Paradise by the Sea

Published by Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council VOLUME 152- August 2011

RAIDS TARGET LOAN SHARK OPERATIONS THIS EDITION

Consumer Credit Code in relation to short term or pay-day loans. “The National Consumer Credit Code, which is now regulated by the Australian Securities and ATO scam alert Investments Commission, provides consumers certain protections when they enter into regulated Investigators from the Office of credit contracts such as loans or Fair Trading and the Australian credit for personal, household and Securities and Investment domestic purposes. “All credit Commission have raided two providers are now required to be properties in as part of an licensed or be authorised credit Community plan investigation into loan sharking representatives. “Inquiries are at Yarrabah. continuing in respect of allegations Officers executed search warrants that this lender is not authorised at houses at Edge Hill and Bentley to conduct credit activities.” “The Park and seized documents, credit 48 percent cap that applies to cards and records containing PIN loans for Queenslanders was put numbers as well as computer in place in 2008 to protect Men’s health forum equipment. Executive Director of vulnerable consumers from the Office of Fair Trading, Brian becoming victims of exorbitant Bauer, said a 57-year-old Cairns interest rate charges, like the 1600 man was assisting investigators percent interests rate that we‟ve with their enquiries into seen in some past cases. “We allegations of a loan sharking. encourage all consumers “The Office of Fair Trading considering a loan to investigate received information that a person the arrangement carefully and not Careers in health was allegedly engaging in loan be lured by loans that may offer an sharking activity in the Yarrabah attractive quick fix. “Compare community. “Short term loans products that other lenders offer to were offered to members of the ensure you do not get slapped with community at grossly inflated excessive fees and charges. Mr payments,” he said. “Under the Bauer said people should look for Consumer Credit Code the community groups that offer free maximum annual percentage rate credit to low income households that can be applied to a short-term for essential household goods, school visit loan held by a such as Good Shepherd‟s „No resident is 48 percent. “In this Interest Loan Scheme’. He said matter, we are investigating consumers should never give allegations that the person is anyone their PIN. numbers. charging annual interest of more than 520 percent.” Mr Bauer said TAX SCAM PAGE 5 all Queensland residents needed to Rat control be aware of their rights under the 1 VIEWS COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN TO TARGET VANDALISM AND EXCESSIVE NOISE By Yarrabah Mayor, Percy Neal

Despite repeated health were badly affected by this inconsiderate appeals for behaviour. We want the schoolchildren to lead community the anti noise campaign and a protest march cooperation two of through the community has already been the big problems – discussed. Community elders, men and women vandalism and have also got to take responsibility and let excessive noise – offenders know that their behaviour will not be continue to plague tolerated. The State police are also being Yarrabah’s residents. encouraged to be more proactive as they have Council is now in the process of setting up a strong enforcement powers under state noise campaign with the support of the schools and abatement legislation including the power to community organisations to clamp down on confiscate the source of excessive noise. this antisocial behaviour. If these problems Council has no objection to organised continue we will consider “naming and entertainment or private parties where they are shaming” offenders as part of the campaign. properly organised and permission is sought The noise problem has worsened despite recent from council or police for entertainment that appeals for parents, individuals and party ends before it creates problems in the organisers to take a more responsible community. The health of our elders and our approach. One recent 21st birthday party in young people is being affected by an the community generated excessive noise all inconsiderate few people and it is time for them night then all through the next day. Four elders to start showing some respect for our live close to the party venue and their sleep and community.

CALL FOR MORE INDIGENOUS COUNCIL CONSULTATION

The Local Government work in the community they Association of Queensland has represent.' called for the state’s 17 "They know the local situation and indigenous local councils to are a voice for those local people" have a key role in coordinating He said both the Federal and State efforts to reduce Aboriginal and government should recommit Islander themselves to genuinely listen to disadvantage. and formally engage with these local President, Paul Bell, said the government representatives. "Too Australian government's report on often, local people and their the Strategic Review of Indigenous representatives are consulted but Expenditure, released under only after the state or Freedom of Information laws, Commonwealth have made their showed that policies aimed at QLGA President, Paul determinations on what to do and reducing Indigenous disadvantage Bell— more consultation what they think is needed and then needed to be targeted to local seeking local feedback on those needs. Councillor Bell said effective partnership proposals,'' he said. "Now is an ideal time for between the Commonwealth and State new collaborative models to be set in place. government were critical to the implementation “Let's not have good intentions and advice of of the Indigenous reform agenda and to the "expert" remote commentators lead us to achievement of the Closing the Gap targets. making the same mistakes all over again.'' "We "Sustainable reform will only be achieved when have good and competent local representatives those partnerships extend to local government listen to them, engage with them." Councillor as well,'' he said. "This is particularly pertinent Bell said the LGAQ was eager to work with the in Indigenous communities.'' "Mayors and Australian Government to encourage a new era councillors in those communities are in Commonwealth and Indigenous Local democratically elected to represent the interests Government collaboration. of those community members. “They live and

2 NEWS CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR TRADITIONAL HUNTING MORATORIUM

A campaign has been launched for “I have also decided to speak out a moratorium on the hunting of because Queensland the only state dugongs and sea turtles around the in that does not have Australian coastline by Indigenous cruelty laws in relation to hunters under Native Title. indigenous hunting.” Mr Irwin was The television commercial campaign supported in the commercials by aired this month in , James Epong, an Indigenous Victoria and Queensland. Wildlife Australian and son of Elders and campaigner, Bob Irwin, said Sea Country people of the hundreds of the endangered animals Mandubarra mob, Henry and Nellie were washing up dead along the coastline from Epong. Renowned marine documentary maker unknown causes. and diver, Ben Cropp, appeared in separate “Uncontrolled and unmonitored hunting is a commercials calling for support for the they do not need, “Mr Irwin said. moratorium. WWF SAYS NORTH FACING A MARINE WILDLIFE CRISIS

