July eNews
Cabbe melemung’il (Woi wurung greeting)
The month following National Reconciliation Week has provided us time to reflect on the outcomes and success of this year’s events, while simultaneously getting ready for NAIDOC Week and watching the federal election campaign unfold.
In an effort to put Aboriginal Affairs on the election agenda, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peak organisations recently united to develop and release the Redfern Statement, calling for urgent government action and a complete overhaul of Indigenous strategy, engagement and funding. We agree it is time that action is taken on meaningful engagement, health, justice, preventing violence, early childhood and disability. It is time that Aboriginal voices are heard and respected. It is time for action.
We also endorse the recent Reconciliation Australia 2016 Election Statement on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs calling for a change in approach to reconciliation.
This past month we were heartened to see the record number of Indigenous candidates standing for the federal election – 13 in total and 8 of them women! We’d like to think this is cause for hope and another sign that the tides are turning.
There are many ways to get involved in NAIDOC Week to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Local community celebrations will be held across Victoria, including flag raisings, concerts, lectures, cultural activities, fun runs, marches and more – so many opportunities to show your support and get involved! Check out our webpage and our Facebook page for up-to-date information on how you can join in NAIDOC celebrations.
When you vote on Saturday, keep in mind what are the partys' policies in relation to reconciliation and Indigenous Affairs. Happy Voting and most importantly, Happy NAIDOC Week!
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KEY DATES
July: Chinnup - season cockatoos (winter).
3 - 10 July 2016
NAIDOC Week - Local community celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Visit Vic NAIDOC Calendar of Events
16 July 2016
Smith Street Dreaming - One Street, Many Mobs, One Community.
Saturday 13 August 2016
Local Reconciliation Groups Forum - venue tbc.
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Vicki Clark recgnised in Whittlesea Reconciliation Awards
Congratulations to Reconciliation Victoria's long time Council Member and previous Co-Chair, Vicki Clark, and all who won awards for being champions of reconciliation at the Whittlesea Reconciliation Dinner & Awards!
Four City of Whittlesea residents have been awarded for their efforts in furthering reconciliation in the local community. Other winners were Sarah Perry (Education Award), Melbourne Stars Basketball Club (Community Award) and Ronald Briggs (Reg Blow Award).
This year's winners were presented with their awards by Mayor Stevan Kozmevski at Council's annual Reconciliation Dinner on Friday 10 June. Read more
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Community HART Awards
Geelong's Deadly Dancers were a big hit at the HART Awards Presentation Ceremony. Photo: Barbara Oehring
Congratulations to the City of Yarra and Reconciliation in the Park (Geelong) who, last month, were announced as winners of the Community HART Awards 2016. The City of Whittlesea and Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation also received special commendations.
Reconciliation Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and Bank Australia on Mabo Day announced the winners of the HART Awards at a presentation ceremony at the Koorie Heritage Trust. Attending the event were Aunty Joy Murphy and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon Natalie Hutchins, along with about 100 invited guests.
The awards recognise councils and community organisations that are Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together – that is, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people working together and contributing to building relationships, respect and understanding between each other.
Read full event report and information on all finalists
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2016 Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll - last chance to nominate!
The Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll celebrates the remarkable dedication and determination of Aboriginal Victorians across the state. To date 79 outstanding Aboriginal community members and leaders have been recognised through the Honour Roll for their achievements and contribution in a wide range of fields including justice, education, health, sports, defence, social services, and the arts.
If you know a local person deserving of nomination we encourage you to make a nomination. Download nomination forms
Enquiries: Anatoly Sawenko.
Nominations close 5pm, Friday 1 July 2016.
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Culture inspires jumper
Both Thomastown and Fitzroy Stars Football Clubs will don Aboriginal inspired and designed jumpers to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The jumpers were designed by artist Natashia Corrigan
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) – Healthy Lifestyle and Tackling Indigenous Smoking Team have sponsored the Thomastown Football Netball Junior Club for the past 2 years given the high number of Aboriginal juniors at the Club.
VAHS CEO Mr Jason King said: “Having Thomastown wear an Aboriginal designed jumper is a true reflection of our partnership, reconciliation in the community and something the club can do to embrace our culture and promote smoke free messages."
