A newsletter about Territory Aboriginal child and family wellbeing services HomelandHomeland Issue 2 April 2005 studentsstudents getget secondarsecondaryy eded Secondary Education has finally come to the Laynhapuy Homelands, 120 km south of .

“We have had 100% attendance both this year and last year!” said teacher Tracey Lanesbury. Djalinda Ulamari visiting teacher with secondary school students

The Homelands School piloted an accredited workshops for Homelands students exclusively. face-to-face secondary program in 2004 that is being Stage 1 subjects in English, Maths, Computers and continued into 2005 due to overwhelming community the Arts are all covered each time. support. The curriculum is in English and comes from the NT Open Education Centre. “The kids’ enthusiasm has carried the program through to this year,” said Tracey. “They are learning The seventeen students are aged 11 to 17. They fly in and enjoying from 8–4 pm and playing computer from various Laynha homelands to Garrthalala games and DVDs after hours. Hopefully this program community each fortnight for intensive three-day will get bigger and better.” Story continues page 16 Strong Leadership – Strong School

Mirrngatja Homelands School has 100% student attendance year in year out, no discipline issues and students eager to learn. Inside The small Mirrngatja homeland is east of the Arafura Swamp in NE Arnhem. Being remote, school resources are very limited. The older students hope that one day they will have access to internet and distance learning. After school the students usually North go hunting or fishing. It is a healthy East Jonah – lifestyle. future student Arnhem Mirrngatja The elders at Mirrngatja say that living Homeland School on custodial lands is the key for strong special leadership which, in turn, reflects in the fit, healthy children and extremely high & school attendance. They have a visiting teacher, usually Early once a week from the , and one local assistant teacher, Michelle Childhood Nyumulula. Services Contact: Mangay Guyula J.Greatorex 8946 6983 Marion Scrymgour MLA NT Minister for Family and Community Services launches Kids Tracks at the Second FACSAC meeting at the Wagaman Primary School 3 Nov 2004

L-R Back: Jayme Cigobia Jazna Yep, Gabrielle Fry Kyra Kerrin, Somenah Dooley, Stephanie Yunupingu, Dale Williams, Kybyn Baird. Middle: Michelle Kerrin Carloss Campuso, Kathleen Brown, Danica Cigobia, April Camposo Front: Levi Wauchope Marion Scrymgour MLA Hakon Dyrting

Next issue Editorial Kids Tracks The first issue of Kids Tracks came out last November. It had great feedback, but quite a few people said they didn’t get to see a copy – copies just disappeared. We goes must be doing something right! Cross Border Kids Tracks is for the people who do the jobs promoting Aboriginal child and Our next issue will family wellbeing. It is sent free to primary schools, childcare services, clinics, focus on our tri-state women’s centres, community councils and others, but each site only gets a few region: the NT copies. Maybe keep it on the work lunch table? communities of Imampa, Apatula, This issue has two focus areas. We look quite closely at issues relating to child and Mutitjulu, Docker. family wellbeing in NE . We also feature some of the early childhood services, NT wide, which support the development of children in We also look forward to getting ready for school – the mobiles, fun buses, JET creches and Innovative talking with communities from childcare services. across the border in Now don’t get annoyed if we don’t talk about your zone in this issue. You can Anangu Pitjatjantjara send us an article for our next issue, ring in and tell us your story, or just wait a lands and in the Ngaanyatjarra lands. while until we get around to your place. Our editorial rules are noted on the back cover of this issue. Other contributions are welcome from across Many thanks to our contributors, including the many photographers, and to those the whole NT. who have provided background advice and support for this issue, especially Harvey Creswell, Helen Crawford, Helen Walls and Ros Moye. Deadline next issue 11 July 2005. Enjoy and keep circulating! Anthony Burton, Director Policy and Partnership Branch

Manager: Anthony Burton, Director Policy and Partnership Branch, DHCS Newsletter editor: Rosie Elliott, Community Services Policy Unit Editing, writing, layout: Rosie Elliott, Community Services Policy Unit ISSN 1832-4754 Support staff: Ros Moye and staff of the Office of Children and Families, Policy and Partnership Branch Artwork: Logo by Lindy Brodie (Julalikari Arts & Crafts) Address: NT Department of Health & Community Services, PO Box 40596 Casuarina NT 0811 Ph: (08) 8999 2702; Fax: (08) 8999 2833; Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.nt.gov.au/comm_svs/policy_partner/office_children_families/kids_tracks.shtml Articles in Kids Tracks do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or DHCS. Editorial policy is noted on the back cover. Kids Tracks aims to promote development of a NT network of service providers and policy makers in Aboriginal child and family wellbeing, with emphasis on community initiatives directed to giving kids a good start, strengthening families and communities and creating better ways of working with each other.

2 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Over the years, children’s The children’s services services have grown from referred to in this issue of Kids private childcare arrange- All Tracks differ from mainstream ments in people’s own childcare services. homes into a strong • Mobile playgroups are for service network. about parents and young children in Today about 22% of all NT children isolated areas to spend time aged 0–5 years and 14% aged remote together for play, socialisation 6–12 years use formal childcare. and educational activities. More than 11% of Aboriginal • JET creches are informal and children use these services, and childcare flexible childcare services in that’s not counting those children remote Aboriginal communi- attending the 26 JET creches and ties, funded by the Australian flexible services. services Government. These creches provide childcare to assist NT children’s services are a recipients of Centrelink benefits growing community sector. There are currently about to participate in the workforce or in training. JET creches 8500 formal childcare places (childcare centres, Family have not been licensed so far. All the new Innovative Day Care and Outside School Hours Care) with around childcare services began as JET creches. 1300 workers. • Innovative childcare services are funded at a higher We estimate that in addition to this there are about level than the JET creches. Four of these services 300 Aboriginal people working in services such as operate in the Top End and are now licensed under the JET creches, MACS centres, OSHC services and Community Welfare Act 1983. Seven in Central playgroups. This doesn’t include all those working are working towards licensing or are under construction. with children in other services, like early childhood and New remote Aboriginal services are now using the primary teachers, child protection workers and child Innovative model rather than the older MACS model. health nurses. That’s a lot of people! • MACS (Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Good services and programs for little kids can have Services) are licensed childcare centres for Aboriginal long-lasting effects. One study followed children from children. They have a capacity for providing other types an early childhood program (Perry pre-school) from of care, such as OSHC. The NT has three MACS. when they were three years old until they were 40. • OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) is childcare for The study found those who had attended the school aged children, usually 5–12 years of age. Some preschool program had higher levels of schooling, programs offer after-school care only, others vacation were more likely to be employed and have a higher care only and some a combination of both. More OSHC income and were less likely to have been arrested. services exist than any other type of service in remote NT. When families, community people and staff work Children’s services in the Territory have come a long together to create a great place for children it can lift way over the last 30 years. We look forward to seeing the spirits of all who have contact with the service. It them grow from strength to strength, and to working can be a source of energy for identifying and solving with all the wonderful people who help support local problems and worries about children and children, families and communities. families. Children’s services are a real force to be By Agnes McGrath and Helen Crawford reckoned with! Early years child care? Ask Agnes or Helen.

Left: Agnes McGrath manages the Children’s Services Unit in the NT Department of Health & Community Services (DHCS). This unit licenses child care centres and supports people to plan and operate new services for children from birth to twelve years.

Right: Helen Crawford manages the Office of Children and Families in DHCS. The Office includes the Children’s Services Unit and programs to support parents and communities in raising children. Contact: 8999 2779 [email protected] / [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 3 Kathy Long Winning Project Lajamanu L-R: Alexandra Walker KWHB nutritionist, Kathy Long KWHB community nutritionist, and Lynette Tasmin store committee

Last September, Kathy Long, Lajamanu nutrition worker and Alexandra Walker from Katherine West Health Board received the Kellogg Heart Foundation Local Government NT award for a project by a community organisation. The project title was Lajamanu Healthy Takeaway. They also received a high commendation from the national judges. Kathy Long writes the following about her experiences:

In the Lajamanu Store I get along very well with Jim At the Women’s Centre we showed a video about Butler, the Store Manager, and if I need help he is healthy eating and how to look after babies, oldies always there for me. and ourselves.

In the Lajamanu Takeaway I work with Bones and We cooked soup with lots of vegies of different Chrissy. They cook very healthy and nice food. We colours, brown rice and diced meat, and the girls work as a team because they always tell me about had fun cooking wholemeal damper. We also had the new healthy foods so I can tell my people to buy diet cordial and fruits. them and show them how to cook the same. I also worked with Margie Daly, a nutrition student I also work very closely with the Katherine West from Queensland, to develop a resource that Health Board nutritionist, Alexandra Walker. Last explains the relationship between nutrition and the year Alex taught me about nutrition and this year I’m human body. going to Batchelor College to get my degree in Food and Nutrition. For all the good work we’ve done we won a Heart Foundation award that we received in Darwin at the I am involved in all of Alex’s projects in Lajamanu, Crowne Plaza Hotel. like teaching school kids how to eat healthy food, making them try raw vegies and playing nutrition It made me feel very proud. I went with Lynette games to have a little bit of fun. At the end of the Tasman (Store President), Chrissy and Alex. We also day the kids receive a bag full of resources about won a High Commendation from the national panel. health and some healthy foods. I hope that I keep working as a nutrition worker in I also explain to my community the results of the Lajamanu. Maybe one day I might be the expert in Market Basket Survey so they can know the cost of nutrition in my community! store foods and the variety and quality of fresh fruit By Kathy Long. Contact Alexandra Walker: 8971 9322; and vegies. [email protected]

Entries for the 2005 Heart Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards

Open March Close May

Categories: Small rural & remote; Project with limited resources; Healthy nutrition; Policy for healthy communities; Recreation infrastructure facilities; Project by a community organisation; Active living/physical activity.

4 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Gamiritj Gurruwiwi: caring & confident people worker

“Ever since I was a heart, felt I needed to help people. Not just my little girl I saw my people but all Aboriginal people. father working. That’s where I got that “Learning new things helped me to get confident working habit from Sometimes we see a sad person and we feel sorry. and it’s given me the The sadness is part of the work. I have to be there confidence to work with that person to have that feeling, to comfort that with people.” person. That gives me confidence, and if the person gets stronger we’ll get to be stronger in our lives.” Lecturer in Community Services at in Darwin and Galiwinku matriarch Gamiritj “We have to study very hard to achieve the light at the Gurruwiwi shares her success story. end of the tunnel and start thinking about work, because work is important for today’s generation to “If a young person asks lots of questions, then I get good feelings about yourself, to stay healthy in understand he really wants to learn and to get help. I mind and spirit. If you don’t work you feel sick inside. will listen, and tell them. That’s why we encourage our people to study, to have the courage to be able to get up and find a job.” “We have to ask one another plenty of questions. You have to understand that person is interested in Gamiritj says much of her strength and values that work. come from her parents and grandparents example. “Older people have to get the confidence to talk to If a person has that confidence they can face the younger people. Older people used to be strong Balanda. have to sit and talk together to get in the old days but now the older people are getting that confidence. They have to have that confidence weaker. to sit and talk to older Yolngu, to get the confidence to go forward.” “They need to get together to talk about their problems and get clear. Then they can reach out to Gamiritj’s experience in paid family and community younger people with a clear heart and mind.” work started at age 16 in the Galiwinku sewing centre. By Gregory Goodluck Contact: 89271044 [email protected] “There was one Balanda lady older than me beside me, facilitating. Fifteen ladies were working there. I taught them to do ironing, press the clothes, how to lay a master pattern and cut fifty layers of material, how to order materials, invoicing, paper work stuff. Doing it and showing it to the other ladies.”

Gamiritj has also worked as a payroll clerk at Goulburn, a secretary for Galiwin’ku Homeland Centre, has undertaken research for the Uniting Church Remote Area Children’s Service, and worked in domestic violence.

She holds a Diploma in Adult Education and Vocational Studies from NTU (now Charles Darwin University).

