January eNews
Cabbe melemung’il (Woi wurung greeting)
Happy New Year! And what a year of promise and opportunity confronts us! The Victorian Government continues to demonstrate strong commitment to the principle of Self Determination for Victoria’s Aboriginal community and the process of negotiating a Treaty – the first in this country’s history – is well under way.
The second week of December saw the final Aboriginal Victoria forum to discuss the issues of Treaty, Sovereignty and Constitutional Reform in Melbourne, and the Aboriginal Community now has the opportunity to build a pathway towards Treaty by first deciding on who should represent the community and who can/should negotiate a Treaty on their behalf. The Treaty Interim Working Group will reveal early in the year the next step in the process with the Government indicating that a legislative process to draw up a Treaty could begin as early as next June.
Developments in Victoria appear to have re-ignited the Treaty movement around the country, with the South Australian Government announcing a commitment to negotiating a Treaty within 12 months, and the NT and Qld Governments also expressing similar aspirations. Also in December, the Referendum Council forum in Hobart resolved that any discussion on Constitutional Recognition cannot take place "without a proper consideration of Treaty". Read more about these developments below.
The month ahead allows lots of opportunities to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal cultures with the Wominjeka Festival taking place in Footscray, Share the Spirit and the Belgrave Survival Day Festivals and the inaugural Reconciliation Comedy Gala on Survival Day - to be followed not long after by St Kilda’s annual Yalukit Wilum Ngargee Festival. Plus there are several major exhibitions featuring Aboriginal artists taking place across a number of our most important galleries. All the details are in this eNews so please read on.
~ The RecVic team
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The Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Action Plan, launched by the Minister, Hon Natalie Hutchins, on December 15 in Shepparton, is an important resource for councils across the state, as they work towards:
- improving relationships with Aboriginal communities
- promoting reconciliation
- engaging Aboriginal people in planning, decision-making, employment, programs and services across all areas of their organisations.
This plan will be a resource for councils to develop and strengthen best practice in engagement, partnership and employment opportunities with their Aboriginal communities.
The plan brings together the outcomes from a three-year consultation process of Local Government Victoria’s Aboriginal Partnership Project. It builds on local council initiatives around the state that are demonstrating excellent results, by establishing opportunities to share and extend them, as well as including new objectives and a timeline for action.
Read more and download the Plan
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Social Justice Commissioner recently released the 2016 Social Justice and Native Title Report.
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Ther Report highlights the persistence of Aboriginal deaths in custody, with recommendations including that the federal government follow up meetings with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, with regular consultations to help inform policy and legislation.
You can download the report here.
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Nominations are now open for the 2017 Ricci Marks Award. The award recognises the achievement and aspirations of young Aboriginal people in training, education, arts, sport, culture and community leadership.
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Ricci Marks Award
In 2004 the Award was named in memory of Ricci Marks, a recipient of the Award in 2000, who tragically died in a car accident. Ricci Marks was a proud Wotjobaluk man from Halls Gap. He worked as a cultural officer for the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre. He was also highly regarded as a footballer, playing with the Heywood Football Club.
What is the Award for? The award, established in 1997, recognises the achievements and aspirations of young Aboriginal people in training, education, arts, sport, culture and community leadership. Nominees must be Aboriginal Victorians between 12 and 25 years old.
What do Award recipients get? The Award is given to two recipients who each receive a bursary of $5,000. A special commendation award, the Ricci Marks Rising Star Award, will recognise a third young person with a bursary of $1,500.
How can I nominate someone? All Victorians are encouraged to nominate young Aboriginal achievers.
Please email Luke Isaacs at Aboriginal Victoria or phone 03 8392 5339 for more information.
More information on eligibility and how to nominate
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Dungala-Kaiela Writing Awards 2016
The 2016 Awards winners were announced late October at the Rumbalara Aged Care Facility. Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group was one of the partner organisations involved in organising the competition.
