LEST WE FORGET - CONISTON MASSACRE 1928-2018 - FREE - Central Land Council
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October 2018 volume 8. number 3.
LEST WE FORGET
CONISTON MASSACRE 1928-2018
BILBY BLITZ RESULTS WHO WILL YOU SEND TO TJANPI DOG STARS IN FILM
REVEALED CANBERRA?
PG. # PG. #
ISSN 1839-5279
NEWS
EDITORIAL
Land Rights News Central
Australia is published by the
Scullion’s CDP tweaks are no vote winner
Central Land Council three WITH an election in the wind enterprise development in
times a year. all eyes are on the Northern communities.”
The Central Land Council Territory seat of Lingiari, Mr Snowdon said Labor
where sitting Labor member agrees that a new program
27 Stuart Hwy
Warren Snowdon is being “similar to the old and loved
Alice Springs challenged by the Country CDEP” is needed.
NT 0870 Liberals’ Jacinta Price. The APONT’s alternative
tel: 89516211 Both major parties are model ticks that box and
www.clc.org.au already campaigning in the has also been costed by the
vast electorate and are on the National Centre for Social and
email media@clc.org.au lookout for election winning Economic Modelling.
Contributions are welcome policies (see p.4). NATSEM found that
If the mood among CLC the proposed job creation
delegates is anything to go by, initiatives would bring
the federal government’s work down poverty and boost
SUBSCRIPTIONS for the dole scheme doesn’t employment.
seem to be one of them. “It would reduce the
Land Rights News Central
The punitive and discrimi- population-wide poverty
Australia subscriptions are
natory scheme, also known rate in affected regions from
$22 per year. as CDP, isn’t promising 22.7% to 20.1% and lift the
It is distributed free of to be a vote winner in the employment rate from 48.2%
charge to Aboriginal bush, despite some tweaks to 57.8%,” she said.
organisations and the Minister Nigel Scullion Nigel Scullion defended his work for the dole scheme at Barunga. “Implementing our model
communities in Central has made in the wake of would cut the gap between
Australia. sustained criticism from The Aboriginal peak attractive to employers,” Ms non-Aboriginal and remote
across Australia. organisations of the Territory, Douglas said. Aboriginal employment rates
To subscribe email APO NT, have built a strong “Participants would work 20
“The 6,000 new subsidised by a third.”
media@clc.org.au and growing national alliance hours for the minimum wage
jobs the government The CLC has been
or call 08 8951 6215 around an alternative to the plus on costs and could earn
announced will not allow at the forefront of the
people to escape the inflexible, CDP. top-up, so it’s much closer development of the proposal
ADVERTISING top-down scheme even if
employers take up all these
The alliance had the model
costed and contnues to lobby
to the old CDEP but with
improvments,” she said.
and is disappointed that
the government is not
subsidies,” the CLC’s policy the Labor party to sign up to “In addition, our alternative supporting it as a chance to
Advertise in the only
manager Josie Douglas said. it. program would help 1,500 fight increasing poverty and
newspaper to reliably “Our Aboriginal-controlled young people through six
reach Aboriginal people “Many employers in remote unemployment.
communities are unlikely model would deliver 10,500 month work experience
in remote Central new subsidised jobs that placements and redirect the
Australia. to do so because the wage Continued p.5
subsidy earns them too little would keep people employed $25 million entrepreneurship
Next publication date: money and is too short term.” for longer and is more fund to support social
April 2019
Rates are at www.clc.org. Descendants of the Coniston survivors and
perpetrators call for national commemoration
au/land-rights-news OR
email: media@clc.org.au
OR call 8951 6211
FOR a young Liza Dale-Hallett year 12. That was the first in August, Northern Territory Photo: Dwayne Ross
it was a shock to find out one bombshell. police commissioner Reece spoke at Yurrrkuru.
COVER evening that her grand uncle “Whereas my twin brother, Kershaw apologised on behalf
led one of Australia’s worst he tells me that our father of the force.
mass murders. shared it with him when he “There was no excuse or
The official record of the was still in primary school. justification for what occurred
1928 Coniston Massacre, a No-one talked about it.” here 90 years ago,” he told
series of killings north-west of The official inquiry into the the gathered crowd.
Alice Springs, puts the death Coniston Massacre found that “I’m sorry for what
toll at 31, but descendants of has occurred.”
those killed say the figure is “There was Chair of the
more likely around 100. Central Land Council
The massacres followed no excuse or Francis Kelly wants
the murder of dingo trapper
Fred Brookes at Yurrkuru,
justification for massacres like
Coniston around
Willowra women
and girls at the
or Brooks Soak, by local what occurred here the nation to be
Aboriginal man Kamalyarrpa remembered during
90th anniversary Japanangka or Bullfrog. 90 years ago.” a public holiday.
commemoration of the Mounted police constable “It’s like Anzac
Coniston Massacre at George Murray then gathered the killings were committed Day, like memories of
Yurrkurru (Brooks Soak). a group of men who over a in self-defence or during the people who’ve been in
periods of months shot many acceptable course of police war,” Mr Kelly said.
local Aboriginal people. duty.
Constable Murray admitted But CLC executive member Continued
CLC MEETINGS to killing 17 himself – in
self-defence.
Teddy Long, a traditional
owner of Yurrkuru, said
p.15.
24-25 October “I didn’t know anything the massacres helped the
personally,” his great niece settlers tighten their grip on
Executive
Ms Dale-Hallett said. Aboriginal land.
Alice Springs “It didn’t enter my “People got shot at all the
13-15 November awareness until, I think as a water holes – they got shot
Council meeting family, we were watching a and those springs were
Place to be confirmed television documentary on taken over for cattle and
Coniston and they mentioned Yapa were pushed off
12 December George Murray and all the their country.”
Executive ducks lined up and I said, ‘Is During the comme-
Alice Springs that our uncle?’ moration of the
“And yes it was and I was 90th anniversary
probably doing year 11 or of the massacre
2 October 2018
NEWS
Why is it important to tell the truth about the past?
Michael Liddle
Alice Springs
“We get to know how and why we got
in this situation by recognising what
happened back in the past.
