YouTube For many years after the RCIADIC report was handed down The NLC’s Regional Development teams based in
Northern Land Council in 1991, State and Territory governments used to routinely Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Timber Creek,
assess all kinds of policies and actions against the RCIADIC Borroloola, Jabiru and Ngukurr and at our main office in
recommendations checklist. Darwin have processed more than 3,000 Remote Emergency
SUBSCRIPTIONS The recent death in police custody of a young Aboriginal Worker permits for essential workers to travel out bush
man in Yuendemu highlighted that there is too much and between Biosecurity Act declaration areas to provide
To subscribe fill
out the online form
unfinished business in this space for the Territory, but community safety, medical and essential services work to Esther Bulumbara, Beswick
at www.nlc.org.au
the focus should not be just on how police interact with
Aboriginal people and communities.
keep our communities and outstations operating.
We want to thank Chief Minister Michael Gunner for
Traditional Owner, told The
In the Territory we need to take into account the valuable listening to and working with all of the land councils and Conversation on 24 April:
ADVERTISING (although limited) autonomy which many Aboriginal to also thank staff in his office - deputy CEO Andy Cowan,
Territorians enjoy due to the Aboriginal Land Rights Bridgette Bellenger and Bo Carne in particular - that did “Suddenly everything stopped. It was a great shock to the NT. We
Next publication (NT) Act (‘ALRA’). fantastic work with us and our NLC staff and members. We thought only that overseas mob would get that. But police said
date: August 2020 everything had to close. Government mob, shire.
The enactment of ALRA, as part of what was in the late also thank Dr Christine Connors and her staff at the Top End
Rates are at www.nlc.org. seventies a push for a national system of land rights was Health Service.
au/media-publications or the high point in a process which has for the most part The NT Police, with assistance from reinforcements from "It was lucky it was quick. If they didn’t know about it, it would
email media@nlc.org.au been underwhelming in terms of what it has delivered for have gone through the NT.”
the AFP, manned checkpoints throughout the Territory and
Circulation Aboriginal people in other parts of the country. ensured compliance with both the Biosecurity Determination
Pictured here are Crystal Bulumbara, Esther Bulumbara, Claire
At the heart of ALRA is the capacity to grant or deny entry and the ALA permit system.
4,500 print Smith and Nell Brown at Barunga. The women were interviewed
onto Aboriginal land. The significance of this property right Finally, we want to thank you, our mob, especially the for an article in The Conversation called Friday essay: voices
underpins the High Court’s Blue Mud Bay decision, and the traditional owners and custodians of Aboriginal land. from the bush - how lockdown affects remote Indigenous
method of implementing that property right is via the permit We were and always will all be in this together and communities different. Search for it online.
system (established under a piece of NT legislation – the for some time yet. And remember, stay on country,
Aboriginal Land Act (‘ALA’)). care for family.
Only Aboriginal people with traditional interests in
2 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 3
NEWS NEWS
Aboriginal Territorians are ‘significantly represented’ ‘COVID-19 is a reminder of how vulnerable
in disease outbreaks, but not COVID-19 we are’: Patricia Turner
While residents of the NT are ‘extremely have avoided widespread
lucky’ to have avoided community spread community transmission and Now more than ever we need a new
are enormously relieved and
of the virus, the Territory’s challenge now grateful,” she told ABC News.
national agreement in place to address
is to avoid becoming complacent, say NT “The great concern at this the needs of Indigenous people, writes
point is whether there is a
health experts. likelihood of a second wave
Patricia Turner.
of infection and whether this
IN the Northern Territory, Torres Strait Islander people, is a matter of ‘when, not if’. ONLY three months ago, Partnership Agreement
Aboriginal people are who make up 30 per cent of That is a major fear.” the Prime Minister stood came into effect in March
often over-represented in the NT’s population. Commonwealth up in Parliament to report 2019 between Australian
the health system — but Dr Heggie explained strict Biosecurity Act restrictions that the gap in mortality Governments and a coalition
it’s a different story for border controls, restriction applying to the Territory’s The ADF and police check cars at NT crossing points. Picture: rates between Aboriginal of nearly fifty Aboriginal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Health Organisation and systemically work with us
COVID-19, with official data of non-essential movement remote communities were Defence Media and Torres Strait Islander and Torres Strait Islander Islander people face arising community-controlled to re-build our organisations
indicating there have been into remote communities, lifted on 5 June. Strict social people and non-Indigenous community-controlled from years of unmet need. health organisations have a and communities and
no Aboriginal coronavirus mandatory quarantine distancing rules and hygiene with stage 3 of COVID-19 Aboriginal people living on Australians increased last peaks (Coalition of Peaks). It will establish formal strong formal relationship address the inequities our
patients in the NT to date. and physical-distancing protocols remain in place. restrictions easing in the NT. homelands and outstations year. Now, COVID-19 is an The Partnership Agreement partnerships between with governments; our people face is stark.