The Group’s Co-Chair, Deirdre Robertson, described the occasion as “an evening full of excitement and eager expectation as over 90 people gathered to hear the Judges read out this year’s awards”. This year an Elders section was included, attracting wonderful entries with Ollie Patten’s Listen to the People the winning entry.
The three joint winners for the Open Story were Daryl Sloan (Shepparton), Sharonlee Post (Barooga) and Bruno Starrs. According the judge, Katrina Mohamed, each entry “took a strong and powerful stance, each with a different style but equally well written. All the open entries took the reader on a journey, conveying messages of identity, hardship and pride”.
Shaquel Thorpe from Cobram won the Youth Story with his entry Unwelcomed Visitors. Ashtyn Atkinson’s recounting of his Nan’s story about the Mun-digudda was the winner of the Junior Section. The competition importantly included a Language category, reflecting the re-emegence and growing knowledge of Aboriginal languages, and a poetry section. All the winning entries were published in a booklet, now available at the Goulburn Valley Libraries.
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Congratulations Lois Peeler –
2017 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year
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Passionate educator and Principal at Worawa in Healesville – Australia’s only Aboriginal girls’ boarding school – Lois Peeler is also a political activist and has worked in a range of roles in Indigenous affairs.
She currently chairs the Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee.
At Worawa, Lois instils pride and confidence in her students, and helps them gain a deep appreciation of their culture, encouraging the celebration of Aboriginal ways of knowing, doing and being.
Lois is also an Elder of the Yorta Yorta people, with the abiding responsibility of nurturing Aboriginal culture, history and identity in an education framework.
The National Awards will be announced on 25 January 2017.
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Congratulations John Baxter
"Fearless champion for reconciliation and equity"
Congratulations to RecVic Council member John Baxter, who last night was inducted onto the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll. And congratulations also to the other 2016 inductees: Aunty Pam Pedersen, Aunty Judith "Jacko" Jackson, Angela Clarke, Barbara Walker, Frances Gallagher, Gwen Atkinson, Glen Peters, Clara Luttrell-Garisau and Mary Jane Gunyuk Milawa.
The Honour Roll serves to formally acknowledge and celebrate the wide-ranging achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians, past and present. John was inducted due to his fearless advocacy for Aboriginal people living with a disability and for his tireless commitment to reconciliation.
Read more
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Moor-rul Grassland Project seeking volunteers
The Nillumbik Reconciliation Group commenced the Moor-rul Grassland Project in 2009. The project aims to regenerate grasslands used for hunting and cultivation by the Wurundjeri – plants such as bulbs and roots for food and reeds for weaving - in a small area at the Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Tower precinct.
Friends of Moor-rul Grasslands work on the site with the assistance of the Environmental Works Department of Nillumbik Shire Council, but the group needs more volunteers who have an interest in Wurundjeri culture and the work of the NRG.
If you are interested in participating please email: dcwarrell@bigpond.com
More information can be found at: www.nrg.org.au
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Reconciliation Victoria
2016 AGM and Annual Statewide Forum
Reconciliation Victoria's AGM and Statewide Forum was held Saturday 12 November at the Korin Gamadji Institute, in conjunction with ANTaR Victoria's AGM.
The AGM was followed by a panel discussion: "Young Aboriginal Perspectives on Reconciliation", featuring two inspiring guest speakers: the 2016 Miss NAIDOC, Merinda Dryden, and Indi Clark from the Koorie Youth Council. Young Aboriginal musician, artist and educator Brent Watkins, from Culture Evolves, provided the entertainment with some wonderful didge playing.
The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A and Small Group Discussion: 'From Talk to Action: So what does this mean for me and my role in Reconciliation?'
Approximately eighty people attended the event, with many new faces amongst the crowd.
A full report, photos and edited video are now available on our website.
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Aboriginal war memorial helps heal old wounds
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An Indigenous elder believes a new war memorial in Mildura will help Aboriginal servicemen and women receive the recognition they had always deserved.