“I started travelling as a young person through Photo (L-R): Gamiritj Gurruwiwi, Helen Milmiydjarrk Garrawura (outstation teacher and Family and Community Services student), Arnhem Land and the Territory. I still, deep in my Melissa Gaykamangu (Family and Community Services student).

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 5 Gäwa Christian School, Elcho Island Before and after Cyclone Ingrid

Before Cyclone Ingrid: “Gäwa School first opened in February 2004,” said Principal Marilyn Huddleston. “We have about 30 students, one teacher, two trainee teacher aides and one trainee administrative assistant. Some students board with families here, and some live at the next homeland to Gäwa, Nanginyburra. We pick up and drop off these students each day.”

After Cyclone Ingrid: “We got hit badly,” she said. “Very late last night there was a beautiful full moon, “The school is a mess, as is the community. The with a long new hill of white sand banked up against school lost its windows, solar panels, whirly birds. the school ramp, all bought up by the cyclone. We lost our kitchen roof and we had only just finished it the week before. The generator shed and “ And there were the kids, all in a long line, writing words and pictures in the sand, holding their own wiring is destroyed. school, way past their bed-time. It was beautiful. “We are getting support from schools all around Australia. Twelve men from our Association “The kids have all been helping clean up and we worked for five days to clear the road. have a music teacher here, Roger Latham, who came just before the cyclone to teach for a few “We have lost most of our books, but we still have weeks, but he’s helped out in every other way our class stories on computer so we can print them since.” all over again. Contact: 8987 9239 [email protected]

She began to scream...

School has just started after our long Christmas holiday break. We are glad to be back at Gäwa community because it is quiet and cool when there is a breeze. There is a beautiful beach for swimming and lots of oysters and fish. There is also bush with wallabies and bush foods. The wet season filled our water tank so we can get water to drink easily. In the first week, we went on a bush walk to find some fruits. A wallaby ran out and because there were so many of us, it didn’t know which way to run. It ran into Craig’s wheelchair. We caught it On Friday, Guyathani said she could still feel a bit and cooked it for supper. of the pain – like heat from a fire. Colin cooks us a good lunch every day. On Thursday, some children were picking up some Sometimes we get fruit or biscuits for recess. We stripey catfish from the shallow water, but they take vitamins on Mondays and Thursdays. Every dropped the fish, the fish sprang back at them and morning we clean our teeth. one speared Bilipili’s foot. Some of the other fish Last week we were swimming. The sea was calm, hit Mambi’s eyebrow, finger and nose, and Jacey’s and the breeze was blowing towards the shore. thumb. Suddenly, Bili stepped into some jellyfish, Mambi and Bili were crying loudly, but we had to (gäywarr) and began screaming. Guyathani ran to get the fish out of Bili’s foot. Colin pulled the fish help Bili. She lifted up Bili and threw him onto the out, but its spear was still inside. Bili took the last sand, but also got stung herself. She began to part of the spear out himself. We dropped some scream as well. Colin came with vinegar and warm water on his foot and gave him pain began pouring it on the stings. Marilyn got art brushes to brush the tentacles off the children’s medicine. legs and hands. Written by children of Gäwa Christian School Elcho Island, Feb 2005

6 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Wadeye has over 2500 people, a All about pools beautiful $1.1m community built pool and a No School, No Pool rule. There has been a huge increase in school attendence. Residents say it was not just the pool rule that led to the record school attendance – it was a whole community campaign, including elders, government agencies, teachers and parents.

The Wadeye pool proposal was first made in the late 1990s. Initially the community store offered funding from shop profits. Thamarrurr Council then approached other sources including the Commonwealth and Territory for grant funding. Construction started late 2003 and the pool opened Feb 2004. The Wadeye – No school, No pool Council funds pool maintenance.

Many other remote communities have found Woorabinda QLD: placed a 20% surcharge on all creative ways to fund a pool. Communities alcohol sold at the licensed premises. Within four that have saved some funds for a pool have years the pool was paid off and the state government usually found outside help to top up their gave money for the amenities block. savings. Communities considering building swimming Areyonga: raised capital infrastructure grants for pools must be able to maintain and supervise projects, employed local labour when possible, the pool. It is fairly simple to maintain swimming bought bulk materials and worked on several pool water in a safe state, but close supervision projects at once. The community made good savings is essential. In most swimming pool infectious and tucked it away for the swimming pool! disease outbreaks, a fault in the disinfection Ngukurr: all 350 CDEP employees gave $2 from system or a misuse of chemicals was found. Child their weekly pay for two years. This covered about a drowning is a risk, especially if fencing or quarter of the cost of building a four-pool swimming supervision are poor. complex. Extra funds came from grants.

Papulankutja, Warakurna, Warburton (WA): all Taken from Our Place No 23: 2004 Centre for Appropriate Technology used community store profits plus some grants. Contact 8951 4311; [email protected] Yuendumu and Maningrida win at pools Maningrida and Yuendumu have been offered for costs after completion. A community partnership pools under the Pools In Remote Areas (PIRA) agreement between the governments and successful program. communities will be struck following a community consultation process in which the process will be Last July NT and federal governments announced talked through. $4.5m for remote NT pool construction. Communities will contribute 1/3 of construction Communities must be fully aware of the costs, bringing the amount allocated to over $6m. responsibilities that come with a pool, as well as Of the 17 communities which showed interest in the positive outcomes. Applications for first round the program, six applied for funding. funding closed in 2004 and it is hoped that a second funding round will be agreed to. Completed pools will be signed over to the local government body. PIRA offers no ongoing funding Contact: Gerry McCue 8999 8831; [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 7 Yirrkala Community Education Centre Band

Singers: Marco Guyula (lead), Giyalnga Mununggurr, Guypuypa Yunupingu, Ganybu Mununggurr Bilma (Clapsticks): Giyalnga Mununggurr Yidaki (): Ngalkanbuy Mununggurr Drums: Gathapura Mununggurr & Gunyambirrirr Students are also enrolled in VET Certificate 1 and 2 Bass: Marco Guyula Guitars: Ganbilpil White, Djay’miny Marika courses focussing on music industry related skills. The Keys: Yikatjpirr band members, both boys and girls, learn a variety of Trumpets: Mirrwun Mununggiritj, Gadal’miny instruments including trumpet, trombone, drums, bass, Mununggiritj, Rrutjurrutjurr Maymuru keyboard, guitar and vocals. They also add their own Trombones: Walalu Mununggurr, Dhapanarra sounds of Arnhem Land with the yidaki (didgeridoo), Dhurrkay bilma (clapsticks) and traditional language.

The band performs covers of other Indigenous bands The Yirrkala CEC band are an all Indigenous plus student compositions about love of country and school rock band. Band members are all Yolngu acknowledgment of the place where they come from. students aged 13–17 years. Band compositions include: Recently the band performed at the Garma Festival and have been working and jamming with John Butler, Peta Yawirriny, about the boys going hunting together and Morris and and undertaken a tour spearing a kingfish. performing in NSW and . Big Wind and Thunder, about the wet season environment. Over the last three years Yirrkala CEC has established Gatapanga, about a dangerous buffalo, which chased a music program that has included the development of band members at the beach. a number of bands. Curfew, which relates to the imposition of a curfew by the Community Council on young people. Stage1 and Stage 2 Music (Years 11 and 12) involve composition, performance and Yolngu music studies. By Yirrkala School: 89871988 [email protected] Broadcasting in Yolgnu

Aboriginal Resource and for – to get the answers to things This year is set to be busy as we Development Services (ARDS) that I have always wanted to know develop and broadcast radio Community Development Radio just by switching on a radio,” said programs in language for an Service (CDRS) is broadcasting one Yolngu radio listener. increasing Yolngu audience. 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Currently broadcasting in Darwin, AM: Darwin-1530 kHz The service provides Yolngu with Yirrkala, Galiwin’ku, Ramingining Nhulunbuy-1530kHz information on diabetes, caring for and several homeland centres, FM: Gan Gan-87.6MHz, children, renal disease, petrol ARDS continues to rollout CDRS Balma-87.8MHz, Donydji-88.0MHz, sniffing, law and order and many infrastructure so all Yolngu have Yilpara-88.0MHz, Galiwin’ku-104.3MHz, other things, all in Yolgnu Matha, access. Ramingining-102.9MHz plus contemporary Indigenous The service is funded by ARDS with BRACS: Yirrkala-106.1MHz music and Yolngu song cycles. some support from ICC and project “This is what I have been waiting funding for educational material. By ARDS 8987 3910 [email protected]

8 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 The Yirrkala population ranges from 700–950 people with around 250 young people aged 5–17. Yirrkala Dhanbul Sports and Recreation have a fantastic school holiday program with heaps of children attending and having a great time.

In the December school holidays we enjoyed:

Cooking classes at our local Women’s Resource Centre; skate park Fun Night in our regional centre; lice treatments and body grooming workshops from our local health clinic; healthy women’s camp; plenty of art and craft activities, excursions, sports carnivals; AusKick events; collecting; Christmas luncheon; and New Year’s and Australia Day celebrations.

We had a lot of help from our local community organisations and would like to thank them all for their continued involvement in our programs.

Our biggest thank you goes to the federal Department of Family and Community Services who fund our school holiday and after school programs. We hope you enjoy our photos as much as we do.

By Bethan Davies 8987 2609

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 9 Message in a bottle

Scene from Message in a bottle, with students acting as the Community Council

Yirrkala has set the trend for whole of commu- This gets a “wheel of concern” turning. The nity involvement in addressing domestic message is strong. violence caused by alcohol and other drugs. The project resulted in video screenings for the Message in a bottle is a video in Yolgnu Matha children, youth, consultants, council and elders; a made for Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, request by the Women’s Resource Centre for Ramingining, Galiwinku and the outstations. “Positive Parenting Skills” workshops; a request for representation at the community Council by a The youth, children and mothers were given a story “youth committee”; a request for alcohol and other outline about alcohol and other disorders and drug education by 12–18 year olds; and planning domestic violence. The script was developed in for youth camps by Sports and Recreation. their own language and the way they saw it. This project was funded by the ICC and The story is about a young man whose family and coordinated by Alcohol and Other Drugs program school work are troubled by alcohol. He becomes staff who liaised with Dhanbul Sports and anxious and depressed and doesn’t know where to Recreation, Yirrkala School, Women’s Resource turn. So he writes his feelings down, puts his Centre, children and youth in the community, message in a bottle and throws it into the ocean. Yirrkala Landcare and Yirrkala Health Clinic. Our Some kids find the bottle on the beach and show thanks go to Ken Hutton from Kakadu Studios for their parents. Why does this young man feel so his work on the video/DVD. alone that he has to tell his story to the ocean By John Hopkins 8987 0434 [email protected] instead of his family? Photo: Message in a bottle gets watched again and again

Gunyangarra votes for an alcohol ban On 7 January 2005 chaired Galarrwuy Yunupingu said he would like the a meeting at Gunyangarra/Ski Beach community community of Gunyangarra to become an alcohol attended by Yolgnu elders, local MLA Minister Syd restricted area. This important statement has been Stirling and government departmental widely welcomed. representatives. The Licensing Commission will conduct a hearing This meeting arose as a result of the great into the declaration of Gunyangarra as a dry area community grief over the recent youth suicides in under the NT Liquor Act, once the formal the community, as highlighted in a 2005 police correspondence has been received from the report. community.