NT Chief Health Officer requirements had been The NLC and Central “Our mob living in remote in comparison to non- immediate reminder of just sets out shared decision governments and Aboriginal sector is well-established; This policy vacuum is why
Hugh Heggie said Aboriginal “highly effective” so far Aboriginal people. how vulnerable we are. making on closing the and Torres Strait Islander we know our people and the Coalition of Peaks was
Territorians were usually in slowing the spread of 'The great concern at this point is whether “Despite the fact that The coronavirus is a gap for the first time representatives across people feel safe to access formed and why we have
“significantly represented” in COVID-19 in the NT. there is a likelihood of a second wave of the intent of the biosecurity pathogen, but it is also a between representatives the country; strengthen our services. Together, we been continuing our work, in
most disease outbreaks. But, “most significantly”, measures was to protect diagnostic test being run on of Aboriginal and Torres our community controlled have been able to respond partnership with Australian
“Aboriginal people Dr Heggie said there infection and whether this is a matter of Aboriginal people — and Australia – and the results Strait Islander people and organisations to deliver the quickly and decisively to governments, to chart a
have a high risk of chronic had been no cases of ‘when, not if’. That is a major fear.' this was made clear by both are not good. Aboriginal Australian governments. services we need; make sure protect our people. meaningful way forward. The
disease and make up a high community transmission of the Prime Minister and the and Torres Strait Islander Through the formal governments are changing Likewise, the new National Agreement will
proportion of patients in the COVID-19 in the NT. Land Council backed the communities want to come NT Chief Minister from the people are at significant partnership, the Council of the way they work with us; relationships between be crucial to the post-crisis
health system in the NT,” Danila Dilba Health NT Government’s proposal into major centres to get start — there were elements greater risk of being Australian Governments and ensure shared access governments and Aboriginal reconstruction. There will be
he told ABC News. Service chief executive to lift coronavirus travel food, other essential items of the process that were profoundly impacted. (COAG) is working with the to data and information so Peaks Organisations in long term social, economic,
“It is not unreasonable to officer Olga Havnen said restrictions for remote and medical treatment they unfair to some Aboriginal The risk presented Coalition of Peaks on a new that our communities can the NT and the Aboriginal health and cultural costs
assume these patients are the Territory’s challenge communities on June cannot get out bush. We people, particularly those by COVID-19 reflects the National Agreement on make informed decisions
significantly represented in now was to avoid becoming 5, instead of June 18 as want to move about with our living on Community Living structural inequality that Closing the Gap. The National about our lives. 'Our organisations are best placed to
statistical evidence in most complacent and to remain originally scheduled. kids and family members Areas — those small areas already exists in Australia, Agreement will identify This pandemic has respond to this crisis and to drive progress
disease outbreaks.” ready for any future NLC CEO Marion without having to quarantine of land excised for the the direct result of years of shared priorities and actions shown just how important
Health groups have COVID-19 cases. Scrymgour said in mid-May for 14 days,” she said. benefit of Aboriginal people neglect, disinvestment and built around four priority those reforms are. Where towards closing of the gap. Yet, these are
warned those rates of “We consider that the she wanted the Biosecurity Ms Scrymgour said from very large pastoral failed policies. reforms to accelerate Aboriginal and Torres Strait the same organisations that have borne
disease make COVID-19 a NT and our community Act to be lifted on June the act “adversely stations,” she said. Thankfully, those three improvements to the lives of Islander organisations have
higher risk for Aboriginal and months ago in Parliament, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
the brunt of repeated funding cuts....'
are extremely lucky to 5, a date that coincided affected” the movement of strong existing partnerships
the Prime Minister also Islander people. with governments, we have Advisory Council of WA of the pandemic – all
US Navajo Nation loses elders and tradition to COVID-19 talked about a circuit-
breaker that he had
championed and had been
Once in place, the
National Agreement will
be a platform to address
been able to respond quickly
to the threats of COVID-19.
The National Aboriginal
has meant informed
responses to the needs of
our remote communities
areas fundamental to
closing the gap.
Governments must work
says. “How do we retrieve health care facilities across Christensen, Chief Medical put in place. A formal the structural inequalities Community Controlled impacted by the swift in full partnership with the
that knowledge that these 70,000 square kilometres Officer of Navajo Area Indian travel restrictions. The NT Coalition of Peaks to ensure
elders once knew now and many Navajo citizens Health Service, says they’re Coalition of Aboriginal Peaks that, as we emerge from this
that they have died with suffer chronic health issues a particularly “vulnerable has supported our young crisis, policies take account
those ceremonies?” like diabetes and heart nation” unable to heed people stay engaged in of the needs of Aboriginal
The Navajo Nation disease, according to the basic warnings. education; and the Victorian and Torres Strait Islanders,
is facing a unique set Aboriginal Executive Council strengthen our community
of challenges amid the 'You’re telling people ‘Wash your hands is making sure our kids can controlled organisations and
coronavirus outbreak. The for 20 seconds multiple times a day’ and continue to access early that a backwards step is not
nation, which straddles the childhood services. taken on closing the gap.
borders of Arizona, Utah they don’t have running water.' Our organisations are This pandemic should
and New Mexico, is home to best placed to respond galvanise our collective
about 175,000 people - and outlet, which puts those who “You’re telling people to this crisis and to drive efforts and sharpen our
The Navajo Nation has been hit hard by coronavirus. Picture: yet it has more cases of contract coronavirus at a ‘Wash your hands for 20 progress towards closing focus to the task of closing
National Guard COVID-19 than eight states, higher risk of severe illness, seconds and they don’t of the gap. Yet, these are the gap. Resolution from
according to The New the Centers for Disease have running water,” said the same organisations all governments for a new
IN Navajo culture to speak of medicine man Ty Davis, York Times data. Control and Prevention Dr Christensen. “Or you’re that have borne the brunt of National Agreement on
death is taboo. But since the who knows at least five Navajo Nation’s first (CDC) has said. saying ‘Go buy groceries for repeated funding cuts and a Closing the gap is needed
tribe’s coronavirus infection traditional practitioners positive case was reported Considering many two and shelter in place and roller coaster of policy and now more than ever.
rate has become the highest who have died from on March 17, and as of May residents have underlying don’t come out,’ but people administration changes.
in the United States, they COVID-19, told US media 30, there have been 5,145 health conditions and lack can’t afford groceries for two In this time of crisis, the
can’t help but talk about it. organisation NPR. cases with 231 deaths. basic necessities such as weeks. So it’s just a setup for absence of a national policy
“It’s killing every day,” “It put me into shock,” he The area has just 12 running water, Dr Loretta frustration and concern.” Patricia Turner is the Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks. platform for governments to
4 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 5
NEWS NEWS
NLC works with Coles to provide essential items to remote community members
COLES teamed up with the provided to residents across delivered to Elliott. leave biosecurity areas to to do everything we could
Northern Land Council and Darwin, Alice Springs and to NLC CEO Marion shop in regional centres has to provide some relief and
other Aboriginal corporations many remote communities Scrymgour said the been a priority for the NLC,” support to those lacking
and local charities in April to such as Santa Teresa, organisation was proud to Ms Scrymgour said. essential supplies.