Thomastown Football will take on the Fitzroy Stars in the NAIDOC Cup clash at the Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval, Corner St Georges Rd and Watt St, Thornbury on Saturday July 10 at 2:10pm
Read more on the VAHS Facebook page.
Photo (L-R): Jacko Proctor (Player, Fitzroy Stars Football Club) and Joe Vocara (Player, Thomastown Football Club).
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Constitutional Recognition and Treaty Update
Recognise recently announced the departure of Joint Campaign Director Tanya Hosch, who will be filling a newly created executive role leading Inclusion and Social Policy with the AFL. Tanya has shown extraordinary commitment, courage and tenacity and we wish her all the best in her exciting new role.
There has been a growing amount of conversation and commentary around the question of whether we can simultaneously pursue both Treaty and Constitutional Recognition. You can read the opinions of a number of commentators, such as Megan Davies, Mark Davies, Stan Grant, Senator Pat Dodson and others, on our website.
We recommend this useful NITV online "Explainer" of what is a Treaty, what it might look like and the current conversation on Indigenous treaties on a state, national and international level.
On 26 - 27 May, Aboriginal Victoria hosted a two-day Aboriginal community forum to discuss self-determination, treaty and representative structures. View this video of the forums
During NRW Melbourne Conversations held a forum Recognition, treaty, sovereignty and self-determination – facts and ambitions. View the video
Keep up-to-date with the conversation via our website and Facebook page.
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Sunday July 3
5.30pm
A hybrid work that spans cinema and online, Still Our Country presents a carnival of contemporary ways, the sum of which makes for a bold declaration of identity and a hopeful promise of a future.
ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne
$17 – Concession $13 – Member $10
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ABORIGINES ADVANCEMENT LEAGUE
FLAG RAISING
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Melbourne University Reconciliation Choir
Celebrate NAIDOC Week by watching the debut performance of Melbourne University's Reconciliation Staff and Students Choir. Under the direction of sopranos Deborah Cheetham AO (Yorta Yorta) and Shauntai Batzke (Wiradjuri), choir members from the staff and student community have learnt Womin Jeka Elements II, a work composed by Deborah Cheetham and James Henry in the local Woi Wurrung language.
Find out more
4 July, 12.30pm–1.30pm
Melba Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Gate 12, Royal Parade, Parkville
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Join the conversation as author Tony Birch and poet Bruce Pascoe chat about the significance of the Yarra River, Tony's new book Ghost River and Bruce's Aboriginal farm project.
melbournelibraryservice.com.au
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Come create a banner during NAIDOC week sharing in the ethos of Lisa Bellear’s activism and community spirit. In a family friendly workshop with Arika Waulu you will contribute to a large banner and make your own banner and collage using a range of materials inspired by the work of Lisa.
Arika Waulu is a sovereign multimedia experimentalist and activator. She uses video, moving and still images that are predominately displayed as projection installation.
Thursday 7 July
11.30am - 1.30pm
2.30pm - 4.30pm
FREE Suitable for all ages.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Koorie Heritage Trust, Yarra Building, Federation Square,
Levels 1 and 3
Bookings essential
BOOK HERE
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Thursday 7 July, 6.30pm
On 30 June, the Referendum Council was due to report its recommendations to the federal government on recognising Aboriginal Australians in the Constitution. Join us for an important discussion during NAIDOC week, as we reflect on this year’s theme Songlines: the living narrative of our nation and consider what meaningful recognition means – be it constitutional recognition or a treaty. Hear a panel of passionate voices explore the complexities of the issue and the possible next steps.
Panelists:
Dr Kirsty Gover
Nayuka Gorrie
Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett AM
Facilitator:
Joshua Smith
Abbotsford Convent, Community and Linen Rooms,
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Tickets and information
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Indigenous Storytelling for Kids
Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July
2.30pm - 3.45pm
Help celebrate NAIDOC week by joining cultural educator and storyteller Ron Murray for a unique insight into Indigenous culture.
