Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation Mt Theo Program

Annual Report 08/09 Page 04 Committee Contents Page 06 Managers Report Page 10 Mt Theo Outstation Page 12 Youth Programs Page 13 Page 14 Willowra Page 15 Nyirrpi Page 16 Lajamanu Page 17 WETT Youth & Media Project Page 18 Jaru Pirrjirdi (Strong Voices) Youth Development Program Page 21 Warra-Warra Kanyi Counselling and Mentoring Service Page 24 Yuendumu Swimming Pool Page 25 Mechanical Training Workshop Page 26 Melbourne’s Warlpiri Warrior Page 29 Talking Story Page 30 Media Page 31 Partners Page 32 Staff Page 33 Financial Report

2 3 Committee:

Alan Dickson Albert Wilson Audrey Brown Barbara Martin Bethany Langdon (Jaru) Caleb Hargraves Cecily Granites Charro Watson (Jaru) Cherylyn Granites (Jaru) Connie Walit Donovan Rice (Executive Member) Enid Gallagher (Executive Member) A committee of 62 elected Aboriginal people from Gina Spencer (Jaru) Committee Yuendumu community manages the Mt Theo Program. Judith Hargraves Traditional Owners: Committee members represent all family groups and Katrina Brown organisations. Associate members may be drawn from J Nungarrayi Egan Carson Brown Nyirrpi, Willowra and Lajamanu community members. Larissa Granites (Executive Member) (Jaru) Cecil Johnson Lawrence White (Jaru) Charlotte Langdon Michael Wayne (Jaru) Coral Gallagher Ned Hargraves (Executive Member) Dennis Williams Nellie Wayne Ernest Brown Executive: Neville Poulson Glenys Brown Otto Sims Gracie Johnson Thomas Rice Chairperson Ratasha Watson (Jaru) Jean Brown (Chairperson) Jean Brown Chairperson, Traditional Owner Riley Oldfield Jimmy Langdon Robbie Walit Treasurer Robbie Walit (Treasurer) Johnny Miller Serena Shannon Executive Member Ruby Williams Johnny Williams Donovan Rice Executive Member Sebastian Watson Joylene Langdon Ned Hargraves Executive member Serena Shannon (Executive Member) Liddy Walker Larissa Granites Executive Member Shaun Brown (Jaru) Louanna Williams Connie Walit Executive member Shaun Watson Margarina Miller Shaun Wilson (Jaru) Mary Ross Sherman Spencer (Jaru) Ormay Gallagher Steven Marshall Pamela Sampson Thomas Rice (Chairperson) Perry Langdon Thomas Watson Rex Forrest Valeria Martin Scotty (Clifford) Brown ASSOCIATE MEMBER (Willowra) Warren Williams Teddy Long Warwick Williams