The World Wildlife Fund Australia turtles are being found dead along the claims a wildlife crisis is developing Great Barrier coast,” said WWF‟s along parts of Australia’s Great Conservation on Country Manager, Barrier Reef coast with reports of Cliff Cobbo. Turtle hospitals are being unusually high numbers of overwhelmed with sick and starving endangered turtles washing up dead animals and do not have the resources or starving. to handle the number of turtles WWF is calling on both sides of expected to need emergency care over Queensland politics to commit to building the next 18 months. Some local traditional greater resilience in populations of threatened owner groups have been so concerned by what marine species on the they are seeing they will suspend issuing through reforming net fisheries, reducing land- traditional owner hunting permits within their based pollution on the reef, and better saltwater country. CEO of the Girringun managing large coastal developments. Aboriginal Corporation, Phil Rist, said WWF has received numerous reports from Traditional Owner groups had found large Traditional Owner groups north and south of numbers of dead turtles and dugongs in recent Townsville of large numbers of sick, starving weeks.” “Girringun rangers have found and dead turtles washing up on beaches numerous starved turtles and dugongs along following the loss of sea grasses after Cyclone Girringun saltwater country. “Strandings are Yasi and the floods. The increase in turtle occurring on a weekly basis," Mr Rist said. deaths for April may be more than five times WWF believes that recent extreme weather higher this year as compared to the same time events like Cyclone Yasi and the Queensland last year. “If these numbers are accurate, then floods have combined with additional threats to this is a shocking development for the Great turtles and their habitats such as entanglement Barrier Reef. “We urgently need clarification in fishing nets, water pollution and large-scale from the Queensland government on how many coastal developments.

REEF GUARDIAN BEACH CLEAN UP Planning has started for a Reef Guardians clean up targeting Yarrabah beaches and foreshores. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority supported clean up is expected to be conducted later this year. The authority launched the Reef Guardian program in 2003 with Reef Guardian schools. The initiative now has more than 230 schools and over 60,000 students involved in building the resilience of the reef. Following on from the success of the schools program, the A lot of cleaning up to do. Pictured Karlina See Kee, initiative was expanded to include councils in GBRMPA; Heidi Taylor, Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care 2007. Currently, 13 councils from Bundaberg to Society; Alicia Smith, primary science YSS; Sylvia Cooktown are signed up to the program. Wagner, teacher YSS; Linda Heap, GBRMPA and 3 Alfred Grey, YASC ranger. HEALTH

RODENT CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YARRABAH

Information compiled by Stephen Canendo , Environmental Health Worker Yarrabah

From the many complaints received from a spaces behind the walls, in ceilings, under lot of people in the community, most have stoves, fridges, in cupboards, lounge seats and on many occasions experienced problems boxes used for storing clothes or other with rats and mice in their homes. These materials. Both rodents are potential carriers of rodents are not only carriers of diseases which diseases that can affect humans including can be passed on to humans they also do salmonella food poisoning, resulting from structural damage to houses with their need to contamination of food or food containers constantly chew on things to prevent their through urine and droppings; leptosporosis incisor teeth from growing too long. Holes are passed on by bacteria in their urine and chewed in cupboard and doors plus they have droppings; rat bite fever which can occur after been known to bite through electrical wires in being bitten by rats or mic and fungus from the ceilings, on fridges, stoves, telephone cables mice to humans or mice to cats to humans and washing machine cords. In the past many which causes skin problems and ringworms. stoves both electric and gas have had to be These are only a few of the diseases that can replaced in homes in the community after rats affect humans so it is important to follow and mice have chewed through electrical cords recommended guidelines to make sure they and copper pipe fittings. This in turn results in don‟t become a problem in your home. Do not expensive repair work to rectify the problems. grow trees, creepers or plants to close to the Preventative actions to stop the rats and mice house as rats are good climbers and use these from entering home need to be put in place. to get into the ceilings. Do not allow rubbish to The two members of the rodent family which build up into heaps in or outside the yard as has been identified as the main causes of the these will provide both rats and mice with ideal problems in the community are Ratus Ratus breeding sites. Get in touch with your council and Mus musculus. to enquire about removing and then have it Ratus ratus (Commonly know as the ready at either the front of your yard or the roof rat):Blackish to grey coloured back where it can be easily collected. If you rat with a sharp pointed nose big intend to build a shed in the backyard with the ears and a tail which is longer than intention of using it to store stuff make sure its body. Normally lives for about 9 once the shed is built remember to the to 12 months and may breed 4 or 5 times a following advice. Make sure items stored in the year with litters comprising of 6 to 8 young in shed are stacked off the ground to allow you each. Has the ability to start breeding when see if there are any signs of their activity sexual maturity is reached at an age of 3 to 4 through the presence of their droppings. Make months. Most suited to living in and around sure food scraps are put in a bin with a lid on houses and are good climbers which allows to deny rats and mice any feeding sites. Also it them to enter houses and buildings up is recommended to make sure after supper to drainpipes, water pipes, power dispose of scraps properly and plates and lines ,trees ,plants or vines that are grown too saucepans are washed dried and put away. close to the house. These sites can then be Also ensure the kitchen is kept clean at nights used to gain entrance into the home through as these are the preferred times when rats and the ceilings. Likes to nest in cavities in walls mice are most active in their search for food. and the ceilings of houses old cars plus sheds Old car bodies either in the yard or outside around buildings. should be removed as they provide ideal breeding sites for the rodents. Arrangements Mus musculus (Commonly known as can be made with the Council to have the car the house mouse): Also commonly bodies removed. Ensure flyscreens on windows known as the field mouse. It is much and sliding doors are not damaged plus ensure smaller than the roof rat with large ears and windows are closed especially at nights. By also a tail as long as its body. House mice living following these guidelines now or when you indoor are usually dark grey in colour with move into a new house there is a good chance lighter grey on the belly while those living of rats and mice not becoming a problem in the outdoors tend to be a yellowish-brown in colour premises. However if they start becoming a with white bellies. They tend to live for about 1 problem in the future report, it to Q Build so year and may have 6 to 10 litters per year [each steps can be taken to rectify the problem. with 5-6 young]. Ideal nesting sites are in the 4 NEWS

