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May 2014 volume 4. number 1.

sharing the knowledge Pg. 25 Bush budget cricket schools troubles culture Pg. 4-5 Pg. 2 pg. 32 ISSN 1839-5279ISSN news

editorial Oil and work in full flow

Land Rights News Central TRADITIONAL owners Australia is published by the from Kintore and other Central Land Council three western communities are times a year. getting ready for a new set of jobs in the oil industry. The Central Land Council Exploration began in 2007 27 Stuart Hwy after the signing of an exploration agreement. Alice Springs Oil was discovered NT 0870 by Central Petroleum in the Surprise well, 83 km tel: 89516211 southeast of Kintore, in www.clc.org.au early 2012. The oil flowed email [email protected] under its own pressure from about 2,600 m deep Contributions are welcome up to the land surface at about 400 barrels a day. In late 2013 the CLC concluded negotiations with the company for a production agreement subscriptions under the Land Rights Land Rights News Central Act. In February 2014 the NT Government granted Australia subscriptions are the production licence. It $20 per annum. was one of the quickest ABOVE: Kintore men meet with the oil company and employment contractor at Surprise Oil Well to discuss LRNCA is distributed free negotiations for a mining employment possibilities. to Aboriginal organisations or production agreement in CLC’s history. Port Augusta for refining into diesel and 2011 and are hoping for ongoing work and communities in Central Now, about 2 or 3 oil tankers leave the other products. starting in June 2014. More drilling wells Australia site each week, filled with crude oil. The Eight young Kintore men worked on are planned for the area in the future, To subscribe email: oil is driven down to Port Bonython near the drilling rig for a short time in late which may also lead to new jobs. [email protected] Minister’s ‘mixed messages’ on IBA/ILC Review Advertising THE Australian Government released a report (4 May) of the Indigenous Australians being “land rich, but dirt poor”. Advertise in the only review into the Indigenous Land Corporation and Indigenous Australian Greens Senator Rachel Seiwert said the report Business Australia. The review was conducted by Ernst & does in fact articulate a preferred option. newspaper to reach Young. "The preferred option however is different to the Aboriginal people The Government commissioned the review late last year Government's preferred option, that is, the Government wants to examine how to improve the effectiveness of the two key to merge the 2 agencies while the EY preferred approach is for in remote Central Commonwealth land and business development statutory stand-alone organisations. bodies. "IBA and ILC have different roles, both can play a role in Australia...... Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said the report Indigenous economic development but ILC must continue the Projected publication dates: presents ambiguous and confused findings as it provides role it was set up to do in honouring the land promise. September 2014, December support for both leaving the two bodies as stand-alone "In light of the EY report the Government should rethink 2014, April 2015 organisations and for amalgamation. its approach to both organisations, instead of merging the The minister specifically excluded the Land Account from two organisations it should look at how it can enhance the Advertising rates are the Ernst & Young review because it is not the Government’s role that both organisations can play in Indigenous economic available online at www.clc. intention to change this iconic Indigenous fund. development" conclude Senator Rachel Siewert. org.au/media/lrn OR email: “It remains my view that there is opportunity to generate The report is available at the Department of the Prime [email protected] prosperity for Indigenous Australians by linking land to Minister and Cabinet (http://www.dpmc.gov.au) economic development and jobs to cut through the cycle of OR call 89516211

Births & deaths Remember your loved ones with a notice in Australia’s oldest Aboriginal newspaper. Celebrate your births with a special notice in this paper... FREE! ABOVE left to right: Chief Minister Adam Giles, Chief of PUP Clive Palmer and PUP NT leader Alison Anderson. But who is fair dinkum? LRNCA welcomes your notices and photos and will Plenty of promises to choose from run them free of charge. THE political landscape of the NT government in early federal election. much and delivered little to Call: 89516215 the Northern Territory has April along with Top-enders The move has kick-started Indigenous people. splintered into five competing Larissa Lee and Francis the PUP in the NT by providing The broken promises or email us: groups, each actively courting Xavier. Mr Palmer with three ready- included a pledge to finance the votes of Indigenous The trio had asked Chief made parliamentarians, [email protected] Territorians. Minister Adam Giles to while the established Greens health services in smaller Last month maverick sack four existing ministers and Australian First Nations towns in the Pilbara. Central Australian politician and give them at least two Political Party still have none. Since the rebel NT Alison Anderson became ministries after accusing But Mr Palmer has been politicians joined his party, the leader of a new party in the Government of failing accused of a poor record Mr Palmer has said the PUP the NT Parliament after she Indigenous voters. Later Ms in dealing with Aboriginal would address high rates community and two other Indigenous Anderson accused the CLP of of infant mortality among parliamentarians deserted racism. groups in his mining notices Free the ruling CLP. Then in late April Ms projects. Earlier this month Aboriginal people. Papunya-bred Ms Anderson announced she was The Australian newspaper But the gap between infant Anderson, who was last joining the Palmer United published claims by Matthew mortality in the Indigenous Call: 89516215 year described by the Prime Party, run by billionaire Sampi of the Kuruma and non-Indigenous or email us: Minister as “marvellous mining magnate Clive Palmer, Marthudunera people in the populations has been steadily and charismatic and who won a seat in the House Pilbara that he had promised closing for decades. inspirational” walked out on of Representatives in the last [email protected] website: www.clc.org.au Cover image: The joys of inter-cultural exchange: Kimberly woman Annie Malgin, leader of the Yiriman Bush Medicine Program with Mutitjulu traditional owner Barbara Tjikadu at Uluru in February this year. Image: Verdell Bradbury Photography. Story page 25.

2. May 2014 news

ABOVE: Nyirrpi students enjoyed their experience at the Tjapukai Cultural Centre in Kuranda, Far North Queensland, on an excursion funded by WETT late last year. They are pictured here with the Tjapukai performers. Image courtesy of Nyirrpi School. Budget’s slow-release pain

ABORIGINAL people in Sporting Chance Central Australia are likely program; Programs for Indigenous people are to feel a gradual increase in • Community due for a shake-up over the next few pain from the cuts in this Details of program Engagement months. year’s Federal budget. Policing, with $2.5 Pensioners and young million for the NT The Federal Government says it people will be among the Police to employ will replace 150 individual programs hardest hit, while the cuts still not clear up to eight eight and services with five “streamlined return of the fuel excise officers in 2014-15; broad-based” programs under its new will increase travel costs • The Remote Indigenous Advancement Strategy. for people from remote School Attendance communities. Strategy, to receive Aboriginal Affairs Minister Nigel Young people will not an extra $18.1 Scullion said the five new programs be eligible for a Newstart million over two would “ make it easier for organisations” allowance until they years; delivering services on the ground. are 25 and will only be Assistance for entitled to the smaller remote Indigenous They were: Youth Allowance. Old age students to attend pensioners will not be boarding schools • Jobs, land and economy – “getting affected until after 2017, ($6.8 million in adults into work, fostering Indigenous when their benefits will be 2014/15); business and assisting Indigenous linked to increases in the • Sex and people to generate economic and cost of living rather than reproductive social benefits from effective use of wage increases. health education their land”; The very young will also ABOVE: Tresurer Joe Hockey has delivered budget cuts across the of teenagers ($25.9 be affected, with no funding board to Indigenous Affairs. million). • Children and schooling – “ getting for the National Partnership “Under the sneaky cover of Senator Scullion children to school, improving Agreement on Early Childhood ‘streamlining,’ this Budget of said the Government would education outcomes and supporting Development. This agreement had betrayal does not explain where “transform” delivery of services families to give children a good start provided funding to establish 38 most of the $500 million in cuts will to Indigenous Australians by in life”; children and family centres. fall,” he said. establishing a new Remote • Safety and wellbeing – ““ensuring The Government says it will save “Indigenous people and Community Advancement that Indigenous people are healthy $549.4 million by “consolidating” communities are facing an Network. and enjoy the emotional and social Indigenous programs within the The network would target uncertain future.” wellbeing experienced by other Department of the Prime Minister Mr Shorten predicted the improvements in school and Cabinet, but little detail was Government would take more than attendance, employment and Australians”; available on how the savings would $165 million out of Indigenous community safety by applying • Culture and capability – be made. (see box) health programs over the next four more flexible funding “rather “ supporting Indigenous Australians However, language maintenance years. than a one-size­ fits-all approach.” to maintain their culture, participate will be one area to suffer, with But Prime Minister’s Indigenous Mr Scullion said the Abbot in the economic and social life of the plans to cut $9.5 million from the Advisory Council chairman Warren Government would reform nation and ensure that organisations Indigenous languages Support Mundine said he’d been expecting National Partnership Agreements are capable of delivering quality Program over the next four years. larger cuts than those announced. to ensure money spent achieved The Government will also cut He said the changes would cut results. services to their clients”; and funding of $15 million over three duplication in the rollout of many The National Partnership • Remote Australia strategies years to the National Congress of Indigenous programs. Agreement on Remote – “strategic investment in local, Australia’s First Peoples. Aboriginal Affairs MinisterIndigenous Housing would flexible solutions based on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten Nigel Scullion listed programs to be subject to “more stringent community priorities and remote accused the Prime Minister of benefit from the budget as: conditions, based on Government housing and infrastructure.” breaking solemn commitments to • the Clontarf Foundation priorities, negotiated bilaterally Indigenous Australians. Academy, with 3000 places for its with each state and territory.”

May 2014 3. news

Rock visitors get royal treatment ...

ABOVE FROM LEFT: Rolley Mintuma, Alison Hunt, Prince William, Princess Kate, Rene Kulitja and Pixie Brown at Uluru in April this year. Image Clive Scollay, Maruku Arts

PRINCE William and his wife Kate were entertained Cooley and his wife Lulu talked about the hotwire The Royals were presented with handmade gifts on their recent visit to Uluru by traditional Anangu burning technique used in creating original desert produced by Maruku artists. dancers who performed a welcome inma. wood carvings. These included a bush seed necklace presented by Maruku artists Rene Kulitja, Malya Teamay and Niningka Lewis showed her technique of burning Judy Trigger, a contemporary necklace made by Kathy Judy Okai explained the significance of their paintings designs on boards and finishing off with dot painting. Buzzacott, some punu toys for the baby Prince and a to the royal couple. The couple were relaxed with Anangu and asked a splendid shield made by Bernard Singer. Maruku Chairman and master craftsman Billy lot of questions about the culture.

THE Mutitjulu Tjurpinytjaku Centre – better known as the Muti pool – is celebrating the end of its first successful swimming season. ...while the locals keep their cool Over the summer the pool averaged over 35 visits a day with a total of more than 6,500 visits all up. “All the kids are happy to be able to swim,” said Mutitjulu Working Group and Pool Committee member Barbara Tjikatu. “We’ve had a lot of visitors from Utju, Docker and Imanpa. “Now that it’s cold we have to close and wait until it opens again.” While there is still more work to be done on local employment at the pool, with just a few Anangu giving it a try so far, UK-born pool manager Freddie Couldwell reckons he has found his “dream job”. “You’re right next to Uluru, helping to make things better for people and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces. “It’s better than any office job.” Employed by CASA Leisure, one of Freddie’s main responsibilities is helping to enforce the community’s “yes school – yes pool” policy. “The principal attaches a paper band to the kids’ wrists after they have attended for a full day of school”, he explains. Mutitjulu residents have a strong sense of ownership of the pool, and there has only been only one minor incident since it opened. After rocks and bottles were thrown into the pool Freddie closed it until he had vacuumed them up. Elderly locals and those with disabilities and their therapists have made good use of the pool, which has a hydraulic lift to ease clients into the water. ABOVE: Justin Bob (left) and Tristan Jackson enjoying a swim at the Mutitjulu Tjurpinytjaku Centre . Image: Steve Strike 4. May 2014 news Land Rights changes voted down by Senate THE Australian Senate has 2006 law is flawed to begin rejected proposed new rules with, because it means land to make it easier for new Ab- Regulations council powers can be hand- original corporations to be set ed over to another group up on Aboriginal Land. a recipe for without the informed con- Land Councils believe the sent of traditional owners. regulations proposed by the Such a group need not in- Federal government would chaos - CLC clude traditional owners. have given the government It says the law would give more power over Aboriginal the Minister the power to land and created confusion Land Councils hand over Land Council re- and uncertainty for compa- sponsibilities if the Land nies seeking to use the land. can ask for Council would not agree to it. The regulations were in- But if the new corpora- troduced to the Senate in tion made any mistakes, the March, and were designed to more time Land Council would be held strengthen a law introduced responsible for them. by the Howard Federal Gov- - Scullion The Central Land Coun- ernment in 2006. cil believes the three month The 2006 law amended the time limit is not enough time Land Rights Act to make it within three months. for it to make an informed possible for Land Councils to Aboriginal Affairs Minis- decision about handing over hand over some of their main ter Nigel Scullion said that powers to another group. (It functions to other groups of without the time limit set in can apply for more time, but residents or traditional own- the new regulations, there it is up to the Government to ers who applied for them. was no pressure on the Land allow it.) These functions included Councils to respond to appli- According to CLC, the law the granting of township leas- cations and they could simply would be likely to create con- es and other leases and per- ignore them. fusion and uncertainty about mission to mine on Aboriginal He said one local Aborig- who was responsible for dif- land. But up until this year, inal group had been waiting ferent areas of land. no such groups have applied. for a response to its applica- The regulations were re- The new regulations would tion from the Northern Land jected in the Senate by the have forced Land Council to Council for three years. ALP and the Greens. respond to any applications But the CLC believes the ABOVE: Senator Nigel Scullion speaking at the CLC Council Meeting in Lajamanu in April this year. Kurdiji lays down the law, Yapa style

SENIOR men at Lajamanu are using signs to keep control of their culture. After many Central Australian communities fought to remove government signs telling Yapa what they weren’t allowed to do, the Kurdiji group is using signs to highlight their restricted areas. Lajamanu, like other communities, has had problems with people from outside organisations entering ceremony and sacred areas without permission. So last year Kurdiji sought support from CLC to talk with the CEO of the organisation involved about the issue. As a result Kurdiji created a map (right) clearly showing no-go areas, designed signs to go up at the major entry points and wrote a booklet with more background information.