10 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Nhulunbuy Harmony Fiona Marika Special Care Centre Anglicare The Nhulunbuy Harmony Special Care Centre Connect rehabilitation facility is nearing completion and the sobering up facility building has just started. Youth & The service should begin mid 2005. Family Sobering up Facility: It is hoped this facility will help clients take up harm minimisation, safe Services drinking, or even detoxification and rehabilitation NE Arnhem programs. Treatment time: four to six hours in the day and overnight for evening and night admissions. Fiona Marika, 26 years old, has been the Anglicare Connect Youth Worker for a year. The Detoxification Facility: This will include joint interventions with Miwatj and GDH doctors and “This is my first experience in office work,” she nurses and the centre’s own staff. This collaboration said. “I’m loving it because I am working with is still in discussion stage. young people, Yolgnu and Balanda, teaching both ways, mainly talking in Yolgnu Matha. We talk with Detoxification will be designed for ‘in-house’ the kids who have been hurt in the family, who programs or for clients at home. Treatment time: have nowhere to go or have been missing school. three to seven days. “I have worked in landscaping since I was 12 The Rehabilitation Facility: This will offer years old on school holidays at Yirrikala Business counselling, cognitive rehabilitation and cultural Enterprises. I only got to year nine at school and interventions (Raypirri Rom) cognitive restructuring. I’ve worked my way up, on my own, at home.

Longer-term interventions are being discussed with “I did a suicide prevention course last month and senior Yolgnu community leaders and it is hoped action research last year and I am starting a outstations will provide programs for persons Certificate in Youth Work with Charles Darwin belonging to their clan groups. In-house University now. I want to start a young mums’ rehabilitation program time: four to six weeks. project.”

We await the outcomes of negotiations to determine Fiona is a single mother of two, one six one four funds for the operational costs. The Alcohol and years old. “My life hasn’t been easy,” she said, Other Drugs Program has offered training in this “but my family taught me the right way, how to be program once recurrent funding is determined. brave and strong. I would like to see the young kids at school, getting educated, getting work By John Hopkins 8987 0434 [email protected] experience. (Y)OUR STORIES “I have goals – getting trained, learning office Something magical work. And when my kids are older I am going to write a book about my life. I’ve got lots of stories, Last October 16 children and young people so my grandchildren will be read them all.” living in care in Alice Springs participated in Contact: [email protected] Ph 8987 3022 digital media and visual arts workshops to produce images and document stories based on other than their parents – telling stories which all their life experience. have moments of sadness, anger and triumph. The event was a huge success for the young people and On 21 March (Y)OUR STORIES was launched in those witnessing their extraordinary work. Alice Springs – a publication celebrating the children’s wonderful artwork and unique stories. The initiative has been driven by CREATE / Big hART and part funded by NT FACS. The event also showcased short films produced by five young people who are being raised by people Contact: [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 11 Laynhapuy Homelands Association

Laynhapuy Homelands began in 1972 and was Lirrpiya incorporated in 1985. Their governing council Mununggurr, Vice of homelands leaders represents18 homelands, Chair of Laynhapuy 13 clans and 850 people spread over 6609 km2, Homelands all speaking dialects of Yolgnu Matha. Association, has also previously been twice In some circles Laynha gets talked up as an elected as Chair. He important model for promotion of remote community moved to Yirrkala to Aboriginal child and family wellbeing. fulfill his The Laynhapuy Homelands Association is mostly responsibilities. Commonwealth funded, with some NT Health “I really enjoy working here at Laynha,” he Department funds, plus funding from their own air said. “I am learning a lot, working with charter service and sales income. homeland development and community work, but I am thinking of moving back to my The Laynha office is located in the community of Buymarr homeland. It’s for our future, our Yirrkala. There are 22 plus staff members, twelve of kids and their kids.” whom are Yolgnu. Contact: Laynhapuy 8987 1922 [email protected] They have a 300 strong CDEP workforce in the homelands, operate a homelands health service, Better health in provide VET training, have a maintenance building and civil works service and mechanical workshop, homelands? have started their own environmental protection agency and own a small airline with six light planes Menzies School of Health Research and a helicopter. researcher, Jamie Mapleson reports: Recent research has shown in one area of NE Banambi Wunungmurra has been the Laynha Arnhem Land that Aboriginal people living on General Manager for the last few years. homelands are healthier than those living in a centralised community. “Ever since Laynha was created in 1972 we had the Fewer risk factors for the metabolic syndrome dreams of the old people” he said. was found including less diabetes mellitus. “We have battled hard to establish our own Significantly lower weight, body mass index, communities and our Laynha staff have worked waist, hip, waist-hip ratio and insulin measure- closely with our ments were found. Cholesterol was significantly homeland leaders to higher in the homelands although still consider- work towards those ably lower than in the non-Indigenous population. dreams. There was also a non-significant trend towards lower glucose, higher HDL cholesterol and lower “We are successful urine ACR compared to the centralised in what we are doing community. There was an increased prevalence of and confident we smoking and kava use in the homelands. have better This research was based at the Matharkal Home- outcomes where we lands. It reaffirms Robyn McDermott’s (1998) can live and move research findings for a central Australian homeland. freely in our traditional lands.” Contact: Jamie Mapleson [email protected]

12 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Jonetani Laynhapuy Rika Health Service

It’s the best chance we have

“Mining started Laynhapuy Health is based at Yirrkala here in 1972 and community. It provides a primary health care tribal leaders saw service to the 18 Laynhapuy homeland centres. what started to happen to the people,” said The team consists of two registered nurses, two Jonetani Rika, Laynhapuy Community Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW), an administration Development Manager. officer, administration manager and two CDEP “In 1977 I was a young Fijian missionary working clerical assistants. with the old people at the Uniting Church Mission. Three additional AHWs and six Aboriginal health aids Yolgnu leaders asked me to help them return to work and live in the homelands. The clinical staff their tribal land. liaise with health workers to provide weekly “The movement has now grown. It’s a better life on Homeland clinic visits and practical training for the homelands, more family orientated. I have never homelands-based health care. seen gambling there and the rules are all set by the If homeland people need to travel to Nhulunbuy for old people. These are not legally dry areas but the additional care, the health workers in Yirrkala law of the old people is what the people follow. Resource Centre act as cultural brokers to eliminate “Our goals haven’t changed. I still feel the hope for worry and confusion. the people is in the homelands. But we have to find The AHW role is consistent with the goals of the best way. Last week we visited some of our Laynhapuy Homelands Association Inc. – to work homelands with the manager of the Indigenous with and support AHWs efforts to improve the Coordination Centre. We support the new program health of Yolgnu in NE Arnhem Land and encourage of mutual obligation and we have to get this right. self-management of Yolngu people.

“From the very beginning we saw some initiatives Contact: 8987 1242 [email protected] were not helping. People didn’t want unemployment benefit then. They would take three weeks food supply and come back three weeks later with arts and crafts to sell for more food.

“We have taken control for so long and you destroy a community if you take control. The best chance is to let people do it NOW, the way they want. If we wait too long it gets harder. Better now than Laynhapuy Health Team Sylvia Easton (RN), Rebecca Mackowski tomorrow. We need to let the tribal leadership and (Admin Offier), Sheryl DeJong (RN), Balpawanga Maymuru (AHW), structure take control and run it their way.” Alisha Pengelly (Admin Manager – Health). Laynhapuy home management

Sally Wagg runs the Laynha home management great fencing project done by the CDEP men and program, ten community aged care packages and Yanumbi won the Tidy Towns Runner Up monthly nutritionist visits. (Homelands Section) in 2004. “Only Yilpara community has a store, others shop “We are looking at Shared Responsibility in town, she said. We encourage a variety in food. Agreements, working out our main priorities. Variety is the main thing plus more bush food. Dhuruputjiti started a garden last year and had a “At the moment training seems the main issue.”

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 13 Djambuwa Marawili (front left) and Yilpara community members meet with Charlie King (advisor to the Minister for Community Services Marion Scrymgour), John Morgan and Lirrpiya Mununggurr (Vice Chair Layhnapuy Homelands) offering their ideas about child and family wellbeing and life in the homelands. 4 February 2005.

Yilpara – a Laynhapuy homeland

Yilpara is a quiet seaside village of 120–130 structure is still here. We hunt and fish every people and growing with 40 CDEP workers. It’s a weekend and we are not going to move. If we have half hour plane flight south from Nhulunbuy, problems we just sit here and sort it out ourselves. built by the white sand of Blue Mud Bay. “We have kava, which is controlled through our Yilpara is well maintained with 14 houses, a small retail shop and we have invested the kava retail shop with tin stuffs and refrigeration, a small profits into our new community store. airconditioned office and a school overlooking the “All the boys sitting here today went to our community. school, grew up here and are still here. They do They have recently opened an administration office not want to move to town. with a phone, fax, email and electronic banking. “But we do want job training. Our priority is Nhulunbuy Bank staff have visited to teach education, from little kids to adults. We want community members how to bank online. our kids growing up here in a good way, not The founder of Yilpara was Djambuwa Marawili’s moving away. father. Djambuwa is strong community leader and “We have 50 school students and six half-time an internationally known artist. He talked with Yolgnu assistant teachers. Qualified teachers visit us Charlie King and Kids Tracks. one day a week from Yirrkala Homelands School. “We originally lived in different missions,” he said. But it’s not enough. “When Land Rights started people straight away “We really want a school breakfast program and decided to come home to our country, to hunt and school playground equipment. We have also talked a fish in our own area. lot about a Yilpara community resource centre with a “Those old people had a strong vision for this place. crèche and a place to do art education so we can This place is the best place for us to raise our design our own stories. children – there’s no beer or gambling. “We are Yolgnu people, living here, trying to “When the mine opened in 1972 we built a house look after ourselves, trying to be self-managing and airstrip. Then in 1974–75 the government and self sufficient. But we still need funded Laynha to build some houses. some support.”

“We live by the old laws mainly and our tribal Contact Yilpara: 8987 9305 [email protected]

14 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Yilpara – they got the power The lights went on at Yilpara 5 December Former ATSIC officers now with the ICC are proud 2004. Poles in the sky. Everyone was very of their record in the Miwatj region. “Almost happy and Yilpara held a big party. everything here was built by ATSIC. We put in a lot of capital and built facilities to address kids issues. “It is the first Homeland in Australia to get power It’s no use just telling people don’t do this, don’t do on,” said Vernon Patullo former ATSIC officer, now that. You need a more integrated approach,” he said. with Nhulunbuy ICC. “This three-quarter of a million dollar project was funded by ATSIS. It’s a first for “The people of Yirrkala see the Homelands as the any homeland across the country. saviour of their young people,” said Ric Browne, Principal Yirrkala Homeland School. “They should “No more multiple lines and generators – everything put power in all the communities. They cannot is now powered from a 45 kW generator and its flourish without it and the cost of not doing it is backup, and it’s much safer for the children as they greater than the cost of doing it. With power they run around. The community covers all fuel costs, can have training in machinery, computers, access and it costs a lot, but the community will learn to to the internet, electronic banking, small business manage costs better. development.”

“We should support the homeland movement Provision of electricity to remote areas is a matter strongly. And for homeland community development, governments will eventually have to resolve as they need power to operate small businesses and responsibility issues are currently under dispute. adult learning centres. The population here has started expanding since the power was put on.” Contact: [email protected] Ph: 8987 8468 Strong Learners book launch Last Christmas Batchelor Institute launched the book Strong Learners: the learning journey of staff and students in the Certificate 3 in Indigenous Education Work at Batchelor Institute 1999–2003. This book tells the story of student education and training in Indigenous education work at Batchelor. It describes the evolution of courses from the Batchelor RATE course for community-based teachers in the 1970s to a Certificate 3 course with 150 students in 17 communities in 2002. The book explores the journey of students as learners and teachers in communities, and the way Batchelor staff taught the course to suit the communities. The students share their experiences and write about their hopes for themselves, their children and Aboriginal community education. Strong Learners brings together many voices. Their message is loud and clear. “Aboriginal kids need Aboriginal teachers!” said Cissy Mckenzie. Contact: 8939 7352 [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 15 Ric Browne Acting Principal Yirrkala Homelands School

Be alert! Even the Post Office regularly gets Laynhapuy secondary school Yirrkala Homelands School (YHS) confused Continued from front page with the Yirrkala Community Education Centre which services students living in, or close to, The Yirrkala Homelands School is resourced and Yirrkala. staffed solely as a primary school. Their secondary school project is in its infancy and its future is not Yirrkala Homelands School is an NT Department of secure. Education school servicing over 200 students on the Laynhapuy Homelands. The secondary school was started as a Commonwealth-funded pilot in-house project in YHS has qualified Visiting Teachers (VT) staff 2004. It has since received funding for 2005 from allocated at a ratio of 1:22 students. They provide the Indigenous Education Division branch of DEET. fly-in visits to the scattered homelands schools. Despite the remoteness of these non-English “At night students and teachers sleep on speaking communities, this school is funded as a mattresses on the classroom floor. We provide all primary school like any other. the meals, on a BBQ, with the kids helping on roster. We’d like a kitchen sink,” she said. Each community can nominate a community member to be employed by NTDEET as an Assistant At the end of last term 2004, a Ceremony of Teacher at a ratio of 1:16 children or part thereof. Learning was held at Garrthalala homelands. Enjoy The homelands school VTs also act as volunteer the photos of students and their families, teachers, teachers to train theses assistant teachers who are community leaders and politicians all celebrating the enrolled in the Batchelor IEW course. students’ achievements. Contact: 8987 1224 [email protected] “All the communities see education as the key to future development of staff and resources,” said Acting Principal Ric Browne.