ATO WARNS AGAINST EDUCATION SORRY SCAM PAYMENTS

Tax Commissioner Michael “We are aware of over 400 D'Ascenzo has warned suspected fraudulent communities about a scam and lodgements in relation to this encouraged victims to make scam,” Mr D'Ascenzo said. contact with the ATO. “The ATO does not issue „sorry Mr D'Ascenzo said the scam payments from Kevin Rudd‟ or appeared mainly in Indigenous „money from Oprah Winfrey.‟ communities, with victims told “If you have been approached they would receive a „sorry by a scam promoter or have payment from Kevin Rudd‟ or been the victim of this scam „money from Oprah Winfrey‟ in give us a call and we can help exchange for providing a payment of up to $800 you sort it out. “You can contact the ATO and their personal details. “The scam during business hours on 08 9268 6417. “The promoters, who sometimes have claimed to ATO uses community information, data- work for the ATO, use these details to lodge a matching and business and government fraudulent Education Tax Refund application, a networks to crack-down on scam promoter all tax refund reserved generally for school related around the country and overseas. “These types expenses in the victim‟s name.” “The victim of scams take advantage of the community.” He may then be issued with a refund cheque by said ATO would use the full of the law the ATO. “However, the refund is illegal and against promoters of the scam. any money issued will have to be paid back. FINANCIAL HELP FOR UNPUBLISHED INDIGENOUS WRITERS Budding Aboriginal and manuscripts received in this Torres Strait Islander inaugural year, and after four authors are invited to months of intensive editing, enter the 2012 kuril their manuscripts are now ready dhagun Indigenous for publication.” w r i t i n g f e l l o w s h i p The black&write! project, which competition which also comprises the kuril dhagun awards two $10,000 Indigenous Editing literary fellowships. Mentorships, was launched at Part of the black&write! the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Indigenous writing and in 2010, as part of State editing project, the State Library‟s commitment to keeping Library of Queensland culture strong. The Fellowships invites published or are named after the kuril unpublished Indigenous authors to submit dhagun Indigenous Knowledge Centre at State manuscripts in a range of genres from across Library in Brisbane, one of 21 throughout the country. State Library‟s Executive Manager Queensland. Project Director, Sue Abbey, Indigenous Research and Projects, Tom Mosby, described black&write! as “a bold, inspiring encourages Indigenous authors to submit project designed to nurture talent, flex the entries before the closing date of 31 January participants‟ creative imagination and change 2012. Mr Mosby said the winners of the the landscape of Indigenous writing in inaugural writing fellowships, a verse poet and Australia”. “Our goal is for black&write! to a youth fiction writer, serve as inspiration to revitalise and expand contemporary Indigenous others. “South Australia‟s Ali Cobby writing.” Ms Abbey said the black&write! Eckermann was selected for her verse novel project was designed to train, mentor and Ruby Moonlight, and Sue McPherson from promote outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Queensland‟s Sunshine Coast was chosen for Strait Islander writers and editors. her young adult fiction Grace Beside Me,” Mr “We also hope to encourage lifelong Indigenous Mosby said. “Both writers have received learning and literacy and foster a $10,000 to work on their manuscripts as part love of reading, writing and ideas in Aboriginal of the project intended to address the and Torres Strait IslandeR communities.” imbalance of Indigenous authored novels For information : published in Australia. “Ali and Sue‟s entries www.slq.qld.gov.au/comps stood out from a high quality field of 5 NEWS