4 5 One of our more famous Jaru Pirrjirdi graduates, , set the AFL world alight this year with his freakish talent when he made his senior debut with the . More importantly, he has become a hero to old and young alike in Warlpiri country. The Jaru Pirrjirdi (Strong Voices) Program remains at the A proud young Warlpiri man, he speaks strong and clear heart of growing up young men and women to take their about his pride and love of his country and his people. He place in the community. The Jaru members are emerging has shown remarkable maturity and resilience in leaving as mentors and youth leaders, working on community his country to follow his dreams, and to represent the development projects that help create positive futures for Warlpiri nation in Melbourne. It is impossible to measure both individuals and the community. A natural outcome the enormous impact of his success, his pride and his of strong personal development has been 26 young dignity on our mob. people employed in a range of community organisations, a 61% increase since last financial year, and another 58 The Mt Theo Diesel Mechanics Training Workshop engaged in meaningful pathways in the community, up continues to attract young men for pre-vocational by 35%. training, with a view to enrolling in Cert 111 Heavy Vehicle Mechanics. The workshop has a dual function Members of Jaru Pirrjirdi continue to run all activities as a diversionary strategy, and the means to provide in the Yuendumu Youth Program. This year 97 workers appropriate local training for local jobs. Apart from a Manager’s provided over 4800 hours of varied activities. Jaru number of supportive individuals, the workshop has never Night Club attracts an average of 28 men and women received funding. We are happy to report that in 2008- Report between 16 and 25 years old. A variety of activities are 2009 the Workshop generated enough income to operate offered, including those promoting literacy, numeracy, effectively and pay salaries. youth development, educational and vocational activities. As a result of participation in Night Club, and case- A clear highlight of the year was the opening of the management, 29 young men and women re-enrolled in Yuendumu Community Swimming Pool on 27 October secondary education. 2008. Five long and agonising years in the planning were vindicated when our smiling young people jumped into Consistency of youth activities in Willowra, Nyirrpi and the pool for the first time. Ministers Jenny Macklin and Lajamanu improved significantly this year after employing Karl Hampton, Mt Theo Chairpersons Thomas Jangala appropriate and enthusiastic staff. Community members Rice and Jean Napanangka Brown, members of the are committed to the program and work as casual Kantor family and the lifeguards all cut the ribbon. The workers and volunteers, substantially enhancing the scope large crowd of politicians, community members from This year Mt Theo Program has continued to consolidate and value of activities. Local Youth Committees provide all over the Warlpiri region, and journalists, were not and develop sound, effective programs caring for young direction, and ensure community priorities are considered disappointed by the celebration. Six Jaru Pirrjirdi men and Warlpiri men and women. Providing services in 4 Warlpiri in program activities. women received their bronze medallions and lifeguard communities realises a long held Committee dream of qualifications and now work in the Pool. An ongoing being able to look after young men and women from The Mt Theo Outstation remains a powerful diversionary program of training ensures not only a good source of all across the Warlpiri region. Our success continues initiative with 32% of total clients this year referred by workers, but increased safety for community swimmers. to attract demands for our comprehensive range of the Department of Community Corrections, 46% by services, with particular attention to preventative projects, Police and 22% were family/self referred.From a total alternatives to incarceration, and a focus on young people of 35 clients cared for at Mt Theo, only one Yuendumu dealing with issues other than substance misuse. young man had been sniffing petrol, and no incidents were recorded in Willowra, Nyirrpi or Lajamanu. The The Outreach Program, providing services in Willowra, remaining 34 clients were diversionary - 40% cannabis Nyirrpi and Lajamanu remains largely funded through related, 20% alcohol related, 14.9% domestic/family community funds provided by The Warlpiri Education violence and 68.5% breaking in/stealing. Clients often Training Trust (WETT), administered by the Kurra present with more than one issue. Aboriginal Corporation. Kurra is a body of Warlpiri entrusted with allocating royalty funding in the Warlpiri The significant rise in cannabis related diversion illustrates Lands. This year we were able to fulfil our commitment a developing community commitment to deal with the to Kurra when we became operational in Lajamanu. The cannabis problem, rather than necessarily an increase Program provides a strong focus on media training by our in use. The majority of clients diverted to Mt Theo for partners PAW Media. Yuendumu remains the support hub breaking in or stealing were under 16, demonstrating the for these outreach activities. strong process of early intervention. 6 7 Another significant achievement this year was the commencement of a building program to replace the dilapidated youth centre, and our too small office space. Stage 1, funded by FAHCSIA through the A beneficial partnership continues with Newmont Asia CAPSSU (Central Australian Petrol Sniffing Strategy Pacific (Tanami Operations), facilitated by Paul Davis, Unit) will be completed in October 2009. The complex Community Relations Coordinator. This year Newmont has been designed as an administrative hub for provided funding for Jaru Pirrjirdi trainees, and pool WYDAC across the region, as well as providing a youth operations. They also supplied us with protective clothing training and counselling facility that will be accessed for the workshop, and sheets, blankets and clothing for by all communities. Included in the site (opposite the outstation clients. Paul consistently assists with strong Yuendumu Swimming Pool), is a central community business and strategic mentoring, and is our advocate space for sport, recreation and training, with facilities in many forums to which we would not normally have for all ages such as a landscaped playground, BBQs for access. community use, and an outdoor stage area for concerts and meetings. An exciting development this year was the implementation of the Warra-Warra Kanyi Counselling Fifteen years ago, Warlpiri in Yuendumu gathered and Mentoring Program. In 2008 we were approached for yet another meeting to discuss petrol sniffing. It by FAHCSIA Mental Health Branch, to discuss the PHaMS was hurting not only the young people but the entire (Personal Helpers and Mentors Strategy). Inspired by community. They knew young people from around the the remarkable outcomes of the Jaru Pirrjirdi mentoring region had passed away from petrol sniffing, and they project, we were already providing the services they had were afraid. This time the meeting was different. This identified as best practice.We assisted PHaMS to develop time they decided enough was enough. They knew no a remote strategic response to mental health treatment one could save their young people but themselves. They and services and the Mt Theo Program is the first remote planned, they acted, and began 15 years of hard work, PHaMS project to have been funded. commitment, and love. Today, as this Annual Report illustrates, young Warlpiri men and women of Yuendumu Warra-Warra Kanyi aims to provide community based are clear evidence of the necessity and effectiveness of a counselling and mentoring. This service was developed community-based response to community issues. by, and delivered in and for, Warlpiri communities to After 15 years, the core objective of the Mt Theo Program address ongoing risk issues. It delivers its services in remains strong: the commitment to supporting young partnership with the Mt Theo Outstation and Jaru people to recognize their personal and cultural strengths, Pirrjirdi, providing regular counselling and mentoring to fulfill their potential as strong leaders and mentors support to the clients of the Outstation to complement in their communities. The stories shared in this Annual the cultural rehabilitation facilitated by elders there. The Report inspire us every day: stories of young people majority (roughly 70%) of the counselling and mentoring making good choices, of a Program growing, fuelled work done by Warra-Warra Kanyi occurs in Yuendumu by the dreams of these same young people and their community. Several years of experience and Warlpiri relentless pursuit of opportunities to make the community expertise have led to the development of a unique a better place, of elders who share their time and their and comprehensive model of preventative/educative stories to make their young people proud of who they measures,early intervention approaches, crisis response, are. and individual counselling and mentoring support. Finally, I again pay tribute to the exemplary Mt Theo team, dedicated Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men and Along with the four other service elements of the Mt women who understand the challenge, and embrace the Theo Program, Warra Warra Kanyi forms a strong, privilege, of being part of the Mt Theo Story. comprehensive network of care in which no young Warlpiri person struggles with personal difficulty alone. Susie Low Warra-Warra Kanyi is featured in this Report. CEO, July 2009 8 9 The significant rise in cannabis related diversion illustrates The distinctive identity of the Mt Theo Outstation within a developing community commitment to deal with the Warlpiri youth culture, and indeed within the broader cannabis problem, rather than an increase in use. The Warlpiri community, is a significant and contributing majority of clients diverted to Mt Theo for breaking in factor in the program’s ongoing success. Warlpiri youth or stealing were under 16, demonstrating the strong widely express a perception of Mt Theo as a life-saving process of early intervention. Internal service provision place, where young people are safely and appropriately to outstation clients through WWK, Jaru mentors and looked after in a ‘proper’ Warlpiri way. Young people will facilitating family visits has strengthened considerably strongly encourage their at-risk peers to go to Mt Theo during this period. as a safe and supported environment for dealing with their problems, and occasionally even refer themselves All outstation clients typically spend their day in a blend to Mt Theo for respite care. Furthermore, young people of cultural and recreational activities. Hunting, tracking, from Yuendumu, regardless of their own personal issues, cooking traditional foods, traditional painting, fire- are enormously proud of the fact that their community making, story-telling, and trips to significant sites provide has so effectively dealt with a problem as significant an environment not only for cultural strengthening, but and widespread petrol sniffing, and facilitated a healthy, also a non-threatening forum to engage in discussion petrol-free youth culture. about the problems they are working through. They also play football and basketball and participate in workshops This pride in and respect for Mt Theo among Warlpiri that can range from music to health promotion. youth does not negate the deterrent or punitive element of spending time at Mt Theo. Being sent to Mt Theo is still Mt Theo One ongoing challenge is to ensure reliable phone very much a punishment in the minds of Warlpiri youth. communication with the outstation. The remote location The ‘punishment’ of sending a young person to Mt Theo Outstation means service to these lines can be delayed. Satellite for substance misuse, domestic violence or anti-social communication is used to ensure regular contact when and criminal activity constitutes for that young person necessary. Another challenge is ensuring a consistent a community-sanctioned penalty for these behaviours supply of good quality water from the bore, including through appropriate and powerful cultural avenues. Established in 1994, the flagship of the Mt Theo regular maintenance of the pump. Negotiations continue It has been our experience that the active censure of Program is still the provision of cultural rehabilitation with the Central Desert Shire to sink a second bore. these behaviours from within the Warlpiri community is and strengthening of young people through the care of Rainwater tanks were installed in the major upgrade in the most effective measure for eradicating or positively Warlpiri mentors and elders. This rehabilitation occurs at 2007, but to date there has not been sufficient rain to modifying such behaviours. the remote Outstation, 160km northwest of Yuendumu. make this a reliable source of drinking water. The Outstation focuses on young The Outstation program is funded by the Department suffering from the effects of a wide range of personal All clients are case managed at the Outstation, and on of Health and Aging (Office of Aboriginal and Torres problems. Alcohol and cannabis misuse, self-harm, return to the community. Case files are maintained by Strait Islander Health; Drug Strategy Branch), and the domestic/family violence and other criminal or anti-social Mt Theo staff and updated through regular contact NT Department of Health and Community Services. The behavior (such as drink-driving and property damage) with the Outstation, participation in youth activities in Attorney General’s Department funds care of Community have been articulated by the Mt Theo Committee and the community, and through contact with Jaru Pirrjirdi Corrections clients through CAYLUS. the Warlpiri community as constituting the most serious and Warra-Warra Kanyi mentors. With Youth Workers issues currently affecting the health and well-being of now in Willowra, Nyirrpi and Lajamanu we can offer their young people. better aftercare to clients from those communities. Our experience shows that consistent aftercare assists in The total of 35 clients cared for at Mt Theo marked a strengthening clients to re-engage with their families in a 46% decrease since last year. We have found that as stronger, more positive way. our community-based preventative, diversionary and aftercare projects strengthen, many clients may be cared for appropriately within the community context. Only one Yuendumu young man was referred to Mt Theo for sniffing petrol, andno incidents were recorded in Willowra, Nyirrpi or Lajamanu. The remaining 34 clients were diversionary - 40% cannabis related; 20% alcohol related; 14.9% domestic/family violence and 68.5% breaking in/stealing.