Mildura Rural City Council's Aboriginal Action Committee and Mildura Returned Services League created the Indigenous war memorial — the second of its type in Victoria after one in Warrnambool.
Committee member Aunty Janine Wilson said the memorial had been "a long time coming".
"I think change takes a long time. This is just a small change but it's monumental acknowledgement and honour to put this out there because not anywhere have our Aboriginal servicemen and women been acknowledged. They weren't honoured or given the same respect when they returned from the war. They just became Aboriginal people when they returned to Australia so they didn't receive the settlement grants or acknowledgements."
Pictured: Aunty Janine Wilson, ex-serviceman Darryl Hart and Aunty Clair Bates
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Wangaratta’s recently launched Bullawah Cultural Trail showcases the cultural heritage of the Pangerang People along the Ovens River, through a series of interpretive signs, sculptures, a Bush Tucker Garden and the Marmungan Rock – a local honour roll acknowledging Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal elders and community leaders. The trail has been developed to celebrate, share and record the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area, which is spiritually significant and rich in history.
On this self-guided family experience you will snake 2.4km along the Ovens River discovering ancient Aboriginal stories, spirituality, culture, food, sculptures, interpretive signage, the Marmungun Rock and the Bush Tucker Garden.
Find out more
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Vote for A.B. Original's "January 26"
in Triple J's Hottest 100.
Earlier this year, Triple J finally listened to the thousands of voices calling for respect and had a review into the date they hold the Hottest 100 countdown. Unfortunately, they decided to leave the celebration on that day, perpetuating division and hurt.
By voting for a song which is both an explanation and rejection of the idea of January 26 as a day of celebration - and which also happens to be a thorough banger, thanks to the effort of Briggs, Trials and Dan Sultan - we have the ability to send a message to Triple J. Let's end the division and change the date!
Check out the song and brilliant video - click here
Vote for "January 26" here
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NAIDOC Week 2017 theme
The importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages will be the focus of national celebrations marking NAIDOC Week 2017.
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The 2017 theme, Our Languages Matter, aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song.
Learn more about the importance of this theme here.
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New Wurundjeri Cultural Walking Tours in the Dandenong Ranges
Operated by Bullen Bullen Tours
One-hour guided tours operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Commencing at 11am and 2pm.
Heighten your senses and open your heart to Country. Come and see, smell, taste, touch and hear the music of Country. Learn about our lore, traditional foods, fibres and our special use plants and animals.
Tours leave from Grants Picnic Ground, 70 Monbulk Road, Kallista.
For bookings contact 0401 902 321 email bullenbullen@wurundjeri.com.au
For further information go to wurundjericulturaltours.com.au
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In a rich country like ours we should all have the freedom to take full advantage of life’s opportunities – no matter where our parents are from.
Yet in 2016, many Australians are still being denied this basic right to a healthy future. After 10 years of tirelessly campaigning to Close the Gap on Indigenous Health Inequality, the Australian government is stalling progress.
YOU CAN HELP
Registrations are now open for
National CLOSE THE GAP DAY
Thursday 16 March 2017
Australia's largest campaign for Indigenous health equality.
Find out more |
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Treaty and Constitutional Reform Update
In December the Referendum Council held its first forum in Hobart. The key message from the meeting was that any "discussion of constitutional recognition (can) only take place simultaneously with a proper consideration of treaty.” Read The Australian's report on the forum.
Following the forum Mark Leibler penned an article published in The Age titled 'It's way too early to write off Aboriginal Reconciliation'. Leibler writes, "Sections of the media writing off the outcome of consultations around constitutional recognition, after the first of 12 discussions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians ... are selling the nation short."
Meanwhile, the Victorian Treaties Interim Working Group reported back at the Melbourne State Wide Forum on December 13. We expect a report to be released by Ernest & Young in February. At the forum it was announced that the Victorian Government has set a 2 year time frame to develop a treaty with Traditional Owners. The focus on the forum was the makeup of the representative body that will make representations with government. Listen to an interview with two members of the working group here.