SUPPORT GROWS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION A meeting of the representatives of local Panel appointed by government. Panel the Prime Minister members have also to provide advice on welcomed the strong level how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of support for constitutional recognition peoples could be recognised in the reflected in two recent national surveys. Constitution has considered the outcomes A survey of members of the National Congress of 40 public consultations held since May. of Australia‟s First Peoples found 88 per cent of The consultations have shown that there is very the 630 respondents regarded constitutional strong support across the community for recognition as a top priority. A second survey constitutional recognition. Many people see it of 2100 members of Generation One found that as an important step towards creating greater 98 per cent wanted formal recognition of equality and inclusion benefiting all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australians. Recognising the great contribution the Constitution These surveys are an of the unique cultures, language and history of important indication of the high level of support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in for constitutional recognition among Aboriginal the Constitution as an essential step towards and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other real and lasting reconciliation, is supported by Australians. The Panel will report to the the vast majority of people participating in Government in December on how best to give consultations. In the Panel‟s consultations and recognition to Australia‟s Aboriginal and Torres submissions settling the unfinished business of Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution, the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait based on the consideration of submissions, Islander peoples is seen as key to creating a research and legal advice. Over the next two more united, tolerant and respectful society. months, around 50 more public consultation Over the course of the consultations many and other meetings will be held around the ideas about how constitutional recognition country . All Australians are being encouraged could happen have been proposed and are to give their views in many ways: by attending a being carefully considered by the Panel. consultation meeting, writing a letter, email or At its meeting, Panel members also considered submission or by visiting www. youmeunity . advice from constitutional lawyers, agreed on org.au Submissions can be lodged up until its research strategy and heard from 30 September. QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES INDIGENOUS JOBS TARGET The Queensland to reach their full career G o v e r n m e n t h a s potential. There are already a committed to number of Indigenous p r o v i d i n g 2 8 0 0 e m p l o y e e s m a k i n g a e m p l o y m e n t significant contribution to op p o rtu ni ti e s f o r their community and other Aboriginal and Torres communities across the state Strait Islander people which is why we want to in the public sector by 2013. build on this strong foundation. In partnership Project 2800 part of our broader commitment with universities, schools, TAFE institutes, to boost the representation of Indigenous employment providers and training employees in the Queensland Public Sector to a organisations, the Queensland Government, minimum of 2.6percent. The Queensland through the Public Service Commission (PSC) is Government is committed to closing the gap assisting Indigenous jobseekers find between the life outcomes and opportunities employment. We are building valuable experienced by Indigenous people and their non relationships with Indigenous communities and -Indigenous peers. We recognise the important acknowledging the significant assistance contribution Indigenous employees make by community members and organisations provide bringing unique skills, knowledge and diversity in this area. We are also connecting directly to the workplace, as well as important insights with potential candidates to them to into how government can work with Indigenous access suitable pathways to employment in the communities more productively. That‟s why we Queensland Public Sector. At the same time, we were the first state to sign the Australian are working with all public sector agencies to Employment Covenant committing to the future identify employment opportunities and connect of by providing clear appropriate candidates with real work pathways to employment and the opportunity outcomes. 6 NEWS

SYDNEY SCHOOLS MAKES YARRABAH OUTREACH VISIT

One of the largest positive experiences in the boarding schools in New communities we visit. “The South Wales has girls meet people with c o n s o l i d a t e d i t s stories to tell of their sorry relationship with times and the stolen Yarrabah with 166 generation and it really does students taking part in help their understanding of a sixth annual outreach the challenges facing visit. indigenous communities. The year nine students “We also have also have and 20 teachers from small groups of girls and Loreto Normanhurst, students visit the Yarrabah Sydney, spent three days schools each year in July in Yarrabah as part of a and December to help build program that started in A student takes aim at Yarrabah under the our connection with the 2005. The school group watchful eye of Bully Canendo community. ”We don‟t want to spends two weeks each year be seen as just some posh in far north Queensland also visiting Sydney school but genuinely want to make the Atherton Tablelands, Mossman, connections to benefit both the girls and the Great Barrier Reef and Djarajun the Yarrabah community,” he said. College. Visits to the Cultural Centre Highlights of the visit this year included a and community service at the Aged community tour planned and hosted by Persons hostel and schools are on the Yarrabah year six students. Mr McMurtie itinerary during the Yarrabah visit. said the Loreto Normanhurst Deputy Principal, Ken McMurtrie, Ken McMurtrie administrators has spoken to Yarrabah said part of the tour aim was to education authorities about the possibility allow the girls to gain first hand experience in of offering fully supported scholarships for an indigenous community. “They never see a Yarrabah students to attend the Sydney school. good story about Indigenous communities in “We already have four indigenous scholarship the Sydney newspapers,” Mr McMurtie said. students and we are keen to build on our “Every year we come up here we go back to relationship with Yarrabah by offering more Sydney with 166 Ambassadors who are scholarships but the talks are only preliminary prepared to let other people know about their at this stage.”