BELOW: The new Kurdiji signs. RIGHT: The Restricted Areas map at Lajamanu.

Central land CounCil online ClC digital photo archive: http://clc.ara-irititja.com ClC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentrallC The CLC and Central Desert Shire helped Kurdiji with the publications, which have now been completed. The map will be available to all the organisations in Lajamanu and land Rights news Central Australia a copy printed on metal will be displayed outside the shop. http://www.clc.org.au/land-rights-news/ Three hundred copies of the booklet have been printed and will be generally available, and the signs have been made, to be installed by ClC website: www.clc.org.au Shire workers. ClC FReeCAll 1800 003 640

May 2014 5. news NT Ed review: remote Bilingual & secondary out A DRAFT report for the NT Government says According to the report, the Government after finishing school. secondary education in remote communities has has spent “hundreds of millions” establishing The report claims students often have little failed and should be scrapped. secondary education in remote and very remote chance of getting a job, and recommends most It also recommends against bilingual schools, but literacy rates for remote students are bush students should attend secondary boarding education and says bush schools should focus still low (10 per cent). It says that despite “heroic schools in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, exclusively on English literacy and numeracy efforts” to provide good secondary education, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek. from Years One to Four. hardly any students have received a certificate

Other recommendations include: • Introducing “School Wide Positive Behaviour Support” for bush • Only “evidence-based” approaches to education in bush schools; schools, taking into account trauma suffered by Indigenous students; • Ten-year strategic plan for Indigenous education with long-term • Schools to engage more with communities for induction and goals and short-term targets; cultural training for new staff; • Strong Indigenous Education Unit in the NT to oversee policy; • Strengthening programs to increase the number of Indigenous teachers; • Maintain and improve the Families as First Teachers program, with • Creating the same management arrangements for assistant better staff training and stronger parent involvement; teachers as other staff; • Monitoring literacy levels in bush schools using NT-wide benchmarks; • Raising the quality of bush principals and bush teachers through • Increasing attendance by negotiating with community about mentoring and training community events such as carnivals, rodeos, funerals and ceremonies; Yapa teacher says: Keep it bilingual to become strong readers of language and also become strong writers as well. They can be better writers and readers in English because they can do both in Warlpiri. Lots of kids here can read and write stories in Warlpiri by themselves. That’s very encouraging. We tell the other kids that they can read and write by themselves (they have direct role models). Is it important to have the Warlpiri storybooks? MR: The Warlpiri books we use here in this school we order from the printery in Yuendumu, and they send them to us, and other Warlpiri schools also do that. What do you think will happen if governments try to get rid of bilingual education? MR: I think it’s going to be a very sad day when we don’t have bilingual programs in the schools. Learning in two ways is very important for our children. They need to know their languages. They need to be strong in their first language and also strong in second language as well. Do you think bilingual has been successful until now? MR: I think with the way the bilingual programs are run in schools now, it should continue with what’s being taught. It gives them an opportunity to learn in their first language. Does it make them stronger as people if they have the link to language and culture? MR: It’s really important that Indigenous children have that language. The language connects them and identifies them as who they are in Above: Teachers Aide Marlkirdi Rose guides students through a Warlpiri language reader with Natalie Robertson (centre) and Fiona Payton. their own family and community. What do you think about students WARLPIRI language teacher Marlkirdi lots of singing in Warlpiri so they get them a lot of questions, showing them going to boarding school for secondary Rose (MR) Napaltjarri from Lajamanu to remember the words and sing along, lots of things. And I think what we education instead of having the spoke to LRNCA about the importance which is a really fun thing to do. doing is a really good thing. We want the programs out bush? of Yapa (Warlpiri people) learning to With the primary-aged students, kids to learn in Warlpiri and we want to MR: The secondary program in read and write in language, bilingual we do a lot of language games – so lots continue to teach them in Warlpiri. It is bush schools should stay as it is. You’re education and secondary schooling for of syllables and looking at how many very important that the children learn going to have children being sent in to remote students. syllables are there in a word, making a to speak and read in Warlpiri. boarding schools in town, they going MR: As language workers at word and making sentences with that What are the good things about being to get homesick, they’re going to miss Lajamanu school, me and Nampatjinpa, word. able to read language? their families, there’s going to be lots of we go around into the classrooms every With the older kids, there’s lots of MR: By reading words in Warlpiri, problems. Who’s going to support those day to teach Warlpiri with the little ones storytelling from elders, taking them they learn the meaning of the words. By kids when they have those problems? from pre-school to year three. We do out bush with elders present, asking learning to read in language, they learn Check out the photos in this edition of LRNCA and more on the CLC’s digital archive: http://clc.ara-irititja.com 6. May 2014 news NT Ed review: Keep Bilingual in the bush - CLC INDIGENOUS communities in Central choose bilingual education when they have the a proposal to create a centrally controlled Australia must be allowed to decide what kind human resources to provide it. education system, which would be exactly the of schooling they want for their children, says The CLC also calls on the government to same for every community. the Central Land Council. abandon a plan to get rid of secondary schools According to the submission, communities In a submission to the NT Government’s in remote communities and replace them with have suffered from constant changes in their Review of Indigenous Education, the CLC boarding schools in the towns. schools, created by new school principals and supports the right of each community to It says the government should also reject new education department policies.

Recommendations in the CLC submission include: very remote communities; • Development of a long-term plan and funding commitment for bush • Vocational (VET) programs for teenagers in communities with no schools; year 10-12 classes; • Consultation with every community to decide the best approach to • Support for families who want to use boarding schools; literacy and language development; • Research into the outcomes from boarding schools before the • Full support for communities that want bilingual education and have government builds new ones; enough staff to implement it; • Government support for a national Aboriginal-controlled peak body • ‘English as an Additional Language’ teaching approach for other for Aboriginal education; bush schools; • A program to increase the number of trained Aboriginal teachers • Access to secondary school education at least up to Year Nine in from very remote communities;

More bums on seats, but Study links bilingual learning to earning

BILINGUAL education has travelled a rocky is early start the key? road since it was introduced in the Northern Territory in the 1980s. ‘Two-way’ schooling was intended to pre- NEW federal government in remote communities international research understand what was go- serve culture and help children adapt gradual- policies have seen a big were meeting the national showing that children ing on in the classrooms ly to English by first becoming literate in their increase in the number of standard in literacy. who get extra help and from the very beginning.” first language. children going to school But some experts have positive attention when Dr Boffa has called for But government policies have led to big cut- throughout Central Aus- warned that simply get- they are young do better the Government to spend backs in bilingual programs in schools in re- tralia. ting more children to at- at school and are much less on programs that cent decades. School attendance tend school may make more likely to get jobs and appear to make no dif- Central Australian PhD Melbourne Univer- officers are working in little difference to closing less likely to abuse drugs ference to outcomes and sity student and Batchelor Institute (BIITE) many communities by the gap. and alcohol. more on early childhood Fellow, Janine Oldfield says monolingual Eng- helping get children to The Central Austral- “Rather than saying programs. lish education may be speeding up the loss of school and assisting with ian Aboriginal Congress if your children don’t go “It costs $8000 a year culture among Aboriginal children. uniforms and lunches. has been lobbying the to school there’ll be sanc- to have someone on in- Ms Oldfield said international research Aboriginal AffairsFederal Government to tions, the alternative is to come management and showed students benefitted from a bilingual ap- Minister Nigel Scullion put more emphasis on ear- ensure kids have a good $100 million just for the proach. said there were 600 more ly childhood education. early childhood and go to Territory. Imagine if that “Not enough first language and culture in children in schools and Congress has been school because they love amount of money were schools can lead to poor dominant language he planned to expand the urging the Government to it,” said Congress doctor spent on early childhood skills, and poor academic outcomes and self-es- plan to include 15 more create a new Closing the John Boffa. development. We could teem,” she said. Children could be less moti- schools from the NT. Gap target that considers Dr Boffa says the most have very child from a vated and more likely to abuse drugs and die But the NT Branch of how very young children important time for chil- disadvanted household in younger because of loss of cultural values, she the Australian Education are going. dren is between when educational daycare from Union says the increase The Australian Early they are born and when age six months, and then said. in numbers has caught Development Index has they are four years old. in preschool when they Ms Oldfield said most residents in the two teachers on the back foot. shown that Aboriginal This is when they learn are two years old.” communities she was researching wanted a re- It says because of Terri- children, especially in the basics of language, The early childhood turn to bilingual education and ‘team teaching’. tory government funding some remote communi- thinking and self control. approach also involves She said they valued their close-knit com- cuts there are fewer teach- ties, are developing very If they don’t learn it then, home visits when children munity and strong cultural values, which they ers with more students. It slowly and this is affect- it is much harder when are young. believed led to lower youth suicide rates. says many of the new stu- ing how they do at school. they get older, he says. Dr Boffa says the They wanted Indigenous staff to be treated dents are not used to be- Congress has been “You can have all the scheme would be volun- equally,with more interaction between the com- ing in the classroom and pushing for the Govern- kids going to school, but tary. munity and schools. are causing problems for ment to help disadvan- by the time they are in “Most parents want to Ms Oldfield oundf that policies were likely to other students and teach- taged families by offering year ten they still have do the right thing by their fail if they were automatically applied from city ers. help with parenting and transition year literacy kids. People would see areas. Research showed that making sure kids get the levels,” he said. “They over many years that the The policies also overlooked the fact that last year fewer than one best start in life. never have enough recep- children who get this kind bilingual residents were more likely than in 10 year five students Congress points to tive language ability to of care do better.” others to find work in their areas.

May 2014 7. news Yapa unite for learning THREE organisations have joined forces to develop the Yuen- dumu Learning Centre. The Warlpiri Education and Training Trust (WETT), the Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC) and Batchelor Institute (BIITE) will work together to unite the Big Store College and WYDAC’s new Jaru Training Rooms. Since it opened more than a year ago, the Warlpiri Train- ing College at the Big Store has become a busy place. Trainer Ros Bauer and four Yapa tutors have done a great job providing computer access and informal training to Yuendumu residents. But money for the Big Store College runs out in June this year. At its March 2014 meeting Kurra WETT Directors came to the rescue and agreed to fund a large part of the college’s opera- tional costs for the next two years. They also decided to support more formal training at the Jaru Training Rooms. The Yuendumu Learning Centre will occupy two neighbour- ing sites. The Big Store site will be for informal learning such as computer use, internet, internet banking, tax and driver train- ing. The nearby Jaru Training Rooms behind the WYDAC offic- es will offer accredited training in land management, children’s services, education and business skills, art and craft, media and much more. The three organisations have decided to work closely togeth- er to achieve the best possible results for the community. WETT will contribute money for employment and operation- al costs, as well as support the Reference Group that governs the project. The group will help to recruit and guide the centre staff and monitor reporting, acquittal and evaluation of the project. BIITE will employ a qualified centre co-ordinator who will manage the centre and Yapa tutors who will run learning activi- ties in response to community demand. WYDAC will provide the Jaru Training Rooms, help young people choose the training that’s right for them and have repre- sentation on the Learning Centre governance group.

Community Development gets a big tick ... and more stories of CD on the ground in Central Australia on pages 14 and 15

ABOVE: Azaria Robertson puts the final touches on the Learning Centre mural Batchelor pioneers online language learning

A Batchelor College project pioneering the Batchelor Institute was a key sponsor of the teaching of Indigenous languages on-line is AIATSIS conference and also promoted and sold attracting interest from Aboriginal educators recent publications by Batchelor Press. Australia-wide. The Institute researchers presented papers and The project was discussed at the 50th chaired many of the events over the three days of anniversary conference of the Australian Institute the conference. of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Meanwhile the Batchelor Institute will hold its (AIATSIS) in Canberra in March. own own 40th anniversary conference at Batchelor A delegation of researchers from Batchelor in August. Institute took part in the conference. Batchelor Institute will celebrate 40 years of Dr Chie Adachi and Veronica Dobson (at right) delivering quality research, education and training spoke about the work they had done to implement programs for Indigenous Australians. These “blended learning” and teaching for Central and celebrations will include the 40th anniversary Eastern Arrernte language through face-to-face conference, Finding the Common Ground with and online modes. Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems to “Our talk prompted a number of people to be held in Batchelor, Northern Territory from 7-8 approach us about the innovative work we are doing August. and to share their experiences of ways in which to Arrernte language expert Veronica Dobson teach and learn Australian Indigenous languages in this modern digital age,” said Dr Adachi. Mitchell said. See Language Apps Seminar page 21 Batchelor Institute Director Adrian Mitchell He said Institute researchers, led by Dr Peter congratulated AIATSIS on 50 years of leadership in Stephenson, Head of Higher Education and Indigenous studies. Research, promoted Batchelor’s growing research ‘AIATSIS is a significant partner under our capacity in Indigenous Education, Language and Indigenous Research Collaborations program,’ Mr Linguistics, and Creative Arts.