Thirty-two percent oftotal clients this year were referred by Department of Community Corrections, 46% by Police and 22% were family/self referred. 10 11 Regular activities this year have included basketball, softball, football, indoor soccer, painting, concerts, discos, IT skills development, pool table and video games, film nights and excursions. Special vacation activities included workshops in graffiti art, multi-media, dance, song writing, music recording, and CD and video production. Yuendumu The Homework Centre is an exciting new initiative to add value to Yuendumu School hours for primary children. It Youth The Youth Program operates seven days a week in is seen as a younger version of Jaru Night Club for the Yuendumu, every week of the year and incorporates 5 – 15 age bracket. As part of the youth program, school Programs several activities after school every day and a number of children come to the Homework Centre 2 afternoons a activities every evening. Jaru Pirrjirdi trainees have the week. The School provides learning resources and the opportunity to move into casual, part-time or full-time Youth Worker is assisted by Jaru trainees and Youth work in the Program. Challenge Australia volunteers. This has proved a huge success with younger children with an average daily Youth Program activities target 4 – 16 year olds, There are generally 5-6 youth program activities every attendance of 21. Work sheets and games focus on providing diverse and interesting alternatives to day. Allowing for concurrent activities there were developing numeracy and literacy, handwriting skills, substance abuse and other anti-social behaviour. over 104 hours of youth program activities for the comprehension, geography and culture. Music and art are The Mt Theo Model also provides for over 16 year youth of Yuendumu every week, provided by 97 Jaru also offered. Through discussions with the their school olds to work as casual youth worker trainees where Pirrjirdi trainees. Young people returning from Mt Theo teachers, we are able to provide meaningful one on one they have the opportunity to gain significant Outstation are engaged alongside staff and Jaru Pirrjirdi support to kids in areas they are struggling with. personal and professional development. trainees in running youth activities. This aftercare also provides a natural forum for mentorship by senior Jaru InCite Arts continued to support our dance and music members. projects, providing guest artists and funding for 2 x 4 week Graffiti art projects and a 2-week Hip Hop project including CD production and concert.

Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Central Desert Shire Sport & Recreation funds; NRETAS, Warlpiri Education Training Trust (WETT); Arts NT; Yuendumu Education Centre; in-kind support from Newmont Mines.

12 13 The new training rooms and music studio will provide a good space for focusing on training and future pathways, including WETT media training by PAW Media. The youth workers have also taken on the role to mentor 4 young Willowra people through their Child Care Cert 111 studies through World Vision. The Willowra Youth Program has had a solid year of activities, largely due to long term and committed youth Youth Workers David and Rachel Waugh brought workers. considerable skill from a media/arts background. This is reflected in a significant Arts component and in planning Despite a period of community unrest, they were able to projects such as the forthcoming Willowra festival run regular activities, with a special focus on bush trips as (Purlapa wiri yawulyu wiri), photography projects and a way of re-engaging the young people, and the entire films. David also conducts weekly formal media and arts community.An average of 70 hours per week of activities training at the Willowra School. attracted an average 293 participants. Jukurrpa Ngurrju (Good Story), the Willowra equivalent of the Jaru Pirrjirdi Funded by the NT Department of Health and Community model is gaining momentum and being recognized as a Services; the Department of Family and Community vital process in strengthening young people. Services and Indigenous Affairs; Warlpiri Education Training Trust (WETT), CAYLUS, and GMAAAC. Some highlights of the year:

s #!!-! MUSIC AND DANCE WORKSHOP s CONSTRUCTION OF A TRAINING ROOM FOR OLDER YOUTH s CONSTRUCTION OF A LARGE MULTI PURPOSE ROOM to the youth centre s INCREASE IN LITERACY AND NUMERACY ACTIVITIES s STRONG INTEREST IN MEDIA PROJECTS s PLANNING COMPLETED AND FUNDING SECURED FOR a stand-alone music and media studio

Nyirrpi Through the WETT Project, we have been able to develop young people’s enthusiasm for music and media through Two full-time workers run activities 5 days every week, daily youth program activities, and 2 x 2 week video under the direction of a local youth committee. An production and editingworkshops. These workshops average of 38 hours per week of activities attracted an were delivered by Anna Cadden, for PAW Media, and average 178 participants. Former members of the Mt the film projects are built on young people’s concerns. Theo Committee and members of WYDAC, who live in One film was produced about ‘jealous fighting’, another Nyirrpi, guide program strategy and mentor the youth on love for country, and another on Gypsy, the adopted workers. community camel. Nyirrpi produced a film about Ethel Creek to record a culturally significant bush trip during CAYLUS supported the Program by constructing an office, which elders passed on culture through dance and story- computer room, and storage space in the community hall, telling. a bubbler with cooled, clean water, and fencing. A particularly popular workshop this year was 2 weeks of Regular activities included sports, computers, movie and Hip Hop Dance, provided through our partnership with family nights, arts and craft, and swimming out bush. InCite Arts. Activities are based out of the renovated community hall. Bush trips are a vital part of the program, and by far the The Nyirrpi Youth Program is wholly funded by most popular activity. community funds, through the Warlpiri Education Training Trust (WETT).

14 15 We are grateful for the assistance of Jeana Fowler, Central Desert Shire Manager, who, understanding the importance of the youth program, allowed our youth workers to take up residence in a Shire house. Tracey and Norbert Patrick, Shire sport and recreation officers welcomed our workers and immediately worked out good ways of working together. Their presence and willingness to extend their efforts to the benefit of the community has undoubtedly paved the way for the success of our workers implementation phase.

The Lajamanu Youth Program will carry a strong emphasis on multi-media, music and dance, following the tradition This project, begun in 2007, was developed in response of the bi-annual Milpirri celebration. Under the WETT Warlpiri to The Kurra Aboriginal Corporation requesting Mt Theo Project, Anna Cadden conducted a 2 week training provide youth services with a focus on media training workshop to coincide with a Warlpiri Rangers bush trip. Education and employment across the Warlpiri region. Kurra is The resulting production was scripted, filmed, edited and responsible for allocating royalty funding in the Warlpiri finalized by Lajamanu young people. Two local artists, Lands through WETT projects. Partnered with PAW Media Shane White and Maxwell Tasman, who have worked for and Training (aka Warlpiri Media) we have been able to extend youth several years with PAW, will work alongside Anna to train and media activities in Willowra, Yuendumu and Nyirrpi. other young men and women. Trust (WETT) This year we fulfilled our commitment by opening in Lajamanu. A full program of youth activities is now in place, with a growing team of local Jaru Pirrjirdi trainees. Steve The Project aims to support Warlpiri youth to develop Jampijimpa Patrick, creator of the Milpiri project, and their sense of self, family and culture through diversionary teacher at Lajamanu School, supervises and mentors our Youth and programs with a special focus on media. youth workers to ensure the needs and wants of the community guide all planning. Over 2009 – 2010 we will Media The model initially focuses on diversionary activities be pursuing funds to repair and upgrade the community for young people, including sport, recreation and new hall as a suitable base for program activity. media. Project-based media workshops focus on process, Project developing interesting youth and media opportunities for The Lajamanu Youth Program is wholly funded by young people as a diversion from anti-social behaviour. community funds, through the Warlpiri Education Training Over time media activities move toward the development Trust (WETT) and Mt Theo Program private donations. of employment options and media products for use in the Lajamanu communities involved and the wider community.