The South Australian Government has committed to negotiating a treaty with the state's Traditional Owners within 12 months. To read more visit here & here. Northern Territory and Queensland have also indicated an interest in working towards a treaty with Traditional Owners.
The Social Justice and Native Title Report 2016 was released in December. In its discussion of Constitutional Recognition it states, "Despite years of processes and numerous recommendations on this issue, the prospect of reform and recognition remains uncertain. The process has continued to be hampered by a lack of political action and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices." The Report also discusses Treaty progress in Victoria and nationally. To read the full report follow this link.
Make sure you check out our revamped website pages on both Constitutional Reform and Treaty. We hope they are more accessible and provide greater insight into the current Victorian context for both campaigns. We welcome your feedback. And you can keep up-to-date with the conversation via our and Facebook page.
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Local Aboriginal People, Heritage and Bay History
Bayside Environmental Friends Network (BEFN) present Local Aboriginal People, Heritage and Bay History, as part of the 2017 Summer by the Sea program. The Marine Education Science and Community Centre (MESAC) will offer a forty-five minute presentation on the 50 000+ years of Aboriginal peoples presence in Australia, from the picturesque location of Beaumaris Yacht Club.
Following this, participants will be taken on a guided, 45 minute Walk and Talk on Port Phillip Bay (Nairm) history, including specific insight into some aspects of our local Aboriginal peoples heritage.
Family friendly. Bookings essential.
Saturday 7 January 2017
Beaumaris Yacht Club and Ricketts Point precinct, Beaumaris
10.30am – 12 noon
More information
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Wominjeka Festival 2017
Presenting a rich and diverse program of art, music, performance, film and activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Melbourne’s west, and from across the country.
Saturday 14 January – Saturday 21 January
Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray
Schedule of events
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
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Kimberley fundraiser with Kutcha Edwards
The Kimberley is like nowhere else in the world. This special place is home to the world's oldest living culture–with songlines dating back some 60,000 years–and is home to many rare and threatened species of plant and animals, like the threatened Greater Bilby.
But right now, the Kimberley is at risk of being industrialised. There are plans to drill up to 40,000 fracking wells across the pristine region.
This community fundraiser features music by Kutcha Edwards, Paul Gorrie DJ set, and Mark Coles Smith as Kalaji.
Street stalls • Food and drink • Live street art • Campaign stalls
Sunday 22 January, 4pm – 8.30pm
The Wilderness Society Campaign Centre
355 King Street, West Melbourne, Opposite Flagstaff Gardens
Book tickets here
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Thursday 26 January, 2017
Malthouse Theatre is proud to present the Reconciliation Comedy Gala, a star-studded afternoon of comedy for a great cause. Presented on 26 January, the event will raise funds for the creation of a Stolen Generations Marker in the City of Yarra.
This important monument is intended to honour the struggles of the Stolen Generations as well as acknowledge the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, clans and groups who seek to heal from the past. The artist commissioned to create the Marker will be announced at this event.
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Performers at the Reconciliation Comedy Gala will include:
MC Uncle Jack Charles, Eddie Perfect, Tripod, Bunna Lawrie, Nelly Thomas, Kevin Kropinyeri, Shiralee Hood, Dane Simpson and a gazillion more TV comedy greats yet to be announced.
More information
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Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner Commemoration
The annual Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner Commemoration will be held at the recently erected monument at midday, Friday 20th January 2017 at the corner of Victoria St and Franklin St, Melbourne (opp. old Melbourne Gaol).
In 1842 two indigenous freedom fighters, Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, were the first men executed in Victoria. Since 2004 the Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner Commemoration Committee has worked towards the building of a monument in Melbourne to mark this pivotal event. The monument, opened last year, is the first monument to the Frontier Wars that has been built in a major city in this country.
Find out more
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The Yalukit Wilum Ngargee is an annual free Indigenous Music and Cultural Festival.
