Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:38:21 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Indigenous council elects chair, gets down to business http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132458 Content:

Wayne Bergmann, executive director of the Kimberley Land Council, has been elected chairperson of the new advisory group to provide independent guidance and advice to the State Government on indigenous issues.

 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames today announced Mr Bergmann had been elected by his peers at the first meeting of the Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council (WAAAC).  His term as chairperson runs for 18 months.

 

Dr Hames congratulated WAAAC on the election and a successful first meeting.

 

“It is inspiring to hear about the enthusiasm and determination of the members to address the issues that face indigenous Western Australians every day,” he said.

 

Mr Bergmann said WAAAC would primarily focus on providing advice to the State Government on matters of importance and urgency to indigenous people.

 

“In November, the council will develop a strategic plan to include actions and real outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the State,” Mr Bergmann said.

 

“I am keen to see on the ground results.”

 

WAAAC will meet every two months in both metropolitan and regional locations to assist in ensuring that the council maintains its strong connection with WA indigenous communities.

 

The 12-member council will provide a direct line of communication and expert advice on specialist issues to the Government. Members of the community will also be able to bring the council’s attention to matters of importance to them.

 

The members are:

·          Wayne Bergmann - Broome

·          Leslie-Ann Conway - Kalgoorlie

·          Colleen Drage - Northampton

·          Raylene Gordon - South Hedland

·          Michael Hayden - Alexander Heights

·          Glenda Humes - Bunbury

·          Robert Isaacs OAM - Langford

·          Rhonda Murphy - Marmion

·          Harvey Murray - Cosmo Newberry Community (via Laverton)

·          Eddie Oxenbridge - Medina

·          Bill Stephen - Mallingbar community (near Broome)

·          Vanessa Ugle - Ballajura.

 

Anyone wanting to contact the WAAAC can telephone the executive officer, Jane Hutcheon, on 9235 8000 or email Jane.Hutcheon@dia.wa.gov.au

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 9/09/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:43:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132458 Pioneering partnership to support development of indigenous music http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132387 Content:

Talented indigenous musicians are being encouraged to apply for a new scholarship supported by the Liberal-National Government.

 

The inaugural Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship, funded by the State governments of Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, will be administered by One Movement for Music Perth, chaired by Mark Grose, manager of ARIA-winner Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.

 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames said he was inspired to support the program by the concentration of talent in WA.

 

“The assessment panel will have a tough time choosing who they support with this scholarship,” Dr Hames said. 

 

“I am very proud that the WA Government can make one young musician’s dreams come true in this way, and very much look forward to seeing this artist succeed in a tough industry.”

 

One artist from each participating State and Territory will be selected by the panel to join the One Movement Showcase Music Festival, which takes place at the Perth Esplanade on October 17-18.  Also performing will be international and national acts including Hilltop Hoods; Frankmusik; Sarah Blasko; Kate Miller-Heidke; and Blue King Brown Wolf & Cub.

 

Each act will also be offered studio time in Perth, receive recording time and tutoring from a professional producer.

 

The panel will then select one of these acts as an overall winner for the program. This act will receive additional development opportunities, including the chance to record a full album with a professional producer to be manufactured, distributed and marketed in partnership with Skinnyfish Music and MGM Distribution.

 

Interested artists are invited to apply by sending a short biography, MP3 and photograph to info@onemovementmusic.com with AIMS Application and the artist’s name in the subject line.

 

More detailed information is available at http://www.onemovementmusic.com/AIMS

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8788
Date: 24/08/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:41:21 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132387 New advisory council shows Government commitment to indigenous people http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132334 Content:

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames today announced 12 members of a group which will provide independent guidance and advice to the State Government on indigenous issues.

 

Dr Hames said the Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council (WAAAC) would present a significant opportunity to build genuine, respectful and reciprocal relationships with indigenous people. It could also help achieve better life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and children.

 

“This important group is a requirement of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act of 1972 but had not sat for several years,” he said.

 

“Re-establishing it was a priority given its role as a communication channel between the State Government and indigenous people.

 

“The 12-member council will provide a direct line of communication and expert advice on specialist issues to the Government.  Members of the community will also be able to bring the council’s attention to matters of importance to them.”

 

The Minister said the application process for the WAAAC generated a lot of community interest and more than 60 applications for membership.

 

“A peer assessment panel considered each applicant’s cultural and community connections, age, gender, location and knowledge of indigenous issues and trends,” he said.