Ric became Acting Principal this year, standing in for Nalwarri Ngurruwutthun (who has now become Acting Principal of Yirrkala CEC). Ric has been with the school since it opened in 1991. “Ric is kind, knowledgeable and fights for his beliefs,” said one Above: Syd Stirling MLA at the end of term Celebration of Learning staff member. Ceremony. Below: Secondary students hard at work. In 2003 the Yirrkala Homelands School established a mobile computer laboratory with projector, printer and multimedia programs to be used in its seven learning centres. The school has also purchased a generator to provide the power.

“The mobile computers have led to increased involvement by all community members,” said Ric Browne. “It’s going really well. The hardest thing is getting suitable software,” he said.

16 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Above: Wayalwanga and Banumin paint student Langani for the Celebration of Learning. Left: Djalinda (Visiting Teacher) and Dhunggala (Garrthalala elder) award Certificate of Learning to Bayalawuy from Yilpara Laynhapuy Homelands mobile pre-school Children at Dhalinybuy, Gangan and Biranybirany Principal Ric Browne. “They can listen to Homelands participate in a mobile preschool instructions and stay on task. And the kids like it – learning counting, literacy and pre-maths skills, and no-one misses it when it comes. handling pens and brushes. The Mobile is run The preschool program also supports Yilpara, through Yirrkala Homelands School. Boruwuy and Garrthalala Homelands to run a full- The program prepares non-English speaking week program with support materials which are children for the culture of school. “The children changed each week. are noticeably better prepared for school,” said Contact: 8987 1224 [email protected] The mobile pre-schools

Bev Liddy is the Curriculum Officer for the school library, or are Mobile Pre-Schools with the NT Department of sometimes under the Education. shade of a tree.

“The service provides young children access to The teacher provides programs in remote communities where no other a program and toys/ service has previously been available,” she said. equipment for the on-site Teacher Support Officers to deliver each day. The teacher visits once every 2 “The mobile pre-schools prepare children for formal or 3 weeks, and is available for phone support.” schooling through exposure to pre-literacy and numeracy by play based activities. Currently there The mobile preschool pilot program was are three services: one in the Katherine Region, one established in 2002 by DEET with Commonwealth in Yirrkala Homelands School, and one in Sandover. funding under the National Indigenous English The difference between this service and other mobile Literacy and Numeracy program. services is that we provide a consistent daily “The program has been a great success,” said Bev. program. Even though the teacher is mobile, the “It has increased the number of Indigenous children program still operates. attending school and has increased employment “For example, the Katherine teacher works with and training for Indigenous people.” Bulla, Timber Creek, Urapunga, Manyalluk and Commonwealth funding ceased at the end of 2004 Mataranka. Each of those communities has a and currently DEET has agreed to fund these Teacher Support Officer chosen by that community positions until June while funding options are or school, who delivers a daily on-site program for looked at. The future is uncertain. two hours every morning. “I would like to thank all the staff involved – they “The Sandover mobile services Harts Range, have done a fabulous job and worked hard to make Alcoota, Ampilatawatja, Soapy Bore and Mulga it the success it is,” said Bev. Bore Homelands. The pre-schools are usually based in the school – on the verandahs, in the Contact: 8999 3746 [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 17 The wonderful Yolgnu women of NE Arnhem and the Mel’hu Mala Women’s Community Patrol

Late last year a group of Yolgnu women went to Yuendumu to look at their community patrols and community justice system – it was a peer modelling approach to community safety and justice planning.

Two days before Christmas 2004 the Yirrkala women started their own trial community patrol – based on their previous experience combined with what they saw at Yuendumu. Their Patrol has kept going.

School attendance has gone up dramatically since the patrol started and Yirrkala has become quieter and safer.

The NT Department of Health and Community Services has developed a Cabinet submission for the patrol. Yolngu community organisations, Alcan and Nhulunbuy Corporation have all offered funding for the patrol so long as the patrollers and community organisations control the process.

Kids Tracks interviewed some of these wonderful women.

Thinking up new strategies Yalmay Yunupingu Yalmay Yunupingu (Gurrwun Marika) is a member of the Women’s Community Patrol, a full-time teacher at Yirrkala community school and mother of six.

Yalmay has also recently designed a logo for the community patrol.

“A woman holding a bulbul flower,” said Yalmay. “The flowers represent all the people born and raised here who we have to treat like our own children. Nhulunbuy. Alcan has supplied one of our vehicles and Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Council the other. “We are called Mel’ηu Mala, which means It has bought awareness to the drinkers. Spy and Reconnaissance Group. In World War η II there used to be Mel’ u who went out and “They respect us. We sit down and talk with them looked for enemies. We spy on people at The and they listen. Sometimes they do tricky things, Limit – on people who sell drugs. like put Jim Beam in a Coke can.

“When people bring in grog we ring the police, as “We have had lots of women’s nights to talk about we are not allowed to tip grog out. But if there is a things. We are strongly talking about no more problem, we deal with it through kinship. takeaways, or cutting the takeaway limit, just drinking in the bar. “There are about 12 women in the group and lots more want to do it. Some men are supporting us and “There is also strong talk that we should raise the two men recently did patrol too. Some ladies don’t age you can buy grog to 21 years old. want men on the patrol, others do. “We keep thinking up strategies,” she said. “We patrol in two shifts, from after lunch to after midnight, patrolling Yirrkala, Ski Beach and Contact: [email protected]

18 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005

Bunduk Marika, sister of and admired coordinator of the Landcare department of Yirrkala Dhanbul Council.

“We have wanted to ban takeaways for a long time. Not just the women, but the older members of the community too. But really, we want a complete alcohol ban.

“The old people saw it all a long time ago. Now we all see what they saw,” she said.

“Now we all see what they saw”

“I just walk around the community at night trying to Dhangal Gurruwiwi calm everyone down, every night, any time. Sometimes there are others walking around too. It – Gunyangarra will be good when we get a vehicle. Dhangal Gurruwiwi is a strong lady from Gunyangarra/Ski Beach. Her eyes are deep Dhangal has travelled the world as business and sad. manager for her brother , a Master Yidaki (didjeridoo) maker. “I have mixed with people “This is supposed to be an alcohol free community from around the world, with people who think but it’s not,” she said. “We had that meeting after broadly,” she said. Christmas because of our losses and everyone has agreed this should be a dry community,” she said. “I talk with the youth – they listen to me. I ask them: What’s going to happen to you in ten years? “Since then the community has quieted down, but They know they have to give up that thing, but they visitors still come. A takeaway ban would be good. don’t know how.

“So I say to them: You can’t get out because you are stuck behind that little green can, too frightened to get out. Fear and sorrow, it’s all inside and they can’t let go of it.

“The children have to learn that a strong-willed person can say NO to distractions and learn to focus on what they want to achieve.

“They need more tutoring, activities, more strong role models, a right group of people they can look up to, to seek a higher power from some place.”

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 19 Djerrkngu Marika and Djapirri Mununggirritj

Djapirri Mununggirritj Yirrkala Women’s Resource Centre

The Yirrkala Women’s Resource Centre is the “Our parents were good parents. They were pretty happening heart of Yirrkala. It’s go go go. strict in growing us up, kept us near them all the time and didn’t let us wander,” she said. The Women’s Centre runs the Aged Care and HACC programs, Strong Women – Strong Babies and the She also gets her strength from other women. before and after school nutrition program. The “There are a lot of strong, talented women here. We women are also involved in the women’s have had a woman’s advisory committee for ATSIC community patrol service. organised by Andrea Collins (ATSIC). The centre has many funding sources and employs “We met four times a year – women from across around 14 women on CDEP/CDEP top-up, and Arnhem Land. It has been the only voice we have there are more programs starting soon. for Yolgnu women. Next door to the Women’s Centre a new ATSIC “We camp out in the bush, share stories and put funded community centre building is being built – a forward recommendations to government. centre for daytime activities for disabled and frail aged men and women. “We wrote a letter to the Licensing Commissioner saying: The building will double at night as a safe house for women and children. It is not clear how the “Our young people are dying at a young age. operational costs will be covered. These suicides leave a scar in the mother’s heart that will not be healed. Djapirri Mununggirritj is the manager of this little power house. As one Yirrkala woman said: “Djaperri “The Yilpara community also wrote a letter to the sees things sharply, she’s a very intense lady.” Commission supporting us. Djapirri did Yirrkala Mission School to year 11–12, “We asked the Licensing Commissioner to ban began a traineeship with Nabalco and completed it the takeaways to Yolgnu and we would like with Yirrkala Business Enterprises where she Minister Marion Scrymgour to come to talk with worked for ten years. This included five years us about these things. managing Nambara Arts and Crafts. “The big issue at the moment is the Women’s She started work at the Yirrkala Women’s Centre Community Patrol. We are standing up for the two years ago and became Coordinator last March, community, doing the community patrol. We want taking over from Francine George. our community members to run this service.

Djapirri was also recently elected Vice Chair of the “It’s hard for the men to hear the truth, but we have Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Council – the first some men with us. Strong Men, Strong Women, time a woman has been voted to such a high Strong Family. That’s how it should be,” she said. position. Djapirri says she gets her strength from her god and her family upbringing. Contact: 8987 1973 Fax 8987 2304

20 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 The wonderful Yolgnu women of NE Arnhem

Raymattja Marika

Raymattja Marika – daughter of Djerrkngu Marika, graduate of University, a teacher and a committed and dedicated worker for her community.

“Grog, money, structural power and poverty. Families are dysfunctional because of substance abuse and the women carry much of the heartache and pain for our children.

“The main problem is that the hurt and grief and trauma doesn’t get dealt with – so many shattered lives here with no healing. When you see a broken glass, it’s shattered and you try to put it back together, but bits and pieces are missing – that’s what Yolgnu life is.

“Late last year my mother and her sister Margaret Ranydjupi spoke to me a letter in Yolgnu Matha. I wrote it out in English asking for people to hear our heart’s cry and help us control the grog. It was sent to Syd Stirling. The Harmony group has asked the Licensing Commission to hold a hearing here this year about these things.

“We want to ban takeaways and limit the hours and amounts, ban wine casks and glass bottles. Some people are saying it is their right to drink and it’s a matter of civil liberties. But I think it’s not a right, it’s a privilege and people should earn it.

“We want the funding for the women’s community patrol given to us. We own the problem and we want to deal with it, working along with others.”

Djerrkngu Marika: Good things are happening

“Manymak birrin birr” or good spirit, that’s There’s not many drinking at The Limit, the way I treat people,” said Djerrkngu nobody screaming in the middle of the night, Marika – senior older woman, wife of a no visiting drunks, the fighting has quietened former celebrated Yolgnu leader. down.