It is important to know where we
come from, how it happened.
Knowing the truth could have changed
the way people treat each other and
could have helped with all the ugliness
that history has created.
With the story being told we will
understand why we are in this
predicament right now.”
Shirley Dempsey
Urlampe
“I don’t think people are aware of
Sydney Campbell how many have been massacred. In
Iwupataka the 70s, they (family) were mustering
cattle and they rode up on a line of
“It has been passed down from old people that have gone skeletons of Aboriginal people chained
now, but that story remains with us and we are going to carry around the neck and legs and they all
it on. It makes it easier for everyone to understand. There are had bullets in their skull. That was
lots of people out there who don’t know about the massacres. really sad. We never heard anything
They think everything is normal, but it is not, because we about it until they were discovered.”
still have it in our hearts and that’s gonna be explained to
the young people so we keep that strong.”
Caroline Dickinson
Alekarenge
“We need to know what happened
because if we just walk around and
do nothing, we won’t be able to know
what happend to those old people who
were living on this land. Not just here
but everywhere.”
Jacinda Hayes
Ti Tree
“Because this is the story about our
land and our people.
We want our children and other
people to know the truth. Indigenous
and non-indigenous people.
Leslie Marshall Our land would not be taken away
Yuendumu from us if we knew the truth.”
“We need to speak the truth and what’s in the heart. What
happened in the past is the past, we remember and repect
it and it affects the future. Celebrating is great because it
brings communties together. Everyone. It is not about black CENTRAL LAND COUNCIL ONLINE
and white, we come all together, we get to know each others’ Website Digital archive Facebook
differences, each other’s strenghts and weaknesses, we get www.clc.org.au http://clc.ara-irititja.com @CentralLandCouncil
along and we can fix the problem together.”
You can also contact us : FREECALL 1800 003 640 | info@clc.org.au
October 2018 3
NEWS
Who will get your vote at the next election?
The Coalition government’s leadership circus in Canberra means the election could be just around the
corner. We asked the two major parties’ candidates* where they stand on issues that matter to you.
Jacinta Price Warren Snowdon
Country Liberal Party (CLP) Australian Labor Party (ALP)
Do you support changing “I support any moves that ensure the Land Rights Act “Labor will only support changes to the Land Rights Act
the Aboriginal Land Rights continues to act in the best interests of traditional that are agreed to by the traditional owners through their
Act and, if so, why and owners. Both I and many of the communities I land councils. We will not support changes that do not
how? engage with are not at all confident that the CLC is have this agreement and support.”
operating transparently and in the best interests of
the traditional owners.”
How will you support “The distribution of royalties is a matter for “The decision by Aboriginal people to invest their royalties
Aboriginal people who traditional owners and we will empower all in this way is one for them to make and has my absolute
chose to invest their traditional owner groups to make decisions in their support. Aboriginal people have seen the positive impact
royalties in community best interests. The Commonwealth is working with of their decisions supporting community development
driven projects rather land councils to ensure royalty distributions don’t initiatives. The Warlpiri Education and Training Trust
than opt for individual have negative impacts on communities, including (WETT) is a very good example of this approach.”
distributions? ensuring payments are made during school holidays.”
How will you contribute “The Commonwealth has already accepted and “The NT government has a $229 million package of works
(including financially) to agreed to fund all of the recommendations for to prevent children and families from entering the child
the full implementation of which it is responsible. As a proud Warlpiri woman protection and youth justice systems. Labor believes
all recommendations of in a federal Coalition government I‘d work hard to that the Commonwealth should make a contribution to
the royal commission into ensure the Gunner government and Territory Labor meeting the costs of implementing the recommendations.
youth detention and child deliver for Territorians and deliver their end of the We are working with the NT government on this and will
protection? bargain too.” be making announcements before the next election.”
How will you reform “I’ll support any solution that ensures less sit-down “Labor is working with Aboriginal people and organisations
the punitive and money and moves people into jobs. The Coalition to design a new scheme to replace the current CDP
discriminatory work-for- government has returned many of the positive scheme which unfairly punishes Aboriginal people. Labor
elements of CDEP and is now creating 6,000 accepts the need for a new program that is similar to the
the dole scheme, aka the subsidised jobs as part of the CDP reforms.” old and loved CDEP and will announce what we believe a
CDP? new program should be before the next election.”
What will you do to “The federal Coalition has already doubled the “A Labor government will provide over $230 million over
increase the number of number of rangers since it came to government in five years to double the number of Indigenous rangers
Aboriginal rangers and 2013. It was in fact the Coalition government that under the Working for Country program to over 1600 full-
created ranger groups and we are investing a record time equivalent rangers. We have made this commitment
ranger groups? amount in rangers groups. I am very confident that a number of times and it will be met if we are fortunate
this support will continue far into the future.” to become the government after the next election.”
What will you do to “The federal government has recently agreed to “Labor accepts the need for the long term provision of
ensure the federal a five year $550 million housing deal with the NT housing and other infrastructure for Aboriginal people
government continues to government. This is record funding for the Territory in the NT beyond the next five years. We are talking
and will see $1.1 billion invested to significantly with the NT government and Aboriginal organisations
invest in new community reduce overcrowding in communities. The focus of about this long term need and will be making further
houses and housing this investment will be local jobs, local contracts and announcements before the next election.”
infrastructure beyond the local decisions.”
next five years?
* The Australian Greens are yet to select a candidate for the seat of Lingiari for the federal election.
4 October 2018
NEWS
Community development champions
go head to head for governance award
TWO Aboriginal groups as sports facility upgrades, since
that invest their royalty and 2012.
lease income in community The WETT has supported
development projects are lifelong learning projects for
finalists in Reconciliation Yapa for more than a decade.