 

“I’m confident that the members chosen represent the richness and diversity of WA’s indigenous population and that they will carry out their duties with energy and insight.”

 

The WAAAC will meet every two months and, at its first meeting, the membership will elect a chairperson from their council membership.

 

The members are:

  • Wayne Bergmann - Broome
  • Mrs Leslie-Ann Conway - Kalgoorlie
  • Ms Colleen Drage - Northampton
  • Ms Raylene Gordon - South Hedland
  • Michael Hayden - Alexander Heights
  • Ms Glenda Humes - Bunbury
  • Robert Isaacs OAM - Langford
  • Ms Rhonda Murphy - Marmion
  • Harvey Murray - Cosmo Newberry Community (via Laverton)
  • Eddie Oxenbridge - Medina
  • Bill Stephen - Mallingbar community (near Broome)
  • Ms Vanessa Ugle - Ballajura.

Today is the International Day of the World's Indigenous People. This day has been marked on August 9 every year since 1994.  The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.

Anyone wanting to contact the WAAAC can telephone the executive officer, Jane Hutcheon, on 9235 8000 or email Jane.Hutcheon@dia.wa.gov.au

Minister's office  - 9222 8788
Date: 9/08/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:46:26 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132334 Airport’s partnership is reconciliation in action http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132189 Content:

An historic partnership agreement was signed today between Westralia Airports Corporation and the Noongar traditional owners of the land on which Perth Airport stands.

 

The agreement, at which Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames officiated, covers a range of practical and symbolic commitments to the future of the airport.

 

“This commitment represents the best of reconciliation initiatives and is an action of respect and of desire to pursue a shared path,” Dr Hames said.

 

The partnership brings into reality Perth Airport’s desire to work with Noongar traditional owners, who are represented by the Combined Swan River and Swan Coastal Plains Working Group and the Ballaruk and Bibbulmun groups.

 

The Minister said under the agreement, the airport would include Noongar elders in its planning and land use processes, and employ local Noongar experts in land management and cultural education.

 

It will work with a steering committee, including Noongar representatives, to devise a program of cultural events and projects to celebrate Aboriginal culture at Perth Airport.  The steering committee will also have input into the awarding of several $5,000 scholarships each year to Aboriginal students undertaking tertiary study.

 

The Noongar elders have committed to sharing their expertise in land management and cultural heritage, and to assisting Westralia Airports Corporation in developing its promised program of cultural events and education.

 

Westralia Airports Corporation has also committed to making Munday Swamp, a site of significance to Noongar people and part of the Perth Airport estate, available for cultural activities.

 

The event coincided with the annual NAIDOC Week.  NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of indigenous Australians.

 

Further information about NAIDOC Perth activities is available at http://www.naidocperth.org

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8788
Date: 9/07/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:54:51 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132189 Minister urges Western Australians to celebrate NAIDOC Week http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132150 Content:

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames has joined with Glenda Kickett, NAIDOC Perth Committee chairperson, in calling upon all Western Australians to join in the NAIDOC Week activities, starting on Sunday, July 5.

 

Dr Hames said the theme for 2009 NAIDOC Week ‘Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth’ would resonate with WA’s multicultural society.

 

“NAIDOC Week is about celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the richness, the diversity and the very positive contribution these peoples have made and continue to make in our community,” he said.

 

“Aboriginal culture is the oldest living culture on earth and as Western Australians we all benefit from sharing the history and the experience.  I feel all of us can join with NAIDOC and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in showing respect for our elders and taking special care of our young people.”

 

Ms Kickett welcomed the support of the Minister and recognised the plethora of quiet achievers in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

“There are so many stand-out Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models, including our elders and our young people,” Ms Kickett said.

 

“These role models break down the negative stereotypes and have a deep commitment to achieve a reconciled community.

 

“NAIDOC Week is about celebrating these people, sharing their achievements and even sometimes the challenges.”

 

NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of indigenous Australians.

 

The NAIDOC Perth Committee invites all Western Australians to join in the celebrations.  Further information about NAIDOC Perth activities is available on its website at http://www.naidocperth.org

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 1/07/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:50:41 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132150 Ancient camping and fishing area saved for research and cultural tourism http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132122 Content:

Responsibility for an area of great heritage significance was handed to its traditional owners today at a ceremony at an ancient Aboriginal site in Albany.