8. May 2014 news Health workers’ history of giving A TIMELINE launched in April tells the 144-year-long story of Aboriginal health workers and community workers in the NT. The launch took place amid concerns that too much emphasis on academic qualifications is sidelining the important role of health care providers who have been chosen by communities themselves Nearly 90 people attended the launch of the 1.3 metre- long poster of the History of Aboriginal Health Workers & Aboriginal Community Workers 1870–2013. The timeline, created by Aboriginal health worker Kathy Abbott and Rosie Elliot, shows how the AHW movement developed from the tradition of ngangkaris and midwives. Timeline readers can see how the first Aboriginal people working in a western-style health service were in missions such as Hermannsburg and in the Darwin Leprosorium and TB Annex. Out of this group came many of the first AHWs, with some of those trained in the Darwin Hospital TB Annex in the early ABOVE: Kathy Abbott and Rosie Elliot with the Health Worker Timeline. Photo Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) 1960s only recently retired. Rosie Elliot from Black Wattle Consulting, which published the timeline, said NT AHWs were the first group of paramedics in Australia to have extensive Dementia worse among clinical responsibilities such as suturing and injecting. They were also the first group to be professionally registered (in 1985-86), and the first AHW group to develop a professional code of NT Indigenous: findings ethics (1979-80) and a professional association (1995-96). POOR diet, lack of exercise, too much faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait think preventive primary care funding Ms Elliot said many Aboriginal smoking and drinking and diabetes Islander Health, said it was important is a much better point of focus at this Territorians have trained as are contributing to high dementia that screening for dementia was followed time.” AHWs over the years, working rates among Indigenous people in the up with treatment for people found to be Professor Leon Flicker, director of in a community primary health Northern Territory. suffering with it. the WA Centre for Health and Ageing, care role, as health specialists, Research published in the Medical agreed, saying medical care was not the managers, educators and health Journal of Australia found that, in 2011, whole answer to the dementia problem. board members. the estimated prevalence of dementia “We find higher rates of many things Others had used their training among Indigenous people aged 45 years in older Aboriginal people, including in other roles, as police, family and over in the NT was more than increased rates of falls, and that geriatric support workers, educators. The three times that of the non-Indigenous syndromes develop much earlier than names of some of these trainees population. in the non-Indigenous population”, are recorded on the back of the The study also found that Indigenous Professor Flicker told MJA InSight. poster. patients were developing dementia at an “Lifestyle factors are important. Low “In the early years, up to the average age of 72, seven years younger birthweight, impoverishment, lack of mid 1990s, AHW professional than than non-Indigenous patients. physical activity, poor food intake, too development was driven by The researchers found that the much smoking, diabetes, obesity, high community selection and high rates of dementia among the NT blood pressure – these are important apprenticeship based training,” Indigenous population were linked to throughout life. Ms Elliot said. risk factors for dementia such as stroke, “There needs to be a multi-pronged “Today pathways are more epilepsy, brain injury, smoking and approach – improving childhood driven by academic qualifications alcohol-related health problems. nutrition, improving access to education, and managerialism. Associate Professor Robert Parker, He said screening must “not be used being able to have a job and earn money, “Today, our remote health an NT psychiatrist at the James Cook as an excuse for avoiding preventive better health care, better identification services are seeking to reinforce University, Darwin, called for “culturally care.” of at-risk groups, better blood pressure the community selection specific and appropriate” screening tools “If the focus shifts to screening it may and diabetes control. process.” to turn around rates of dementia among take the focus and funding from primary “Probably the most important thing Kathy Abbott and Rosie Elliott Indigenous populations. care.” Prof Senior said. is not to lose hope, and to keep treating received a standing ovation at But Professor Tim Senior, medical “Many of the risk factors for dementia the people who are identified as having the launch, while many speakers advisor to the Royal Australasian College are also risk factors in other contexts, dementia.” Image Getty/Science Photo talked about the inspiration of General Practitioners’ national such as cardiovascular disease, so we Library - PASIEKA) Kathy Abbott had provided in their own professional lives. Kathy Abbott spoke about her hopes and fears for the AHW movement, and expressed concern that the role of community selected primary health care providers was being sidelined by concern for academic qualifications. Turn the page for Part Two! May 2014 9. news ‘Make grog rule same for all’

THE NT government has come under Protestors said heavy police presence at But Dr John Boffa from the People’s Al- renewed pressure to reintroduce the bottle shops was discriminatory because it cohol Action Coalition (PAAC) said the Banned Drinkers Register. But it says targeted Aboriginal people. Barbara Shaw policy was causing “significant racial dis- its policy of policing bottle shops is work- said the Government should reintroduce harmony.” ing. the BDR and again require all people to show ID before buying alcohol. If the Government decided to continue with A Federal Government inquiry was told it, it would need to make sure all the bottle that hospital records showed the number Police in Alice Springs have been stopping shops were patrolled at the same time. of patients with alcohol issues doubled Aboriginal people from going into bottle after the BDR was removed. Twice as shops if they believe they live in areas Central Australian Aboriginal Congress many were admitted to the emergency where alcohol is prohibited, such as town backed PAAC’s call for a minimum price department. camps or public housing. The Government or “floor price” on alcohol. Dr Boffa said has also introduced Alcohol Protection countries with a floor price, such as Can- The House Standing Committee on Indig- Orders for people accused of committing ada, had found people drank less and suf- enous Affairs began a nation-wide inqui- crimes under the influence of alcohol. fered less harm because of alcohol when it ry into the harmful use of alcohol in Ab- was more expensive. original communities in Alice Springs The police and the Government have point- on 31st March. The inquiry was held only ed to figures showing a 50 per cent drop in Congress CEO Donna Ah Chee said: “The days after protestors rallied against cur- the number of assaults while police patrols photo licensing system, linked to the rent Government policies aimed at pre- have been in place. Banned Drinker Register, also needs to be venting alcohol abuse. reinstated for the whole population.”

CAAAPU: APONT: grog law change may work grog law

MORE than 40 Central Aus- A GROUP of peak NT Aborigi- tralian Aboriginal people have nal organisations has recom- undergone mandatory rehabilt- mended radical changes to the ation under the new NT Govern- NT Government’s mandatory ment laws. alcohol treatment laws. Under the new laws, people Aboriginal Peak Organisa- who are taken into protective tions NT (APONT) has told the custody three times can be Government the law unfairly forced to undergo rehabilitation targets Aboriginal people and for three months. mandatory treatment should The laws have come under be based on health criteria widespread criticism because rather than referrals by police. they are seen to make drunken- APONT recommendations ness a crime. Critics have also by include: questioned whether making al- • Ensuring that only peo- coholics undergo treatment will ple with severe alcohol- be effective in preventing alco- ism, whose life or health hol abuse. is in danger, are placed in But Central Australian Ab- mandatory treatment; original Alcohol Protection Unit (CAAAPU) chairperson Eileen • Detaining people while Hoosan, whose organization deciding whether they won the tender to supply the ALCOHOL and its impact on the lives of the Territory’s Indigenous people has once again are suitable for manda- mandatory services, said “as- been a major issue as the NT Government begins to implement its controversial policies on tory rehabilitation for sumptions” about the new laws alcohol abuse. To its new system of mandatory rehabilitation for people apprehended drunk no more than 72 hours might not apply to Aboriginal instead of up to nine people. Aboriginal people who are not permitted to drink in their homes in Alice Springs or remote days as the Act presently “For instance, for our people allows; who are sick, mandated treat- incommunities public the Government and have led added to complaints intensified of discrimination. patrols outside Theliquor government outlets. The says patrols the patrols target • Reducing the length of ment ordered by the tribunal have cut crime and violence, but many leaders and Aboriginal health organisations continue mandatory rehabilita- can provide a place of safety and to call for stricter controls over alcohol supply instead. tion from there months refuge for them to become well to 14 days, after which it enough to make strong decisions would be decided if the and engage in treatment,” Ms person would benefit Hoosan said. from longer treatment or Ms Hoosan said CAAAPU ‘Stop drunks before they start’ would accept treatment supported the new laws and was voluntarily; “inspired” by the NT Govern- ALCOHOL abuse and the vio- “These were people who they were older. ment’s “focus on specific policies lence it causes can be stopped, passed away well before their • Funding for legal repre- for Indigenous people.” but education must start very time.” Congress CEO Donna Ah Chee sentatives, interpreters, CAAPU Alcohol Mandatory early in children’s lives, the said: “We have to see this as an Aboriginal liaison offi- Treatment manager Sabine We- Government has been told. Mrs Miller said the “nature of addiction. cers and health workers dermeyer said 34 people had living” in Alice Springs had to act on behalf of people “graduated” from mandatory Witnesses at the Federal Gov- changed for everybody be- “For those people who are al- facing treatment; treatment and eight of them had ernment Inquiry into alcohol cause of alcohol. cohol dependent and are drink- come back for more treatment. abuse explained how alcohol ing at risky levels that are • Removing criminal pen- “The interesting part is that abuse had been handed down “People have to put safeguards causing not just harm to them- alties for people who the clients who have come back through generations since it around their homes, such as selves but to their families and walk out of treatment are doing very well the second became legal for all Aboriginal six-foot-high fences,” she said. to some extent in terms of ne- facilties; people to drink alcohol. glect of children, we need to time. One client, the second • Ensuring that the people Dr Miller estimated that 60 get in early. time, was ordered to have anoth- who assess the suitabil- Central Australian Aboriginal per cent of people who needed er three-month term, and we got ity of people for treat- Legal Aid CEO Pat Miller said legal help from CAALAS could “We have to look at that pe- that revoked because we could ment are medical prac- alcohol problems in central be suffering from Foetal Al- riod of zero to three years, the provide to the tribunal how well titioners with expertise Australia had started to get cohol Syndrome, a condition informative years of develop- he was doing. They revoked the in substance dependence worse in the 1970s. caused by women drinking ment of the brain. order and he got out after one and its treatment; month.” when they are pregnant. Ms Wedermeyer said that in “We have seen many of our “We know that there are • Stronger protections of the 20 years since CAAAPU had friends buried far too early, The Central Australian Ab- key interventions that can the human rights of pa- been operating, at least 20 peo- hospitalised and incarcerated, original Congress told the work—around parental sup- tients, as provided by ple who had been through the and between the two of us we hearing that it was vital to port through home visitation similar laws in other CAAPU program had chosen to have attended many funer- help children to be strong as well as child-focused sup- States. give up the grog completely. als—we have even lost count,” from a very young age so they port through educational day she said. would not abuse alcohol when care.” 10. May 2014 news

Women of the Centre tell it like it is The women of Apatula celebrated International “Aputula Women”. Legal Service International Women’s Day celebration Women’s Day with an exhibition of photographs that “All communities should have the chance to do on 15th March, with CAWLS screening the film ‘Girl showed why they are they are proud to be women. this,” said one of the women who took part. Some of Rising’ at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. The NPY Women’s Council Domestic and Family the photos from the exhibition will be displayed at the Communities across the NPY lands have said Violence Service supported the exhibition Aputula Aputula store and the banners will be hung in the art they would like to be involved in similar events on Women of the Centre at the Recreation Hall in Aputula centre when it is finished. International Women’s Day . Organisers hope all community on 8th March. The project gave Aputula people the opportunity to communities across Central Australia will join the The women spent a month working on the 14 framed join discussion about men’s violence against women global discussion on gender equality and women’s portraits of community women which were hung and women’s rights in an empowering, engaging way. empowerment in 2015. around the hall. Ten other framed photos showed how The photographers were able to express what it is the project was carried out. like to be an Aboriginal woman in a remote Central Clockwise from top left: Joanne Kenny; Painting the banner; Two large colourful banners, painted over the course Australian community. Heather Doolan; and Audrey Braedon. of the photography project, bordered the exhibition The exhibition also went on show at the Alice Images: NPY Women’s Council reading “We are proud to be Aputula Women” and Springs Library, the Central Australian Women’s

May 2014 11. news Morgues: a sorry business

IT was January 2011, and the worst situation a fam- ily could imagine was TIMELINE OF THE about to get worse. Six years of buck-passing ISSUE When a 20-year-old man committed suicide October 2008 Victoria Daly Shire in Kalkaringi his body Council (VDSC) raises the issue of had to be kept in the on mortuaries in the bush Kalkaringi Morgue with then Local Kalkaringi morgue for Government Minister Rob Knight. three days until local flooding subsided and he Although the Shire could now be also to apologise to the mother of the 19 January 2010 Full morgue at could be transported to Darwin. seen as the owner of the building, it in- deceased Kalkaringi man. Gunbalunya causes incident. Member The morgue’s refrigeration system sists it is not not funded or trained to But the incident at Kalkaringi is for Arafura Marion Scrymgour tells didn’t work properly and the man’s run the morgue. only one of a number to have occurred body ended up in such a bad state that Therefore, they say, it is not their re- in Northern Territory communities in NT News: “As far as I am aware the his family was unable to view him and sponsibility (although they do pay the recent years. operation of the morgue is still very say goodbye properly. electricity bills to run it). They include storing bodies at room much an NT government function and The mechanical failure made a dis- Approached by NAAJA, NT Om- temperature in inappropriate places (a responsibility… it is certainly not a tressing situation even worse. budsman Carolyn Richards investigat- kitchen, a shed, even a court room). In local government responsibility… I will North Australian Aboriginal Jus- ed the situation. one case, the wrong person was buried be seeking an upgrading of morgue tice Agency (NAAJA) represented the In March 2012 she released a de- and had to be exhumed and reburied. facilities in all large communities in my mother of the deceased Kalkaringi tailed report for parliament about When communities don’t have an electorate and believe that the situation man as she sought to find out how this morgues and services on remote NT operating morgue or room in one, bod- in all remote communities is now to be situation was allowed to happen. communities. ies often have to be flown out to be reviewed as a matter of priority.” But after contacting the local shire, The report found that no one seems stored somewhere with a functional the health department and the Kather- to have responsibility for running and morgue while the funeral is arranged. March 2010 NT Remote Services ine West Health Board NAAJA could looking after this vital service: a situa- This process can cost between $8000 Coordinator General Bob Beadman find no one to take responsibility for tion which still stands. and $10000 by the time the body is re- makes recommendations to improve the Kalkaringi morgue. The ombudsman recommended to turned for burial. morgue service delivery to remote The confusion of responsibility be- the Government: Many communities, such as Gun- communities tween the Shires and the Government • working with stakeholders to de- balanya, Alpurrurulum, Yuendumu has existed at least since 2009. cide who should be responsible for and Wadeye, have been affected. Many January 2011 Kalkaringi morgue The Kalkaringi morgue (a besser morgues; bereaved Aboriginal people have expe- malfunctions with distress caused to block building the size of a single ga- • developing or amending legisla- rienced traumatic situations because family (see story, left) rage) was built when the community tion to regulate the management of of the lack of proper morgue arrange- was part of the Daguragu Community morgues on communities; ments. May 2012 Ombudsman’s report Government Council, but when the • ensuring morgues are repaired Despite the Ombudsman’s report government introduced Shires it be- and comply to industry standards; and recommendations, the situation Sept 2012 Olga Havnen (NT came part of the Victoria Daly Shire • appointing a temporary agency to still exists on remote communities to- Coordinator General) makes Council. deal with the issue immediately; and day. recommendations to improve morgue service delivery