The Lajamanu Youth Program is Mt Theo Program’s most Mt Theo Program is excited about the outcomes to date. recent regional initiative, opening in April 2009. The Youth workers in Willowra, Yuendumu, Nyirrpi and community were enthusiastic about our arrival and waited Lajamanu receive ongoing training with PAW Media and patiently while we established housing for workers, a several film and music projects are ongoing. This enables program vehicle, program resources, and a process for our workers on the ground to provide strong follow-up to working with other agencies in the community. Mt Theo PAW Media workshops. Program transferred two experienced youth workers, Amy Hardy and Kyle Jarvie from Willowra Program to work in This year, PAW Media conducted four media workshops Lajamanu. As Mt Theo’s most remote service there have in Yuendumu, Nyirrpi, and Lajamanu on video production been significant challenges in creating a sustainable base and video editing. A total of 60 training days attracted and sound practices so far away from the Yuendumu 28 formal trainees and 30 participants. Sixteen films were support hub. completed and another 11 are still in production.

In order to showcase the outcomes of the video training program, PAW Media developed a website at www. wettmedia.org.au. The site contains flash based videos of productions from Nyirrpi and Lajamanu, and will be updated as productions are completed. The website banner was developed by Jason Woods, a Jaru Pirrjirdi graduate employed with PAW Media. 16 17 Level 2: Culture & Projects Projects

During the course of this year Jaru Pirrjirdi members Level 1: Youth Program & Jaru Night Club Culture undertook 23 projects. Project work involves regular work in a wide range of activities. This project work enables Activities of the Youth Program are run with the Culture represents an essential element of the Jaru Pirrjirdi the Jaru Pirrjirdi Coordinator to identify the individual assistance of Jaru trainees. This work provides young Program. It is our experience that those who are culturally interests and aspirations of participants, for which specific adults with meaningful activity and responsibility. There strong are most likely to positively engage in the Kardiya training and support can be provided. Of particular note are generally 5-6 youth program activities every day and (non-Aboriginal) world. Young people become confident, is the almost constant need for external representation two workers can be responsible for each activity. empowered, knowledgeable and feel that they have of the Jaru program to other communities, organizations something of value to offer and share with the world. and government agencies. This type of project work The use of Jaru trainees enables them to grow as leaders Jaru culture is accessed in a variety of ways. is an important element in the validation of young in the community who can monitor youth at risk. Jaru Extended bush trips were not regular this year due to people efforts within the Jaru program as well providing trainees are in the best possible position to act as mentors the serious illness of the Jaru Bush Trip female elder. opportunities for learning and travel. to Yuendumu youth. This involves conflict resolution, However, a strong partnership with CLC Warlpiri Rangers family negotiation and counselling on a daily basis. provided opportunity for 16 Jaru members to take part A sample of Jaru projects during 2008-2009: Regular contact facilitates early identification of youth in 4 training bush trips, and 4 are now employed with who may be seriously at risk for more significant issues. CLC. The program, which provides on the job training Ongoing/Permanent Projects Furthermore it provides Jaru trainees with a sense of pride in land management, has been well received as a good Professional development: and leadership within the community that helps them to way to work out bush and meet traditional obligations to Yuendumu Mechanic workshop, Swimming Pool overcome their own underlying and unresolved issues. country. Lifeguards, Warlpiri Rangers Financial management and security: Jaru Night Club is held 3 nights every week of the school In lieu of extended bush trips a number of other initiatives Creation of bank accounts, introduction to internet year. Jaru Night Club was created to allow young adults were undertaken. The Jaru male elder conducted 4 trips banking, Centrelink processes to engage in productive and enjoyable practical learning. to Mt Theo to teach cultural aspects such as boomerang Cultural liaison role for new staff/visitors Jaru Night Club is not a replacement for secondary making, hunting and stories about specific sites, Youth education but rather a less formal environment through Program conducted 45 weekly bush excursions, and Mt Sports and Recreation Projects which young adults can re-access education and Theo assisted in 10 culture nights at the school. Yuendumu Sports Weekend – assistance with football, participate in an alternative positive set of activities during Weekly day trips for young men were consistent, with basketball, softball, concerts, BBQs, discos for 4 days (all Jaru) the evenings. the focus of these trips being at risk young men and the Jaru Family Night – Basketball competition and BBQ to Jaru Pirrjirdi facilitation of appropriate mentoring and group discussion bring community together and promote recreation for all Jaru Night Club included recreational activities as well as regarding issues such as culture, domestic violence, ages (all Jaru) (Strong Voices) directed practical learning activities such as story writing, suicide, substance abuse, employment, football and Community Summer Football Competition – run by mathematics, painting, printmaking, reading, computers, notions of manhood. Jaru, scoring, umpiring, organizing, preparation, results cooking and music. Additionally Jaru Night Club has a and venue management. The Jaru Pirrjirdi Program is a youth development practical or project focus in that it may include workshops Community Summer Basketball Competition – run by Jaru. and leadership program, as well as an aftercare on issues such as sexual and relationship health, program for ‘at risk’ youth. It works hand in hand substance misuse forums and dealing with ‘government Arts and Media Projects with the Warra-Warra Kanyi Counselling and forms’. Hip Hop dance and music projects with guest artists. Mentoring Service to develop strong, empowered, 4 x 2 weeks vacation projects. CD produced, concerts, skilled and dedicated young leaders for the Youth Challenge Australia provides 2 volunteers per term dance performances community of Yuendumu. The Jaru Pirrjirdi to act as tutors. Night Club was held on 77 nights out of 2 x 2 week Graffiti art workshops. Community art projects. Program creates meaningful and positive futures a possible 98, with an average nightly attendance of 29. WETT/PAW media projects – 16 completed films for young adults aged 16-25, as distinct from the ‘diversionary’ aims of the Youth Program. Leadership/Representation The Jaru Pirrjirdi Program is based on a six level Jaru members formally represented the Program in progressive structure. These levels represent Yuendumu, Nyirrpi, Willowra, , Balgo, growing degrees of capacity and responsibility Lajamanu, Ali Curung, Yirrkala, Santa Teresa, Darwin, for young Jaru Pirrjirdi members and culminate Perth and Sydney. in potential life and career pathways. There are Mt Theo Committee quarterly meetings. currently 97 young adults involved with the Jaru Jaru representation and overview presentations Pirrjirdi Program.