Australia’s Indigenous In 2017-18 alone, it invested
Governance Awards. almost $6.7 million in 14 new
Alekarenge’s community lease community-driven education
money working group and the and training projects in
Warlpiri Education and Training Yuendumu, Lajamanu, Willowra
Trust have been recognised and Nyirrpi.
for the great work they’re That’s on top of 21 ongoing
doing in their communities as projects ranging from
Three judges, including Professor Mick
Dodson, will visit Alekarenge and
Yuendumu next month to find out more.
finalists in the category for non- community learning centres
incorporated governance groups. and early childhood activities to
Both groups work with youth diversion and leadership
the Central Land Council’s training.
community development team Three judges, including
on projects that help young Professor Mick Dodson, will visit
people. Alekarenge and Yuendumu next
Alekarenge has invested its month to find out more.
community lease income in The winner will be announced
youth media, driver training and at an awards ceremony later this
school holiday initiatives, as well year.
Graham Beasley is very proud of Alekarenge’s youth projects.
Human wrecking ball swinging
by a community near you!
“THE First Nations asked the kids fail to go to school.
government for a voice and So what are the chances
we get Tony Abbott”. that boosting school
In the chorus of Aboriginal attendance will become the
voices condemning the one positive achievement of
appointment of Tony the former self-appointed
Abbott as ‘special envoy’ ‘Prime Minister for
for Aboriginal affairs this Aboriginal Affairs’?
assessment by Senator Look no further than his
Patrick Dodson nailed it. track record:
The appointment by • Cut $500 million from
new Prime Minister Scott Aboriginal programs (2014)
Morrison is an attempt to • Claimed people living in
prevent the man known remote communities are
“Our Aboriginal-controlled model would deliver 10,500 new subsidised jobs,“ said CLC policy manager Josie Douglas. as the human wrecking making a ‘lifestyle choice’
ball from undermining his (2015)
From p.2 “However, the government of sustainable new jobs and government. • Backed the rejection of
“According to the 2016 said it will now apply the upskilling locals to move into Mr Abbott said he will the Uluru Statement that
census, the employment penalties to the bush from jobs currently done by non- focus on school attendance called for an Aboriginal
rate in our communities February. This will further Aboriginal people.” in remote communities. voice to parliament (2017)
has declined, while poverty entrench poverty.” “Importantly, people with He already made it known
has increased,” CLC policy By contrast, the APO NT’s serious long-term health that he will be looking into Cartoon by David Rowe
manager Josie Douglas said. alternative model would problems or disabilities penalties for parents whose
She said families out bush give communities a real say would be supported to parti-
are most worried about the
new penalty regime that will
come in next year.
“The government will apply the penalties
Penalties slapped on people to the bush from February.
out bush have escalated
sixfold and one in five people This will further entrench poverty.”
under 35 (20 per cent) have
dropped out of the system. about local targets, levels of cipate voluntarily rather than
They haven’t moved into obligations and penalties. to be forced.”
work, but are being supported “It would remove financial “These initiatives would
by their already struggling incentives for providers to help to close the gap in
families. penalise participants,” Ms life expectancy, health,
“At first, remote CDP Douglas said. employment and education
participants were promised “It would also shift the outcomes between
that they would be exempt focus from short term our peoples and other
from the tough new penalty results to long term positive Australians.”
regime,” Ms Douglas said. impacts, such as the creation (see also p.7).
October 2018 5
NEWS
Next council meeting to ABA Outstation
decide on outstations
Project
CENTRAL LAND COUNCIL who know their place well,” priority outstations chosen by Canberra Government eligibility rules
members are preparing to consultant project manager the delegates in November to
make some big decisions about David Jagger said. talk with more residents about (outstations that are allowed to get project funding)
their outstations at the year’s “Still, this is a big job, with so each outstation’s major needs. • Outstations that are there now –
last council meeting at Bonya many outstations spread over This is to help them prepare
near the Queensland border. some very remote country.” applications for some of the
NO new outstations
Delegates will decide at At the August council ABA funding and send them • Where people live or visit often
the meeting, to be held from meeting near Yuendumu, to Canberra.
November 13-15, which of the delegates had lots of questions “Most of the applications will • Where people are ready to work with CDP
region’s 300 outstations get a about the project, such as who be for up to $150,000,” Mr • Where any funding can be spent within 12 months
chance to benefit from a one- would decide how much money Jagger said.
off $15.75 million grant from would go to each region. “The government will then
the Aboriginals Benefit Fund. Mr Jagger prepared options check if the applications meet Canberra Government funding criteria
The grant is too small to for the CLC’s October executive its eligibility and funding (will be checked before funding is approved)
meeting to assist in deciding the criteria before contracting
“This is a big job, number of priority outstations organisations to do the work. • Benefit: can this outstation help with jobs,
with so many that will get a chance to share
the project funding in each
“By then, it’s a government
project entirely, no longer a
local businesses, education, health and safety?
outstations spread region. CLC project, with the actual • Need: can it show it needs the things it wants?
over some very That might mean an equal
share for each region or
works expected to start within
12 months of government
• Capacity: can it help support the things it wants
and look after them?
remote country.” a proportional share, or a contracting.”
combination of both options.
help all outstations, because if In November 2017, council
it had to be shared among all, resolved that the process for
each outstation would only get choosing the outstations must
an amount that would be too be open and fair, stretch the
small to do anything decent funding across the whole
with. CLC region and make the
That’s why, at the next employment of locals on
meeting, delegates will repair and upgrade works a
consider information collected top priority.
by the ABA outstation project The project must also follow
and then choose around 100 the Canberra government’s
priority outstations to get a rules.
share of the grant. “We’ve been trying to talk
By mid September, the small with outstation resource
project team had consulted centres, CDP providers and
people from more than 200 other organisations to see
outstations during information who is ready to do the work
sessions held across the CLC’s that priority outstations might
nine sub-regions. want done with this funding,”
These sessions have been Mr Jagger said.
explaining the project to people “It will be up to the federal
and gathering information government to sign up the
from them about their organisation to lead the work.
outstations. It has indicated local Aboriginal
“Of course we can’t and employment is a government
don’t need, at this stage, to priority too.”
speak to every person for each Early next year, outstation
CLC delegates decided on the process for the outstation project in 2017.
outstation; just one or two project staff will return to the
VOTE 2019
Who do you want to represent your region?