Ron Murray is a Wamba Wamba man. In this workshop, kids will be taken on a journey through Ron’s stories aimed to raise awareness about Indigenous culture and facilitate understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Suitable for 9-12 year olds. This workshop is held in conjunction with the exhibition Re-visioning Histories.
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 7-27 Snake Gully Road, Bundoora
To book a spot, visit Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.
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For the seventh year running, Kingston Arts celebrates NAIDOC with a month-long program featuring a range of arts and cultural activities.
NAIDOC Opening
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
Sunday 3 July, 2pm
Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin
Kingston Arts welcomes all to the opening of NAIDOC 2016. Come and immerse yourself in the rich culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Exhibition and Artist Talk
Songlines Her:Stories by Paola Balla
Sunday 3 July to Tuesday 2 August
Artist Floor Talk: Saturday 16 July, 2pm

In considering this year’s national NAIDOC theme of ‘Songlines: The living narrative of our nation’, artist Paola Balla presents a series of new photographic and site specific works as a love letter of respect and awe to her Aboriginal family and the strong, beautiful women within it.
Clocktower Projects by Josh Muir
Sunday 3 July, 6 - 9pm
During this year’s NAIDOC, see Melbourne-based multimedia artist and proud Yorta Yorta/ Gunditjmara man, Josh Muir's stunning artworks projected on to the Kingston City Hall Clock Tower.
Baluk Arts Workshop for Kids
Saturday 9 July, 2pm
A fun workshop with traditional Indigenous storytelling and the opportunity for kids to create their very own mini storybook using Aboriginal symbols and designs.
The Sapphires – Film Screening and Afternoon Tea
Saturday 23 July, 2pm
Nourish your body, mind and soul with a celebration of Indigenous culture. Relive the glitz, grit and gorgeous songs of The Sapphires and enjoy an Indigenous afternoon tea.
Baluk Arts Workshop for Adults
Saturday 30 July, 2pm
Learn traditional Indigenous weaving techniques and have the opportunity to create your very own bush sculpture creature.
Find out more
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Yinga-bul: A celebration of Song for NAIDOC Week
This July, experience NAIDOC Week with an exciting program of free and low-cost events for the entire family at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Yinga-bul, a Boon Wurrung word meaning Singing to People, features local artists celebrating indigenous culture through music and song.
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Playright, poet, scriptwriter, filmmaker, author and musician Richard J. Frankland is a master storyteller, passionately inspiring audiences around the world with his unique voice and strong views.
In this special Salon performance he is joined by special guests Tiriki Onus, John Wayne Parsons and more, in what promises to be a stirring, funny, raucous performance.
To be immediately preceded by Welcome to Country with Koorie Tiddas Youth Choir starting at 6.30pm.
Wednesday 6 July
7.30 - 8.45pm
Short Black Opera
Song for NAIDOC is set to elevate this special time of celebration to a whole new level, quite literally with a concert featuring acclaimed Yorta Yorta soprano Deborah Cheetham AO and members of her Short Black Opera Company – Shauntai Batzke, Jessica Hitchcock, Zoy Frangos and John Wayne Parsons (baritone).
Thursday 7 July
7.00pm
Mission Songs Project
Curated by Jessie Lloyd, the Mission Songs Project is an initiative to revive and present a rare collection of early Australian Indigenous contemporary songs that were composed and performed between 1900 to 1999.
The Mission Songs Project faithfully explores the musical journey of Indigenous music, as Jessie Lloyd connects the traditional with contemporary and reveals the continuation of cultural practice and oral traditions into the twenty first century.
Friday 8 July
7.00pm
Melbourne Recital Centre
Corner Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Southbank
$25 – $15 Concession for each performance (or $60 for three-concert package)
Information and Bookings
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Flag Raising Ceremony
Tuesday 5 July 2016
11am - 12.30pm, Brimbank City Council Municipal Offices, Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine
Brimbank City Council, together with the Department of Health and Human Services, would like to invite members of the local community to celebrate the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by a Wurundjeri Elder
Raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
Entertainment by Indigenous performers and children’s activities
Morning tea (no charge)
Library Workshops
Come and discover many aspects of Aboriginal culture by participating in a workshop. There will be stories, dancing, face painting and more! For ages 5-13. Bookings essential.