“We want to see the people happy, not sad faces. “It’s got better because women are working so hard People here are walking like old men, sad and and people are coming to understand what the wobbly. women are doing – working all night, seven days a week. “Yirrkala and Ski Beach families met after Christmas to discuss suicide. And Galarrwuy said we have to “The men on the night patrols can be too tough, clean up this place, the takeaway and the drink. yelling and hitting. The women just talk gently and quietly. They have never got into trouble. “We want a clean place. Close the door. Get rid of all the grog licences in Yirrkala. Grog. That’s the “Good things will happen to our community. The problem. changes will make them happy.

“Good things are happening now. I was “Men have to have a group like us women, meeting thinking and praying for this to happen. together to help each other to be strong.”

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 21 Gundimulk Wanambi & Ngarrawu Mununggurr 1992–1997 Members of the Ngali Ngali Mittji Community Patrol

Daynungu Munyarryun (Advisor) Gulumbu 1 Mununggurr (Advisor) Ngarrawu Mununggurr (Coordinator) Mamutjangi Mununggurr Daymuni Mununggurr * Djakala Ngurruwuthun Manbarr Ganambarr Natiti Marika * Balpalwanga Mununggurr Yolgnu women keep trying Raymatja Marika Munugiritj Gundimulk Wanambi In the 1990s, Yirrikala had a good women’s patrol. It was Mulkun 1 Marawili called Ngali Ngali Mittji. It died in 1997 for lack of funding. Bandiyal 2 Maymuru Ngarrawu Mununggurr and Gundimulk Wanambi are two of the Maliny Mununggurr * original Ngali Ngali night patrol workers. Mutilnga Ganambarr Djandi Yunupingu “Our Mala leaders fought the mine and the grog all the way, but Yithun Mununggurr * nothing came of it,” said Ngarrawu. “Those leaders saw it all. Naminapu White But no change came. Julie (Gayili) Marika Margaret Yunupingu “It’s really torn us apart spiritually. We are angry and sad and Djalu Gurruwiwi drink more and it’s hard to deal with so many tribes in one place and dominant people. *Now passed away. “We need to move forward and do something. We are now The Police say ... going back to something that happened before. This time we are getting a more fair deal with CDEP and top-up from the “This women’s community patrol is a Dhanbul Council. very good thing,” says Charles Rue, Acting OIC Nhulunbuy Police. “I was coordinator of the Ngali Ngali Mittji Family Violence Working Party from 1992 onwards. The older women directed “The women are dealing with things we us and dealt with problems and we could communicate with the would otherwise do – but they do it their drunks. We worked closely with the Women’s Refuge sponsored own way, through community and family. by Nabalco and Town Corporation and Living with Alcohol. “We are getting called in at less serious “We cleared up the drinking spots, did counseling and we built stages – for people bringing in grog a shelter made of bark. All the government people went down rather than trouble from drunks. Things and looked and wrote up a submission to ATSIC. have got far more peaceful.

“Everyone agreed it was very successful, but our funding ran “It is our belief it should be community out around 1997. I’m not sure why.” controlled by the women, and work with all stakeholders. We don’t want a patrol Djerrkngu Marika, a former Ngali Ngali advisor said: “I think that just locks drunks up. ATSIC passed on the 1996 federal funding cuts to all the women’s organisations. We were doing night patrol on a tiny “At the end of the day the main thing is to amount of money, so we couldn’t continue.” give direction to young people by targeting truancy, underage substance A report on the success of Ngali Ngali Mittji was presented to abuse and domestic violence,” he said. the NT Minister in 1996. Contact: [email protected]

22 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Yalmay Yunupingu, Djakala Mununggurr, Birrpunu Mununggurr, Sasha Earle & Merrikyawuy Stubbs, a beautiful dancer! Andrea Collins, Djerrkngu Marika, Maymuna Yunupingu Lovely Ladies Night “We had a Lovely Ladies beach dance night participate in the Yolngu festivities was grasped by recently, building bridges with the Ngapaki women the Ngapaki,” said Sandy Daff from Alcan. in Nhulunbuy,” said Djapirri Mununggirritj from the Yirrkala Women’s Centre. “There were about 180 A similar event was held last year in the Women’s women altogether.” Centre, but with with so many children present, it was hard for the women to talk. The event was organised by Djapirri, Raymattja, Yirrkala School, Joyce Warnock (Dimurru) and So for this event, the children were all entertained Andrea Collins (Commonwealth FACS). separately at Yirrkala school by Kids Fun Biz with Miss Deb. The women had some fun time out “There is a barrier in communication between without family responsibility. cultures. We thought the way to reconnect was a women’s night,” said Djapirri. “Everyone had a good time, and it went on to late in the night. There was a lot of talk after that about “The Yolngu women created a warm welcome to how well the activities went. More such events are the Ngapaki women, and the opportunity to planned – maybe four times a year,” said Djapirri. Crisis Accommodation Gove

Crisis Accommodation Gove and families in crisis and children into schools and was formed in April 1985. homeless. It is funded under preschools, accessing health SAAP by the NT and Federal services, parenting support and It began with a telephone in governments and we service the basic living skills education. an empty room and whole of East Arnhem Land – volunteers answering the calls An early intervention approach over 640,000 km2 and 14,000 of those who had become will serve as a fundamental people. homeless when their lives element in reducing the number were in crisis. We then used a Over the past two years there of these children growing up to rented motel room for has been an increase in the become perpetrators and victims emergency accommodation number of children accessing of family violence. our services with mothers or and 1993 the DHCS offered the Many submissions have been families. use of a demountable. In 1994 written to fund a children’s a Coordinator was funded. We want to provide more support worker and a children’s room at Crisis Accommodation Gove (Inc) to these children including the refuge. SAAP has not been today is a confidential service counselling, family protection able to cover this but we providing short-term strategies, family and continue to look for funding. accommodation to individuals community advocacy, enrolling Contact: 89871166 [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 23 Mobile playgroups and toy libraries

Nancy, Travis and Kathleen can judge the success of their job by the smiles of the young children waiting for Playscheme to arrive!

In partnership with Larrakia Nation and Karu, the Commonwealth-funded Save the Children Mobile Playscheme operates playgroups in Darwin Aboriginal communities, including Bagot, Palmerston Indigenous Village and Knuckeys Lagoon. Aimed at children up to five years it provides fun and culturally- centred learning for kids and communities who often cannot access other services.

“Twice a week for two and a half hours we bring a playgroup to the community where the children can play games and take part in craft activities, book readings and sing-along,” Nancy says.

Darwin urban The Playscheme van is equipped with games, books and craft materials, and staffed by a community worker and two early Save the childhood workers. Each week the team sees up to sixty children. Children The service has only been going for 12 months but already the rewards are showing with many children now looking forward to Mobile going to school. Playscheme Contact: [email protected]

Mt Isa RAFS is an early childhood service in the Barkly and West Queensland, part of the Uniting Church non-profit Frontier Services Children’s Services network.

RAF services a huge area including the communities of Kiana, Corella Creek on Brunette, Wogela on Rockhampton Downs, Alpurrurulam on Lake Nash and Marmanya at Urandangi. Suzanne and Kylie hold playgroups at isolated stations, delivering Above L-R: Coordinators Kylie an educational program to children with no access to children’s Harris and Suzanne Hand services. It takes the team over three months to do a full circuit Right: Resource Officer Lynelle Hall and they only get to visit each family or community three or four times a year.

The playgroups provide a great opportunity for children and families to have the much needed interaction that is so important for children and adults alike.

Tablelands The RAFS girls have been referred to as many things over the years – the Rats Girls, Riff Rafs, Ruffs, the RAAF and the RAFS RSPCA! Go Figure! Meanwhile, back in the Isa, Lynelle answers Mobile the phones, tops up art and craft, prepares materials, balances books and does all the behind the scenes stuff.

Playgroup Contact: (07) 4743 8333 [email protected]

24 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Have you ever wished that you could have a job where Darwin rural every day is never the same? Well these types of jobs do exist, within a mobile children’s service. Some days you Smile A Mile drive along a dusty, corrugated, boggy or bitumen road; some days you get to fly in an aircraft. Every day seeing Fun Bus & different faces in different places.

Toy Library Mobiles provide a connection between mainstream services and communities living in remote areas. The service provides fun, educational activities and a mobile toy library service for people living in rural and remote Top End.

The program gives pre-school children the opportunity to exercise motor skills that will help their school transition. Staff need to be flexible and responsive to the needs of children and families living in isolated areas, and both parents and staff gain ideas that can be used for their own cultural experiences, community settings and play sessions.

Smile A Mile is funded by Commonwealth FACS. We visit 17 venues on a five to eight week roster, six of which are the Aboriginal communities of Acacia Larrakia, 15 Mile, Belyuen, Tanya Wotton, Smile A Mile Daly River, Kybrook Farm and Jabiru. We also visit Bathurst Island four times a year.

In 2004 we received funding for a new truck. It is a pleasure to drive and the children love the brightly painted murals. For me working in a Mobile Children’s Service has been brilliant.

By Tanya Wotton 8983 2009 [email protected]

Katherine K.I.C.S travels to communities and stations across Katherine’s remote regions providing a mobile Playgroup. Isolated That means that we travel out to places and set up fun and educational stuff for kids (mostly for kids not yet at school). Children’s We do activities like playdough, painting, dress-ups, cutting and gluing, playing with balls, hoops, tunnels, reading books, playing Service games and heaps of other fun stuff. We visit heaps of communities including Kalkaringi, Pigeon Hole, Lingara, Timber Creek, Keep River, Manyallaluk, Beswick, Jilkmingan, Urapunga, Limmen Bight, Manangoora, Heartbreak Hotel, Newcastle Waters and many other places. We – husband and wife team Danny and Peta Romeyn – have been doing K.I.C.S for seven years now and have watched loads of kids growing up from brand new, tiny babies, to kids going to school. This year will be extra special because we are going to have a babe of our own, due in September. We plan to keep doing Manyallaluk kids with K.I.C.S K.I.C.S so then our motto will be “have baby, will travel”! Look forward to seeing you little kids at Playgroup soon.

Contact: 8971 0196 [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 25 Remote Aboriginal Children’s Services Support Unit

Great news – RACSSU now has dedicated L-R: Lyn Fasoli and the RACSSU team Ranu administration support: Laurel Martin is employed James, Veronica P, Veronica Johns in the grounds 25 hours per week. She is of NT Government House after the launch of the trying to get the RACSSU Both Ways Children’s Services Project. team even more organised than Lyn Fasoli and the BIITE Early Childhood team Ranu does! Laurel also doesn’t (which includes RACSSU) will hold a workshop with mind sharing her creative skills the children’s services that participated in this to develop new resources and research project towards the middle of the year. planning activities. This will be an exciting follow-up project.

Kristen Westcott will be working with the RACSSU team visiting the regions and join Veronica Johns on a trip to Elliott.

Ranu James (RACSSU Coordinator) has returned to work after having her baby Kiri-anna, and is right back into the swing of things. However, she has now decided to perform for six weeks in the USA with Drum Drum! She’ll have to work even harder when RACSSU have 11 she gets back! theme boxes Veronica Pompei, in between visiting and working available for the with children’s services out in the regions, is also services we work busy developing: activity sheets; information sheets with to borrow. for bush foods and their nutritional value; and These include Aboriginal words to use with written resources. information on developmental Veronica Johns is looking forward to getting back areas that play into the thick of things with visits, including with the SNAICC meetings. equipment could RACSSU occasionally uses the services of casual support. Contact workers to assist with activities in the regions. Anna Veronica Pompei Reynolds ran a puppet workshop with a couple of for information. the Outside School Hours Care programs.