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
JOSIE DOUGLAS ON 08 8951 6212
6 October 2018
NEWS
Lack of royal commission progress hurts
FALLOUT from the Royal Commission and lawyers who work for Aboriginal
into the Protection and Detention of people in the front line within the court
Children in the Northern Territory system,” Mr Lawrence wrote.
continues with one of the agencies “These criticisms apply only to the
responsible for representing children people in senior management and
in the justice system accused of falling above who are making and pursuing
into line with the government at the this policy for these organisations.”
cost of improved outcomes. The focus of the Aboriginal Peak
Writing in the Northern Land Organisations NT (APONT) is to
Council’s edition of Land Rights ensure the Royal Commission’s
News, high profile Darwin barrister recommendations and achievements
John Lawrence said that in the past 10 are not lost with inaction.
years the North Australian Aboriginal NAAJA has left the alliance over a
Justice Agency, or NAAJA, and other difference of opinion about the best
non-government organisations have way to achieve this but has said it will
become too cosy with the government. continue to work with the APO NT.
“Over the past decade, such bodies One issue close to the alliance’s
have chosen to become embedded heart is raising the age of criminal
within the establishment which responsibility to 14 years, in line with
continues to jail Aboriginal people international standards.
at ever increasing numbers,” Mr The NT government has only agreed
Lawrence, who once worked with to raise it to 12 years, and then only by
NAAJA, wrote. 2021.
“Whether they’re motivated by self- Outside the notorious Don Dale (L-R) Matthew Littlejohn, Olga Haven and Rodney Dillon protested outside Don Dale. Photo:
interest or genuinely held beliefs really detention center in August, Olga Amnesty International
doesn’t matter. Havnen, from the Danila Dilba Health
“The point is that in 2018, not only Service, protested with human rights, the royal commission.
will it not achieve justice for Aboriginal legal and health advocates for change. “It would seem from what we’ve
people, it actually perpetuates the She said jailing 11-13 year old children seen to date, and particularly with
growing injustice towards them.” flies in the face of the latest science the increasing number of incidents in
NAAJA, which has absorbed the about when the brain matures. Don Dale, that perhaps things aren’t
Central Australian Aboriginal Legal “A high proportion of children who working as well as they should be,”
she said.
“Locking up young kids does enomous damage to Some Central Land Council delegates
are beyond impatient with the NT
the children, their families and their communities. government’s lack of progress halfway
Just because they have broken the law does not through its term.
At the council’s August meeting
mean they deserve to be broken by the system.” delegates put NT Aboriginal Affairs
Service, has defended itself against Mr come into contact with the justice
Minister Ken Vowles on the spot.
“We are not happy with how Mr For ceremony
Lawrence’s claims of it falling silent on
Aboriginal justice issues.
system have experienced trauma,
which is often the cause of offending
Gunner is treating our children,”
Sabella Turner said.
support please call
“Issues are being presented, and behaviour,” she said. “They are being traumatised. They
need to be on country where they can
89516257
we’re working with the department to “They require support, education and
address those issues and hold them diversion, not incarceration,” Barrister be taught discipline. We need to protect
them.” 1. ALICE SPRINGS
to account,” Chief Executive Priscilla Matthew Littlejohn added.
Atkins told the ABC. “Locking up young kids does Mr Vowles promised to pass on the Aaron Kopp,
“We only go public if it needs to go enormous damage to the children, their council’s displeasure to the boss and 89 51 6264
public. families and their communities.” agreed it’s “not good enough” that every
“If the outcome we’re trying to “Just because they have broken the single child in detention in the NT is 2. SOUTH WEST
achieve we can achieve by working law does not mean they deserve to be Aboriginal. Vacant (Jesyjames),
directly with the government agencies broken by the system,” he said. In September, the government 89 51 2255
and with ministers, that’s the pathway Amnesty International’s Rod Dillon announced it will invest $455,000
we’re there for.” said: “If a 12-year-old child isn’t old to upgrade the Mt Theo Outstation,
allowing the Warlpiri Youth 3. NORTH WEST
Mr Lawrence, however, wrote that the enough to have a Facebook account,
collaborative approach is not working. they are not old enough to be shackled Development Aboriginal Corporation to Vacant (Jesyjames),
“I can’t stress enough that the writer’s with a criminal record.” continue their youth diversion program 89 51 2255
criticisms here do not apply to the Ms Havnen told the ABC that for at-risk young Warlpiri people, on
daily heroics performed by the grossly Aboriginal people are becoming country. 4. TANAMI
underresourced administrative staff impatient with the lack of change since Tyrell LeRossignol
89 51 6314
5. WEST
Vacant (Jesyjames),
89 51 2255
6. TENNANT CREEK
Darryl “Tiger” Fitz,
89 62 2343
7. EASTERN
SANDOVER
Jesyjames Carr,
89 56 6255
8. EASTERN PLENTY
Richard Dodd,
89 56 9722
9. CENTRAL
CLC policy manager Josie Douglas and AMSANT CEO John Patterson fought the discriminatory and punitive work for the dole scheme in Canberra. Michael Turner,
Dr Douglas gave evidence before a Senate committee in September that, if the Coalition government’s CDP bill passes, people in the bush will be
hit with tough new penalties from February. She said the penalty regime would create even greater financial hardship.
89 56 8658
October 2018 7
NEWS
Knowledge swap sows seeds of ranger exchange
RANGERS from Ltyentye The Martu women knew
Apurte (Santa Teresa) and Utnerrenge (Emu Bush), but
local elders have teamed up use it differently. The vistors
with rangers from Western make tea out of it, not a rub,
Australia to share bush like their Arrernte hosts.
medicine knowledge and Medicines that were new to
gifts. the Martu included Arrethe
In early September, (Rock Fuchsia) and Untyeye
female Martu Rangers from (Corkwood).
Punmu community in the The women prepared
Pilbara region of Western some Arrethe, Untyeye and
Utnerrenge for the guests to
“The Martu take home.
The Martu came with gifts
women coming of wamarla (bush tomatoes)
and bush medicine books and
to visit us was resources they had produced.
“The Martu women coming
mwerre.” to visit us was mwerre,” said
ranger Petria Cavanagh.