 

The fish traps at Oyster Harbour have been managed by the National Trust since 1966 when they were under threat from development.  They are part of a much larger area where local Noongar people have been gathering for at least 7,500 years.  In 1791, Captain George Vancouver noted them on an exploration expedition.

 

The fish traps consist of eight weirs that extend along the north end of Oyster Harbour. They are made from thousands of stones in which branches are positioned vertically, then horizontally to trap fish when the tide recedes.  The fish are then speared.

 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames said that by handing the ownership and management of the site to the Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, the State was preserving a piece of Australia’s cultural heritage for all.

 

“Working with the Department of Indigenous Affairs, the City of Albany, South Coast Natural Resource Management, Green Corps and the National Trust, the Albany Heritage Reference Group will be developing a community management plan for the fish traps,” Dr Hames said.

 

Heritage Minister John Castrilli said the site held special significance because it was the first heritage place vested in the National Trust of Australia (WA).

 

“It gives me great pleasure to join with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs as we pass the responsibility for the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps and reserve to the Albany Heritage Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation and the traditional owners of Menang country,” Mr Castrilli said.

 

“This most valuable and unique site has been passed to the traditional owners to enable its conservation and interpretation as a cultural heritage educational resource for the local community.”

 

Dr Rosalind Lawe Davies, vice president of the National Trust, said her board was extremely pleased that this most valuable and unique Aboriginal site had been passed to the traditional custodians.

 

“This move will enable conservation and interpretation of the site as a cultural heritage educational resource for the local community,” Dr Lawe Davies said.

       

Office of the Minister for Indigenous Affairs - 9222 8788

Office of the Minister for Heritage - 9213 6800
Date: 28/06/2009
Minister: Hames;Castrilli
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs;Heritage
Region: Great Southern
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:15:46 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132122 State Government paves way for indigenous housing funding boost http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131787 Content:

The State Government will fast track changes to legislation to allow for a significant increase in funding from the Federal Government for housing in remote indigenous communities in Western Australia.

 

Housing and Works Minister Troy Buswell said $496million in funding for housing and infrastructure over the next five years would be provided now that the Liberal-National Government had committed to resolving long standing land tenure issues.

 

“To obtain this funding under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing, the State needed to ensure adequate protection of assets and improved housing and tenancy management for indigenous people,” Mr Buswell said.

 

“The Labor Government failed to implement the necessary legislative amendments to secure this funding for WA.

 

“This Government has prioritised a resolution of the land tenure and management issues, and State Cabinet has endorsed as a first step, changing legislation to allow the Aboriginal Lands Trust to appoint the Department of Housing to manage housing on its behalf.

 

“The first instalment of $81.7million can be secured before June 30 this year.

 

“A second part of legislative change over the longer term will also give the department the power to manage indigenous community housing on other land tenures.

 

“It will also help facilitate home ownership and commercial use of Aboriginal land.”

 

Mr Buswell said he and Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, had reached in-principle agreement on the National Partnership funding arrangements.

 

“This partnership agreement means there’s a chance to resolve some of the long standing issues of housing maintenance and essential community services in remote communities,” the Minister said.

 

“The Department of Housing can now get on and plan a sustainable public housing model in agreement with indigenous communities.”

 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames said the partnership agreement would improve life for many indigenous people in remote communities.

 

“It will lead to increased investment and long term health and social benefits for indigenous communities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and the Mid-West,” Dr Hames said.

 

Housing and Works Minister’s office - 9222 9111 

Indigenous Affairs Minister’s office - 9222 8788
Date: 5/05/2009
Minister: Buswell;Hames
Portfolio: Housing and Works;Indigenous Affairs
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 05 May 2009 03:03:32 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131787 Governments working together to close the gap on indigenous health http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131571 Content:

Joint Media Statement

 

 

                                                                                             
Minister for Health; Indigenous Affairs
Dr Kim Hames
Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Jenny Macklin
Federal Minister for Health and Ageing
Nicola Roxon

 

The Federal Government in partnership with the Western Australian State Government would fund an innovative patient transport service to provide greater access to health and social services for indigenous people living on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, in Western Australia. 

 

The Federal Government was providing funding to purchase two patient transport vehicles and the State Government is funding the operational costs for the service.

 

The vehicles, which are designed for off-road use, would provide regular transport for indigenous people from 11 remote communities to the three core Ngaanyatjarra clinics in Warburton, Warakurna and Blackstone.

 

Federal Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin said the new patient transport service would contribute to the Federal Government’s commitment to closing the gap on indigenous health.