CONSULTATION STARTS ON YARRABAH COMMUNITY PLAN The Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire the aims and aspirations of the Council is planning public community to have meaning. “We forums to gather community need community people of all ages to feedback on a community plan. have input into this plan. “Now is the A preliminary session will be held time for you to play a role in shaping on 10 October at 10.00 am at the future of our region. “Your input Yarrabah‟s Rural Training will help us refine this draft plan, Centre. The YASC‟S Transition making sure tomorrow‟s Yarrabah Manager, Peter Lenoy, said the belongs to all of us.” Mr Lenoy said plan would represent what the the community would be asked for community wanted the shire to be like in the formal feedback as part of the plan future. “The draft community plan sets out a development. “The Council has a duty to long term vision along with the actions required promote the economic and social well being of to make that vision a reality. “What sets a its residents. “A key way of doing this is the community plan apart from other planning development of a community plan.” He said documents is that it belongs to everyone. “No plan priorities would be grouped in themes as a one agency can achieve the vision alone and we way of identifying what was important for the need a coordinated contribution from local, future wellbeing of our community. state and federal governments, as well as the Community safety is one of the identified business sector, non government organisations, themes with the consultation process designed community organisations, traditional owner to decide on actions to help address safety groups and very importantly the community. concerns. Mr Lenoy said the plan would have to reflect 7 HEALTH YARRABAH HEALTH FORUM TOLD TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE Men at a health forum in Wellbeing program is an em- Yarrabah have been told powerment program that to look to the future and starts to get you to have the not dwell in the past. feeling that you can control Keynote speaker, the some things in your life and Apunipima Cape York that you can change the way Health Council‟s Dr Mark you are going. Wenitong told the forum “We‟ve also done a lot of situations in the past had work around brother care disempowered men but and that just means us tak- changes created new op- ing care of each other better. portunities. “If you are down the pub and “A lot of things like land your friend wants to go drive loss, the dormitory system, his car home you‟ve just got stolen wages, protectors to stop him because no one and missions meant Abo- else is going to. “If your riginal men were treated brother is bashing his wife like children and denied you know he‟s not going to the opportunity to act as listen to the police or any fathers and family heads. other mob that comes in but „Those things are not ex- Keynote speaker, Mark Wenitong he‟ll listen to you, he‟ll listen cuses for the situation Aboriginal men are in to his father he‟ll listen to our mob. “We have today but we have to acknowledge they played got to stand up and say those sort of things to an important part in taking authority and im- one another, challenge each other and be proud portant roles away from men. “You know our of our culture and the way that we know we fellahs keep quiet a bit, keep doing what we do, should be doing things. “Most of us have an put our heads down and not cause too many extended family we‟ve got lots of brothers, ripples and things like that. “That is changing cousins and we do have good extended relation- now with what men‟s groups are doing – we are ships we‟ve just to learn how to use them a lot sticking our heads up again and saying we better and take care of each other a lot better. want a , we want to take responsibility “Most fellahs I know get frustrated and angry for us for our lives, for our families, for our about things in life but we‟ve got to figure out communities. better ways of handling that and there are good „We know all about the social problems they are programs around to help. happening all the time because they have been Dr Wenitong out lined health statistics that highlighted in the Northern Territory interven- showed Aboriginal men died on average 10 tion. “Men were stereotyped as wife bashing, years before non Indigenous men and 75 per child molesting and a useless mob and that did cent of Indigenous men died before reaching a lot of harm to a lot of men. “We are still 65. “I talk to people who are non indigenous strong but we have got to regain the ground on about deaths and going to funerals and this some of those issues....we need to get back to one person I have know for 12 years now has those important values in our lives and not be never had a death in her family in all those sidetracked by all the dysfunction that happens years I‟ve known her. “I‟ve gone to 60 funerals in our communities.” Dr Wenitong said a range in that time and we think that is kind of normal of programs were available to help men over- but it is not normal....it is wrong.” come a lack of control in their lives. “The pro- gram the Commonwealth is running the Family Continued next page

8 HEALTH

Dr Wenitong said the government about main causes of how they might INDIGENOUS HEALTH FUNDING premature death approach us a bit The Australian providing fresh fruit included heart disease better so that when Government is and vegetables every and strokes, they are thinking funding 38 day for local accidental deaths about a new clinic or community projects communities, including car a program that they to encourage promoting traditional accidents and murder, have the right Aboriginal and Torres health and healing, cancers and diabetes. workforce and the Strait Islander people growing healthy food, “There is a of work right sort of places. to quit smoking, eat encouraging homeless being done in Dr Wenitong said healthy, exercise men to gather and cook medicine about how there was lot men more and better bush tucker, and we prevent things could do at a personal manage their own putting chronic disease later in life like level to help overcome often chronic health messages to song. chronic heart diseases dysfunction in issues. “Grants range from and this is related to communities. The Minister for $5,000 through to some of the stress in “When I was at the Indigenous Health, $500,000 depending on our lives. “Most last indigenous health Warren Snowdon, said the scale of the project Indigenous people conference over in the program was a $10 and how many people it have lots more stress Perth one of the old million investment in will reach, and the in their lives around a fellahs from Western an innovative, second round of grants whole lot of things. Australia said when a grassroots program to will close on 30 “We know that about woman is in distress encourage better health September 2011.” 30 percent of the in my community she among Aboriginal and For information go to prison population is goes to the women‟s Torres Strait Islander www.livelonger.health. our mob but we only shelter. people. gov.au make up 2.6 percent “When an aboriginal “The projects include

SURVIVAL DAY PL ANNING MEETING

of the Australian man is in distress he population. goes to jail. “That is “We really need to get the kind of thing we a lot better about how need to change.” Dr we deliver good Wenitong said from programs both in his perspective, as a prisons and outside health professional, and stop people from Aboriginal health was going to jail in the not going to change first place. until men‟s health Coconut husking at Survival Day 2011 “When we started the issues were The committee of This can only happen if you national Aboriginal addressed. “We can Survival Day or take part in the planning. and Torres Strait build new clinics and Yarrabah’s Big Day The agenda will be as Islander health lot of hospitals, we Out welcomes follows: conferences we can do more domestic members of the  Debrief on the previous wanted more specific violence programs but community who event. stuff for us, men‟s until we start to would like to be  Select new committee. places that were address men‟s issues involved in the  Sponsorship. separate and men our communities are planning for next  Fund raising. working as health going to stay year’s event.  Discuss new activities. staff. dysfunctional and There will be a meeting held  Venue/site. “We have put together they can‟t become at the Yarrabah Cultural  General business. a national Aboriginal functional unless the Centre Menmuny museum at  Date next meeting. and Torres Strait men are involved 10.30 am Wednesday 14  Close of meeting. Islander health strongly and as September 2011. framework to put to leaders.” Please contact Mala Neal at We welcome new fresh ideas the Museum on 40569154 to make the next event even or more spectacular. [email protected].