Held in St Kilda’s O’Donnell Gardens, a significant contemporary Indigenous meeting place, the YWN main festival day brings you a deadly program of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and arts. Now in its 12th year, this annual celebration of Indigenous culture features emerging and established Indigenous musicians, dancers and performers, market stall holders, children’s activities and festival activities.
Bring your family! Bring a blanket and enjoy our best Indigenous entertainment, under the sun and into the summer night.
View the line up
Check out other Yalukit events
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Join us at Sovereign Hill to take part in this special professional learning opportunity, suitable for both primary and secondary teachers.
Gain insights from local elders, academics and the Sovereign Hill Education Team on how to most effectively and respectfully teach this area of the curriculum across History, English, Geography and Civics and Citizenship. Afternoon tea will be provided.
$30 per person
Places are limited. Bookings here
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In 2017 Bangarra brings its acclaimed production, Terrain, back to the stage. Touring from 11 February until 8 March, the company will visit Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Hobart, Geelong and Shepparton.
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Inspired by the timeless beauty of Lake Eyre, Terrain explores the relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people to country, and how landscape becomes a second skin.
BALLARAT Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat, 11 February
BENDIGO Ulumbarra Theatre, 15 February
MILDURA Mildura Arts Centre, 18 February
HOBART Theatre Royal, 23 - 25 February
GEELONG Geelong Performing Arts, 2 - 4 March
SHEPPARTON Westside Performing Arts, 8 March
Information and tickets
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Pitcha Makin Fellas' again part of White Night
A unique collaboration sees the stunning patterns and colours of the Pitcha Makin Fellas’ paintings, cut outs and stamps transposed by The Electric Canvas onto the Degraves Street entrance of Flinders Street Station.
18 February.
Find out more
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Reconciliation Manningham invites you to an important forum on the proposed constitutional reform.
Three key speakers will highlight the need to remove the race-based provisions from the Australian Constitution.
Speakers:
- Uncle Bill Nicholson, Wurundjeri Elder: ‘From the Dreaming to the Nightmare’.
- Karen Milward, Yorta-Yorta woman and Consultant on Aboriginal cultural differences: ‘An injustice to one is an injustice to all’.
- Anne Barton, Social Planner and great-granddaughter of Edmund Barton, our first PM: ‘Australia for the White Man’.
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Tarerer's 21st year will be off with a bang this year with fantastic artists and diversity of cultures - Yirrmal Marika of Arnhem Land, Johnny Lovett - countryman from Heywood way, one of Australia's best singer/songwriters Shane Howard, Deadly Celtic band, 'Likely Celts', young local boys and girls Aboriginal dance group, Tarerer Gunditj Karweeyn and others: Warrnambool Philippine Dancers, Anne Norman, (japanese Hakugachi player), Port Fairy Irish Dancers.
25 - 26th February,
Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool.
Bookings and info
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"Mission Songs"
comes to Eltham
Jessie Lloyd presents a rare collection of early Indigenous contemporary songs that shed light on the history of our Indigenous communities, their stories and their resilience in a harsh changing world.
Friday 24 March, 2017
St Margaret's Church, Eltham
Pitt Street, Eltham, Victoria 3095
Enquiries: Vera Herman Ph: 0409 435 245 Email: nuinkvh@hotmail.com
Bookings
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Yingadi Immersion 2017
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.
Monday 3rd to Friday 7th April 2017
and
Monday 13th to Friday 17th August 2017
Cost: $1200 all inclusive (transport, accommodation, meals)
Expression of Interest and Application:
Karen Mahoney – Yingadi Immersion Coordinator: yingadi@edmundrice.org
Phone: 9439 8282
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 Like us on Facebook
Our audience on Facebook is building but we'd like to reach a lot more people to involve them in our work and inform them of events. If you haven't already 'Liked' us, please do so and help build the movement. Check out our page here.
Please feel free to forward this eNews to a friend or colleague.
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We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Victoria.
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