“It was good for them to
Australia, spent the day out at come and visit us in Ltyentye
Mparnwenge (Hayes Springs) Apurte and see what we do.”
with their Central Australian The rangers also told the Veronica Dobson (back left) and Natasha Hayes (right) with Martu women and CLC rangers at Hayes Springs.
Ranger Petria Cavanagh (front left) grinds bush medicine. Photo: Fiona Walsh.
colleagues. guests about their fencing
Under the guidance of and weed eradication work to work with ranger teams Land Council and presented across the border.
elders Veronica Dobson, protect the spring from feral in nearby Purnngurr and at the Desert Mob Symposium “In the future, it would be
Natasha Hayes, Cecily horses and camels. Jigalong communities. at Araluen. good for us to go over to their
Palmer and Marie Ryder The Martu rangers took a Before they returned to WA Ms Cavanagh said the country and see what they
they collected many bush few ideas home to the Great they visited the Akeyulerre Ltyentye Apurte Rangers do and share knowledge that
medicines along the way. Sandy Desert, where they Healing Centre, the Central hope to pay a return visit way,” she said.
Community stays strong for its children
NTARIA residents are The designs are printed on were missing and tried to fill “We also encourage organ- “We are parents of all the
making their community fit t-shirts, bags and cards and the gaps,” Ms Williams said. isations to come together, kids,” he said.
for kids and strengthening sold through the art centre. Another example is making sure everyone is talk- “I became a member
local organisations and The students develop digital Tjuwanpa’s Kids Club, an out ing the same story for kids.” because you need men and
employment along the way. skills and learn about costs, of school play initiative where The group began in April women instead of all women.
A group of 12 committed pricing and how to use the six locals, who were trained 2014, when families began We are the fathers and they
locals, the Ntaria Leaders internet to sell their work. by the Australian Childhood talking about giving children are the mothers and we need
Group, have funded 21 They pocket some of the Foundation, run play activities and young people the best both on the group because all
community driven projects profits while the rest funds for 8–12 year olds. start in life. men and women should be
over the past five years that all future joint projects of the Through games and sports Its founding members, equal to speak for their kids.”
aim to make the community a school and the potters. such as Central Land Council
better place to raise kids.
Take Old Way New Way, a
Leaders group member
Taren Williams believes their “We are the delegate Patrick Oliver,
wanted to see kids safe, going
Photo: Bowen Abbott and
Gideon Malbunka model
project that allows the famous
Hermannsburg Potters to help
approach works because it is
community driven.
fathers and they to school, having fun and able
to walk in two worlds.
their own design.
senior local students translate
their stories into art using
“Just by talking with each
other and talking story with
are the mothers Mr Oliver proudly
spoke about the
iPads. community, we saw things we and we need both group’s achieve-
on the group.” ments at a CLC
meeting earlier
this year.
students learn listening and
teamwork skills, how to
express their feelings and
manage frustrations.
The projects are managed
by the Tjuwanpa Outstation
Resource Centre and funded
by the federal government’s
Stronger Communities for
Children program.
The projects fund10
positions for locals and
work on issues that the
community sees as
important.
They use re-
sources the com-
munity already has,
working through
the school, the pot-
ters, Tjuwanpa and
MacYouth.
“We can see where
organisations might
be struggling and
offer help,” Ms
Kashani Sweet and Larissa Pepperill use tablets to design T-shirts.
Williams said.
8 October 2018
NEWS
Campground to the stars gets a face lift
LTYENTYE APURTE (Santa
Teresa) residents are very
invested in a camp ground
near their community that
is attracting sports stars and
other high profile visitors.
They have spent more than
$151,000 of their community
lease income to improve
the facilities at the popular
campground at Phillipson’s
Bore to keep them coming.
“The Melbourne Demons
came out here and camped
after they played in Alice,”
Malcolm Hayes said.
“Robert de Castella camped
out there with a group of
marathon runners before
they went to New York,” Nora
Hayes added.
“The staff at the school go
out there too sometimes. It’s
Nora Hayes tries out the rangers’new benches at the Phillipson’s Bore campground.
far enough out, but not too far
and it’s getting popular!”. allocated $120,000 to build
The camp ground upgrade new toilets and a bush kitchen
was the first project prioritised and to connect the water
by the community’s lease supply.
money working group. It ch ose Ta n g e n t y e r e
Phillipson’s Bore is just a few Constructions as its project
kilometres north of Ltyentye partner and the business
““They were really blown
away by the country.”
employed local men David
Apurte and has long been Marshall, Dean Oliver, Danny
a residence for traditional Ware and Michael Armstrong
owners. to work on the upgrade.
The outstation also has The Ltyentye Apurte
cattle and horse yards that are Rangers helped to build seats
regularly used by groups such and tables for an extra $3,000.
as Bush Mob. The group set $28,500
“We started that little camp aside for future repairs and The Melbourne Demons stayed at the campground after they played in Alice.
[at Phillipson’s Bore] before it maintenance.
got fixed up,” Mr Hayes said. The improvements have there,” working group member there were eight skaters, two instructor said the skaters
After some careful been popular among locals, Raymond Palmer said. international.” really enjoyed the experience.
planning with the Central who are eager to camp at “We used the campground Nick Hayes, working “They were really blown
Land Council’s community Phillipson’s Bore. last night. We had some group member, MacYouth away by the country,” he said.
development team, the group “It’s nice and peaceful out skateboarders come out, development officer and skate
Beaches reward Ntaria’s best and brightest
STUDENTS from Ntaria beach,” year 10 student Carol
(Hermannsburg) will get said. “I learned about rocket
the chance to trade red dust science, dance and story.”
and dry river beds for white Another year 10 student,
sandy beaches, surf and Larissa, said she appreciated
cultural experiences, thanks the musical side of the festival.
to generous grants from the Latrelle, also in year 10,
community’s lease money said, “Garma is good because
working group. you get to learn from other
Every year between cultures.”
no w and 2020, t h e Year 12 student Saleen
working group is said she learnt a lot from her
rewarding year seven excursion.
students, who have “I liked launching the water
shown good school rockets and learning to make
attendance, with music with the ipads,” she
excursions to said.