9 NEWS

NEW “user friendly” LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTORAL BILL

New legislation for the conduct and With the Electoral Commission of administration of local government Queensland conducting all aspects of all elections has been introduced into local government elections, returning the Queensland Parliament. The officers will now be appointed by the new stand alone Bill will provide a Electoral Commission and will not be legislative instrument that is user council chief executive officers except in friendly for candidates and the exceptional circumstances. community, and practitioner friendly This removes the role from chief to councils and electoral officers. executive officers which will allow The Act will be a one stop shop council chief executive officers to for the conduct of local By YASC Chief Executive focus on the day to day operations government elections, Officer, Leon Yeatman of council including the delivery of consolidating the local key services to the community government electoral provisions from four under the stewardship of councillors. legislative instruments into one, reducing the While the Bill maintains the best parts of legislative burden on local governments. current systems of electing local councils, it The new Bill retains many elements of the also adds more flexibility, transparency and original local government election legislation integrity to the voting process. that stakeholders and the community believe to Absent voters in a divided local government be vital elements of an efficient and transparent area may cast a vote outside their local electoral framework. These elements include government division, but within the local the direct election of mayors, the requirement government area and prepolling will no longer that councillors resign to contest a seat in state require eligibility criteria to be met before a vote or federal elections, the prohibition of dual is issued at a booth. candidacy and voting systems of a local Applying for a postal vote will also be more government. A key feature of the new Bill is efficient with an additional day for voters to moving the responsibility for the conduct and receive their ballot paper and vote, with the administration of all local government elections lodgement of applications moved from the to the Electoral Commission of Queensland. Thursday to the Wednesday before the This gives the Electoral Commission of Saturday polling. Queensland a mandate to conduct all local It is expected that the Bill will be debated in government elections and will create an late August, early September. A copy of this Bill independent, central point of coordination and and explanatory notes are available at administration to ensure community www.legislation.qld.gov.au. expectations of efficiency, transparency and integrity in electoral arrangements are met. RESTRICTED DRIVER LICENCE HELP FROM LEGAL AID

Queenslanders at risk of courts,” Legal Aid Queensland losing their driver licence CEO, Anthony Reilly, said. “In and suffering subsequent some instances a suspended hardship can access a free driver licence can cause severe online guide explaining how financial or personal hardship for to apply for a special a person or family if they need a hardship order or a driver licence for their job or to restricted driver licence, access vital services. also known as a work “In these hardship situations if a licence. Legal Aid Queensland person meets the eligibility has produced the ‘Are you going to lose your criteria for either a work licence or special licence?: A guide to help you apply for a work hardship order, they can apply to the court for licence or special hardship order’ guide which one of these restricted driver licences which outlines the eligibility criteria, application would permit them to drive under strict process and what to expect in court when you conditions. The ‘Are you going to lose your apply for a work licence or hardship order. licence?’ guide can be downloaded from the “Driver licence suspensions are some of the Legal Aid web site: www.legalaid.qld.gov. most common matters before the Queensland au

10 COMMUNITY NOTICES

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Community Meeting Notice EVENTS Day September 2 World Walk to Work Yarrabah Shire Council are conducting a 4 – 11 Child Day Community meeting to discuss the Protection Week 4 World Animal Day development of a Community Plan for 7 Indigenous Literacy 5 World Habitat Day Yarrabah. All residents are invited to at- Day 12 International Day tend as this is the time to have your say 10 World Suicide for Natural Disaster of what should go into the Plan.Come Prevention Day Reduction along to the meeting and have your say. 16 – 18 Torres Strait 16 World Food Day / When: 10 October 2011 Island Cultural National Water Week Where: Rural Training Centre Festival18 – 24 17 International Day Time: 10am to 12pm Disability Action Week for the Eradication of If you like to be part of the planning BIRTHDAYS Poverty process of your community’s future, con- September Long Weekend-NSW tact Peter Lenoy, Community Engage- 11 Juan Murgha Jnr Annual Aboriginal ment Manager, Yarrabah Shire Council on 15 Preston Andrews Rugby League 4056 9120. 15 Cossette Harris Knockout 27 Kaitlin Mossman BIRTHDAYS (21st B‟day) October EVENTS 23 Cyndell Keyes, October Kristene Pearson, 1World Vegetarian Jalaba Murgha Qualified Bricklayer Yarrabah Vernon Stafford 0467 044 607 or 0424 838 712