deliver and donate food and Beswick and Elliott. work with Coles to bring “This action by Coles Unfortunately, we
grocery essentials to remote is exactly the right kind of know that many in the
Indigenous community 'This action by Coles is exactly the right corporate support for our communities have been
members impacted remote communities and the unable to leave their homes
by the COVID-19 crisis kind of corporate support for our remote NLC applauds Coles and its to access essential food
across the Territory. communities and the NLC applauds staff for this initiative.” and groceries at these
Coles NT team members Coles Regional Manager times,” Mr Clegg said.
prepared the care
Coles and its staff for this initiative.' - Daniel Clegg said his Coles is recognised
packages, which included Marion Scrymgour team was passionate as the largest corporate
fresh and tinned produce, about supporting remote sector employer of
pasta, rice, biscuits and In the NLC region, 240 these essential items to Indigenous communities Indigenous Australians,
breakfast cereals. Spring boxes – seven pallets – communities at Beswick who were severely with a total Indigenous
water plus toilet paper, were delivered to Beswick (Wugularr) and Elliott. impacted by COVID-19. workforce of 4,800.
infant nappies and sanitary (Wugularr) and surrounding “Making sure residents of “The current situation
items were also delivered. communities and a further Aboriginal communities stay in remote parts of the NT
The deliveries were 480 boxes – 14 pallets – were on country and don’t have to is critical and we wanted
Coles' Brodie Little, NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour and Coles Regional Manager Daniel Clegg. Picture: Charlie Bliss
Packing up the Coles truck.
NLC's Ashleigh Yanner and Nathalia Wauchope. Picture: Charlie Bliss NLC staff help out with boxes.
Kelly Raymond, Kesley Nish, Anthony Nish and baby Carlina Cooper.
Daniel Clegg, Deanna Kennedy, Samuel Bush-Blanasi, Brodie Little. Coles Casuarina store manager Brodie Little. Peter Farrell Jnr with a box of groceries. Tony Sandy, Marrazita Bill and Taylan Liddle.
6 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 7
NEWS NEWS
Know your rights: New NLC permit system to be a win-win for
traditional owners and permit applicants
Accessing pastoral leases and sacred sites in the NT process and streamlining land in the NLC region. non-essential travel to
access arrangements for “We want to ensure remote communities
permits, applicants will find our mob is kept to ensure the safety
the process faster and be safe from the risk of and protection of
properly informed about contracting coronavirus.” Aboriginal people in their
their obligations while on Tougher restrictions communities who were
Aboriginal land,” said NLC on access to remote very concerned about the
CEO Marion Scrymgour. communities took spread of COVID-19.
“At the same time, the effect on 27 March when Restrictions under the
permit reform undertaken by the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act were lifted
the NLC will allow traditional Government’s Biosecurity on 5 June. Despite this, the
owners to have a greater Declaration was introduced NLC continues to require
Signs warn visitors that they need a valid permit. say at the local level about under powers in the anyone who needs or wishes
setting conditions for access Biosecurity Act. Under the to access Aboriginal land in
BY MATT GREEN will provide improved and activities and granting
NLC visibility for the NLC, and revoking permits for 'The global coronavirus pandemic quickly
PERMIT REFORM MANAGER traditional owners, rangers their land and seas.”
and police about who is The permit reform team
brought into focus the importance of the
The law protects your rights to access your country in many ways. Picture: Bullo River Station, Tourism NT THE NLC is launching a coming onto Aboriginal will be continuing the NLC’s permit system as a means to know
BY CATH MCLEISH
new online permit system land and waters, and more process of engaging with and control who is on Aboriginal land.'
as you find them, keep clear Sacred Objects from damage that will allow the NLC to comprehensive rules traditional owners to set the
NLC SENIOR LAWYER
of mustering and cooperate and interference. manage permits to enter about what visitors can do terms and conditions that restrictions, anyone other the NLC area to complete
THIS time of year, you might with reasonable requests It is a criminal offence and remain on Aboriginal when they visit. will be applied to visitors than essential service a COVID-19 declaration.
think about getting back from the pastoralist. for someone to interfere land more efficiently, while The new system also accessing their country. workers wanting to enter a For the foreseeable future,
onto country and visiting Under s 38(5) and (6) of with Sacred Sites or Sacred ensuring the privacy of will allow the NLC to gather The global coronavirus remote community had to permits will be issued with
your sites. What if your the Act, interfering with the Objects, no matter who communities, homelands important information, such pandemic quickly brought self-isolate for 14 days prior, specific conditions about
country is part of a pastoral 'full and free exercise' of your owns or leases the land. and sensitive areas. as trends in visitor numbers into focus the importance of including residents wanting hygiene, separation and
station? Well, there’s good rights (such as telling you to Interference can be by Since the late 1970s, when and compliance hotspots. the NLC’s permit system as to return home. what visitors should do
news: the law protects change your plans, or locking the person entering a Site, the Aboriginal Land Rights This information will give a means to know and control On March 14 the if they have symptoms.
your rights to access your you out, for example) is a working at or using a Site, Act (NT) came in to force, traditional owners greater who is on Aboriginal land in NLC’s Executive Council For any questions: permit.