18 19 Level 3: Mentoring & Future Pathways Warra-Warra

Mentoring Kanyi Counselling

Mentoring comprises perhaps the most important and and Mentoring critical work done by Jaru members. This year it has ‘Graduation’: Future Pathways grown from a natural expression of leadership in the Service community into a methodical and coordinated approach. Once Jaru members are deemed ‘Senior Jaru’ they are In the second half of this year, to support the effective considered to have ‘graduated’ from the program. work of Jaru mentors, we launched the Warra-Warra This graduation is a measure of their personal capacity, Kanyi Counselling and Mentoring Service. achievement and development during their participation in the program. This personal development and strength, This year Mt Theo Program launched Warra-Warra Kanyi, The service is built on six primary elements: While WWK team now coordinates the Mt Theo overcoming of significant personal issues, ability to a Warlpiri specific counselling program built on the Program response to substance abuse, domestic and/ help others and community leadership, is the ultimate successful Jaru Pirrjiri mentoring project. 1. Prevention and Education. As well as providing or family violence, suicidal ideation and general personal outcome of the Jaru Pirrjirdi program. ongoing/aftercare support to at-risk clients, this element difficulties, mentoring from senior Jaru Pirrjirdi members In the Warlpiri language, WARRA-WARRA KANYI also has an early intervention focus, targeting young remains an essential element of this casework. Jaru This year, in addition to their significant personal translates to mean ‘caring for people’. It describes people who may be at risk of developing problems with mentors are selected from the Senior Jaru group development, 26 senior Jaru members have taken up the kind of care that is appropriate for young Warlpiri substance misuse, suicide/self harm, criminal behaviour, according to important local and cultural factors such positions of employment, leadership or training at other adults; that is, watching over them quietly, ‘worrying’ for relationship problems, and a range of other issues. This as gender, family group and skin name. This ensures the community organizations. This represents a further them, supporting them, and being there to help them takes on a variety of forms such as daytrips out bush with greater success of any casework and mentoring and more measure of the progress in personal capacity of these when they encounter difficulty. It describes the kind of elders and mentors; educational nights involving mentors importantly that theindividual at risk is in constant contact young individuals and the empowerment of the Jaru respectful, supportive care young people give each other and experts such as health workers; or regular, informal with individuals who can support them. Pirrjirdi process. through the mentoring process, as well as the approach ‘hanging out’ as a forum for discussing youth issues and taken by community elders, family members and staff responding to requests/needs. Warra-Warra Kanyi staff, In the first half of this year, 79% of clients were The creation of career pathways also serves to build members within this project. mentors and participants regularly plan and undertake the supported by a Jaru mentor. Since January 2009, when local capacity and achieve true community development. production of appropriate, Warlpiri-language resources to WKK integrated additional mentoring support, 67% Moreover, it creates space within the program for young support this preventative and educative work in Warlpiri clients remained supported by senior Jaru mentors, who adults to keep entering and moving through the elements communities and beyond. undertook 283 contacts. of the program. 2. Early Intervention. Staff aim to identify and resolve Key partnerships created to assist Jaru build meaningful issues at an early stage, potentially preventing higher futures: degrees of risk, harm, incarceration and crisis among 1. Warlpiri Rangers: Ranger program run by CLC, which Warlpiri youth. Given our unique position of closeness aims at caring for country, tracking flora and fauna and with Warlpiri communities, Warra-Warra Kanyi staff are using indigenous land and cultural knowledge. 16 Jaru able to access community knowledge and concerns, and trainees. Paid by CLC at hourly rates. facilitate early referrals to a client’s family, or to external 2. Yuendumu Swimming Pool: Managed by Mt Theo agencies such as police or clinic. Early Intervention services Program. Fully trained lifeguards to be supplied by the are successful in resolving many client issues before they Jaru Pirrjirdi membership. 10 fully qualified lifeguards, 10 reach a critical stage, thus reducing the burden on police in training. and correctional services, as well as reducing rates of 3. Yuendumu Diesel Mechanic Workshop: Managed by harm experienced by Warlpiri youth. Mt Theo Program. 2 senior and 2 junior trainees, 6 on community work orders.