Recycling Wednesdays and Fridays

11 FUN PAGE

KEEP ACTIVE STAYHEALTHY HAPPY FAMILIES

Name: ______

Address:______

Age Group: 3—5 6—8 9—13 14—16

Terms & Conditions taken as cash unless otherwise stipulated. provided in connection with this 1.The promoter reserves the right, at any 6.If any prize (or part of any prize) is competition is governed by the Privacy time, to verify the validity of the claims unavailable, the Promoter, in its discretion, Notice. Rules and entrants (including an entrant’s reserves the right to substitute the prize (or identity, age and place of residence) and to that part of the prize) with a prize to the Privacy Notice This issue of the Yarrabah 1.The competition is open to disqualify any entrant who submits an equal value and/or specification, subject to Newsletter may contain offers, entry that is not in accordance with these any written directions from a regulatory competitions or surveys which require you all school aged children Terms and Conditions or who tampers authority. 7.Entrants under 16 years old to provide information about yourself if between the ages of 3-16 with the entry process. Failure by the must have parental/guardian approval to you choose to enter or take part in them. If Promoter to enforce any of its rights at any enter and further, the parent/guardian of you provide information about yourself to 2.The competition is open stage does not constitute a waiver of those the entrant must read and consent to all Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, YASC from Monday 12th September rights. Errors and omissions will be terms and conditions. Parents/guardians will use this information to provide you 2011 & closed on Monday accepted at the Promoter’s may be required by the Promoter to enter with the products or services you have discretion.2.Unless otherwise indicated, into a further agreement as evidence of requested, and may supply your 10th October 2011 Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council consent to this Promotion. 8.Entrants information to contractors that help YASC 3. Entries can either be mailed promotion commences on 12/09/11. consent to the Promoter using the entrant’s to do this. YASC will also use your Unless otherwise indicated, mail entries name, likeness, image and/or voice in the information to inform you of other or handed in to the YASC close last mail received on 10/10/11. event they are a winner (including publications, products, services & events. Mailing address: .3.The Promoter may conduct further photography, film and/or recording of the Unless you tell us not to, we may give "Attention Kris" 56 Sawmill draws as are necessary. In order to same) in any media for an unlimited period your information to other organisations distribute any prizes unclaimed by that of time without remuneration for the that may use it to inform you about other Rd, Yarrabah date subject however to any written purpose of promoting this competition products, services or events or to give to 4. One winner will be selected directions from any regulatory authority. (including any outcome). And promoting other organisations that may use it for this from each age group & will 4.The winners of prizes in the unclaimed any products manufactured, distributed purpose. prize draw will be published in Volume and/or supplied by the promoter. 9.All win a $50 worth of school 149 of this newsletter. 5.Prizes, or any entries become the property of the stationary. unused portion of a prize, are not Promoter. The collection, use and transferable or exchangeable and cannot be disclosure of personal information 12 FUN PAGE

FAMOUS ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE Entertainment & Media Industry

WINNER OF THE COLOURING COMPETITION

Congratulations to July Crossword Answers—Famous Indigenous Delanne Ambrym, Sports Person. Tymika Pearson Accross: 1. Percy Hobson 3. Arthur Beetson 10. and Kalijah Yvonne Goolagong 12. 13. Benn Har- Yeatman. radine 14. Patrick Mills 15. Anthony Mundine. Down: 1. Paul Rowe 2. Kathy Freeman 4. Tony Mundine 5. Pictured: Simon Bianca Franklin 6. Gina Vahenare 7. Kyle Vanderkuyp Cotton, Principle, 8. Bodela Cruz 9. Mark Ella 11. Nova Peris Delanne Ambrym

Bible Reading—A message from Edom Peace here means more than the absence of conflict. It is contentment, fulfilment and security. Their home territory was Mount Seir. Moutains, symbols or strength and power, represented the pride of the people. Who thought they

could get away from evil. Their desire for revenge turned against them. Edom received the punishment it was as nasty to give out. God has a way of allowing our treatment of other to boomerang on us. So be careful in your judgement of others. (Matthew 7:1) ‘As one we are united, divided we fall, together we face the future’ Cr. Anthony Fourmile 13 ENVIRONMENT

TRAWL NET DAMAGE MYRTLE RUST THREAT

Fishing nets as wide demonstrates that as eight kilometres seafloor trawling is as and trawling of the destructive as the seafloor are clear felling of forests devastating slow on land. “Imagine growing marine life knocking down a and the damage to forest to catch the Australia’s oceans is animals that live undermining a there, this is what Federal Government seafloor trawling commitment to does.” “This trawling Myrtle rust has been found in far north Queensland safeguard critical along with offshore breeding and feeding gillnets which are up A serious fungal threat to human or areas. to 8km long walls of disease that affects animal health. A new report has death hanging in the Australian native Some hosts are found that seafloor, or ocean are devastating plants like lilly affected more demersal, fishing and to our marine life,” pilly, bottle brush, severely than others. gill netting is said Tim Nicol of the tea tree and As myrtle rust has “indiscriminate” in its Conservation Council. eucalypt has been only recently been impact on marine life. Gavan McFadzean found in far north detected in Australia, Prawn trawling, for from The Wilderness Queensland. the long-term effect example, results in Society called on the Myrtle rust can not on plants under the capture of 500 Federal Environment be eradicated and is Australian fish and shark species Minister to rule out expected to spread in conditions is not yet as bycatch. any watering Queensland because known. The new down of it produces large Some plant species report by proposal for numbers of spores may display environment new marine that are easily symptoms that could consultancy sanctuaries spread by wind, be confused with J Diversity to benefit human activity and myrtle rust. Plants has been seafloor animals. commonly mistaken released as trawling or The disease attacks as being infected the trawling gill net young, soft, actively with the rust include industry increases fishing. “If the growing leaves, shoot frangipanis, palms pressure on Federal Minister allows these tips and young wattles, grevilleas, Environment death nets into stems, as well as banksias and Minister ,Tony important feeding and fruits and flower orchids. Burke ,to scale back breeding areas, he parts of susceptible Myrtle rust can proposed new marine would undermine the plants. The first spread rapidly reserves and allow government‟s election signs of rust because it produces destructive seafloor commitment to infection are tiny large numbers of trawling and gill improve protection of raised spots or small spores that netting into areas our marine life,” he pustules. can be dispersed critical for marine life. said. The After a few days, the over long distances “Trawling is one of “Conservation pustules erupt into by wind. most indiscriminate Perspective On fluffy-looking, egg- Myrtle rust is likely fishing methods. Demersal Fishing In yolk yellow spores. to infect plants in “It produces only 2 Australia” report The disease can wet and humid percent of wild fish claims the Northern cause deformed conditions and rust harvest but up to one Prawn Fishery is leaves, heavy pustules can mature third of its bycatch,” killing at least 5 defoliation of to release spores in Dr Stuart Blanch, tonnes of marine life branches, dieback, as little as 10-12 Director of the as bycatch for every stunted growth and days. Environment Centre tonne of prawns that even plant death. Spores can survive of the NT said. goes to market. The rust poses no for up to 3 months in The report 14 CAREERS

HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES

Queensland Health recognises that staff all based on the students‟ own working in rural and remote areas work in environments and are intended to build on complex cultural, economic and social their knowledge, skills and practice in health context where there is a considerable promotion, to enable them to apply these excess burden of disease, particularly directly in their communities. The course is made up of six modules: community profile and from chronic diseases. setting priorities, health promotion program Through directions from the National planning, strategies for health promotion, Preventative Health Taskforce, The Queensland communication: a tool for promoting health, Governments Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s research and evaluation and the final project Queensland and the Council of Australian At the end of the course students complete a Government commitment to Closing the Gap final project drawing together their learning there is an ongoing requirement across the year. They hand for more staff to deliver health this in approximately six promotion and prevention weeks after the completion of strategies to address the burden the final intensive workshop. of excess and preventable The course was designed by disease particularly in relation to and for Aboriginal and Torres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Strait Islander health Islander communities. professionals and is delivered Therefore, the need for effective by Indigenous and non- and sustained health promotion Indigenous faculty, including training for positions responsible graduates of the course. for the planning, implementing Students will be required to and evaluating of initiatives submit regular assignments designed to prevent chronic to demonstrate knowledge and skills following disease was identified. The Graduate Diploma each of the teaching blocks. Aboriginal and in Indigenous Health Promotion has been Torres Strait Islander health staff are offered in Sydney since 1998, with Aboriginal encouraged to apply who can demonstrate a and Torres Strait Islander students from across benefit from further studies in health the country attending teaching blocks in promotion and who complete the necessary Sydney. Through a partnership formed between Expression of Interest requirements, including Tropical Regional Services and the University of the University of Sydney Sydney the course was requirements. Staff can be successfully delivered off campus employees of Queensland in the Torres Strait and Northern Health and other Peninsula Health Service District Government and Non- in 2006/2007, in the Mount Isa Government organisations Health Service District in and they must be currently 2008/2009 and on campus in working in the north Sydney in 2010 & 2011. Tropical Queensland region including Regional Health Services are the ). offering course fee scholarships Course fees for the Graduate for selected staff for 2012. The Diploma in Indigenous course fee scholarships are worth Health Promotion are approximately $4,500 per student. Interested approximately $4,500 for one year‟s full-time staff and their line managers must complete enrolment per student. Travel, accommodation the necessary Expression of Interest Form and and a travel allowance will be organised by the submit to [email protected] by 7 University of Sydney and is provided at no cost October 2011 indicating interest in attending to the student. the course delivered in Sydney in 2012. There is a possibility that this course may Further information: alternatively be delivered in north Queensland. Tammy Allen The graduate degree is a one-year, full-time Cairns Public Health Unit course offered in -release mode. It Tropical Regional Health Services, Cairns includes one 10 day workshop and five one- Phone: 07 4226 5524 week intensive workshops and extensive self- Email: [email protected] directed learning carried out by the students in their own communities. The assignments are 15 SPORT CDRL MEDAL CONTENDERS RUGBY CAREER FOR YARRABAH STUDENT UNDER 18 COLERIDGE DABAH YARRABAH EATHAN HOFFEMAN MOSSMAN PORT PHIL NONA IVANHOES DEAN SOLEY ATHERTON RESERVES SEPTIMUS AMBRUM YARRABAH STARRET TOMARRA INNISFAIL JAKE PRICE IVANHOES KYLE MURRAY INNISFAIL A GRADE Player of the tournament, Jaidyn Yeatman (left) at VICTOR AKIBA ATHERTON the Queensland Open Schools carnival. DAVE EDWARDS MAREEBA BEN FITZPATRICK BROTHERS A Yarrabah Rugby identified as a DANE FURTHY IVANHOES player is still in talented player,” ROBBIE HARREN INNISFAIL contention for Bevan said. MADDY OOSEN SUBURBS national selection “As well as attending CHRIS RIESEN BROTHERS despite missing a university he‟ll have STEVE SINGELTON KANGAROOS place in the Under 18 opportunities at a JASON NICOLOU SUBURBS Australian squad higher level of FILI SOFA INNISFAIL named last month. competition so he is Jaidyn Yeatman, 17, still in contention for will still be in national selection next contention for year.” national under 18 Rugby has another selection next year consolation prize for with a rugby career the promising player. proceeding big time. He is one of 32 Rugby The Townsville Union players who Cathedral School will spend time this student and his family month in England, have been in talks Ireland, Scotland and with Queensland the Isle of Man. Rugby Union about They will compete in his playing future seven matches against while studying at a local UK high schools south east “The purpose of this Queensland tour is to provide an university. opportunity for Jaidyn‟s parents students to tour Bevan and Melanie overseas and play Walsh, have been quality rugby in a disusing his playing different part of the future with QRU world,‟ Director of Indigenous recruiter, Sport for The Shane Drahm. Cathedral School, Mr „We‟ve had phone calls John Rauch said. from the former “It is also a reward to Queensland Reds the students for two player and he‟s been years of effort and mapping out a pretty contribution to the exciting future for school.” Jaidyn after he was

CAIRNS DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE FINALS SERIES 2011 CDRL Gold Medal Dinner-Friday, 16 September 2011: Brothers Leagues Club, 7pm. Grand Final-Sunday. 18 September 2011, Gates Open: 9am: Under 16‟s: (Between winners of CDJRL and EJRL) 10.00am; C Grade: 11.30am; Under 18‟s: 2.30pm; Reserve A Grade: 4.00pm; A Grade: 5.30pm 16