country in many ways. criminal offence. or damaging the Site or any non-Aboriginal person control in managing visitor the NLC’s region. had already stopped project@nlc.org.au
Sacred Object. Someone who accessing Aboriginal land numbers and their activities. “The coronavirus
The NT Pastoral Native Title breaks this law is at risk of a for work or recreational For permit applicants, pandemic shone a spotlight
Land Act Do you have a Native Title maximum penalty of 2 years’ purposes has had to the improved system on the need for traditional
All pastoral stations claim or determination over jail. If you want a Pastoralist possess a valid permit. will provide a clearer owners to know exactly
(‘pastoral leases’) in the NT your country on a pastoral to help you to protect a Site, The NLC administers the and more streamlined who is accessing Aboriginal
are governed by the Pastoral station? Native Title law you might discuss this with permit system for most experience and in the land, and for what purpose,”
Land Act. Section 38 says says that Aboriginal rights to them first. It is also a good of the Aboriginal land in future it will provide more said Ms Scrymgour.
that Aboriginal people county and pastoral leases idea to put your request in the Top End of the NT, information about directions, “For the foreseeable
have rights to access the ‘co-exist’, meaning both writing. The NLC or AAPA can a process that involves distances and points of future, the NLC will continue
station, to go anywhere that sides share the country. help with this. checking applications, interest, be they historic, to impose specific COVID-19
Aboriginal law allows. ‘Native title holders’ are Top Tips for visiting country setting conditions and geographic or cultural. permit requirements on
This means that you legally entitled to enter the on a pastoral station: monitoring compliance. “By moving permits anyone who applies for a
can access any area where station, including to hunt The new permit system from paper form to a digital permit to access Aboriginal A permit is required to access Aboriginal land in the NT.
you are a traditional owner, native animals, look after [ Call the station before Know your rights. Picture: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo
jungayi / kulyungkulyungbi, sites, camp, have cooking you go, to let them
or have other connections fires and take plants,
know you’re coming
and check that gates Inquiry into food pricing in remote communities
ROYALTY ENQUIRY
or permission from the right water and ochre.
won’t be locked. This
people under Aboriginal law. Legally, you are free to
can help to build a
The Act says you can do enjoy the country in all the good relationship. The Federal Parliament has launched an inquiry into food prices
things including accessing ways Aboriginal law allows. Do you have a payment
natural water sources, Again, to co-exist with
You can discuss any in remote NT communities.
changes to the country disbursement (royalty) enquiry?
hunting for food or ceremony the pastoralist, make sure and how to care for “THERE have been significant and the effect of supply consult with communities,
and taking plants for your visit doesn’t interfere it, and if you have car contact NLC Royalites Hotline reports of very high food and chains and local businesses community stores and
food or ceremony. You’re with the cattle and pastoral trouble, someone will grocery prices in remote on the cost of food. The supply chain businesses
free to camp, swim and
conduct ceremony.
work. If you have questions,
you can speak with NLC’s
know you're there! 1800 769 2589 communities and issues
around the secure supply of
inquiry will also look at the
role of regulators in dealing
and Government agencies
to determine if Indigenous
The restrictions are that native title team. [ If they don’t know about Visit us at 45 Mitchell Street in Darwin fresh food,” said the Chair with the situation.” communities have
your rights, tell them
you leave a buffer of 2km or email us at of the Indigenous Affairs “I strongly encourage access to reasonably
to the homestead (unless The NT Sacred that you will bring this Committee Julian Leeser MP. Indigenous people and priced healthy food.
the pastoralist agrees) and Sites Act NLC article to ex- AnthropologyRoyaltyDistribution@nlc.org.au “The inquiry will look people in the food industry to For more information
plain the law, or they Products in remote community shops can cost more than
that you don’t interfere with The Sacred Sites Act at the situation in remote make a submission.” visit www.aph.gov.au/
can call the NLC. double the price of city supermarkets. Picture: Flickr
the cattle - so leave gates protects Sacred Sites and Indigenous communities, The Committee will IndigenousAffairs.
8 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 9
HISTORY HISTORY
University of Sydney seeks help with NT photos ‘We live on our land, we love it, we are nothing
The University of Sydney is seeking
assistance in identifying the content of
without it’: Galarrwuy Yunupingu’s historic speech
about 1200 images from NT. On 10 November 1977, former Chairman of the Northern Land Council,
THE photos are of of the anthropologist,
Galarrwuy Yunupingu , presented this speech to the National Press
individuals, landscapes and Professor Adolphus Peter Club Luncheon in Canberra. The speech is historic. It possibly marks
ceremonies from places (AP) Elkin. Elkin’s field notes
such as Areyonga, Bagot, and research papers are
the first time than an Aboriginal Australian was accepted into a
Beswick, Delissaville, Elsey, included in the University’s European Australian meeting place, where journalists listen to
Goulburn Island, Haasts Bluff, Anthropological Field
Hermannsburg, Mainoru, research and Teaching
political and international leaders.
Maranboy, Roper River, Records 1926 - 1956, which
Tandandjal, Warrabri, Wave are listed on the UNESCO
Hill and Yirrkala. Australian Memory of the
Many of the images World Register.
have only their general Other photographs
location identified, for within Elkin’s papers, which
example, ‘Arnhem Land’ or have been described, are
‘NT’. Most of the images of from the Kimberley and
people do not identify the South Australia. There are
individuals photographed. also photographs from
The University of Sydney Queensland, NSW and certain
Archives intends to provide to Pacific Islands.
the relevant communities a For more information A group of Aboriginal and European women, men and children gathered outside a building, possibly
descriptive list and copies of please contact the University a school. NT. University of Sydney Archives.
any images claimed by them. of Sydney Archives via
The photographs are the email: university.
within the personal archives archives@sydney.edu.au I spoke this in Gumaitj, in 1976 gave us more land in the amended. More than six has done to the land, and an outstation called
Australian, in one of the NT than the whole State of months ago we wrote to the the holes and the pollution, Peppimenarti. So far this
languages of Australia. I Victoria. It was a big advance Minister about it. and the big buildings and Aboriginal company has
spoke it like this for my own in our Government’s thinking. Four months ago the noise of the heavy branded 9,000 cattle,
people, the Gumaitji people But now, as Chairman of the in Darwin the Minister vehicles, they were shocked. trucked hundreds to the
and other people in Australia NLC, I must tell you that the said he would act They thought that the hole meat works in Darwin and
who will be listening today. Government has failed to within two months. was going to be small, but Katherine, and exported 400
Now let me speak it again in do what the Parliament told He still hasn’t acted. The when they actually saw it live to Hong Kong.