SUNSHINE – Friday 8 July, 11am
Sunshine Library, McCracken Street, Sunshine. Phone 9249 4640
DEER PARK – Friday 8 July, 1pm
4 Neale Road, Deer Park. Phone 9249 4660
Find out more
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Dave is a Kokatha/Gunditjmara Storyteller & Songman. The Dave Arden Gunditjmara/Kokatha, Songman & Storyteller Show is a full band performance of 12 original songs and stories.This show represents a collective history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
From freedom fighters to Irish settlers, Gunditjmara soldiers in the World Wars to a new generation of culture keepers and leaders, these important stories are interwoven with song and music.
BAYSWATER – Thursday 7 July
Knox Community Arts Centre, Mountain Highway, Bayswater
Tickets
Victorian Tour dates:
TRARALGON – Thursday 28 July
Latrobe Regional Performing Arts Centre, Grey Street, Traralgon
BAIRNSDALE – Friday 19 August
Forge Theatre, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale
LAKES ENTRANCE – Saturday 20 August
Lakes Entrance Mechanics’ Hall, 18 Mechanics St, Lakes Entrance
Wednesday 24 August – Warragul
West Gippsland Arts Centre, cnr Albert and Smith Streets, Warragul
SALE – Thursday 25 August
Esso BHP Billiton, Wellington Entertainment Centre
100 Foster Street, Sale
HEYWOOD – Friday 2 September
Heywood Community Hall, Edgar Street, Heywood
WARRNAMBOOL – Saturday 3 September
The Lighthouse Theatre, 195 Timor Street, Warrnambool
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12 noon The Walk of Solidarity
3pm Afternoon Tea
5pm Trophy Presentations
For ten years, the Rumbalara Football / Netball Club has celebrated and united women by honouring the significance of the many roles they play as grandmothers, mothers, aunties and sisters, and the impact they have in creating strong families and communities.
You are invited to join this celebration, beginning with a formal Welcome to Country by women of the Yorta Yorta Nation to women of all cultures and communities.
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Kevin will share stories and experiences from his diverse, interesting and captivating life.
Wednesday 6 July
6pm – Light refreshments
6.30pm – Interview / Q&A with Kevin Coombs
Darebin Arts Centre, cnr Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston
Kevin became a paraplegic at the age of 12. He established the Koori Hospital Liaison Officer Program, and received a Medal of the Order of Australia. He has been inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame.
Kevin was the first Aboriginal Paralympic competitor for Australia in 1960 in wheelchair basketball and has competed in five Paralympic Games. Kevin is also a Wotjobaluk Elder.
John Evans, Professor of Indigenous Health Education at UTS with extensive academic and industry experience in Indigenous sport and education, will interview Kevin alongside others from his life.
Information
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Cnr Stanley and Smith Streets, Collingwood
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Planting Traditional Indigenous Food, Fibre and Medicine Plants
Get involved with the Friends of Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System and Wurundjeri Tribe’s ‘Narrap’ (land management) team CMA project: Restoring Indigenous cultural practices in Bunjil Reserve.
Uncle Dave Wandin (pictured) will welcome us to country and discuss the importance and use of some of locally indigenous plants. You can help revegetate the entrance to Bunjil Reserve for use in an interpretation trail by planting indigenous plants and contributing your creative energy to the site.
When: Sunday 17 July. 10.00am - 1.00pm
Where: Bunjil Reserve, Panton Hill
More info: www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/enviroevents or 9433 3316
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Yingadi Immersion 2016
Yingadi – meaning to come/be invited
You are invited to come, experience and explore Aboriginal spirituality and connection to land by walking with Mutthi Mutthi woman Vicki Clark in the footsteps of her ancestors at Lake Mungo and Balranald.
Sunday 25th to Thursday 29th September 2016
Cost: $1100 all inclusive (transport, accommodation, meals)
Expression of Interest and Application:
Peter Hay – Director: peter@amberley.org.au
Karen Mahoney – Yingadi Immersion Coordinator: karen@amberley.org.au
Phone: 9439 8282
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We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Victoria.
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