Sydney. The first Sydney excursion
The $100,000 is planned for the last term of
contribution included this year.
an excursion to the The Ntaria school and
Garma Festival for 15 the National Aboriginal Ntaria students visited the beach near Gama in the Top End.
older students, who missed Sporting Chance Academy are
out on an excursion in supporting the project with an to students who demonstrate It’s the second time the In 2014, the group funded
2017. additional $70,000 over three leadership skills and have working group has funded a two school excursions to
“I liked meeting new years. a school attendance record school excursion project using Sydney.
friends and going to the The excursions are offered above 85 per cent. community lease funds.
October 2018 9
NEWS
Language and culture room promoting lifelong learning
PAW MEDIA’S refurbished the refurbishments were
language and culture room is completed.
teaching Yuendumu residents Visitors are improving their
of all ages about their history. digital literacy by using the
PAW’s archivist Simon computers and are getting
Fisher launched the room, informal training in those
which makes the Warlpiri areas, but the PAW workers
media archives available to who support them are also
the whole community. learning new skills.
The space hosts the media Eight of the workers
organisation’s digital literacy have had training in video
translations and subtitling,
“It shows what helping them to increase their
hours of paid employment.
you can achieve The archive houses more
when everybody than a thousand hours of
PAW’s sound, photo and video
works together.” recordings and documents
from 1984 onwards.
education activities, the The recordings are
recording of oral histories and recognised for their national
songs for the archives and the significance.
translation work for videos. The room’s opening is
“This is an important day the culmination of many
for us,” Mr Fisher said. years’ work to improve
“Now we can celebrate community access to the
having a place to show our archive and was the final
children their heritage.” Mentors Karim Timms and Jacob Presley, from PAW Media, produce local history resources in Yuendumu. event of the Year of Life Long
The community invested Learning celebrations by the
its Indigenous Advancement May 2018, five of them as “It shows what you can
more than $93,000 for Warlpiri Youth Development
Strategy and Charles Darwin cultural advisors. achieve when everybody
operational and wage costs in Aboriginal Corporation.
University also chipped in. “A lot of organisations works together. GMAAAC’s
the room through the Granites It’s the second time
GMAAAC funded the helped make this room a good been a big part of that since
Mine Affected Area Aboriginal GMAAAC has contributed
employment of 13 locals, who place for Yapa to come to,” the start.”
Corporation (GMAAAC). to the project, with the
put 648 hours into the project CLC chair and PAW director More than 150 Yapa have
The federal government computers and desks it bought
between September 2017 and Francis Kelly said. visited the room since
contributed funding through in 2011 still in use today.
Arlparra church means jobs Tackling overcrowding
LOCAL workers who built a
with new Kwale house
community-funded church in
Arlparra, north-east of Alice
Springs, have since found
work in the construction
industry.
Nine local men built
Arlparra’s new Baptist Church
while also participating in
training.
The community spent
$11,000 of their community
lease money to buy materials
for the build.
With partner Arid Edge
Environmental Services
managing the construction,
the team replaced the old
church, a rickety bough
shelter made of salvaged
materials, with a new steel
shelter with a big cross.
The project included a
chainmesh boundary fence, Workers Isaac Malbunka and Kevin David are busy on the build.
hardwood benches and some Jaimsie Rambler, Johnno Turner, Eddie Payne, Steven Ross, Gordon
fruit and shade trees with a Purvis, Jonathon Club, Travis Loy, Ellary Morton and Desmond Morgan TWO local labourers are June 2019, the house will
watering system. in front of the new church shelter. working on a new house at have an insulated roof, new
The workers used leftover the Kwale outstation, near septic tank, split system air
materials to weld steel Ntaria, that will alleviate conditioners and fans.
entrance gates and tables overcrowding. Tjuwanpa is adding
with bench seats. Almost $159,000 nearly $75,000 worth
Manager of Arid Edge towards the cost of the of in-kind support,
Alex McClean said the best three bedroom house including power and water
thing about the project was comes from the traditional connections, a satellite dish
the fresh opportunities for owners of the Tjoritja/ and television, whitegoods,
employment it opened up. West MacDonnell Ranges garden shed and fence.
“A lot of the local workers on National Park, who are The resource centre is also
the church project were also investing some of their rent contributing construction
doing construction training income from the park. materials and labour.
at the same time as working The Central Land Council “It’s a good job and fun
on this project and afterwards contracted the Tjuwanpa to work on,” said Isaac
got work in the construction Outstation Resource Centre Malbunka, one of the locals
industry building new houses for the build, which started who have been employed to
in Arlparra,” Mr McLean said. in July. work on the project for 28
The Arlparra church shelter before the renovation. Due for completion in hours a week.
10 October 2018NEWS
Young members rejuvenate WETT committee
TANAMI communities have from Lajamanu. Last financial year alone, almost $6.7 million dollars. It’s a big job that relies
elected new young members Loretta Johnson has worked th e tr u st a p pr o v e d 14 The CLC’s community on the guidance and local
to advise the traditional at the school for the past new education, training, development team manages knowledge from WETT
owners on how to invest their seven years and is studying early childhood and youth those projects as well as a advisory committee members
gold mining royalties through education support, which is leadership projects worth further 21 started earlier. of all ages.
the Warlpiri Education and becoming a family affair.
Training Trust. “My mother worked at the
After more than a decade school and I helped out when
of recommending and I finished college. I want to
monitoring community driven be involved in how WETT
projects, the WETT advisory supports the Lajamanu
committee was due for a school,” she said.
makeover. Margaret Johnson, who
works at the community’s
“I want to join learning centre and is
pursuing business studies,
WETT to support nominated for the committee
our young people to “help our people and build
a strong future for the young
to get more ones”.
Kyra-lee Rose was employed
education.” at the Lajamanu school and
wants to join the crèche so
Extra positions created she can work with younger
for young people from children.