August 2013 Alison Anderson, then Regional Development Minister, tells Expand north, says Abbott the ABC that morgues were not a responsibility of the Government unless attached to a hospital. She said the THE Federal Government government would respond to the wants to encourage more Ombudsman report (published some development in Northern 15 months earlier) when Cabinet had Australia, including ‘discussed the recommendations.’ projects on Aboriginal land. Feb 2014 APONT, a group of peak The Inquiry into the Aboriginal organisations, has been Development of Northern attempting to get the NT government to Australia is looking at how to attract more business address the issue and investment north of NT Community Services the Tropic of Capricorn. 11 Feb 2014 Alice Springs will also be Minister Bess Price agrees on ABC included. Radio that community morgues are The CLC is keen to “in a shocking state’” and reports her make sure Aboriginal department is auditing community people are recognised and morgues, with a report due in May consulted in any changes 2014. She says ‘“there was an incident the Government makes in Kalkaringi that upset a lot of people… because of the inquiry. and we as government want to make For a start, it says sure that there’s something done about the Government needs ABOVE: News Limited’s take on the Federal Government’s plan to develop Northern Australia it. I think what’s happened in the past to understand that the is nobody’s taken on the responsibility Aboriginal Land Rights Act development. - looking at the viability of a multi- legally... and we want to make sure that (ALRA) should not be changed in order It says the Government should also species abattoir; the morgues… work better or are better to increase development. look at Indigenous cultural and natural - enabling basic infrastructure such equipped for the number of deaths that In a submission to the inquiry, the resource management as a vital part of as bores, transport and power to enable we have in these communities.” CLC says the ALRA already allows for development. the development of horticulture on businesses to lease Aboriginal land, The CLC says all Australians benefit Aboriginal land. 14 May 2014 LRNCA asked the and it has issued 500 leases in the last from the work of rangers in controlling The CLC submission also calls on the Department of Community Services for five years. feral animals and weeds, managing fire NT Government to reverse its decision an update on the situation: This, says the CLC, is despite claims and monitoring wildlife. to abolish the Strategic Indigenous in the media that the Land Rights Act is Caring for country also supports Reserve, which meant 20 per cent of the “The safe and appropriate handling a barrier to development. eco-tourism and the Aboriginal art water in a ‘water control district’ had to of deceased persons in remote areas The CLC submission says Aboriginal sector and helps to improve people’s be reserved for Aboriginal landowners. is particularly challenging in the NT people could play a bigger part in health, it points out. The submission says there is a real given the population spread over the the industries of the north: mining, The submission also calls for: risk Aboriginal people will not be able Territory’s 1 349 000 square kilometres. government services, tourism and - incentives for businesses to to get access to ground water under the The NT Government has completed pastoralism. create cultural tourism ventures with new rules. But the Land Council says the Aboriginal people that provide jobs and an audit and is considering a range of Government needs to invest in training for Aboriginal people; options in relation to morgue services in health, education and governance - better roads out bush so Aboriginal remote areas. The results of the audit for Aboriginal people in the north pastoralists and other businesses have have been used to inform advice to to enable them to take part in future better access to markets; government. Government is currently considering options...”

12. May 2014 news Gina: love the work, love the people

LEAVING after 25 years, relationship with them.” take Creek to give them Gina Howard has pretty Gina said the high- an insight into the pasto- much grown up in the light of her time at CLC ral industry. Central Land Council. was working on the Mis- “I met my husband Gina started work at take Creek Land Claim. here while doing a field CLC as a 17-year-old, fill- “I was a field officer at trip to Mt Isa for work, ing in for the receptionist the time, picking up tra- and we have ended up in the Tennant Creek Re- ditional owners for the working together here for gional Office. claim and getting to drive 14 years,” said Gina. Since moving to Alice around on that beautiful “He supported me and Springs she has been a country,” Gina said. gave me the opportunity field officer, Communi- Gina says her career to be a mentor and attend ty Development officer, was helped by having the horsemanship pro- project officer, Women’s strong role models, such gram.” Issues officer, the Coordi- as Barb Cox, whom she Gina and Chongy will nator for Regional Servic- described as “my mentor be continuing some of the es (Alice Springs Region), and my idol all the way work they started at CLC an Aboriginal Associa- through.” and plan to move home to tions Management Sec- “I was amazed at what Bluebush (120 km NW of tion (AAMC) Accounts she could turn her hand Tennant Creek) to man- Clerk, and most recently to, and I followed every age their own cattle en- an Enterprise Support step she took!” Gina said. terprise. Officer in the Rural En- Gina has in turn be- “We want to be there terprise Unit. come a great role mod- on our own country and “I didn’t really want el. Colleague Becky show other Indigenous to leave,” Gina said. “I Mack says she learnt people that they can run would rather have stayed everything she knows their own enterprises on but I think I hit a wall and from Gina. their own land,” she said. couldn’t go any further. “She is awesome the “By running our prop- “I love the work and I way she encourages peo- erty at Bluebush and us- love the people. The CLC, ple and goes above and ing it as a training facility especially under Rossy’s beyond what is expected we are able to continue direction, treats every- in her work,” Beck said. what we started here at one as family and gives “She is very calm, just CLC. you the opportunity to be gets on with it and calms “We want to give kids your best. everyone else down as opportunities and path- “Building trust and well in certain situa- ways to employment.” relationships with our tions.” Becky Mack feels that constituents over the In recent years Gina Central Land Council’s years has been great – I worked with Steve and Jo- loss is certainly a win for have to thank them for a Anne Craig and her hus- the young people of Ten- lot of what I know. band Harold “Chongy” na. “When people ask you Howard developing pas- “They are going to do to do something you can toral programs in the great things up there,”she always assist them or Employment Unit. They said. “It’s their calling. guide them in the right began by taking the Tju- But they are going to be way when you have that wanpa Rangers to Mis- missed – too much!” Chongy showed us why jobs matter

LIKE his wife Gina, Harold “Chongy” Howard is passionate about getting Aboriginal people into the workforce. “I like the idea of helping people,” Harold said last month. “I think employment is really important for people’s independence and confidence. “You see people whose lives are a train wreck, but when they get a job they enjoy their lives change.” Harold first came to the CLC as a casual driver in 1999 and took up a full-time job in July 2000 as a Rail- way Project Officer. After a stint as Mining Employment Officer, he moved into his current role as Employment Co-ordi- nator in 2003. Land Management section head Dave Alexander said: “Chongy is a beacon for many people and man- ages to draw in other organisations. “They gravitate to him because many of his initi- atives are successful. “People realise that they can build on that success by working with him.” Harold has started several successful programs at CLC using his ability to bring diverse people togeth- er, from cattle industry and Education Department people to traditional owners and young people. They have included VET (Vocational Education and Training) in schools programs in places like Mt Allen, Ntaria and Tennant Creek. “For the Plenty Pathways proposal out at Harts Range Chongy managed to bring in a big burst of en- ergy and attract support from the Education Depart- ment through like-minded people,” Dave said “For the Mt Allen VET in schools program he dence by teaching them concrete skills such as horse- been the key. managed to get the community to invest some of their manship. “You get good support from their immediate man- grazing license money in activities for their kids.” Central Land Council itself is a large employer agers, who help you do what you need to do,” he said. Harold worked with station managers Steve and of Aboriginal people, with approximately 50% of its “If I’ve got an idea and I know what I’m doing, Jo-Anne Craig and traditional owners to build a suc- staff Aboriginal. Rossy and David Alexander will back me – and that’s cessful pastoral program at Mistake Creek. Asked why he and so many other Aboriginal staff how I’ve been able to learn on the job too.” The program has given many participants their had stayed so long, Harold Howard said mutual re- PHOTOS: Gina Howard by Becky Mack; Harold first real employment experience and built confi- spect, strong leadership and good partnerships had Howard by Steve Strike

May 2014 13. Community Travellers tell the story in a song

MIDDLE and secondary year students from Lajamanu, Willowra and Nyirrpi Schools went on interstate school ex- cursions to far North Queensland last year. The schools organised the trips using money from the Warlpiri Educa- tion and Training Trust (WETT). The Nyirrpi students had so much fun that they wrote a song about it:

We’re going away To Cairns and Mackay We’re flying on a plane We’re saying goodbye To Nyirrpi community Goodbye to our family Hello to the Minniecons They’re going to take us mud crab- bing Swimming and fishing Is what we wanna do Looking for pippies And mussels too Use them for bait On a fishing pole Might catch a fish In a rock hole Go on a bushwalk To the Long Hut Have a culture talk Then hop on a bus Going to Black’s Beach In the afternoon Later on swimming In the lagoon After that, fun at Harbour Beach ABOVE: The Yapa students and teachers heading up the hills on the train to Kuranda, far north Queensland. Tea at the hostel Can’t wait to eat Next off to Cairns Off to Tjapukai Then we take a train City kids score free Warlpiri lessons Going on a ride, Visiting Kuranda TWO Yapa teachers from Yuendumu Time to say goodbye took a bit of bilingual education Then we take the Skyrail to Sydney school students when Sitting way up high! they attended the EdFest Careers Early breakfast, at Kuiyam Expo at the University of Western Getting really excited, Yes I am! Sydney In February Off on the reef cruise Nancy Napurrurla Oldfield Out in the sea and Barbara Napanangka Martin, Snorkelling in the water who have more than 46 years of To see what I can see combined teaching experience, Checking out the coral, down below presented a talk to 600 student Guess who I saw? teachers. It was Nemo! They also talked at a Deadly Church on Sunday Teachers Workshop that was With Al and Jen attended by 75 people. “At first Say goodbye, til we see them again! we were very nervous and then we Salvation Army, doing lunch for us became stronger,” said Barbara. Another short trip The teachers, who helped set up Back on the bus and advise the Warlpiri Education Up to Palm Cove and Training Trust (WETT), spoke To see the Croc Farm at the conference about how they Then we pack up, cos we’re going became teachers and their work at back HOME! the Yuendumu School. They also talked about what Yuendumu students are planning to ABOVE: Teachers Barbara Martin (centre), Nancy Oldfield (right) go to Sydney and the Blue Mountains they expect of teachers coming to communities to work. and Adult Educator Ros Bauer (left) were invited to attend the this year. Barbara and Nancy were also invited to visit the Briar Edfest Careers Expo by the Engagement Officer at the University Road School in Sydney, where they shared knowledge, of Western Sydney, Suzie Wright (back left), who spent some time language and stories. They taught the kids Warlpiri names volunteering at the Yuendumu Adult Learning Centre. They were of native animals and sang Warlpiri songs. accompanied by Susie Low, CEO Warlpiri Youth Development They told the last meeting of the WETT Advisory Aboriginal Corporation. Committee in Alice Springs they were “treated like queens!” Zindzi and Margaret mean business TWO Lajamanu girls who tions. Margaret worked at the Batchelor graduate in the used the community’s Learn- shire office while Zindzi chose WETT and federal government ing Centre to complete a Cer- the Lajamanu clinic. funded Community Learning tificate One in Business have Zindzi performed really Centre. They went to small found the qualification opens well and with great confidence group sessions at the centre doors to the world of work. in her work at the clinic. She and loved seeing the sign on Zindzi Jigili and Margaret impressed everyone with her the door booking the space just Johnson received their certifi- typing skills and as a result for them. cates at their school assembly was offered paid casual em- in December 2013. ployment. She worked at the The two students were soon As part of the certificate clinic four days a week during flying ahead, became more and course the girls had work ex- her Christmas holidays. more confident and under- perience at local organisa- Zindzi and Margaret were stood the language of business inspired to enrol better. LEFT: Zindzi Jigili and Margaret Johnson in the course when putting their new business skills into action. they saw photos of a

14. May 2014 DevelopMENT Community development ‘way to go’

THE CLC’s community Governance Project, to help the policy changes such as the when nothing was happening. Government and other development work plays CLC improve its development Intervention and the Shires “It’s been good to help with organisations have also put in a critical role in putting work. had reduced their power and Anangu money.” $8 million to help with projects. traditional owners and The Lajamanu Council control in their communities. Benefits of CD included Program costs are well- community residents in meeting in April was first to Even so, the team found the employment, training and managed, with only 15 per control of their lives. hear what the review team community benefit projects education opportunities, cent of total costs allotted to Without it, a huge range of found out. supported by the CLC were improved child care, youth CLC support, most of which is important services would not The team interviewed 129 mostly successful and well- programs, the strengthening funded by government. have started. people – mostly Aboriginal managed. Their outcomes were of culture and improved health Challenges identified This is the finding of an men and women – and some valued by Aboriginal people. in kidney patients. include the time taken to independent, government- service providers. Comments included: “We CD outcomes usually last manage contractors and funded evaluation of the CLC’s It visited Imanpa, Willowra are happy with Land Council; longer and help more people project managers; the risk Community Development (CD) and Lajamanu, reviewed they are the ones taking us the than individual royalty that Aboriginal people are Program after its first eight the program’s activities and right way, because we are not payments, the report found. funding health and education years. processes in other places and experienced. Yapa do make Spending in the program services normally funded A team of CD experts read the reports of the CD things happen – we make the has grown from $0.5 million by government; and sharing from La Trobe University and program. final decisions” in 2005/6 to nearly $5 million. the lessons the CLC is People and Planet Group last Many Aboriginal people “Before Land Council was Since 2005, $25.2 million has learning about CD with other year reviewed the CD program, told the team that government doing all these things here been spent on CD across the organisations. as well as the Lajamanu people went away from Imanpa region. Lifesavers on the same wavelength