Contact: 8946 3836 [email protected] RACSSU

Katherine Nov 2004 RACSSU JET creche workshop. Jilkminggan JET creche staff L-R: Leonie, Sebina, Sandra, Stephanie

26 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Back L-R: RACSSU Innovative Donna Liddy (Nauiyu/Daly) Carmel Gagliardi (Yirrkala) Childcare Services Mandala Pupangamirri (Bathurst Island) Director’s Support Sarah Gilmirrpiwuy (Galiwinku) Workshop Nov. 2003 Front L-R: Veronica Johns & Ranu James (RACSSU) Rose Guywanga (Galiwinku)

November 2004 The Innovative Childcare Directors’ Workshop (RACSSU)

Some things the Directors of the four Top End They asked about CDEP labour dependence and Innovative Childcare Services said at the the future of RACSSU after January 2006 once the excellent RACSSU Directors Workshop last new federal program structure is in place. November were: And they talked about a myriad of other things like “Sustainable child care is community business. computer problems, staff routines and weekly Children’s services are different from schools rosters; about overcoming gossip and incentives for because they belong to the community and can staff and parents; about workplace stress, training lead the way and show how to look after culture and options and accessible operational plans: (“The get kids ready for school.” Yuendumu plan is a book of A3 laminated sheets in pictures with just a few words,” said one.) “Some of our services don’t know how good they are because they are so isolated. We should do Everyone thought the workshop was excellent. self-assessment every two months. Ask: What am I good at? What is my goal? What training do I “This was the first workshop just for Directors.” need?” “When can we have another one?” “Next time it would be good to have all the Directors from the They talked about the proposed national five steps MACS, JETs, Innovatives across the NT.” “It would to accreditation. Everyone felt these national be good tohave visits between the Innovatives’ proposals are unsuited for remote services and they staff for professional development.” requested the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) Chair John Tainton to visit the NT to “It was a great workshop for RACSSU staff,” said look at our issues. Veronica Johns. “The participants really got into the sessions, speaking out and helping each other to “We should consult with communities about work on common goals whilst also holding firm on quality,” said one participant. “What does it mean? their specific needs for the staff, children and Then ask how to measure that quality and set up a families in their own communities.” process. Otherwise it puts judgments in before setting up what you want to judge on.” Participants: Donna Liddy (Nauiyu Child Care Centre) They spoke about the new Australian government Carmel Guynell (Yirrkala Dhanbul Child Care Centre) childcare support program and funding changes. Mandala Pupangamirri (Jirnani Child Care Centre Bathurst Is) Rose Guywanga & Sarah Gilmirrpiwuy (Galiwinku Child Care) They talked about the need for Directors to see Guest speakers: Lyn Fasoli (researcher), Debbie Rowe (The monthly financial statements and what things the Gowrie), Agnes McGrath (DHCS Children’s Services), Caroline legal licensee should do for the services; about the Preece (BIITE), Mel Hazard (CDU), Catherine Phillips & Sarah need for more budget control and if the Innovatives Vaughan (Commonwealth FACS) Elaine Mackrow (Stuart Park could get a group accountant for all four services. Child Care), Mark James (Leading Solutions), plus Kiri-Anna.

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 27 Rose Guywanga – former Director Galiwinku Child Care

Rose Guywanga is “Renata Harris, Ngarene Carter and Ranu James 63 years old. Rose have all helped us a lot too, and our Council looks retired this year and has been replaced by after maintenance and finance. We charge $20/week Valerie Dhaykamalu and Litia Vuqua acting as or $5/day. joint directors. “The children who first came in as babies are now “I am Yolgnu,” said Rose. “I have lived in Galiwinku two or three years old. They learn about hygiene most of my life. I was taught the traditional way of and good food. We think the kids are getting along life in the ‘60s. That’s where I did my schooling,” better when we look at the photos. I am very proud she said. of them.

By 1962 Rose was an assistant teacher. She has “We have a lot of secondary school-age young remained a committed teacher and strong and mothers here. There is a school JET creche for successful advocate for the education and care of breast-feeding mothers and we look after children young children ever since. over nine months where the parents work, study or are invalids,” she said. Rose did assistant training in Darwin in 1964, got a Diploma in Early Childhood and taught at both “Rose has that quiet wisdom with a presence and Kormilda College and Nungalinya College. She also feeling about her that earns respect,” said Veronica taught for many years at Galiwinku Shepherdson Johns RACSSU field officer. College, becoming school Principal until 1995. Rose then took some time off to visit NZ Maori child “My husband and I get on very well and never argue centres on a Churchill Fellowship and spend time in front of our children,” said Rose. “All our three with her grandchildren. children completed Year 12 at boarding school. Now they all work. “I was at home gardening when someone ran from the Council saying we had been given funding for a “Children need love – you have to be kind, teach child care centre. That was in 1999,” she said. them to look after themselves, to look after money, teach them to show love to others. If I see children “The Council office said: We’ve got a job for you. doing wrong things I always say ‘Don’t do that,’ So I found six ladies to help prepare the new child and hold them and show them tough love. care centre. We planned a new building right in the middle of the community and it was ready in 1999. “I have always eaten the right food and grown my own vegetables (cassava, sweet potato, taro). I “I enrolled in a Batchelor of Administration and got walk every day and hunt every Saturday – walking half way through until I had learnt enough to handle along the sand, carrying heavy things like mussels the work. I also enrolled six ladies to study with and crabs. Batchelor here in Galiwinku. “My parents were co-founders of Galiwinku in “All the six women passed their Certificate 3. Sarah 1952. They looked after me well. We always sat Gilmirrpiwuy Garrawurra and Rosalyn Bananaki are down together. But we are just caretakers for this still working here, one works in Ski Beach,and three land. We are now going back to our traditional are sitting down. Maybe they will come back later. homelands. There’s lots of fish and clams there.

“We now have 32 children and eight staff – two full “If anyone wants help to set up a homeland JET time, four CDEP top-up and two part time CDEP. I creche they can ask me.” have set an example that a service can be run with Contact: via 8970 5079 [email protected] all Yolgnu staff.

28 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Yirrkala Dhanbul childcare & preschool Childcare Drector Carmel Gynell (Gagliardi) has worked for nine years in Alice Springs at the Eastside Neighbourhood Centre and Alice Springs Congress Childcare and two years at Nhulunbuy Childcare Centre. She writes: The Yirrkala Djamarrkuliwu Wanga Child Care Centre is a community run organisation that cares for local under-sixes with games, learning activities and meals five days a week. The centre keeps Ella Merrikiyawuy Stubbs, Carmel Gynell, Lisita Taulani growing and has recently received funding for a new and larger playground. This February children from the Yirrkala Child Care Our goals for 2004/2005 are to talk with the Centre presented a poster of thanks to the Buku community for future strategies, complete the Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre for the donation of 6 playground, extend the kitchen and seek educational larrakitj – (memorial poles) as an art installation experiences from Aboriginal people. for the children’s playground. Will Stubbs (Director Buku Larrnggay Mulka) accepted the two-metre We always try to keep our contribution levels up and wide poster decorated by the children. The poster to encourage young people and family members to now hangs in the courtyard heart of the art centre. become involved. Our objectives are to: • Educate children with natural resources in a suitable cultural environment. • Seek advice from families in the management and education of their children. • Administer issus such as child protection and child development and uphold protection and control in children’s health and hygiene. • Give opportunities for Yolngu to train in providing care of children. • Use knowledge from Strong Women, Strong Babies for suitable childcare management. Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Childcare staff with Ella, Syar, Wulmar, Leila, Gawiya, Siena, Jamie, Josaia, Chlo, Trafis and Tyrese By Carmel Gynell 8987 8000 [email protected] East Arnhem, Tiwi & Palmerston funding for children

Communities for Children is a four-year federal FACS families, service providers, business leaders and all initiative with a community development approach to levels of government. improving outcomes for children up to five years. It Each committee will decide on the services required provides $5m for the NT. Anglicare NT has been under federal priority areas and outcomes, and put those announced as the facilitating partner for the East projects out to public tender. Kate Darcey has been Arnhem site and Australian Red Cross NT Division for appointed East Arnhem project manager, and has lots the Palmerston and Tiwi Islands sites. of experience working in remote WA children’s services. In a six-month implementation phase a needs Jessica Mouthaan is the Palmerston and Tiwi Island assessment will be undertaken through research and manager. For the last four years she has run holiday consultation. A local committee for each site will be programs with Tiwi Islands for Red Cross. established, chaired by the facilitating partner (Anglicare Contact: 8924 3922 [email protected] or 8987 1161 or Red Cross) with participants from communities, local [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 29 Flexible JET crèches

The excellent JET on-site crèches have successfully operated in remote NT for over ten years. The crèches support mothers returning to work and study, and provide jobs and training for crèche workers and a fun, culturally appropriate and safe environment for children in which they are nurtured and educated.

In the past year, JET crèche workers have completed studies in: childcare, Kids Tracks child and family health, parent and year one nursery schools, teaching congratulates (teachers aid), driving, numeracy and literacy, health work, first aid, aged care and horticulture. Christie Dickenson and the NT JET crew JET on-site crèches are funded by the Federal Department of Family and for their fourth JET Community Services by a flexible funding model that allows crèches to be On-Site Report funded based on community needs. Minor capital upgrades in 13 crèches Creche Newsletter have occurred over the past year, with work including roof repairs, NT, with all its construction of ablution blocks, kitchen facilities and all-weather play areas. gorgeous pictures More upgrades are expected. and good stories. Contact: 8920 8919 [email protected]

Aputula community is over three hours drive SE of Alice. It has Aputula about 300 people. The NPY Women’s Council Nutrition Program works with Aputula providing educational workshops, individual Mai Wiru family work and store development.

Good Food This community has had too many children with malnutrition and failure to grow. Last year the Aputula women and youth worker applied for crèche JET crèche funding to provide healthy food for young children, employ local women and provide a place for mothers and children to meet.

By August 2004 Aputula received Commonwealth JET crèche funding. The crèche started a few months later and is now run by Anangu women from the Women’s Centre. The service has a fully equipped kitchen and indoor/outdoor space for children to play. The children get breakfast, snacks and cooked lunch prepared by the women.

Some young mothers work in the community office or clinic while their children are cared for, and many more join in to help. Fifteen children come each day and two workers are employed from 8.30 am – 4 pm.

NPY Women’s Council child nutrition program supports the crèche by talking about and making foods for babies, and by organising group cooking shopping trips and bush tucker outings. We also have produced a mai wiru video that is shown in schools, clinics and crèches.

By Michele Robinson & Patricia Boko, NPY Women’s Council, Nutrition, East Team 8950 5426 [email protected]

30 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Elcho Island JET In 2004 Shepherdson College gained official Senior Secondary status and was able to offer NT Certificate of Education courses at Galiwinku, Elcho Island.

This attracted young mothers wanting to return to study, so we were granted funds for a school crèche. That allowed 15 young mothers to enrol in full-time study in 2004. Nine achieved one or more Stage 1 units, and five or six of the most successful year 11 students were mothers.

Rosie Nuriyalawuy, a mother with two young children, completed 11 Stage 1 units in 2004 and will be tackling Stage 2 units this year. The crèche is staffed by older local women, with Amy Manybarr doing great work, including locating the student mums when the babies need to be breast- fed, then putting them down to sleep or play. The crèche has developed the self-esteem of the young mothers and a sense of pride in their own achievements, and has inspired the whole community and encouraged others to participate. Wendy Mudulumawuy and The start of 2005 has seen new crèche workers and four to six babies each Christabelle at Elcho Island JET creche. day since week two. A purpose-built crèche will be included in the new Senior Secondary block to be completed later this year.

By Kaye Thurlow, Assistant Principal 8987 9044 [email protected]

There are 26 JET creches at: Apatula, Arltarlpilta/Alitjere, Barunga, Borroloola, Croker Island, Dagaragu, Galiwinku, Gap Youth Centre, Gapuwiak, Jilkmingan, Irrkerlative Learning Centre (Alice Springs), Kunbarllanjnja, Maningrida, Manyallaluk, Minyeri, Ngukkurr, Ntaria, Papunya, Pirlangimpi, Santa Theresa, Timber Creek, Wadeye, Wugularr, Warrawi, Yuelamu, Umbakumba.