The Jaru Pirrjirdi Program was funded by the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH), and the Health Strategies Branch.

20 21 Ruth Bignell is the Warra-Warra Kanyi Counsellor. Ruth 4. Community and Family Engagement. Family and Warra-Warra Kanyi Staff is a qualified Counsellor (B.A., Grad. Dip Counselling) community mentors/elders play an important part in who has been living in Warlpiri communities since April this therapeutic contact. Although less ‘hands-on’ and The staff of Warra-Warra Kanyi is constituted of a Senior 2006. She has gained significant experience working with constant than the care provided by staff, elders have the Cultural Advisor, Male & Female Mentors and Program at-risk Warlpiri youth through her extensive involvement capacity to re-engage a young Warlpiri person with a Counsellor. with the Mt Theo Outstation, and the youth program at sense of their culture and identity. They are able to exert Yuendumu. cultural authority and respect, complementing the peer Napanangka Brown is the Senior Cultural Advisor. Jean mentorship provided by staff members and trainees. In has fifteen years of experience in working with at-risk The Warra-Warra Kanyi Counsellor works closely with our experience, re-engaging with this cultural strength is Warlpiri youth at the Mt Theo Outstation, through the Youth Mentor and Senior Cultural Advisor to provide a critical element for Warlpiri youth moving through crisis her role as a Senior Client Carer. She has also worked appropriate, valuable counselling support to individual and difficulty; it is also crucial in the longer-term goal of extensively with young people experiencing difficulty in clients. This role also involves the provision of formal developing strong, healthy Warlpiri youth who are secure Yuendumu. She is a respected senior community member, therapeutic support to the team of Jaru Pirrjirdi mentors, and proud in their Warlpiri identity. and is a councillor with the Central Desert Shire. Jean is a family members involved in client care, and with the current member of the Youth Justice Advisory Committee broader Yuendumu community. This includes the 5. Case Management. In addition to therapeutic contact, for the , informing government on development of preventative and educative interventions there is a significant case management aspect to the youth justice issues. Jean has also traveled to Canada to and resources. work done by Warra-Warra Kanyi (for example, assisting share and expand upon her experience of Indigenous a young person to find work, gain a drivers license or rehabilitation models. Of particular note is the paper by Trainee Mentors form the fourth integral element of manage their financial affairs). This is highly appropriate Jean and former employee Karissa Preuss in Drug and our formal staffing arrangement. These mentors are for our therapeutic context for two main reasons: a) Alcohol Review, Volume 25, Issue 3, 2006. participants of the Jaru Pirrjirdi project who are trained recent research suggests that this kind of practical and supported to strengthen the skills and support they support contributes greatly to therapeutic rapport with Sherman Spencer is the Warra-Warra Kanyi Male Mentor. need to mentor their at-risk peers. It is hoped that some 3. Individual Counselling and Mentoring. A client whose Indigenous youth, and b) this work is in keeping with our Sherman is a 25 year old Warlpiri man who has several may eventually ‘graduate’ to become senior mentors issues cannot be resolved through early intervention community development context and commitment to years of experience mentoring young at-risk Warlpiri men. at the level of the Warra-Warra Kanyi Male and Female measures will progress to Case Management Client structural change for Warlpiri communities. Mentors. Usually, these mentors have struggled with and status. A typical care plan for a Case Management Client The Male Mentor conducts much of the hands-on successfully resolved issues in their own lives which are who is considered to be highly at risk will include daily 6. Re-engagement with the Jaru Pirrjirdi Project. mentoring work with young male clients of Warra- similar to the issues faced by Warra-Warra Kanyi clients. counselling/mentoring contact with Warra-Warra Kanyi Finally, the goal of all counselling and mentoring work Warra Kanyi. Supported by the formally trained Program Hence, their mentorship is particularly relevant, effective staff and peer mentors. As a client’s level of risk reduces, through Warra-Warra Kanyi is re-engagement with Counsellor, and advised by Warlpiri elders, Sherman’s role and appropriate. Importantly, these Jaru mentors are so too will the frequency of these interactions, eventually the Jaru Pirrjirdi project and the youth development/ involves actively formulating and implementing client care able to provide close and constant support for young moving out to a weekly contact between counsellor positive future pathway opportunities it offers for young plans, through such measures as daily visits to youth at people at risk, thus ensuring greater success of casework/ and client, supported by interactions with Warra-Warra people in Yuendumu. Involvement with Jaru Pirrjirdi – risk, and liaison with family and the broader community. counselling and rapid crisis responses. Kanyi and trainee mentors. This contact allows the be it involvement as a worker in the youth program, Sherman conducts weekly men’s trips which provide an client to work through their issues in conversation with participation in bush trips, or engagement with a career excellent forum for young men to discuss their issues in Despite only formally launching the service in January their peer mentors, supported by a qualified counsellor. pathway – coexists with counselling and mentoring an appropriate, supported environment, and runs young 2009, the statistics provided at the end of this report These interactions rarely take place in a conventional services as a complementary therapeutic service, and a men’s activities such as the summer football competition show extremely strong outcomes. therapeutic setting but may occur (according to the structure in which clients can continue to be supported and health education nights. client’s wishes) on a short drive in/around the community; and developed when their need for counselling and WWK is fully funded by FAHCSIA, Mental Health Branch, during a peer activity; over a cup of tea at a family home; mentoring services is no longer perceived to be critical. through the Personal Helpers and Mentors Strategy. or, most preferably, ‘out bush’ where Warlpiri youth have demonstrated that they are most comfortable to engage in this therapeutic mode. Overnight bush trips, or trips to the Mt Theo Outstation, have proven to be particularly helpful.