EMERGENCY service volunteers, fire months and cost $5,000. fighters, police, ambulance and rangers in Next, the NTES volunteers will buy the Ntaria region will soon be able to com- and install the beacon in the best spot. municate by radio during emergencies. The project budget also covers main- The Ntaria Community Lease Money taining it for 10 years, which will make Working Group of traditional owners has sure traditional owners get long-term invested $40,000 in an emergency beacon benefit from their money. project to improve UHF radio communi- The project will not only improve how cation. the different service agencies work to- The Hermannsburg volunteer unit gether during emergencies. of the NT Emergency Services (NTES) Residents of Ntaria, surrounding out- signed a funding agreement with the CLC stations, nearby communities and tourists for the project last December. – anyone with a UHF handset or a UHF re- Since then volunteers have been test- ceiver in their car – will also benefit. ing the range of the beacon (UHF repeat- The NTES volunteers have agreed to er) at different hills in the Ntaria Land train Ntaria and outstation residents in Trust to find the place with the best signal the use of UHF handsets. The Finke River for the Wallace Rockhole, Lilla, Old Sta- Mission Store has offered to sell handsets tion and Motna areas (pictured left). at cost price. This testing will take a couple of Donkeys get marching orders THE Pilanitja cemetery was being damaged All three men worked hard to finish the by donkeys until the traditional owners of job quickly. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park came to its At a recent traditional owner meeting rescue. for the Uluru Rent Money Project the group They funded Tangentyere Constructions looked at finances, reviewing past projects to put a fence around the cemetery (pic- and talking about future projects. tured right). The meetings are held twice a year with Three local men were employed - Cyril support from the CLC. McKenzie and Darren Pan from Ernabella At the March 2014 meeting in Mutitjulu, and Luis Delacruz from Mutitjulu. traditional owner Tjunkaya Tapaya thanked Luis has gone on to take up full time em- other TOs for supporting the project. ployment with Tangentyere Constructions. Low water, no rabbits Protecting water from fire

TWO rabbit-proof and water saving THE water pipes “wicking” beds have been set up in Ulpa- at Panthapilen- nyali in time for winter planting. he (Panel Well) Water goes in at the bottom of wick- Outstation, which ing beds so plants stay alive even in the were destroyed in heat of summer. a bushfire, have The community is looking forward to been restored growing its own fruit and vegetables in with rent money the raised garden beds. from the Arltun- Ulpanyali traditional owner Julie ga Historical Re- Clyne said: “We have been waiting for a serve. long time to start our garden again. The traditional “Now kids can take tomatoes and cu- owners of Arltun- cumber to school for their lunches.” ga Historical Re- As well as supporting health and nu- serve visited the trition in Ulpanyali, the project also pro- site with workers vided training in the construction and from Ingkerreke operation of wicking beds for two com- Commercial to munity members. plan the project. Lizzie Pearce and Arnold Limbiari Ingkerreke worked with the group to design fire-proof water infrastruc- worked alongside the CAT trainer, Jen ture. Staff buried PVC water pipes and laid steel pipes on the ground where Clarson. trenching was not possible (pictured). The outstation also received a new The Uluru Rent Money project cost tank for the two houses. was $10,000. The $38,000 project is another example of traditional owners using their own money to help them get back to country with support from the CLC’s LEFT: Lizzie and Arnold relax after the hard Community Development Program. work of building the wicking beds May 2014 15. This edition of Land Rights News Central Australia is dedicated to Jane Hodson, Central Land Council Media Manager 1995 – 2014, who produced and co-produced more than 50 editions of the paper for people of this region. Jane worked tirelessly to ensure Central Australian communities were kept informed with high quality journalism and positive local news stories. She promoted the Central Land Council at every opportunity and is deeply missed. This edition of Land Rights News Central Australia is dedicated to Jane Hodson, Central Land Council Media Manager 1995 – 2014, who produced and co-produced more than 50 editions of the paper for people of this region. Jane worked tirelessly to ensure Central Australian communities were kept informed with high quality journalism and positive local news stories. She promoted the Central Land Council at every opportunity and is deeply missed. sorry Jampijinpa considered himself rich

MAXIE Martin Jampijinpa, senior traditional owner and kirda for Pawu, Mt Barkly, was a highly respected and knowledgeable man. His charming smile and generosity will be remembered, as will his concern for the younger generations of family at Willowra. Jampijinpa grew up before his people had motorcars or went to school or college. He learnt about the country and the Law by walking the country with family, moving from soakage to soakage, living off the land and working at the cattle stations Anningie and Willowra. As a young man he worked in the stockcamp and became a skilled stockman, working at Willowra, Anningie and, in the mid to late 80s, Ti Tree Station. In the 1990s he returned to Willowra where he lived with Maggie Napangardi, his wife, children, and eventually, grandchildren. In later years he worked toward reviving the Willowra cattle company. Jampijinpa was an active member of Central Land Council, and fought for the autonomous development of Willowra community. ABOVE: Ningura Napurrula, whose work is immortalised on the ceiling of a Paris museum. Together with his friend Teddy Long Jupurrula he took great pride in teaching the younger generation about country, undertaking many country and sacred site visits with members of Her canvas was never blank for long Willowra community and CLC staff. He believed that “Young people got NINGURA Napurrula was born at Aboriginal artists selected to have their dichromatic style for which she became to work both sides—yapa and kardiya. Watulka, south of the Kiwirrkura work incorporated in the architecture so well-known. The strength and They got to help yapa with reading and Community, circa 1938. of the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris. boldness of her line work is unrivalled, bookwork. But young people got to learn She married Yala Yala Gibbs The museum houses the French as is her ability to visually interpret culture too - knowledge.” Tjungurrayi and with their young son collection of art from Africa, Asia, the many cultural objects and actions Jampijinpa was critical about the Morris they went into Papunya after Oceania and the Americas. Her depicted in her work. lack of support Willowra received from meeting up with Jeremy Long during inclusion was the pinnacle of her Napurrula was a strong character government, the demise of the local one of his welfare patrols. career, of which she was immensely with a booming voice, but had an council and introduction of the shire. Ningura completed her firstproud, often declaring herself as ‘The endearing sensitivity, a broad smile He was a strong supporter of the Land paintings for Papunya Tula Artists in Winner!’ and infectious laugh. Council and WETT and was particularly 1996 and was exhibited that same year. Ningura Napurrula’s approach Recalling stories as she painted proud of the development of the In 1999 Ningura contributed to to painting was always without the nourished her soul and spirit, bringing learning centre and the opportunities it the Kintore women’s painting for the slightest hesitation. The moment she her closer to her ancestors and country. presented. Western Desert Dialysis Appeal. sat down to a blank canvas she knew As the matriarch of a large extended His big wish was for the Willowra As her career gathered momentum exactly what it was she was about to family it gave her tremendous pride to community to be strong and for people Ningura amassed an incredible list of paint. be able to support the many people who to work well together. achievements. The stories mapped out were firmly depended on her. His love for his country was apparent She was exhibited three times as a impressed in her cultural memory, She worked painstakingly on large when recently he recalled a visit to solo artist and was represented in 160 flowing seamlessly through her mind canvasses for hours and hours until Sydney and his astonishment at beggars group exhibitions. and brush onto the unpainted surface. the story was told. on the street and the hoards of people She was selected and exhibited in Sometimes this would happen in In later years Ningura had to walking by them. the National Aboriginal and Torres silence, other times accompanied undergo kidney dialysis, which she Shaking his head at the alienation of Strait Islander Art Award and the Alice by an ancient song recalling events was able to do in Kintore and thus the city he said “We are rich here — I can Prize, and in New York, Paris, Lyon, and ceremonies relating to the sites remain living at home. lay my swag anywhere here — no one London, Turin, Washington, Singapore represented in the painting. Ningura passed away in Kintore in can tell me to go away. I can sleep in the and Berlin. In 2003 she was chosen During her 18 year career she November 2013, and is survived by a river and live from my country Pawu, along with four other Papunya Tula was highly influential amongst other large family, many of whom are also and also this area. I have my family all Artists to have one of her paintings Pintupi women also painting with artists and painters. around.” He will be much missed. represented on an Australia Post Papunya Tula Artists at the time. -Paul Sweeney international stamp. Her style was both intuitive and -Petronella Vaarzon-Morel In 2004 Ningura was one of eight innovative. She pioneered the graphic Mr Brown’s life of commitment KUMUNJAYI Jampijinpa Brown was a Warlpiri and he served as a dedicated CLC delegate since man born in 1962, 35 years after the Coniston mas- 1994. sacre on the Lander River – at Willowra, where he He also travelled the world, visiting Israel on a also attended school. CLC tour to study horticultural methods for arid Mr Brown was an active leader involved in ed- zones and he was a coordinator of the Coniston ucation and health issues for his community and Commemoration Day in 2003. the Tanami region. Mr Brown died in November last year. He left school in 1976 and worked in the stock camp on Willowra station, fencing and mustering cattle. From 1983 to 1997, he worked as the Essen- tial Services Officer at Willowra where he was -re sponsible for power, water and other community infrastructure services. Mr Brown was a longserving CLC Executive member before being elected Chairman and a member of the CLC Audit Committee. He was elected Central Land Council Chair- man at a meeting in Tennant Creek, 14 April 2004

18. May 2014 sorry CLC mourns a dear friend Jane Hodson 9 January 1957 - 10 March 2014

JANE Hodson was a colourful and singular figure in the Alice Springs community. She first came to the town in 1992 and worked as a technician at Imparja Television. She met many people on her trips out bush with Imparja, ties that she later drew on when she joined the media section at the Central Land Council (CLC), where she continued to traverse the region in countless directions. Jane was recognised within and beyond the CLC for her professionalism, dedication and optimism. She epitomised the values of the CLC; she was hard working, resolute, loyal, resilient and inspirational, and encouraged and supported her work colleagues. A careful wordsmith, Jane ensured that the CLC voice was clear and honest. She set out to debunk myths and ensure that people were well-informed about the CLC and its Aboriginal constituents and was known to have invited even the most vocal critics of the CLC over for a cuppa and a guided tour. Jane had a deep personal connection with many of the Aboriginal people with whom she worked, and was dedicated to seeing that the contemporary history of the traditional owners of Central Australia was respectfully promoted, Photo: Sally Hodson and that the voices and stories of senior Aboriginal people were heard 30th anniversary in 2004, and the 20th with her infectious laugh and gleeful in her inimitable way; there was always and chronicled. Two current projects and 25th anniversary celebrations of enthusiasms. a lot of laughing. When Jane learnt that of the CLC media section attest to the Uluru Handback. She was known to give frank and the time remaining to her was precious, this: the CLC Digital Archive, and a In 2009 Jane organised the event to fearless advice – whether asked for or she would often jump in the car after forthcoming book of oral histories of celebrate the opening of the CLC’s new not – and was inclusive, supportive and work and head down the South Road many prominent Aboriginal Central building on the north Stuart Highway compassionate. to the desert oaks with a small group Australians. in Alice Springs. Jane lived life to the full. Her home, of family and friends. Once the camp As media manager, Jane played Jane was instrumental in producing which she shared with her partner oven chook was demolished, everyone a pivotal role in organising and nationally recognised publications. Ange Harrison and their much loved would stretch out under the night publicising numerous events and These included the Building the Bush son Michael, was open to a wide circle sky watching the display of satellites, activities for the CLC. magazine, CLC annual reports, the of friends. shooting stars and other heavenly During the 1998 Statehood quarterly CLC and NLC newspaper She cherished her family, her late bodies. A great lover of gadgets, Jane Referendum, she ran the CLC media Land Rights News and the current father Chris, mother Joyce and sisters would enlighten her fellow campers campaign, raising the voice of CLC newspaper of the CLC, Land Rights Sally, Sue, Jill and Sarah and their with the aid of her latest version of a constituents on Indigenous rights. News Central Australia (LRNCA). She families. She valued her friends, with star app. In 1999 Jane organised events was also responsible for the CLC’s whom she formed unshakable bonds. Jane was diagnosed with cancer surrounding the exchange of sacred wonderful website. At times irascible, and never one to in September 2013. Even in sickness rocks used to mark the Rev Dr John Jane had a great capacity for fun, beat about the bush, the sensitivity Jane was at her courageous, honest Flynn’s grave, with the return of the a wicked sense of humour and a and caring that followed in a heartbeat and gracious best. Her resilience and first rock to Karlu Karlu near Tennant bold and lively wit. She had a special endeared her to many. fortitude, her sense of humour, and Creek. ability to connect with the CLC’s staff Jane loved camping, whether at unwavering generosity of spirit were In 2003, she worked closely with and Aboriginal constituents alike, Council meetings, on field trips or with an inspiration. She is a much-loved, traditional owners to organise the recognising and encouraging a strong family and friends. She was happy never to be forgotten colleague and Commemoration of the Coniston sense of family across the organisation. rolling out the swag, looking at the dear friend. Massacre at Yurrkuru (Brookes Soak). People loved to spend time with Jane; stars and yarning around the camp fire, She organised celebrations of CLC’s she could light up the space around her sharing her unique perspective on life

THANKS FROM THE FAMILY OF JANE HODSON

Ange and Mike, Joyce, Sally, Sue, Jill and Sarah would like to thank the Central Land Council staff and constituents, and everyone who contributed to making Jane’s funeral in Alice Springs a wonderful celebration of her life. We would like to mention in particular Mischa Cartwright for taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies; the CLC staff guard of honour; the pall bearers and speakers; and all work done setting up inside and outside the Flynn Memorial Church on the day. There was a great deal of behind the scenes work done by CLC staff in attending to the many details of such an event. And finally, we are forever grateful for all the love and generosity shown to us.

ABOVE: Yarrie (Karraminnya) and Peter (Napparinya). This is an image featured in the newly released book - Jane’s family. Calling the Shots: Aboriginal Photographies edited by Jane Lydon. This image is captioned in the book with the following information: ‘J Gazard. Aborigines from Central Australia. Town and Country Journal, 28 December 1901, p.24. Cultural permission from Ara Irititja.’ A review of the book appears on page 30.