Donna Liddy – Director Nauiyu Child Care Centre “Originally it was a JET Donna was born and raised in Daly River. She is centre, then we got a single mother with three young children of her licensed. own. She’s the quiet type, nerves of steel. “We have about twenty Donna has worked at the childcare centre for five kids, seventeen in the years, in which time she has successfully completed morning, lunch for her Certificate 2 and 3 in Childcare. fifteen, slowly decreasing She was appointed Acting Director in August last to six by the end of the year after previous director Wendy O’Brien (also day. The centre is open from Daly River) moved to Alice. 8 am – 5 pm.

Donna is quietly very proud of her promotion. “I “We have just one big air-conditioned room – a brick like it,” she said. “I like the kids – the promotion shed. We would like some new outdoors facilities hasn’t changed anything for me. I’m coping well and equipment, like stretching out the veranda for with everything.” the wet season, bike tracks and tables and chairs under the trees. The centre employs eight workers all on CDEP and some with CDEP top-up. Donna is the only “We are waiting to hear about ways to help us do qualified worker. “We are trying to get Batchelor to this,” she said. train on site for the other workers,” she said. Contact: Donna Liddy 8978 1069 fax 8978 1039

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 31 Talking up Childcare: Nyirripi

A road trip of 450 km from Alice Springs via Yuendumu will get you to Nyirripi (population around 200). In late 2001 the Commonwealth The day the agreement was reached the women and UNICEF funded Waltja to support Nyirripi walked down the road to that house with mops, to start a little kids nutrition program. buckets and paint and the house was cleaned inside and out. In March 2002 Nyirripi women met about their need for a little kids building. The Last year saw the program Women’s Centre had previously When cleaning was functioning well and Waltja support been used but with all the activities complete the word kept the child care activities it wasn’t safe for the children. CHILDCARE happening. Council had surplus was painted on the front so With support from Waltja and the child care money from DHCS to all community members Strong Women, Strong Babies, put a new fence around the yard, could see that this building Strong Culture program the meeting fix the outdoor veranda and put a was for Nyirripi children. decided to develop a child care new concrete bike path in the Childcare House was born. facility with nutrition as a main backyard. focus. This includes: This year Nyirripi will receive JET • Programs to feed children healthy food. crèche funds from the Australian Government. • Healthy food for school children. • Hot food for children. Nyirripi Childcare House is a story of community • Parents contributing to food costs. members knowing that this was a project that would • Safe play equipment and activities. take time for thinking and planning and sharing • A safe place for women and children. ideas. Working together, providing support and finding the right people to do the work is the key to The Community Council recognised this was a well achieving a service that can only grow. thought out plan and a suitable house was finally found for the Little Kids program. By Donna Bradley 8951 5185 [email protected]

Services – resources developed to address the Maningrida Birthing in cultural gap between non-Aboriginal health the Bush winners professionals and Aboriginal women. Visit the website . and Molly Wardaguga SAHW for winning the Reconciliation Award (Human Rights Awards, A resource library for remote area maternity service Sept. 2004) for their work as remote area midwives providers was also developed. See Maternity Care in in Maningrida and the development of the Birthing the Bush at . This project Business in the Bush website with the integrated was part funded by a RHSET grant. Primary Health Care Guide to Planning Maternity Contact: [email protected]

32 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Ramingining Women’s Centre: A hive of activity!

Ramingining Women’s Centre has offered A special feature of the Meals on Wheels program is services to women and the aged for many the hunting and gathering of bush food to include in years. the menu for the older people.

Three years ago the Centre received a boost with The Centre is currently managed by Matjarra funds from the Stronger Families and Communities Garrawurra with occasional assistance from Gamiritj Strategy, which allowed the centre to be refurbished Gurruwiwi and Amanda Donohoe from Nungalinya and to develop new programs. College, who provide mentoring on a fly in/fly out basis. The Centre is now a hive of activity. A successful Meals On Wheels program operates, young women Future plans include a playgroup and resurrection of sew and sell quilts and bags, older women weave the op-shop as a fundraiser for the Centre. baskets, community members use the public internet facility or washing machines, meetings and training By Amanda Donohoe Nungalinga School of Family and Community sessions are conducted – the place is never still! Services. Contact: 8927 1044

Yera Child Care Centre at Batchelor is a Multi-functional Aboriginal Children’s Service (MACS).

The centre aims to meet the childcare needs of students and staff at Batchelor Institute.

The centre has had a wonderful playground redevelopment. The design was by early childhood play environment specialist Prue Walsh from Queensland.

Planning of the playspace also tells a story. The sandpits are in the shape of the turtle to reflect the salt water people, the sub- tropical rainforest for the fresh water people and the bough hut for the desert people.

The children’s favourite is the artificial creek bed filled with water flowing down and through the rocks.

It is filled by tap water that emerges from the rock to create Yera Child Care two pools about 10 cm deep and flows over the walkway where the children can play with boats. It doesn’t use a lot of Batchelor water and you pull the plug when the games are over.

MACS Centre Contact: 8939 7142 [email protected]

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 33 Nabarlek Band, outstation to out there

Band members: Ross Guymala, Terrah Guymala, Marshall Bangarr, Music helps keep our culture strong and Leon Guymala, Berribob Watson, Stewart Guymala, Rodney passes stories to the younger generation. Naborlhborlh, Winston Naborlhborlh, Lester Guymala, Peter Mylaynga, Garrad Naborlhborlh, Benjium Burrunali.

Nabarlek – 12 musicians from Manmoyi outstation of their members occasionally sits in with the main 215 km from Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in West act. Skinnyfish (a Darwin based independent record Arnhem Land. label and distributor), is doing some music and business development work with both youth bands. Over the last five years they have become a successful performing and recording group and now When Stringybark Training delivered a DEET funded own their own recordings and equipment and have Training for Remote Youth program to young people set up their own business, Manmoyi Music. in Manmoyi and Mamadawerre, both youth groups rapidly wrote, performed and recorded two new The musicians started playing together as a gospel songs, produced two film clips and produced a group with a couple of acoustic guitars. In 1992 they DVD. Nabarlek members and everyone in the small won first prize at Gunbalanya Open Day and bought community became involved. their first set of instruments with the prize money. The Nabarlek Band’s achievements have in part As they started to write their own songs, mostly in come about through a strong partnership with Kunwinj’ku language, the old people began to tell Skinnyfish Music , Demed Outstation Resource them stories. Centre in Gunbalanya, and the training delivered by “We take music work very seriously, and it has private provider Stringybark. changed our lives … We are able to go to new A free DVD and video with Terrah Guymala telling places, meet new faces, have opportunities we the Nabalek story is available from wouldn’t have thought about … It makes our old . people really proud … Music is important to keep our culture strong and pass stories to the younger Contact: 8941 8066 [email protected] generation … We will be doing good things into the future.” Band members. Galiwinku markets And always one of the most important things for As Friday afternoon draws to a close, an air of Nabarlek is creating opportunities for their children anticipation and excitement is felt in the East and younger people. Nabarlek members are role Arnhem community of Galiwinku. models for the Rock Wallaby Band (15–17 year- olds) and Wild Flower (14–15 year-old girls) from Each Friday evening a local market is held on the Manmoyi and Mamadawerre. The Rock Wallabies church lawns or under cover at the local child care are sometimes support band for Nabarlek, and one centre. And the number of stalls had increased since the markets started mid last year. Photo: Nabalek at Gunbalanya Open Day 2003. Browsing is encouraged and for that last minute gift shopping there are handmade cards, Yolngu baskets and weavings, toys, clothing, secondhand books and of course bric-a-brac. The atmosphere is charged with energy as families and friends get together to talk about the week whilst savouring tasty delights from the food stalls.

By Maria Scarlett 8922 8196

34 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Elcho gardeners win SNAICC Secretariat of National Last December Galiwinku hosted a Local Aboriginal & Islander Government Awards ceremony for NT and Child Care Inc national winning projects in the Heart www.snaicc.asn.au Foundation Kellogg Local Government Awards. SNAICC will launch their new national Galiwinku and Maparu people put on a fantastic Indigenous children’s services directory in the dance display. first week of May.

Timothy Buthimang and Timmy Ganalingu from Free hard copies of the directory are available on Galiwinku won the Territory award for their family request or may be downloaded from the website. and community gardens in the category Project with It provides agency details for Aboriginal childcare Limited Resources. These two men led by example services, pre-schools, kindergartens, foster care agencies, health, welfare, family violence, legal and had a great influence on others to work on their and family support services and relevant home gardens. government departments. The directory launch will coincide with the opening of the new SNAICC Jackie Nguluwidi and his family from Maparu office 252 St Georges Rd North Fitzroy Melbourne (Marthakal Homelands), accepted the plaque for the National Small Rural and Remote category for Contact: (03) 9489 8099 [email protected] opening and running a food cooperative. (This story was reported in the last issue of Kids Tracks.)

“These wins demonstrate that projects from remote NT communities can successfully compete on a national level,” said Graham Opie (NT Division of the National Heart Foundation). Congratulations Galiwinku & Maparu!

Entry forms for the 2005 Heart Foundation awards from local councils or www.heartfoundation.com.au or Lisa Fox 8982 2703 Cherie Bush, Beswick Leeuwin explorer writes:

On the Leeuwin, you will have experiences you haven’t had before. It was scary to meet so many students from different places in the NT. It was really worth it because I had such a lot of fun. I also went with a friend, which made it more exciting.

The experience was very hard at the start because I didn’t know what to do, but by the end of the voyage I found it hard to leave the ship. Anyone thinking of going this year – I just know that you will really like it. You will learn so many things about how to sail and have fun with activities where you collect points for your group.

Every group has night watches. The best time is 4 am until 8 am because you URGENT see the sunrise and it is very beautiful. We had small boats that took us to the Applications islands which we could then explore. In the afternoons we had little bits of free close time where we got to fish if we wished. 22 April It is a great opportunity participating in the journey, because there is a lot of Top End excitement sailing the seas and exploring the sea creatures and other wild Explorer Voyage things, as you can imagine on such a journey.

2–12 August By Cherie Bush 2003 participant (story from Bush Buzz 2003) 2005 Contact 1800 652 736 or www.youth.nt.gov.au for application form.