Yuendumu, Lajamanu, Kirsten Egan, a new proxy
Nyirrpi and Willowra are member from Yuendumu, is
already injecting fresh energy certain that “education is the
into the group of veteran Yapa key”.
educators. “I want to join WETT to
Among the newcomers are support our young people to
Loretta and Margaret Johnson get more education,” she said. Kyra-lee Rose (left) and Margaret Johnson from Lajamanu joined the WETT advisory committee.
New program to tackle ear infection crisis
ABORIGINAL children have A partnership between
among the world’s highest the NT and Australian
rates of middle ear infections governments and the
that cause hearing loss, but Balnaves Foundation aims
a $7.9 million community- to tackle ear diseases among
based program aims to turn children in remote Territory
this around. communities.
Many children, who seem The five-year Hearing for
to be ‘not listening’ or to have Learning program is based
trouble learning, are really on research by scientists at
suffering from hearing loss. the Menzies School of Health
“The ear check program is expected
to hire and train up to 40 Aboriginal
clinical support officers.
Associate Professor Kelvin Research and will employ and
Kong, from the University train community residents to
of Newcastle, Australia’s help spot and treat ear disease
first indigenous surgeon, and hearing problems. Associate Professor Kelvin Kong at work.
said hearing loss can lead to The program aims to cut
serious disadvantage. the need for fly-in-fly-out detected and treated early. when in fact they are suffering to wash their hands and faces
“If you’re not hearing, you specialists and the time They will also carry out hearing loss,” Professor a lot.
can’t learn, you can’t hear the children wait to be diagnosed follow-up checks to make sure Amanda Leach from the There are also vaccines to
song lines, you can’t hear the and treated. kids’ ears stay healthy. Menzies School said. stop some of the bacteria
stories, you can’t sing along, It is expected to reach 5,000 Associate Professor Kong In remote NT communities that cause glue ear and
you can’t dance,” he said. children, especially those aged said the program will be babies as young as one month breastfeeding during the first
Research has shown that under three. driven by locals. have been found to have glue six months of a baby’s life also
nine out of 10 Aboriginal The program will start “We will be behind whatever ear, a bacterial infection also helps to prevent it.
children in the Northern at four remote sites and is the community needs,” he known as bulging eardrum or Professor Leach believes
Territory under the age of expected to be rolled out to up said.” runny ear. hearing loss played a role
“Where we can guide is to The longer the infection is in landing many Aboriginal
“People can easily misinterpret a child’s say, well that doesn’t work so
well, why don’t we try it this
left untreated the more likely
it is to lead to hearing loss.
people in NT jails.
She said it also stopped
behaviour as being naughty when in fact way? Let’s go back and forth Hygiene is important many Aboriginal children
until we get the balance right.” for stopping the spread of
they are suffering hearing loss.” Middle ear infections are the infection but keeping
from getting school-ready and
getting an education.
difficult to detect because they overcrowded houses clean can “This early and persistent
three have ear disease, and to 20 communities, employing are often painless. be difficult. disease throughout childhood
most of them will experience up to 40 Aboriginal Clinical Researchers are still learning Breathing in tobacco smoke robs children of the
hearing loss affecting early Support Officers . how to help families work out also raises the risk of the opportunity to learn, to have
brain development. Those local experts will if children have hearing loss. infection spreading. self-esteem and to reach their
That’s the same percentage regularly check the ears of the “People can easily Residents should not smoke full potential,” she said.
as the people in NT jails who children in their community, misinterpret a child’s inside or near children and
have hearing loss. allowing any infections to be behaviour as being naughty should get the whole family
October 2018 11NEWS
Old ranger station, new opportunities
THE Old Ranger Station at
Mpulungkinya (Palm Valley)
in the Finke Gorge National
Park has had a makeover,
ready to host a new cultural
tourism venture.
Conrad Ratara has dreamt
of creating work for his family
there for more than 30 years,
ever since he started to work
with the Parks and Wildlife
Commission of the Northern
Territory in 1984.
Back then, Mr Ratara looked
after cultural sites in the
park, west of Alice Springs,
alongside his father.
He has been thinking about
the business long before he
embarked on proper planning.
“I have done my step-
by-step project business
development with the help
of Central Land Council and
Ngurratjuta. They are looking
after us,” he said.
In June he signed a sublease
for the ranger station area on
behalf of the Yalka Ratara
Aboriginal Corporation with
the PWCNT to operate a
tourism business from the
site.
“I am excited,” he said.
“I am the first Aboriginal Conrad Ratara welcomes visitors to Mpulungkinya (Palm Valley), where he is developing a tourism business at the Old Ranger Station (below).
person to get the lease from to the bathroom, kitchen host special interest groups
1988 and required extensive “Next year will be the year.
parks. So I think my business plumbing and hot water and activities.
repairs. I am trying to get everything
is special. If you get your lease, facilities and a vermin barrier. “We will try to put a
Mr Ratara is part of a group done here before the tourist
you own that one. That is what With the support of campground at the front and,
of traditional owners of the season. Family is helping. I
I feel.” the CLC’s community some tents with a deck,” Mr
national park who invested will bring people to get rid of
The venture will give tourists development program and Ratara said.
almost $165,000 of the park buffel grass,” he said.
who come to admire the Tangentyere Constructions “I am also thinking of an
rent income they receive from “I work with my family
famous red cabbage palms office where we come every members. I would like to give
a reason to stay longer and
learn from welcoming locals “Tourists come here to our country and morning.”
He said the Ngurratjuta
them a job. If tourists pay, the
money would go to workers or
about the stories and culture
of Mpulungkinya. go without knowing Aboriginal people. Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal
Corporation will support
on the side for rainy days and
for fixing the house.”