May 2014 19. news Keeping our Act together

THE executives of the Northern and Central Land Councils spent three days of talks in Canberra with federal politicians and officials, arguing for protection of the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act. The concerns of both land councils focused on Federal Government plans to permanently devolve their powers to smaller Aboriginal corporations, which might not be democratic or accountable to traditional owners. They also opposed plans to create 99- year township leases that would be held by a Commonwealth official. The land councils want the authority over any leases to remain with the traditional owners. Meetings were held with Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion, and Labor and Greens members. The land councils also met with Warren Mundine, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council. They welcomed his commitment to work closely with them.

The land councils said they would hold the government to account for its pledge to improve targets, and called on the government to back up its targets with funding commitments. The executives also met with the National Congress and supported its endeavours to achieve a secure future after the federal government cut its funding. ABOVE: Executive members were among guests hosted by the Prime Minister after he delivered the latest Closing The Gap report. Thanks Doris, you’ve taught us heaps DORIS Nakamarra Lauder-Kelly (also known as In April 1994, at the age of 47, and a mother of nal staff about ‘Aboriginal ways’ and helping non- DK) celebrated 20 years of working at Central Land five, she started a new career as a Field Officer in Aboriginal staff understand Aboriginal people. Council in April this year. the CLC Tennant Creek Office. “Staff must always remember, don’t ask too many Doris was born at Manga Munda (Phillip Creek She is still there, in the position of Assistant questions, don’t ask double questions and leave Mission), in 1947, where she lived until she was Project Officer. She has worked with two directors time for an answer,” she says. Teaching younger eight and mission residents moved to Ali Curung (Rossy twice), five regional office coordinators, Aboriginal staff and the younger generations of tra- (then Warrabri). three mining officers and five anthropologists. ditional owners has been the hardest thing, but the Doris attended Warrabri School up to Year Sev- “When I started working with the CLC, my first most enjoyable. en. In 1960 she started her first job as a Teacher’s job was working on the Anurrete Land Claim. “The most important thing I have learnt is to Assistant at Warrabri School. “It was a good one for me to start on, as I already write or record everything as you don’t know when She married in 1963 and stopped work in 1964 to knew some of the traditional owners, as I went it will be used again.” start a family. to school with them at Ali Curung. Most of them Over 20 years, Doris has seen a change from a In 1988 she went back to work as an assistant taught me Alyawarra. focus on land claims and outstation establishment teacher, this time at Warrego School (Warrego was “It was good going around that country, visiting to the management of Aboriginal Land, mining in- a mining community 50km west of Tennant Creek). sites, listening to stories, and working with differ- terests, Native Title claims, joint management of ent people – CLC Staff and Aboriginal people. Territory Parks and recording and protecting sa- “I had to apply for this job. There was me and cred sites. BELOW: DK cuts her 20 another lady from Elliott. James Ensor sat me “I would like to work for the CLC for a couple Year cake and hopes to down in a room with Gina Howard (Bennett) and more years, and then retire to my children’s com- cut more in the future. Sue Smalldon. They asked me questions and I just munity of Mungalawurru. gave them my honest answer.” “I still like going back out bush, looking around Doris Lauder-Kelly’s dealings with the CLC ac- country, collecting bush tucker and teaching my tually began even earlier. children and grandchildren about country and the During the late 70s and early 80s, Doris lived with old ways life. Keeping Aboriginal law and culture her children, mother, siblings and extended family strong is important, as the younger generations members at various communities, on or close to need to know who they are and where they belong.” their traditional country. Doris remembers drawing bore water with a hand pump at Parntparuntji, sleeping under the stars or makeshift shelters, travelling around and learning about country. This period was dominated by research for the Karlantijpa North, Karlantijpa South and Warumungu land claims. It was common to see CLC vehicles around the area, staff speaking with or picking up traditional owners so they could look around country, visit sites or tell stories about country. Traditional owners were eager to get out onto country and would wait for the CLC vehicles, swags already rolled. The result was land handbacks un- der the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Terri- tory) Act 1976. Doris enjoys working with the CLC, and has learnt a lot of skills – the computer, email, internet, the telephone, the GPS, Satellite phone and talking ABOVE: What the 20 Year cake looked to and learning from staff. like before it was all eaten. She has also enjoyed teaching younger Aborigi-

18. May 2014 news Languages: Don’t worry, be appy

ONCE upon a time the recording of languages, written The Getting in Touch workshop held in Alice or spoken, was always a job for linguists. But what if Technology gives control Springs on 8-9 April this year allowed people to form technology allowed language speakers themselves to links to help them make their own digital tools for record and translate their own languages? to language speakers Indigenous languages. At the recent ‘Getting in Touch Workshop’ in Organiser Jenny Green said: “We are hoping it Alice Springs, linguist Bruce Birch described the way will lead to good partnerships between people on the new user-friendly technology can enable Indigenous ground with the language and culture and the people language speakers to take control of documenting with the technology skills.” their own languages. The first day was devoted to guest speakers who He described how a large group of people living in showed how they have used technology such as apps different places could create a dictionary by adding and games for language learning support, recording words and meanings using their phones or tablets. and maintenance. Because they can keep adding to it, the dictionary On the second day language speakers worked in is never finished — but people can always read it. groups on ideas for apps and games, and talked to This exists in the form of an app called Ma!Iwaidja technical experts about how to make them work. which allows remote users to upload spoken and Central Australian presenters talked about their written words on their phones. (See image at right) own projects for language apps. The words can then be curated and published by a Lizzie Ellis, Jenny Green and Inge Kraal have been community language team. looking at how traditional storytelling could be kept The workshop also heard from computer scientist strong by using new technologies. and linguist Steven Bird, who has taken the Aikuma Lizzie Ellis showed how they have been using an App and some basic technology to the Amazon and iPad in place of traditional stick or ‘story wire’ games Papua New Guinea to empower people to record their in the sand to “get young people to still be using their own endangered languages. own language, but on the computers.” He showed how using a car battery, a router and “We are trying to keep our language strong so we ten or so of the cheapest android mobile smart phones don’t lose it and this is just another idea about how to he could set up a network ‘off the grid’ in a remote keep it strong,” she said. village. The packed workshop was organised by language A senior speaker recorded language on the phone teams from the University of Melbourne and Batchelor at home, and the recording became instantly available Institute, with support from First Languages Australia on the nine other phones around the village or and Melbourne Social Equity Institute. community.

country news A long, wet, hot and busy summer

hard to get out on country because of all the rain, so THE Wulaign Rangers kept active over the hot wet Clockwise from ABOVE: mens’s planning meeting, bush summer. We spent a week controlling Parkinsonia we kept busy with a few local projects. We welded up bananas: well worth cultivating, Braedon working with the at Hooker Creek. We usually cut them down with a some workbenches and tables, and planted bush tucker cybertracker, Navo tidying up with the chainsaw, womens’ chainsaw or bowsaw, and then we poison the stump. plants around the office. We have been out tracking rare planning meeting, Braedon & Navo testing rockhole water. It’s been working really well. After Christmas it was animals, and testing water quality in local rockholes.

More stories about protecting and working on country pages 22 and 23

May 2014 21. news Battle to save the Finke A once-popular shade tree has become one of Central Australia’s biggest environmental threats. CLC Rangers, Land Management staff, traditional owners and other land holders are working together to remove the widespread Athel Pine from Central Australia. The NT government recently de- clared Athel Pine a Class A weed, re- quiring all land owners and land us- ers to remove and destroy all athel pines on the land. Athel Pines are known as ‘sleep- er weeds’ and can seem harmless until enough rain falls, allowing the seeds to germinate. A mature Athel Pine tree can produce 600,000 seeds, each one a potential tree. The seeds are trans- ported by rivers, and by wind, or carried in clothes, shoes, car tyres and machinery. The tree can also grow from pieces of root or branch. Athel Pines push out bush tuck- er and bush medicine plants. The salt from the leaves can drop into the soil and stops other plants from growing up. They can become so crowded in riverbeds that they change the course of the river and make areas flood. They drink a lot of water and can make waterholes and soakages ABOVE: thel pines, planted around Central Australia for their thick shade, can grow 2-5 metres per year when conditions are favourable. dry up more quickly. INSET: The bark is thick and the branches Athel Pines are scattered look a bit like Desert Oaks. throughout Central Australia but the worst area is on the Finke where BELOW: It flowers in summer. The white- the trees have clogged up the river. pink flowers occur at the end of the In this area land holders, Tradi- branches. tional Owners and CLC Rangers have been working for many years to remove the plants. It is an ongo- ing battle but the river is becoming healthier and healthier. Athel Pines were planted as shade trees many years ago in Cen- tral Australia. If you have Athel Pines on your community or outsta- tion CLC Rangers and other staff can help to have the trees removed and replaced with native trees. When pulling out small Athel Pines make sure to throw them well away from the river. The branches and roots can regrow into trees. For more information about Athel Pines or to tell us where Athel Pines are growing contact Wendy BELOW: The map details how far the Stuart on 8951 6295. weed has spread throughout the region.

ABOVE and BELOW: Traditional owners controlling Athel Pines on the Finke River Below: Trees that can’t be pulled out must be cut and painted with chemicals.

18. May 2014 news Camels: lots of lessons learnt

The Australian Feral Camel Management Project (AFCMP) finished last year after four and a half years. This national project has removed about 160,000 feral camels from the landscape, reducing the damage caused to infrastructure, country and waterholes. It has also helped to prevent car accidents to travellers on the most remote of roads. The AFCMP was funded by the Australian Government and managed by Ninti One. There were 20 partners from Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. The need to manage feral camels across the landscape is important, as the feral camels move around so much. While a big part of the project has been shooting feral camels from helicopters there has also been important work in training rangers and land managers in the skills necessary for future management. For the Rangers and CLC Land Management there has been a lot to learn. We learnt about Animal Welfare legislation, employee fire arm licensing regulations, and the cost and effort involved in reducing the number of camels walking over country, through mustering, shooting or water trapping. The Rangers from Kaltukatjara and Papunya worked with mentor Dennis Orr and trucked about 800 head to the meatworks at Caboolture and Peterborough. Income from the sale of these camels went towards the costs of the muster, the chopper, fuel and feed, and to build yards and buy the equipment and infrastructure for future camel work. The Project funded a lot of research. Aerial surveys across Queensland, the NT, WA and SA, showed that the camel population was not as big as the 1 million thought in 2009, but closer to 300,000 to 400,000 head. They also showed that many camels disappeared from the Simpson region during 2010-2012, possibly as a result of big fires that burnt all the feed. The final aerial survey in 2013 over the Katiti and Petermann Aboriginal Land Trusts showed about 25,000 feral camels remaining. But many more camels may have joined them by now, and there are many feral camels not counted up through the Tanami. The figures show that to keep up with population growth in the Katiti and Petermann regions alone, we need to keep removing about 2,000 camels every year. Rangers worked with scientists on plant Clockwise from top: Ranger Terence Abbott supporting CLC’s first camel muster near Ilpili (2012); traditional owner Ronnie Allen and water surveys, to see how much damage assess polution of a waterhole on the Petermann ALT from a camel carcass; Ranger Raymond James repairing a hydrant damaged feral camels are causing and whether the by camels at Docker River (2009); working camels up the race at Undarana; camels leave the ground and the waterhole depleted and problems get better as the number of feral bare at Ilpili camel are reduced.

May 2014 23. International Tribal telephone tells all DEEP in the forests and waits. Within of central India live seconds he receives the Gond tribals, for- a call and a record- gotten by the govern- ed voice tells him ment and the main- to speak after the stream media. beep. Many cannot read ‘Swara’ now has or write. But thanks 400 callers daily, di- to a new technology alling Thies’ server called CGNet Swara in Bangalore to and the spread of mo- either listen to or bile phones, they are record their own making their voice news. heard. Each message Naresh Bunkar, goes to the mod- 38, has used it time erator, Choudhary, and again. “Comput- and then to about er mein chhappa jata 50 volunteer sub- hai (It gets typed on editors for check- the computer),” he ing of facts and lo- says proudly in Hin- cal follow-up. di, pointing out how Ironically, the CGNet Swara helps region’s ultra-left news spread through Maoist radicals, the Internet. who claim to fight Through it, trib- for the tribals, have als (as traditional threatened Choud- groups are known in hary, asking him to India) air their griev- close down CGNet ances, share news Swara. and get administra- Choudhary, who tive work done – all divides his time for free. between Delhi and “I don’t need to Bhopal, says the pay one paisa for it,” Maoists don’t like says Bunkar, a field the power that the leader of tribals in ABOVE: Tribal women from Chhattisgarh in India record a message. Credit: Purushottam Thakur/IPS. news system has the area. brought to its users. Bunkar reported returned the money and ‘Chhattisgarh’s voice’ forgotten,” Shubhranshu Net Swara in 2010 in a re- CGNet Swara is how a forest ranger had apologised. through the Internet’. Choudhary, a former BBC gion beset by Maoist reb- evolving into a radio sys- taken a bribe of 99,000 ru- A teacher who had Started for the central journalist,told IPS. els. Its inhabitants often tem using a free medium- pees (1,000 dollars) from stolen school money, Indian state of Chhattis- “They don’t have a find themselves caught wave bandwidth. 33 families while promis- classroom furniture garh , where 32.5 percent newspaper in their na- in the crossfire between A health consultation ing them land deeds un- and food grains given by of the population is tribal, tive Gondi language, but the guerrillas and state network called Swasthya der India’s Forest Rights the government for tribal it is fast spreading to oth- the only new thing I have forces. Swara is also being set up Act. The news was cir- children was suspended er parts of India. found on my return here When a tribal dials a where traditional healers culated, and two months after a report was aired “While Indian states is that most people now number, the message goes who make use of herbal later he called again to on the network. got divided on linguis- have cell phones.”. to a server in Bangalore. medicines will be on air. say that the official had CGNet Swara means tic lines, the Gonds were Choudhary set up CG- The caller disconnects

African women take stand on land Award for Local Bush Medicine Harvesters Women in the West African nation of transporting goods to the market – an es- Liberia are making a stand against big sential part of both their economic and companies who exploit the land they have social development. managed for generations. “You can’t take away our livelihood,” The brave efforts of the women — who Cooper said. own less than one per cent of the land — “Women are skilled, we’re managers. have highlighted their role as land man- In Liberia, in a farming community, the agers and peacemakers in the war-torn woman will clear the land; she plants, she equatorial country. harvests, she processes, she markets the A new report by the United Nations produce from the land.” says governments need to focus on wom- UN Women together with their coun- en’s role in land management so they can terparts in Liberia are calling for the rec- strengthen their role in resolving con- ognition of women as integral land devel- flict. opers, managers and business owners. “We are the They are calling drivers of our for a bigger focus on country,” said education of women Edtweda “Sugars” to strengthen their Cooper, a leader involvement in poli- of the Liberian tics at the local and women’s move- national level, and ment. to encourage eco- Alice “Old- nomic investment Lady” Kamara, in locally owned a rural women’s businesses. activist told the After Liberia’s story of a logging 14-year civil war, company that de- Cooper believes no ABOVE: (l to r) Kate Andrews, Chair of NT NRM Board with winners Amelia Turner stroyed forests, one should underes- (Akeyulerre Healing Centre) and Kim Webeck and Petria Cavanagh (Central Land damaged roads timate the strength Council). Photo: courtesy Territory NRM. and ultimately of women in their polluted the water country. Etweda “Sugars” Cooper addresses the CSW A group of bush medicine harvesters from nine eastern central Australian system. “We bring skills side event on women and natural resource communities won the award for ‘Best Use of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge Kamara and management in Libera. Credit: Lusha Chen/IPS to the table and other local women those skills will in Natural Resource Management’ at the Northern Territory Natural Resource created a road- help with the devel- Management (NT NRM) Awards at Darwin Convention Centre, Nov 2013. block and drove the loggers out of their opment of our country.” she said. town. Liberia is home to over three million The women feared the destruction people and according to UN Women— of their roads would prevent them from about half of them are women.