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 35 Flora Napaljarri Holt (Julalikari Arts) & Tanya Thompson (Canteen Ck)) Grow Well in the Southern Barkly Old Policeman’s Waterhole, heart of the and planned activities. Everyone enjoyed the Davenport Ranges National Park, was the opportunity to visit the waterhole! setting for the Grow Well program launch last November. “Organising enough food, water, toys and transport for the two-day meeting involved a coordinated Grow Well reaches Ali-Curung, Imangara, Canteen effort plus help from Department of Health, Creek and Epenarra in the Southern Barkly. It is Anyinginyi Health and Julalikari Arts. coordinated by Alison Lorraine (based in Tennant Creek) through Central Australian Aboriginal “The highlights were the signing of the agreement to Congress. work together, and the fantastic arts activities organised by Julalikari Arts and Crafts using plain “We are working with families to help them develop calico bags, lots of bright acrylics and lino blocks.” their own programs for their women’s centres,” said Alison. The program launch was supported by the Department of Community Development, Barkly “A first step will be to upgrade these centres. Regional Arts and Southern Barkly Aboriginal Reducing childhood anaemia and failure to thrive Corporation. The Grow Well program is funded have been identified as priority focus areas.” through the Federal Department of Health and Ageing under the regional health services program. At the November 2004 launch over 35 women and children from all four communities swapped ideas Contact: 8962 2862 [email protected] Centacare NT Tennant Creek

Greetings from the young centre. The kids tuck into vegemite or peanut butter people of Tennant Creek! sandwiches and Milo drinks are a favourite. During the Christmas holidays the Our Family Liaison work is beginning with a funding PEACE (Parents Environment and application for a financial education program to help Children’s Environment) project was started to families plan household budgets. identify expectations and responsibilities of children, Many families run out of food and we are working young people and their parents. to assist them to find solutions to this crisis. We are Basketball was organised with the help of also planning a big week of Easter Holidays and volunteers. Young people registered to play and Youth Week (9–16 April) events! coach, and umpiring and scoring clinics were We congratulate Kids Tracks for putting together planned for adult volunteers and older youth. another issue. It is wonderful to sit back and catch Getting kids back to school after the Christmas up with the news of other youth services. The holidays is always a big job! Kids struggle with the stories are inspirational and remind us of how hard school routine and some parents struggle to keep up so many people are working to improve and change clean clothes and provide shoes and meals. things for kids in the NT. We have after school afternoon tea each day at our By Claire Dreaver Contact: 8962 3556 [email protected]

36 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 A great website list for child & family services, including funding access sites

Compiled by Sarah Vaughan FaCS

http://www.grantslink.gov.au/ GrantsLINK makes it http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/ easier to find suitable and relevant grants for your statistics/index.html Social Justice for Aboriginal and community projects from the many Commonwealth grants Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. that are available. GrantsLINK also helps you find the http://www.nt.gov.au/ Indigenous Children / Early best source of funding and assists you to complete Childhood NT Government application forms. http://www.ncac.gov.au/other_services/ http://www.philanthropy.org.au The national general_childrens_services.html The National membership organisation for grant making trusts and Childcare Accreditation Council is responsible for the foundations with a mission to promote the interests of Quality Assurance (QA) systems for family day care family, private, corporate and community giving in schemes, outside school hours care services and long Australia. If you are looking for funding, you will find day care centres. information resources that may assist you. http://www.snaicc.asn.au/ The Secretariat of National http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/index.jsp One- Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, SNAICC, is the stop-gateway for practical resources, support and national non government peak body representing linkages between community networks and the general Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. public, business and government – building capacity to strengthen the community across Australia. Subscribe http://www.bernardvanleer.org/ The Bernard van Leer to Easy Grants for all the latest and recurring Federal Foundation’s Early Child Development website has been and State Government, philanthropic and corporate developed to share information with organisations and grants. others to promote the holistic development of young children. http://www.facs.gov.au/ FaCS helps families participate in life of the community through the provision of support http://www.aracy.org.au/ The Australian Research for child care services, including helping families with the Alliance for Children & Youth (ARACY), a national cost of childcare, quality assurance, training and support collaboration of researchers, policy makers and services to improve the quality of care, funding, training practitioners from a broad range of disciplines dedicated and support products and services to promote equity of to building a better future for Australia’s children and young access, funded childcare places, and policy advice, people. research and service management related to children’s http://www.rch.org.au/ccch/research The Centre for services. Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital http://www.health.gov.au and Melbourne, is an internationally recognised centre of http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/ excellence supporting and empowering communities to publishing.nsf/Content/ continually improve the quality of life of children and their Listing+of+Tenders+and+Grants-1 Lists current families. grants that are available through Federal FaCS. http://www.gordonresponse.dpc.wa.gov.au The http://www.csa.gov.au/ The Child Support Agency Gordon Inquiry provided advice on how Government (CSA) established in 1988 to administer the Child Support should deal with widespread sexual abuse and violence Scheme and help separated parents take responsibility within Western Australia’s Aboriginal community. for the financial support of their children. http://www.menzies.edu.au Menzies School of Health http://www.facs.gov.au/sfcs The Stronger Families and and Research is a research organisation conducting Communities Strategy is an Australian Government studies in disease and community health. MSHR carries initiative giving families and communities the opportunity out research and education in northern and central to build a better future. There are a number of initiatives Australia. and opportunities for funding under this strategy and it http://www.volindigenous.org.au/ Aboriginal is worth logging on to periodically. communities can ask for a volunteer with any particular http://www.aifs.gov.au/growingup/ Growing Up in skills that are needed. ICV works with each community Australia is the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children to develop the project but communities drive the process. funded by Federal FaCS. http://www.nt.gov.au/comm_svs/policy_partner/ http://www.dotars.gov.au Explore the Regional office_children_families/kids_tracks.shtml pdf Development tab for information on local government copies of Kids Tracks, a newsletter for all Aboriginal award and grant programs. child and family wellbeing service providers.

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 37 Office of Children and Families Do you work with kids? Anyone who cares for children in their work may be confronted with child behaviour issues and may experience difficulties in finding suitable information or strategies. Just like parents, you can access help through Parentline 1300 30 1300. Confidential, professional counselling, support and behavioural management advice is available for the cost of a local call, seven days a week, 8 am – 10 pm. More information is available through www.families.nt.gov.au. Over 70 tip sheets about children’s development and parenting are available. There are no charges to download the information. Contact Di Halloran Ph: 8999 2478 or Lesley Taylor Ph: 8999 2471 or Email: [email protected] Parentline 1300 30 1300 www.families.nt.gov.au Any family, any day, any thing New Infant New legislation Strong Family, Feeding Thank you! Community, Future Guidelines In 2003 the National Health and Thank you to all those who The NT Government Strong Medical Research Council of contributed to the development of Family, Strong Community, Australia (NHMRC) released the proposed new legislation Strong Future project aims to new Infant Feeding Guidelines Care and Protection of Children address family violence based on the 2001 WHO and Young People Act 2005. issues in remote Aboriginal guidelines. The new national Communities by capacity In December 2004 and early 2005 guideline is to: building through education the NT Health and Community and training and providing Introduce solid foods at around Services team held 35 community support and developing six months to meet infants’ consultation forums about management strategies for increasing nutritional and proposed changes to the developmental needs. families. The project is legislation. We spoke to nearly 500 currently assisting WHO and NHMRC recognise people and received 61 written communities in the Tiwi the limitations of this advice for submissions. Islands, Katherine and Alice low birth weight infants, We especially thank the people of Springs regions. premature infants and infants Nguiu, Yirrkala, Nhulunbuy, Jabiru, born to mothers who were Borroloola, Darwin, Palmerston, The Implementation Team hold anaemic during pregnancy. The Humpty Doo, Katherine, Tennant four large workshops each year. NT has been cautious in Ck, Ali Curing, Ti Tree, Alice Each workshop has a different changing its current Springs, Yuendumu and theme that is chosen by recommendations but has now Hermannsburg for allowing us to previous workshop participants. decided to follow the national come and talk with you. The next workshop is 8–10 April advice. An NT wide consultation (Darwin) and focusses on youth is now under way to to identify Your comments and feedback will issues. The workshops provide issues and look at support for help us make legislation to care and information and education, and ‘at risk’ infants. protect our children and young include talks by expert keynote people in the years to come. An This consultation will end in speakers and networking update on the Bill will be in the next opportunities for Aboriginal June. Advisory committees are edition of Kids Tracks. being established to coordinate people from different the consultation. The Legislation Team: Barbara Kelly; communities. Agnes McGrath; Lee-anne Jarrett-Sims; Contact: 8951 7818 Helen Crawford; Collene Bremner; Contact: 8999 6175 [email protected]. Natalie Paris [email protected]

38 Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 Muluwurri Magpie Goose fans (from Milikapiti) . Even Cylcone Ingrid couldn’t stop the Tiwi Grand Finals. Photo courtesy Common Ground, Office of Indigenous Policy, DCM

This magazine is really deadly – it shows all the many Feedback Issue 1 small things people are doing. My staff and I found it informative and well put A great communication vehicle with the bush. together. Kids Tracks helps me to keep up to date over Congratulations. Fantastic effort. a wide range of issues. Senator Trish Crossin The women were delighted to have been asked to talk Excellent reading and terrific to have the pictures. directly on the phone. There was no pressure and their words were printed directly. Apology to Centacare NT It looks fantastic, and so many different stories! Our first issue ran an article about the new Tennant Thrilled about it, especially to see the projects I have Creek Centacare NT service. Kids Tracks policy is for all been involved in being promoted. articles to have the final approval by the relevant organisations. However, the procedure was not Tennant Creek sure got good, positive coverage. followed properly in this case and the article was not Thanks. authorised. It contained a number of inaccuracies and The last issue made me feel that everything fantastic is Kids Tracks apologises for any misunderstandings going on in the Barkly. arising. A great addition to available information and well focused. I look forward to having a good read. Keeps yer on yer toes’s I would like to receive three copies regularly for our Quite a few readers noted we had added an apostrophe office and the communities we work with. on our front cover title (Kid’s Tracks) but no apostrophe anywhere else! Unfortunately, we had We are very proud and happy about the Marparu story. 30,000 front covers printed WITH the dreaded mark. It’s very good. However, everywhere else we leave the apostrophe out A good read, heaps of info. The geographic feature and (Kids Tracks) as is allowable if it is a proper name. We stories from around the NT is excellent. checked our Style Manual. Sorry y’all.

Next issue goes cross border/tri-state. Deadline 11 July 2005.

Kids Tracks Issue 2 April 2005 39 Inside this issue

Laynhapuy Homelands get secondary ed. 1 Rules Mirrngatja Homelands School 1 Editorial 2 Kids Tracks is for all NT service providers in Aboriginal All about remote childcare services 3 child and family wellbeing to network and share their Kathy Long Lajamanu nutritionist 4 stories. All about swimming pools 5 Gäwa Christian School, Elcho Island 6 Emphasis will be on community level initiatives directed Profile: Gamiritj Gurruwiwi 7 to giving kids a good start in life, strengthening families Yirrkala Community Education Centre Band 8 and communities and creating better ways of working ARDS Broadcasting in Yolgnu 8 with each other. Yirrkala Dhanbul Sports & Recreation 9 Message in a bottle video 10 Kids Tracks is a friendly newsletter, for all the service Gunyangarra votes for alcohol ban 10 news and views you choose to offer. We try to keep the Nhulunbuy Harmony Special Care Centre 11 voice of our contributors wherever possible. Fiona Marika and Anglicare Connect Youth Services 11 Y(OUR) STORIES 11 Kids Tracks will be published three times a year (March/ Laynhapuy Homelands Association 12 April, July/August, October/November). 2000 copies will Yilpara – a Laynhapuy homeland gets the power 14 be distributed free to NT service provider organisations Strong Learners book launch 15 and policy makers. To receive a copy email Yirrkala Homelands School 16 [email protected] Mobile pre-schools 17 Interested people are encouraged to contribute, either on Wonderful women of NE Arnhem 18 behalf of organisations or as individuals. You can ask us Yirrkala Women’s Patrol 18 Crisis Accommodation Gove 23 to write up your stories or suggest stories to us. Mobile playgroups and toy libraries 24 All stories will be approved by the informants and their RACSSU – Children’s Services Support Unit 26 organisations. Innovative childcare services directors’ workshop 27 Profile: Rose Guywanga 28 Standard journalistic protocols apply. Articles to be easy Yirrkala Dhanbul childcare and pre-school 29 to read and interesting. Funding for children in Tiwi, Arnhem, Palmerston 29 Debate is encouraged when offered in a spirit of Flexible JET creches – Elcho Island and Aputula 30 partnership. Stories that criticise other organisations will Donna Liddy, Director Nauiyu Child Care Centre 31 offer those organisations the right of reply. Talking up childcare: Nyirripi Childcare House 32 Maningrida Birthing in the bush 32 Major community service providers will be contacted Ramingining Women’s Centre 33 regularly for input and feedback. Yera Child Care Batchelor 33 Nabarlek Band 34 Photos and art works are very welcome but will require Elcho gardeners win 35 signed talent release forms (available from SNAICC new national children’s services directory 35 [email protected]). All copy approved for release in Cherie Bush – Leeuwin explorer 35 Kids Tracks may be published in print and/or electronic Grow Well in Southern Barkly 36 formats. Centacare Tennant Creek 36 Copy will be edited at the Editor’s discretion. All Website links for child and family services 37 Parentline and new infant guidelines 38 complaints or enquiries to be addressed to the Editor. Feedback Issue 1 Kids Tracks 39 Enjoy. Kids Tracks rules 40