the English language, which it to do almost 12 months land is still not ours. If the it was too big. I have told you this
is only my second language ago. In law, we still have Government will not act, Last month helicopters story because you must
and it is difficult for us. Land no land. We have no title to the NLC demands money from Tipperary Station, understand how we feel
Rights were born in 1963 at any land. People we don’t from the Government which is owned by Sir when our efforts are
Yirrkala in Arnhem Land, like come onto our land and to hire surveyors to get Frederick Sutton, a motor car being frustrated by the
where I too was born – and stay on our land, and we on with the job. dealer who lives in Sydney, Government which can act
my father, Mungarrwuy, and cannot get them off. For example, I took two trespassed on Aboriginal with vigour to meet the
other clan leaders lodged How would you feel if land at Daly River, and took needs of Darwin people after
a claim on behalf of the your home was invaded by 'How would you feel away several thousand Cyclone Tracy and to meet
A group of women, men and children and one European man stand around a man wearing a Gumaitj people and our strangers and you couldn’t head of cattle which the needs of miners on our
breastplate / king plate / gorget. Elsey, NT. University of Sydney Archives
if your home was
mother clan, the Rirratjingu get rid of them? belong to an Aboriginal land. Why can’t it act with
people, whose leader was We are bitterly invaded by strangers company call UNIA. vigour to meet our needs?
Milirrpum. It was a petition, disappointed by the and you couldn’t get I would call that stealing Of course, we will get
written on bark, to the Government’s laziness and and so would you, I’m sure. the titles eventually. But
Parliament in Canberra. inefficiency. More than three
rid of them?' But the land is not yet legally remember how much our
It was rejected at that years ago Judge Woodward land owners of the Ranger ours, so it is not stealing. people have suffered over
time, and so in 1971 was said that Aboriginal land country where uranium The law cannot help us, only the years from betrayal and
our appeal in court before should be owned and is being mined, or will be our friends in the Darwin broken promises. Is it any
Justice Blackburn, when we looked after by Land Trusts. mined, the two brothers, Toby Trades and Labour Council wonder that they are anxious
claimed the minerals under He said he accepted our Majandi and Jimmy Gangali, who have put a ban on and fearful now, still with no
our land, as well as our land, Council’s advice. across to Gove where bauxite Sutton Motors and all cattle land? So families and clans
and tried to stop the mining More than six months is being mined already, to from Tipperary. suffer. But now I can feel the
and spoiling of our land by ago Judge Fox said the show them what mining is So the laziness rising spirit of our people,
Nabalco. So that was in Land Rights Act should be all about, because they were and inefficiency of the the same spirit, which
English for our European amended to allow Aborigines told that mining will take Government is damaging moved the Gurindji to walk
Australian brothers and registered title to their land, place in their country, which a vigorous company of off Wave Hill in 1966. We are
A group of men standing in a row. Tandandjal, NT. A version of this image featuring the same men is
sisters who have given us so even though its boundaries involved uranium. I took Aborigines, led by Aboriginal patient people. But we are
published in NWG Macintosh's March 1952 Oceania article as Plate I (A) with the caption,
"Twenty natives at Tandandjal, of whom 15 are full Djauan; the remainder are Djauan-Ngalpun and much of our land at last. were not surveyed. But them across to Gove and Harry Wilson, who left determined. *To be cont. in
Djauan-Yangman". University of Sydney Archives The Parliament’s the Parliament has risen here when they actually saw Daly River Mission about the next Land Rights News.
Aboriginal Land Rights Act of and the Act has not been the damage that Nabalco five years ago to set up
10 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 11
LEARNING ON COUNTRY LEARNING ON COUNTRY
Strong start to the year for Learning on Country Bawinanga Djelk internship program growing
(LoC) Program the next generation of rangers through
CORONAVIRUS restrictions meant students in the LoC Program spent more time in the class room. Now
everyone is looking forward to getting back out on country, writes LoC Program Coordinator Shane Bailey. Learning on Country
Before the coronavirus Training (VET), Conservation Homelands and at Barunga; significantly affected the best to engage students The LoC Program is unique in that it defines a pathway to employment in Indigenous land and sea
turned the world upside and Land Management feral animal management on-country delivery of and maintain some stability
down, the new school (CLM) training, first aid works with exclusion LoC Program activities. amid the anxiety that all
management thereby ‘growing’ the next generation of rangers and traditional custodians to work and care for
year saw a strong start to courses and cultural fencing installation at Coordinators’ travel to some communities have felt their country, writes LoC program coordinator Shane Bailey.
Learning on Country (LoC) bush-craft workshops all Maningrida; and marine sites was impossible and during the coronavirus
activities across all of proudly supported and debris collection and all site camps and day trips lockdown. During the first
our program sites. delivered by rangers, school identification at Umbakumba were postponed. term holidays, instead
During term one LoC cultural staff, teachers and and wetland and horticulture Where possible of taking leave, the LoC
students were engaged in a traditional owners. studies at Milingimbi. coordinators have adapted coordinators chose to stay
wide range of cross cultural Specific activities From mid-March up their program to focus on put to ensure community
educational activities, included: plant identification until now, coronavirus class room activities and wellbeing and the
Vocational Education and surveys on the Yirrkala travel restrictions have CLM studies, doing their continuation of the program.
Cedric Ankin celebrates his year 12 graduation at Maningrida with LoC program coordinator Alex Ernst.
Barunga School student identifying plants. In nature's classroom studying plants. Students from Barunga School studying outdoors.