“I would like to have
campfire stories, sitting an
They are always happy to talk to us. his new business, “with “It is good for the future, for
the marketing, creating a the young people, that I have
hour with a cup of tea and
tourists. It is the way we tell
If tourists are happy, I will be happy.” brochure and with getting done this. They will be happy
tourists”. to learn how to talk to tourists.
stories. We would talk about the group has already installed “At the moment I don’t have
the NT government in the Always smile! I will invite
plants, animals,” Mr Ratara a hybrid solar system, fixed a car, so people come with
upgrade of the building. them and learn. I was shy
said. up the carport and added two their car, I jump on or we are
“I spent my own money to when I was young, but now I
His plan includes cultural 10,000 litre waters tanks. going for a walk.”
renovate the house, project am ok, I am getting old and
walks, film nights and a Two local Aboriginal He aims to open the doors
(park rent) money and ABA. ugly,” he laughed.
meeting and art market workers will be employed on in the first half of 2019 and to
It is my money. I don’t really “Tourists come here to
space at the ranger station, the project, which is due to be employ
like the government’s money. our country and go without
which was damaged completed in December. more
I like to think that we own this knowing Aboriginal people.
in the floods of There’s no shortage locals.
one,” he said. They are always happy
Launched in July, the of ideas for future to talk to us. If tourists
upgrade project includes improvements either. For are happy, I will be
improvements example, developing visitor happy.”
accommodation that can
12 October 2018NEWS
Lander River map passes
knowledge to children
LOOKING FOR WORK?
The CLC’s employment support team
helps job seekers to write
resumes and job applications
and to prepare for interviews.
We support employers
to develop strategies
to find and keep Aboriginal workers.
Cowboy George Ryder and Teddy Long presented the Land River map at Yurrkuru (Brooks Soak).
We also talk to schools and
community groups about job TRADITIONAL owners in
Willowra are recording,
People’s involvement in it is
incredibly important because
project’s four stages has come
from the Warlpiri Education
opportunities. mapping and painting younger people are learning as and Training Trust and the
important sites along the river well, as we go.” Granites Mine Affected Area
near Willowra on a large canvas Traditional owner Dwayne Aboriginal Corporation.
for their community learning Ross said the map will play “That’s all together about a
centre. a vital part in the sharing of $200,000 commitment and
The Lander River mapping knowledge in coming years. it’s fantastic to see how people
project aims to foster “The map is important for really flourish through these
collaboration between residents the future to see it so they can projects, particularly around
and assist with the transfer carry on the stories,” he said. connection to country, the
of knowledge between the “We know the story’s still engagement of young people,
generations, with all major
families and senior people
around Willowra involved. “There’s a few descendants,
Among the places on the map
they presented at the Coniston survivors, telling stories and
commemoration in August at
Yurrkuru are massacre sites – passing it onto the younger ones.
Liirlpari, Tipirnpa, Kunajarrayi,
Athimpelengkwe and many That’s why the old people are
more.
“I put the names of places working on the map.”
on this map, the names of
places where people lived in alive. It’s really important the engagement of senior
Contact Shane on 8951 6313 the Lander River and where
people have been hiding away,”
that we’re talking about the
map, elders and younger ones.
people.
“It’s been really inspiring and
or employmentunit@clc.org.au traditional owner Teddy Long
said.
Sharing. Sharing with more
people. Sharing what’s been
triggered other people in other
regions for similar projects.”
“We’ve been going out going on in this area. Mr Long said it’s time
recording places and stories “There’s a few descendants, governments helped to get the
for the younger generation.” survivors, telling stories and Lander River stories out to a
“What was really driving it passing it onto the younger wider audience.
and motivating it was the fact ones. That’s why the old “We want support to keep
that they don’t necessarily have people are working on the mapping places and stories
access to places far away where map. To show the map is really to make a book. We want to
you need a four wheel drive,” important. develop a story place here to
the anthropologist Petronella “The legacy still lives on. It’s tell people what happened, an
Vaarzon-Morel, who has been sad, it’s very sad,” Mr Ross said. interpretive display.”
working on the project for the Georgia Stewart, from
past five years, told the ABC. the Central Land Council’s
“So they’ve put their own community development
money into the project. team, said the money for the
October 2018 13NEWS
Give us a national day of mourning
From p.2. She agrees that events achievements and positive
“This is similar to our people such as Coniston must be things, but some of these
and some people in urban remembered nationwide. stories are really hard and I
areas don’t know much about “I think it’s essential,” she think if we deny those stories
the Coniston Massacre. Now said. “It matters to everyone we short-change ourselves.”
we want the world to know on this continent. We need to Ms Dale-Hallett was
about it.” know what happened. How it heartened by the warmth of
Mr Long agreed. “Yapa land happened. the welcome she’s received at
has got important history for “It is part of the historical each of the anniversary events
Australia,” he said. narrative that has shaped our she’s attended, starting with
“That’s why we need to build understanding and narrative the 75th anniversary back in
something there for the future and experience of Australia 2003, when she first came
– for Yapa families and white and if we deny those stories face-to-face with the families
of the victims of her great
“It’s like ANZAC Day, uncle.
“That level of respect and
like memories of people generosity, spirit, amazing,
deeply, deeply affected me,”
who’ve been in war.” she explained.
“And it happened again on
Liza Dale-Hallett and her twin brother Chas paid their respects. this occasion too. The warmth
families to come along and we deny the opportunity to of the reception, you just can’t
learn what has happened.” learn, to educate ourselves, and take on board those there. It’s a continuing lived fault that. It’s amazing and in
He wants governments to appreciate where we are and challenging parts of our past?” reality. every way, deeply humbling
support a national memorial to forge positive connections.” Ms Dale-Hallett said there’s “There’s a huge burden that because it’s such a context of
day, “for recognition of “If we do not fully engage clearly been an ongoing perpetuates the trauma and I such deep pain.”
massacres not only here, but with these really complex and trauma carried through the think it’s better to assist the Ms Dale-Hallett said that
all massacres of Aboriginal quite distressing elements of generations that can be traced process of healing to listen if the broader Australian
people that happened around our history how do we step to the massacre. to these stories and it doesn’t community can come to terms
Australia”. forward into the future in a “Oh yes. Absolutely. I mean preclude the possibility of with its bloody history known
Ms Dale-Hallett was at the positive way?” how can you not feel that listening to other stories as the ‘frontier wars’ it will only
90th anniversary ceremony “How can we possibly trauma,” she suggested. “A which are inspiring and strengthen the nation.
and the 75th as well. grow and mature as a nation highly emotional space. It’s perhaps shine other lights on
14 October 2018You can also read