 

“Up to 1,800 indigenous people living within the shires of Ngaanyatjarraku, East Pilbara and Laverton will benefit from increased access to major social and health services, including hospitals, pharmaceuticals and general medical supplies,” Ms Macklin said.

 

“In addition, the vehicles will be used to transport clinic supplies from the two regional centres, giving the Ngaanyatjarra Health Service a more reliable means of supply, particularly during periods of adverse weather and road closures.”

 

Federal Health and Ageing Minister Nicola Roxon said the vehicles would also undertake one return trip per week from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands to Alice Springs and Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

 

“The vehicles will also have disability access and be used to provide regular patient transport to and from outlying communities, increasing the efficiency of medical officers and nurses by reducing time out of the major clinics and associated travel time,” Ms Roxon said.

 

WA Health Minister Dr Kim Hames said the State Government was delighted that this service was being established.

 

“We will be keen to make effective use of the vehicles to assist with relocating patients to and from health services and the Ngaanyatjarra Lands,” Dr Hames said.

 

“With the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) recently strengthened in WA, we intend using this new service by redirecting our PATS funds for those patients using the buses.

 

“In addition, the transport service will provide up to seven jobs for Ngaanyatjarra community members who are trained to passenger transport driver certificated standard and hold dangerous and hazardous goods handling-certificates.”

 

Western Australian Health Minister’s office - (08) 9222 8788

Federal Health and Ageing Minister’s office - (02) 6277 7220

Date: 24/03/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Health;Indigenous Affairs
Region: Goldfields/Esperance
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:06:33 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131571 Sponsorship offered for projects that honour elders, nurture youth http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131566 Content:

Could a grant of up to $3,000 help you create a project that could build stronger relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Western Australians?

 

Indigenous Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames today announced that the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) was offering Reconciliation Scheme sponsorships to schools and community groups to enhance the reconciliation process in local communities throughout Western Australia.

 

“This year the theme of ‘Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth’ has been chosen to tie-in with the 2009 NAIDOC Week theme which encourages our communities to acknowledge the status of our elders as leaders and role models for our youth,” Dr Hames said. 

 

“Successful projects will be those that involve cross-cultural initiatives and encourage participation with local indigenous communities.”

 

The Minister said the Reconciliation Scheme first commenced in 2002, and since then 152 grants had been given out for community projects.  This year, approximately 23 sponsorship applications would be approved.

 

“In the past, reconciliation sponsorship has been taken up by schools and community groups to record oral histories, create murals at schools and build bush gardens based on the Noongar six seasons,” he said.

 

“The Geraldton Museum used a sponsorship last year to stage a major exhibition on the indigenous languages of the Mid-West of WA.

 

“I urge all those who are eligible to apply to get involved in this exciting program.”

 

Applicants must be incorporated, a government agency, community group or a school and the project must be undertaken in the geographical region in which the applicant is based.

 

Applications are due by 5pm on Thursday, April 9.  Further information is available from http://www.dia.wa.gov.au

 

Minister's office - 9222 8788
Date: 23/03/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:21:46 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131566 Mowanjum Community celebrates 50 years of living culture http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131529 Content:

The Mowanjum Community’s long history of artistic endeavour has been captured in a book to be launched tonight by Indigenous Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames.

 

‘Mowanjum 50 Years Community History’ is a collection of images, recollections and stories that the community members, based 10km out of Derby, have gathered into a hardcover book.

 

“This work represents the living link the people of Mowanjum have with their lands and their ancestors,” Dr Hames said.

 

“It is a testament to the strength of the culture, and of the people who carry it within, that the Mowanjum community is recognised for so many dancers, authors, painters, sculptors and craftspeople.”

 

Community chair Donny Woolagoodja, an internationally recognised artist and contributor to the book, said it represented a path to the future of the community by documenting its past and present.

 

“We wanted to make sure that the stories and the photos didn’t get lost in some archive a long way away, so we decided to put them all together in this book,” Mr Woolagoodja said.

 

The Mowanjum community has self-published the book, auctioning a large painting through an international auction house to raise the necessary funds.  The Department of Indigenous Affairs also supported the project with a $6,010 grant.

 

The book can be ordered from http://www.fremantlepress.com.au and selected bookshops.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8788
Date: 18/03/2009
Minister: Hames
Portfolio: Indigenous Affairs
Region: Kimberley
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:03:15 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131529