THE LoC Program is always her passion. School into a career with by teachers, rangers, in both the Western and
unique in that it defines Both Cedric and Grestina Bawinanga Djelk Rangers. cultural advisors, trainers Aboriginal society.
a pathway in Indigenous have participated in the Jonah is amongst a group and LoC coordinators, The LoC Program
land and sea management. LoC Program since middle of eight ‘Maningrida LoC ensures participating operates on the primacy of
A great example of this is school, where their passion graduates’ who over the last LoC students are able to Indigenous ownership and
in Maningrida, where the to be rangers was apparent is guided by the governance
Bawinanga Djelk Ranger in their participation in LoC 'Last year Cedric completed Year 12 and of an Indigenous Steering
internship program supports activities and completion of Committee. It employs over
LoC students transition into Certificate I in Conservation he is now employed as a ranger intern.' 150 part-time Indigenous
full time ranger work. and Land Management cultural staff in the delivery
Last year, Cedric Ankin (CLM). Their commitment to two years have completed complete their Year 12 NT of local activities.
celebrated his year 12 the LoC Program has never their Cert II CLM, first aid Certificate of Education and The LoC Program is
graduation at Maningrida and wavered, as both Cedric qualification and got their Training (NTCET). funded by the National
he is now employed as an and Grestina commenced learner drivers’ licence. The LoC Program is now Indigenous Australians’
intern with the Bawinanga their Certificate II in CLM Maningrida has another four being delivered at 15 remote Agency (NIAA) and is
Djelk Rangers. Grestina and the Bawinanga Djelk senior students currently Indigenous community managed by the NLC. LoC
Wilson is currently in her internship program. participating in the ranger schools in partnership with funding ceases in December
senior year at Maningrida Cedric and Grestina have internship, however Cedric local ranger groups. The 2020 and the NLC’s LoC
school is also on the been well supported by the and Grestina are hoping Program has almost 1000 team is working closely with
internship program working LoC coordinator, rangers to transition into full-time student participants who NIAA to ensure timely advice
with the Women Rangers. and their school teachers. ranger employment within are engaging in culturally about ongoing funding
For Grestina, daughter of They are also mentored the next month or so. responsive learning activities for the program.
long-time Senior Ranger by former student Jonah The integration of that develop their skills, For information contact
Greg Wilson, working and Ryan, who two years ago classroom and on-country knowledge and confidence LoC Program Manager Anna
LoC Program Coordinator Harry Thorman with students on the Yirrkala Laynhapuy Homelands. Senior students from Yirrkala Homelands working in class.
caring for country was transitioned from Maningrida activities, supported to walk strong and proud Morgan, MorgA@nlc.org.au
12 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 13
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Five year strategy for Community Planning and Tech key to keeping ancient Malak Malak
Development Program tongue alive
THE NLC’s Community of their own income to proof of that is traditional
Planning and Development community projects. Over owners choosing to invest Traditional owners have funded the the group’s community The app is now available 300 words and phrases,
(CP&D) Program is just over a quarter of that money more money and committing development work, said it’s for access by the Malak such as conversational
three years old. It started in has been planned and will to more community
development of a language app containing so important to preserve the Malak traditional owners. phrases like ‘what’s your
2016 when NLC’s Full Council deliver 32 community-led development,” said Dr over 300 words and phrases. It’s now language and hand it on to Matthew Shields, a name?’ (Wari ni eyiny?) and
set the direction to work with projects. A third of those Lorrae McArthur, Manager of the next generation. Malak Malak traditional region specific words, like
Aboriginal groups interested have been completed, and the CP&D Program.
available on the Google Play and App store. “We needed to capture owner and Working Group Banyan tree (puenyu).
in planning and managing the remainder are at various “We have learnt a lot the language while the member, was one of the first Over 200 new illustrations
their own development stages of delivery. along the way. So, it is timely MANY years ago visitors to fishing value payments to Aunties are still alive, to to download the app when were created for the app
using income from their land Projects are strongly to reflect on some of the the NT’s Daly River region community development. keep the language and Malak it was released. to reflect the people and
use agreements. focused on sustaining challenges and gaps that may have heard the Malak Early in this journey the Malak clan strong, and to “This is the first time culture, as well as the flora
The Program uses an language and culture, we have faced along the Malak language being Malak Malak group identified pass it on to our children,” we’ve seen our language and fauna of the region.
eight step process that increasing local job way, as well as build on the spoken. These days that their priorities as preserving said Joy Cardona. on websites … I feel Dr Hoffmann said
builds group capacity opportunities, connecting Program’s strengths and would be a rare experience, culture and language, and Dr Hoffmann began really happy, I can hear it she’s delighted to see the
in delivering projects elders with youth and opportunities.” given native speakers are in increasing recognition of working on a vocabulary over and over.” app come to life.
that support their local getting family out on country The NLC has engaged short supply. You can count The app is organised “I hope it will help
aspirations into the future. by making outstations independent consultancy the number of fluent Malak 'We needed to capture the language while into 22 lesson categories, this beautiful language
Since starting, the CP&D liveable with running firm Social Ventures Malak speakers on one hand. including my family, animals to thrive and gain new
Program now works with water and shelter. Australia to develop a Besides some grammar the Aunties are still alive, to keep the and useful words and so interest,” she said.
Aboriginal groups in eight “A huge amount has been strategic plan, it will be work undertaken by a language and Malak Malak clan strong, on. It contains around
locations across the NLC achieved in a short time. ready later this year. researcher in the 1970s, there
has been limited focus on
and to pass it on to our children.'
Benigna Bunduck Dooling (in yellow) and NLC's Anna Yeo. region. Those groups have The value of our work is
committed over $7 million being realised by groups, the preserving and revitalising
Galiwin’ku elders hard at work for the community
the language. Then in 2012, their belonging in the region. builder app, using existing
Dr Dorothea Hoffmann, Projects undertaken so far technology from The
a linguist with nonprofit include culture camps and Language Conservancy.