24. May 2014 news Swapping rain for stories

Kimberley people brought gifts of stories and rain on a cultural exchange in central Australia in February.

The visitors were taking part in the Yiriman Project, which aims to “build stories for younger people.”

The Yiriman project was started by elders from the Nyikina, Mangala, Ka- rajarri and Walmajarri language groups who were worried about their young people.

They began taking young people out on to Country, visiting ancestral sites, storytelling, engaging in traditional song and dance and preparing them for ceremony and law practices.

They taught them traditional crafts, tracking, hunting, preparing tradi- tional bush tucker, and practicing bush medicine.

The Kimberley people’s main goals for the trip were to learn about tra- ditional healing and healing centres, bush medicine, and art-related pro- jects.

When the Kimberly ladies went to Uluru they brought the rain. Roads were closed and rivers ran in a welcome soaking after a hot dry Janu- ary.

Rene Kulitja and Maruku Arts chairperson Judy Trigger showed the wom- en around their 30-year-old art centre and they visited Mu- titjulu Waterhole where Judy Trigger shared the story of Kunia - the woma python.

The women explored the Cultural Centre with local tradi- tional owner Millie Okai and had lunch with UKTNP staff. Meanwhile, in between showers, Mutitjulu women got a camp on country ready, cramming swags under tarps to keep them dry.

Black billowing clouds made everyone a bit nervous. But Barbara Tjikadu was determined that Kimberly mob visit her family’s country as it was from that Northwest region that the mala came from to Uluru. Barbara just sang that rain away.

The women shared tjuta (kangaroo tails), damper, spaghetti bolognaise cooked up by kids from Nyangatjatjara, stories and crafts.

A group of women collected bush medicine irmangka- ir- mangka and prepared it on site. The women sang songs and performed dances under a full moon.

The next day Barbara talked about the country and took the Kimberley mob on a trip around Umpiraya, where Barbara learnt about bush tucker and bush medicines from her moth- er and grandmother. “This country is a proper bush school and all the kids should be learning here,” said Barbara, just as one young fella arrived with a maku (witchetty grub) to show the ladies.

Clockwise from t-op: Kimberley and Mutitjulu women exchanging seeds for jewellery making; (from left) Annie Malgin, Barbara Tjikadu embracing Elsie Dickens, Julie Mayarn Lawford (middle) and Rene Kulitja; TOs Judy Trigger and Rene Kulitja (standing far right) showing the Kimberly women Mutitjulu Waterhole; Holly Gardenung holding irmangka-irmangka with Annie Malgin (left) and Renita Armstrong (right). Images: Tracey Guest

May 2014 23. country Native Title for Bushy Park and Kalkarindji

ABOVE: Bushy Park native title holders and Justice White (second left) celebrate with a cake on May 9th at Edwards Creek Station. ABOVE RIGHT: Roslyn Frith celebrates the persistence of the Gurnidji people in her speech at Kalkarindji on 7th May.

IN mid May it was a big week for native title holders Senior traditional owner Roslyn Frith, a director Alkwepetye and Ayampe landholding groups. in Central Australia. The Federal Court recognised the of the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation, celebrated the The Judge’s decision was handed down at Edwards native title rights of groups at both Kalkarindji and persistence of the Gurindji people: Creek, (around 115 km north-east of Alice Springs) and Bushy Park Station. “We hold the land in our hands, and recognition after the court ceremony senior native title holder Eric The Court sat in Kalkarindji, the birthplace of here today is another milestone in the continuing Penangk told the gathering: “Ceremony and culture the modern land rights movement, on 7th May 2014. campaign for Aboriginal land rights.” has to pass to the young people. Aboriginal law and A determination of native title by consent over the Ms Frith also thanked the Federal Court and the whitefella law can work together.” Kalkarindji township was handed down in favour of Central Land Council and its staff for their assistance David Ross congratulated the Ilkewarn, Atwel/ the local Gurindji people. in lodging and pursuing the claim, together with the Alkwepetye and Ayampe native title holders for gaining Director of the CLC, David Ross, congratulated the Northern Territory Government for its consent to the recognition of their laws from the court, noting that it traditional owners: settlement. was one more step in the fight for land rights. “Standing with you here in your country, it Two days later, the court reconvened in a different While the native title rights are now recognised they is wonderful to see the long and proud tradition region, and this time Justice White sat before the native still sit with other laws such as the NT Pastoral Land of Gurindji people is continuing, fighting for and title holders for Bushy Park to consider their claim for Act, and Bushy Park will continue to run as a pastoral achieving just recognition of your rights in traditional recognition over the area covered by the Bushy Park lease. lands,” he said. Pastoral Lease. Bushy Park PPL is located in the east off the Mr Ross also noted that with the successful outcome The Bushy Park PPL Native Title determination Plenty Highway and covers an area of 1695 sq. km. of negotiations between the Northern Territory application was filed with the Court in December The perpetual pastoral lease will continue to run as a Government and traditional owners, the development 2012 and on 9 May 2014, the Court recognised the non- pastoral lease. of Kalkarindji was well provided for. exclusive native title rights of the Ilkewarn, Atwel/

ABOVE: Native title holders, CLC Staff, Federal Court and NT Government officials gathered at Kalkarindji.BELOW : Men’s and women’s groups of native title holders with Justice White at Bushy Park.

26. May 2014 social

Clockwise from top left: CLC North-West Regional Co-ordinator R.R. with his niece Zenovia. Kwementyaye Fly with his daughter at the Akeyulerre Healing Centre. Rodney Bernard with his granddaughter Shailyn at the Kalkarindji Native Title determination. Mt Liebig Babies; Veronica Dixon with her daughter Sara Lea Collins, Theresa Jack with her daughter Christie Turner, Nerissa Spencer with her daughter Evangelina Malbunka and Veronica Dixon with her daughter Sara Lea Collins. Traditional owners for the Dingo Well site were on hand to turn the soil at the official opening of the gas operation. Graig Woods and David Moneymoon during the Wara Warku (Fire work) workshops held in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Senior native title holder Eric Penangk celebrated with great grandson Wayne Scrutton Jnr at the Bushy Park determination. INSET BELOW: Mums, bubs and little fellas having fun at Ti Tree.

May 2014 27. ARTS

Above: Ngangkari and senior women from NPY Women’s Council Elaine Woods, Judy Trigger, Rene Kulitja and Ilawanti Ken performed inma (traditional dance) to open the doors of the new Emergency Department at the Alice Springs Hospital, June 2013. Image courtesy Alice Springs Hospital Ngangkaris hit bestseller list

Traditional Healers of Central Australia: Ngangkari A book about the work of traditional healers in the NPY the top award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander months after its release and is in its second print run. Lands is competing for some of the country’s top literary publications. Traditional was awards. Healers of Central Australia: Ngangkari also commended in the Victorian Premier’s Literary In the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards Traditional Awards (Non-Fiction Category) in 2013. HealersNPY Women’s of Central Council Australia: (NPYWC) Ngangkari felt deservedlyPublished proud will be Bookof their of Ngangkarithe Year team when their book competing with mainstream commercial publishers and In the book the healers tell their own stories. The won aTraditional lot more books. Healers of Central Australia: Ngangkari ngangkari talk about how they work and about the award at the Deadly Awards last year. changes they have seen in their own lifetimes, from has Now the book is in the running for an 2014 Prime first contact with non-Aboriginal people to the present been a huge commercial success. Minister’s Literary Award and an NT Literary Award. day, when they work together with mainstream health Its publisher, Magabala Books, says it is one of the most professionals. The Deadly Award, (NPY Women’s Council’s third) is successful books they have published. It sold out 8 Namatjiras needed a Most peculiar, Mama good sense of humour A Most Peculiar Act is a new comic novel from (right) award- winning indigenous author A 1970s film about been released by Ronin Films. Marie Munkara . a group of western Ronin describes the documentary Publisher Magabala Books Arrernte watercolour by Curtis Levy as “rich in poignant says the book looks at “the ludicrous and bizarre nature and Sonspainters of Namatjira has been (47re- humour and irony.” released as a DVD. interpretations of the Aboriginal Also from Ronin by Curtis Levy Protection Acts of the early is Lockhart Festival (35 mins, twentieth century.” mins, 1975) is about 1974) about a four-day dance a group of Aboriginal festival organised by the Aboriginal “It makes merciless fun of the chief protector of Aborigines, artists living in a camp community of Lockhart River on the characters involved. “ teetotaller and 42 year old outside Alice Springs. far north Queensland coast. virgin; Ralphie Brown, who has It looks at their dealings More than 100 dancers from eight The story follows the trials the unedifying honour of being with art dealers and tribal groups in Arnhem Land, Cape and tribulations of Sugar, a 16 the only public servant to ever the tourists who seem York, fly into Lockhart by light plane. year-old Aboriginal fringe-camp be sacked; Drew Hepplewaite, to value the Namatjira redneck racist and female patrol Far away from their homelands, many dweller. name more than they do officer armed with balls of steel; of the dancers are meeting other the actual paintings by Set in Darwin during the and the Administrator’s wife, tribal groups for the first time, and Albert Namatjira’s son, Japanese bombing raids, Penelope, who has a fetish for new relationships are forged between Keith. characters include Horatio anything oriental. communities. Made by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Humphris (Horrid Hump), The films are available to libraries, schools, Studies (now AIATSIS), the documentary has community groups and tertiary institutions. 28. May 2014 ARTS Pilger’s Utopian vision Desert Diva Debut RENOWNED desert diva Jacinta Price brings together

. stirs up strong feelings influences from near and far on her widely anticipated debut album Dry River

Territory-born Jacinta’s reputation is well- established. She won Artist of the Year at the NAIDOC Awards in 2011 and nominated for Most Promising New Talent in Music in the 2012 Deadly Awards.

Jacinta’s blend of folk and blues and country music is a style that reflects her Aboriginal/Celtic heritage.

Her parents’ passion for travel saw her spending large periods of her childhood living out bush in swags and by the age of seven she had been through every state in Australia.

She had travelled the world by the time she was twelve, and these international influences helped shape her into the musician she is today.