HAVE you noticed more funded six community projects are going. organisation The Language an interpretive sign project Her work involved visiting
support for young people benefit projects, pouring “It’s important to hear Conservancy, began for the Daly River region. Wooliana to meet with the
around Galiwin’ku in the last about $1.3 million into how things are going, working on documenting The group also set a goal native speakers.
few years? Have you seen their community – what what has been done,” said and recording the Malak of developing a language With project support
extra raypirri camps, youth a contribution. Working Group member Malak language. learning mobile app, in order from the NLC’s Community
diversion activities, and law “This is maynmak Geoffrey Gurwanawuy. For four years Malak to inspire the production Planning and Development
and justice work happening? way using money for The group gave feedback Malak traditional owners of teaching and learning team, two trips were made
All of these activities are community… one mind, to each of the partners have been working with the materials to help preserve to Wooliana between
a result of traditional owners one djama. We are who deliver the projects. NLC’s Community Planning and revitalise their language. September and December
coming together to do working and benefiting the Galiwin’ku traditional owners and Development Program, Malak Malak traditional 2019, to review words and
projects that support young community,” one traditional want to make sure the allocating a portion of their owner Joy Cardona, who images, ensuring accuracy in Nicole Brown, Joy Cardona and Jamie Damaso show young Josh
people. Using ‘community owner explained. projects continue to deliver income from NT Government is closely involved in the app’s development. Brown how to use the Malak Malak app.
benefit’ money from the Top In February, the important outcomes.
and Bottom Shop leases,
traditional owners have
planned and funded projects
representative Traditional
Owner Working Group -
Galiwin’ku Community
They are already looking
forward to planning the
next series of projects so
Native title holders take refuge at Marralum
that are making a difference. Gungayunamirr Mala – had together they can continue THE last issue Land the water supply to the check the water filters.
Since 2017, Galiwin’ku a meeting in Galiwin’ku. to drive positive outcomes in Rights News reported on outstation dried up. Once the water was
Galiwin'ku children participating in the funded youth program.
traditional owners have They looked at how all the their community. the upgrade of Marralum Fortunately, the water supply flowing, family members
Outstation in the Victoria could be fixed through the came from town and back
‘We’re happy with the project’: New ablution
River District, just on the NT Government’s outstation to the outstation. They got
border of Legune Station. essential services program. out of town just before
The upgrade was funded
block at Ngukurr Church through the Project Sea
Dragon Land Use Agreement
with native title holders
'I brought all my family out here to stay
until the virus has passed and everything
THE Ngukurr Church has a traditional owners identified project and they chose and managed by NLC’s is back to normal.' - Maurice Simon Snr.
new addition that traditional the need for an ablution partners to construct the Ngaliwurra Wuli's Keith Mutton, Marralum resident Marcus Hall. Community Planning and
owners are proud to say block so that public facilities. Now their plans Development team. Outstation resource the coronavirus pandemic
they made happen. amenities were available for have become reality and The upgrade of the centre Ngaliwurru Wuli started to close in.
“We did the planning these important occasions. the toilet block can be used outstation included new sent a team from Timber “I brought my mother
and its happening,” said Traditional owners for years to come. solar power, water supply, Creek, who found the bore and my sister and all my
a Milwarapara-Yutpundji decided to work through the Traditional owners are air conditioning, kitchen was silted up. After blowing family out here and we will
traditional owner. NLC’s Community Planning satisfied with their work. and wash house facilities. the silt out of the bore the stay out here until the virus
Ngukurr Church is and Development Program. “The toilet project is good,” Following the repairs, the water flowed again. The is passed and everything
a popular place that They used their own income said one traditional owner. Simon family moved back to team completed repairs on is back to normal,” said
often hosts big events. from land use agreements Marralum last year. the outstation and showed Marralum community leader
The new loo at the Ngukurr Church is ready for action. Marralum Outstation in the VRD. Picture: Sarah Duguid
Milwarapara-Yutpundji to plan the public amenities After a few months Marralum residents how to Maurice Simon Senior.
14 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 15
Community Planning
and Development
Program in action Gapuwiyak traditional owner Thomas Marrkula and
waku (newphew).
Traditional owners planning and doing projects
South East Arnhem Land IPA planning community development projects.
Nyomba Ganda\u and Gaylene Garruwiwi, Community of Practice Forum Alice Springs. On country at Rak Papangala, east of Palumpa.
Minjin family members at their new outstation.
Diminin traditional owners on country sharing stories. Walter Rogers workshops community development projects in Ngukurr.
Ngukurr Community Planning and Development Working Group: Eddie Tapau, Damien Sailor (observer), Callus Tapau, Janita Ponto (proxy), Rayleen Woods, Samantha
Woods (observer).
The traditional owner funded painting crew at Gapuwiyak take a break from their day of paid work. Malak Malak traditional owners, Puliima 2019 Indigenous Language Conference. Galiwin’ku community members and NAAJA write reference letters for court.
16 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 17
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Outstation can serve as safe haven from virus threat ‘I haven’t been there since I was a kid’: Diminin
outstation project, east of
Palumpa community.
can continue to look after
their outstation. traditional owners visit sacred sites
Early this year, the NLC’s The outstation also DIMININ traditional owners the project. Traditional Geraldine Kolumboort said my father was alive was sacred sites project.
Community Planning and now serves an additional from the Thamarrurr Region owners decided to partner she hasn’t visited certain a long, long time, maybe I “This work aligns
Development Program purpose – as a safe haven have been visiting important with indigenous owned sacred sites near her Wadeye was 15 years old.” with what we as an
(CP&D) team visited for the Minjin family cultural sites – some of Thamarrurr Development home since she was a girl. “My father and I went indigenous development
the outstation with the with the current threat which they haven’t been to Corporation (TDC) and the “We went up to Mimal up there and see where corporation have made a
traditional owners to see of coronavirus, or any for decades. The traditional Thamarrurr Rangers who where that dreaming the honey bee mother bee commitment to,” said TDC
how the house had fared future viruses that might owners have used their own have been coordinating pandanus. We went up there dreaming site. It’s good to go CEO Tobias Nganbe.
over the wet season. pose a risk to residents of money to make the trips the visits and assisting and up to where milky way back there. See the country “TDC works to
“Whilst there are a few remote communities. happen, and are collecting with documentation. support healthy country
minor issues needing to be Current homelands information that will be Thamarrurr ranger Peter 'Make you feel like happy' - through the Thamarrurr
fixed, the outstation itself is residents living in Wadeye stored in a database for Sheldon and six traditional Geraldine Kloumboort ranger program, which
in good order for the family have been encouraged in future generations. owners - Patricia, Geraldine, provides local jobs and
to live there over the dry recent months to return to The NLC’s Community and Norma Kolumboort, dreaming start, and we up in the hill, something like meaningful work on
season,” said Senior CP&D their outstations to help Planning & Development Anna and Concepta Karui, went up to another place to spirit country. country and the support of
Officer Anna Yeo. with social distancing and Program has been working and Loretta Tunmuck - see the honeybee mother “Make you feel like traditional land owners in
The family have also set isolation measures; and so with Diminin traditional travelled to several sites bee,” she said. happy,” she said. the expression, engagement
aside money for ongoing the Minjin family outstation owners to help them near Wadeye last November. “I haven’t been to this TDC said they are proud and conservation of
repairs and maintenance, is all set up to help serve this plan and coordinate Traditional owner place for long time. When to be supporting the Diminin Thamarrurr culture.”
partnering with West Daly purpose now too.
Regional Council so they
The Minjin family's outstation near Palumpa community.
THE Minjin family have 'Coronavirus has highlighted an
realised their dream – to unexpected perk of having a family
live on country, in their
new home, completed last outstation - a place to
October. Now coronavirus wait out a health crisis.'
has highlighted an
unexpected perk of having track, bore, tank, and a base for the family for many
a family outstation – a house. By setting aside generations to come.
place to wait out a health income from their gravel “Before we used to
crisis, where you can extraction agreement the spend on other things
keep your mob safe. Minjin family from the Rak that don’t last… it’s a good
Geraldine Kolumboort (third from left) and family are visiting important sites. Diminin traditional owners visit sacred sites.
The family outstation Papangala traditional owner thing to have Land Council
Unique camps are supporting young Yol\u people
project included group created outcomes help,” Wally Minjin said
constructing a new bush they want and value, a home as he reflected on the An outstation can serve as a place to wait out a health crisis.
NLC's housing team pushes for housing wins GALIWIN’KU traditional
owners have funded a
rightful dreaming. Reminding
the kids of the real Mälarra
know that being on country
presents opportunities to
Murru\ga, that’s the best
way,” said Jonathon. “Those
NLC’s CP&D team is
supporting traditional
governments, commits $1.1 and standard of remote and investment. series of on-country camps dreaming, leave it where it pass knowledge onto the children get healthier, the owners with project
billion of funding over five housing and aims to Land Councils are that teach kids the Yol\u is. On the island teaching next generation. country gets healthier and I planning so Aboriginal-
years to the 73 remote NT reduce overcrowding in responsible for engagement way and culture. how to hunt and cut it and “What we’re doing in feel healthier too.” led development projects
communities and 17 Alice Aboriginal communities between the NT and Raypirri camps (respect eat it. The kids come back become a reality.
Springs Town Camps. across the Territory by a Commonwealth Government and discipline camps) that very healthy,” said traditional
Over the life of the combined 22 per cent. agencies and Aboriginal aim to help young people owner Jonathon Roy.
agreement, the total capital It also intends to increase residents in their regions connect with elders, country During the raypirri
works to be completed Aboriginal employment and regarding housing needs and Yol\u culture have been camps young people learnt
is equivalent to 650 participation of Aboriginal and reforms, this includes held on Murru\ga Island, part language and practical life
three bedroom homes - business in the construction a review of the housing and
through either additional and maintenance of leasing models. 'Those children get healthier, the country
or replacement houses. community housing by 40 Our Engagement Officers
In total, this equals an to 42 per cent over the life will be back on the ground gets healthier and I feel healthier too.'
A recently upgraded home. Picture: NTG additional 1,950 bedrooms of the agreement. soon to talk with and support
split between extension The four NT Land traditional owners and of the Crocodile Islands. skills, he said.
DID you know the The team, made up of existing houses and Councils (Northern, Tiwi, Aboriginal organisations Traditional owners “I’m taking kids to family
of three officers, was construction of new houses. Anindilyakwa and Central) in communities and partnered with Milingimbi islands and lands, and
Northern Land established to monitor The agreement commits each have a function on the homelands, which will better Outstations Progress teaching the names [for
Council has a the implementation of the two governments Joint Steering Committee place the NLC to inform Association for logistical places]... they’re really happy.
the National Partnership to working together to ensure housing is policy reform and monitor support to deliver six Teaching them when you in
Remote Housing Agreement on with Aboriginal people delivered in line with the the implementation of camps involving 45 young the islands you will survive
Engagement Unit? Remote Housing NT. to improve health and frameworks developed the National Partnership people between July and with fire, fish, collecting,
The Agreement, between physical outcomes through under the agreement and Agreements on Remote October last year. making a fire, making shade.”
the NT and Commonwealth increasing the supply to monitor the outcomes Housing and Closing the Gap. “We are lifting up the Traditional owners Gerald, Jonathan and Millie Roy. Picture: Michaela Spencer
18 Land Rights News • Northern Edition June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au June 2020 • www.nlc.org.au Land Rights News • Northern Edition 19You can also read