Jacinta Price met her partner, Scottish soul-man Colin Lillie, intogether Alice can Springs be heard and their collaboration Night and Day in a duet on this album called Money Problem, which wasBlues a finalist in the folk category for the NT Song of the Year Awards in 2012. Her track A controversial film about Indigenous said Utopia showed him “how, over inaccurate and presented Aboriginal was also a finalist in the blues category for this issues called Utopia has created strong 225 years, the Europeans, and now people only as helpless victims. year’s NT Song of the Year Awards. reactions in central Australia and the governments that run our country, around the world. have raped, killed and stolen from my Aboriginal academic Anthony Dillon Contact CAAMA Music for more details: people for their own benefit. praised the film for highlighting exam- Utopia, made by veteran film-maker ples of the “appalling problems” facing (08) 89519778 John Pilger, centres on living condi- The total injustices that have been many Aboriginal people. But he said The only possible solution? tions in the Utopia communities. But played out since colonisation are abso- it overlooked the success stories of it also presents Pilger’s view of how lutely shameful, and I now find it hard many thousands of Aboriginal Austral- In The Absence of Treaty explores the current processes Indigenous people have fared since he ians. used by Governments in engaging with Aboriginal peo- made his last film about Indigenous ple. issues, The Secret Country in 1986. Member for Lingiari Warren Snow- don was interviewed for the film by Authors see Pilger deliberately focusses on the Pilger, who suggests that Snowdon and the result of negatives in Aboriginal affairs such as other politicians have failed Aboriginal these process is that control early deaths, poor housing, the high people. slips away rate of Indigenous people in prisons, But Snowdon said Pilger ignored the from Aborigi- deaths in custody and the difficulty nal people. Aboriginal people have in getting positives in Aboriginal life such as the justice. success of community-based organisa- Publisher tions, the growing Indigenous middle Concerned There is a lengthy section in the film class, including academics, profession- Australians telling the story of Kwementyaye als, tradespeople and entrepreneurs. said the book Briscoe who died in an Alice Springs provides prison cell in 2012. The NT coroner “Pilger reminds us of a sorry past and “concise pointed to failures of the police man- the need to ensure indigenous rights but incisive agement and individual police, but no are respected, but otherwise misses accounts from police were prosecuted. the mark,” he said. recent reports about the At the end of Utopia Pilger concludes Film-maker, John Pilger The film was publicly screened twice in reasons for Alice Springs early in 2014. According the ongoing that conditions for Aboriginal people and growing will not improve until there are trea- to say I am proud to be Australian.” to the website for Utopia, no public screenings are planned for remote frustration of ties between them and the Australian Goodes described the film as a “must- many Aborigi- government. communities in central Australia. More nal people in the NT. see for all Australians”, but critics information online at http://www. said it was unbalanced, unfair, often Australian of the year Adam Goodes antidotefilms.com.au/. “It hints at possibly the only solution: treaties.” A new look at Indigenous imprisonment

ABORIGINAL Australians are empower Aboriginal people and to ber of crime and violence-prone Indigenous communities. nearly 18 times more likely reduce the rate of Indigenous impris- “The only way to do this is to reduce the epidemic levels of In- than non-Aboriginal Australians onment. PaulKeating’s government digenous alcohol and drug abuse, the high rate of Indigenous child to end up in prison. then implemented almost all the neglect and abuse, the low rate of Indigenous school completion Sadly, efforts to reduce the recommended reforms. But the rate of and achievement and the high rate of Indigenous unemployment.” Indigenous imprisonment increased. rate of Indigenous imprison- In Arresting Incarceration (Aboriginal Studies Press, 2014) Indeed, between 1992 and 2012, the ment in Australia have been a Weatherburn suggests in detail how these goals can be achieved. rate of Indigenous imprisonment per dismal failure. In his new book He presents new analyses of data drawn from the Australian head of population soared by more Arresting Incarceration, Don Bureau of Statistics and the National Torres Strait Islander Survey than 50 per cent. Weatherburn (right) exam- and is the most comprehensive challenge yet to the findings of the ines efforts to improve these Dr Weatherburn, Director of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the policy appalling statistics and provides NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Author, Dr Don Weatherburn changes that flowed from it. possible solutions for improved Research, explains why his work is so Controversially for some, Weatherburn challenges the wide- outcomes. important. spread view that Indigenous over-representation in prison is a The 1991 Royal Commission “We can do things right now to reduce the rate of Indigenous reflection of racial bias in the operation of the criminal justice sys- blamed the high rate of Abo- imprisonment, such as investing more money in rehabilitation tem - and that Indigenous empowerment is the best way to reduce riginal deaths on the over-representation of Aboriginal Australians programs for Indigenous offenders leaving prison. Indigenous imprisonment. in prisons and police lock-ups. It recommended sweeping changes “If we want a substantial and enduring reduction in the rate of to criminal justice, and economic and social reforms designed to Indigenous imprisonment, however, we need to reduce the num- May 2014 29. ARTS Art workers track the business Ten Central Australian art worker trainees visited Adelaide in March to find out what happens to Aboriginal art works when they leave the Centre. The women, from art centres including Elliott, Fregon, Santa Teresa, Ikuntji and Alice Springs, work in their communities photographing, cataloguing, preparing canvases and getting the story for each artwork. On the trip they met interstate Aborigi- nal people and people from the Adelaide Art world. Desart Art Worker Program Coordina- tor Marlene Chisholm said the aim of the trip was to show art worker trainees the connection between their jobs and what happens with the artwork in exhibitions, galleries and collections in places like Ad- elaide. “It gives the art workers a greater sense of purpose and makes them more aware how important their own role is back in the art centres,” Marlene said. The week-long program began with a visit to the Living Kaurna Culture Centre, which Marlene described as an “eye open- er” for many of the art workers. “They understood that we are all do- ing the same work, trying to protect our culture, to survive and to pass our culture down,” she said. Viewing the Aboriginal art collection at Flinders University showed the impor- tance of the art workers’ training in docu- menting artwork. They were able to see what the re- quirements are for works going into an Troy-Anthony Baylis (centre) showing the ‘Four Rooms’ exhibition to Desart Art Worker group at Tandanya. Photo Corrine Berry important public collection. The women visited Carclew, a youth inspiring and motivating, about following your dream It showed an Aboriginal woman with a breastplate arts organisation. They were inspired by Aborigi- and how it really only just comes back to you to make inscribed with the word ‘dirt’ being knocked on the nal Arts Development manager Lee-Ann Buckskin that happen,” Marlene said. head with a nulla nulla and was an actual advertise- who began as a trainee and now mentors other young Some of the women had their first glimpse of polit- ment and product from 1901. trainees, including actor Derik Lynch, a Yankunyt- ical art by Indigenous people at Tandanya, including “One art worker in her reflections said that she jatjara-Arrernte man from Alice Springs, well-known a work by Vernon Ah Kee showing ‘Nulla Nulla’ soap had never seen anything like that type of art before for his role in the play Namatjira. packets with the line Australia’s white hope, the best and it really blew her mind!” Marlene said. “Derik’s talk for the group was very strong and household soap (knocks dirt on the head). History in black and white All together now Antarrengeny Awely is a book, CD and DVD of women’s songs that A new book that tells the story of how In Calling the Shots (Aboriginal Studies Press, belong to the Antarrengeny people from the Utopia region. photographers discovered Aboriginal 2014) Jane Lydon goes back in Australian history people — and Aboriginal people discovered to when photographers started taking pictures of The multi-media set shows the holistic nature of Aboriginal art, photographs. Aboriginal people. intertwining song, dance and design in performance.

Although Indigenous people were often Senior custodians Mary Kemarr and Katie Kemarr explain the exploited by photographers, Lydon shows how meanings and these old photos have become a rich cultural heritage for descendants, such as in the Ara songs with help Iritja Project. fromsignificance other family of their members. As editor of the book, Lydon presents a series of articles by researchers who are using the pictures to explore Aboriginal history, to The songs tell the identify relatives, and to reclaim culture. stories of both everyday and It looks at the relationship between important events, photographers and Indigenous people, and the including the living meanings the photos have today. travels of ancestral women, the plants They include, of course, the photos taken of the area, and by Central Australian telegraph operator Francis Gillen and anthropologist Baldwin events during a site Spencer, many of which appeared in the documentation with book The Native Tribes of Central Australia. the Central Land Council. Lydon and Sari Braithwaite write about how Arrernte people were often keen to have their The recordings feature performances by Alyawarr women. culture recorded in pictures by Spencer and Gillen, who often traded flour, tobacco and The book includes the words and rhythm of the songs, explanations other rations for the right to photograph people by senior custodians and images of the topics of the songs, and ceremonies. interwoven with archival photos and recordings.

The authors report that Gillen sometimes The new technology of sound printing enables the reader to play showed the Arrernte the pictures in slide shows at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and they knew what was in the book, which they book’s pages. probably circulated among themselves. song files from a reader that responds to codes embedded in the The transcriptions and translations were done by Myfany Turpin and Alison Ross with assistance from Jenny Green and David Moore.

30. May 2014 Sport Norths Pirates set sail Baseball NORTHS Softball Club is known in NT sporting circles Baseball has had a strong history in central building the camaraderie and the motivation of just for its formidable presence on the softball diamonds in Australia due to the ongoing influence of American having an Aboriginal club gives that extra incentive Alice Springs. defence workers from the Pine Gap defence facility that wasn’t there before. Commitments like family and But now the 42-year-old family club, made by and near the town and Norths Pirates captain Nathan Bell work come first but we need that time together too.” for Aboriginal families from the central Australian says the idea behind creation of the baseball club was The inaugural team included star players such as region, has expanded into the baseball arena with about unifying the Aboriginal influence on the game. Brett and Dylan Trindle, Nathan and Stephen Bell immediate impact. “It goes back to our kinship, we’re part of families Junior combining forces with veterans Rob Cleary, Norths Softball Club, set up in 1972, has a swag of involved in the history of the sports so we wanted to Danny Curtis, Cyril Dixon, Kim and Steve Hodder softball awards and accolades through the decades bring that in for baseball. and Jordi Reid. There were various appearances and will now include the Seniors B-Grade Baseball Bell said the ingredients were all there for the basis throughout the season from Ricky Mentha and brother- Championship after their debut season in 2013-14. of the Club. sister combination Cajetan and Nicolette Dunn. The Bell and Trindle names are known to anyone “CD (Cyril Dixon) and I spoke about it, calling up Rookies Luis Randiche and Damien Kopp excelled who has anything to do with softball and baseball in the and getting fellas together. There were current and in developing their skills throughout the season, with region so it was obvious that the Aboriginal families previous Aboriginal players scattered in different Kopp taking the club Most Improved award. would help set the foundations for the switch in codes teams, some blokes had given up for whatever reason so and expansion into baseball. there was something missing. Bringing us all together,

Southern softball proves a hit at the Rock Softball Game 1 was strong at the plate and on Sherelle, Brenda, Sky and Laura their second match but after Stat Leaders Docker: 4 defeated Yulara: 0 the rubber again in carrying Sampton helped lead Yulara some confusion the game got Yulara Stars to a 8-2 victory over Stars. They combined for seven under way. Brenda Whiskey Quality at Bats A close game finished with Imanpa on Saturday at Yulara. hits and five RBIs. Henry did the job again with B. Whiskey Henry: 5 Docker River managing to take a the ball claiming 3 strikeouts few more batting opportunities. Brenda had two extra-base hits Game 4 On Base + Slugging % for Yulara Stars. She doubled in the first and only innings for Pitchers for both teams, Brenda Imanpa: 6 defeated Docker: 3 Mutitjulu (Mercy Rule). The B. Whiskey Henry: 3.033 Whiskey Henry (Yulara) and and homered in the second inning and shut down Imanpa Imanpa bounced back after Yulara batters starred against Batting Average Regina Watson (Docker) were Mutitjulu; L. Longford got two while she was in the circle. their Game 3 defeat with C.Watson: 1.00 the standout players. an impressive win over the hits and finished the game with Imanpa managed just one hit off Slugging Percentage Game 2 of Whiskey Henry, who allowed undefeated Docker River. An two RBI and Brenda got three RBI, Sherelle Young had two Docker: 15 defeated Mutitjulu: 4 no earned runs, walked none even game saw Docker go into B. Whiskey Henry: 2.200 and struck out six during her the bottom of the third with a walks and crossed the home Runs Batted In Docker River won by the Mercy two-run lead. Imanpa, helped plate both times. three innings of work. Eight runs B. Whiskey Henry: 5 Rule. Julie Brumby starred with in the first three innings helped by Lulu Lucky with 4 RBIs, were Game 6 the bat getting two hits and three able to power home over the First Pitch Strikes % Yulara Stars blow out the lead Mutitjulu: 0 lost to Imanpa: 4 RBI. Sally Yiparti smashed a on Imanpa. A solo home run by top of Docker River. With two on J. Young: 61.9% home run over right field to also Brenda, a two-run home run base, two out and behind by one A tied Mutitjulu brought in Walks + Hit / Inning Pitched earn her 2 RBI. Regina Watson by Sherelle Young, an error, an run Lulu smashed a home run back up from some young did the job again with the ball RBI single by Sky Briggs, an RBI to hand Imanpa a convincing win Docker River players. Imanpa R.Watson: 1.0 throwing four strike-outs. double by Brenda, an RBI single over Docker River. only needed to bat once to Earned Run Average Game 3 by Leteesha Longford, and a Game 5 beat Yulara in a shortened two B.Whiskey Henry: 0.50 -innings game. Jocelyn Young Imanpa: 2 lost to Yulara: 8 steal of home by Brenda in the Strikeouts second inning supplied the early Yulara: 17 defeated Mutitjulu: 2 was ruthless with the ball and In Yulara’s first win for the offensive for Yulara Stars. Mutitjulu almost didn’t make held Mutitjulu to no runs by the B. Whiskey Henry: 14 Round, Brenda Whiskey Henry end of the second innings.

May 2014 31. Sport Imparja Cup’s culture day

ABOVE: The iconic ranges in Alice Springs have always been a great backdrop for sporting carnivals and the 2014 Imparja Cup proved that.

Cricket Senior Western Arrernte (Tyerretye) traditional THE Imparja Cup 2014 marked 20 years since the first owners Lionel Inkamala and Edward Rontji, along Imparja match was held. The national competition with the CLC JM team, Parks NT and Cricket Australia itself officially began in 1998. representatives joined the 7 State and Territory men’s The Cup is the only elite level Indigenous Cricket teams on the first ever Imparja Cup cultural tour to Udepata-Ellery Creek. Here they gave the players Carnival in Australia and while the focus is usually bush tucker, spoke about the Altyerre (dreaming) and on the best Indigenous players battling it out on the Western Arrernte culture and history. field for the coveted Cup, it’s also a great opportunity The players and reps attending heard about how for players from different Indigenous backgrounds Arrernte traditions and knowledge continue and what and nations to learn about the culture and history of their hopes for the future with joint management of Central Australia. the area. The event and tour was a shining example of The CLC’s Joint Management (CLC JM) section joint management in practice and there is hope that played a major part in organising the cultural content of traditional owner involvement in the carnival can this year’s program, which featured more prominently develop with more of these events in the future. in the carnival than before. Some of the action off the field at the Ellery Cultural Tour (below) and on the field at Traeger Park (above).

Ntaria shows all bush footy AFL THE Ntaria AFL carnival saw 12 communities compete over five days in early May. Western Aranda defeated Papunya in the Division 1 final and Kintore defeated Areyonga in the Division 2 final. AFL Regional Development manager for remote Central Australia Scott Grigg said the carnival was credited as a success because of the organising skills of Taren Williams and was completed by a match between “The Recruit” TV show team and the Remote All Stars.

Pictures: These great action photos were taken by freelance Melbourne-based photographer Adam Haddrick.

May 2014 31.