All of these interactions have a strengths-based focus, and aim to effect behavioural change and implement coping strategies in the young person at risk. At all times, the reduction of negative client behaviour is closely linked with the simultaneous development of positive behaviour and pathways, largely through re-engagement with Jaru Pirrjirdi (see below). Further, clients whose issues are critical or recurring may be referred to the Mt Theo Outstation for respite and intensive cultural rehabilitation.

22 23 A major focus for the Mt Theo Jaru Pirrjirdi Project is to assist young people to develop meaningful futures as an alternative to substance misuse and anti-social or criminal behaviour. Many young Yuendumu men expressed interest in pursuing employment in diesel mechanics both here and at Newmont Mines.

The opening of the swimming pool was an absolute The Workshop is a diversionary activity for young men, an highlight of our year. The pool was officially opened on alternative to incarceration, real training for real jobs in 27th October, 2008 by Federal Minister for Indigenous the mechanics field, formal apprenticeships, a partnership Affairs Jenny Macklin, Member for Stuart Karl Hampton, with Newmont mines, and jobs on completion of training. Thomas Jangala Rice (Chairperson), Jean Napanangka Four young men are now training at the Workshop. Brown (Chairperson), members of the Kantor family and the Jaru Pirrjirdi Lifeguards. The Workshop is meeting all expectations. One of the four current trainees started on a Community Work order Yuendumu Since opening the pool has operated consistently. Over Diesel with Mt Theo Program, rather than go to prison. Pre- a 3 month period the pool was open a total of 54 vocational mechanical training is popular and limited only Community days, providing 160 hours of cool enjoyment for 3,969 Mechanics by resources. Despite all the government representatives swimmers. The pool day provides specific times for who have visited the Program and praised our efforts, we Swimming Childcare, Playgroup and School, and there are plans Training remain unfunded. to provide for early morning lap swimming. There is no doubt the “yes school, yes pool” policy had a major With our trainees working on Mt Theo vehicles here Pool impact on school attendance during the summer. Workshop in the community, we have halved our annual vehicle repairs and maintenance budget. This saving has helped Ten Jaru Pirrjirdi men and women, and 3 Mt Theo youth to offset some of the workshop expenses, and in this workers, attained their bronze medallions and lifeguard financial year we saw a modest profit of $27,000. We qualifications through RLSS, and work on a roster system. have also attracted mechanical work for other agencies in Ongoing training of Jaru and community members will Yuendumu and surrounding Warlpiri communities, which ensure the safety of swimmers at all times, and the ability ensures both regular work for trainees and a consistent to operate consistently. Darren Talbot, Pool Manager, income. This enabled us to improve resources at the has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of pool users Workshop, and seek to employ a part-time administration through supervision and constant monitoring of pool officer. chemical levels and machinery maintenance.

In March 2009, we held our first inter-community School Swimming Carnival with Nyirrpi, a huge hit for all concerned, especially when Yuendumu and Nyirrpi schools tied as winners!

Landscaping and the installation of shade shelters and play equipment will commence in July 2009.

You may recall our Jaru Pirrjirdi trainees made national headlines when evicted from an Alice Springs hostel, less than 30 minutes after check-in, for being Aboriginal. The complaint, lodged with the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, is still being reviewed.

The Pool construction was funded by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments, Yuendumu Community members, the Poola Foundation (Kantor family), the Ian Potter Foundation, Warlukurlangu Artists and Yuendumu Mining Store. Statewide Pools, SA and ProBuild, Alice Springs, built the pool and amenities block. Newmont Asia Pacific and the Mt Theo Program provided operational funding. 24 25 legend. In Yuendumu, they say Leo Jurrah is the best naked self-expression over aesthetic values. footballer to have come out of remote Central Australia. As a footballer, he proved his worth in the 2002 grand They say Leo was a better player than Liam is. There’s fi nal and his exhibition last year at Alcaston gallery was even a view that Liam is doing his father’s business in the work of an artist who is seriously on his way. Other coming to Melbourne, pursuing the opportunity his father people’s opinions have never deterred Rupert. never got. After finishing with Collingwood in 2004, in addition to One salient fact about the Yuendumu football team is The Industrial Magpies, about whom a student of doing other things such as going to Brazil and writing that it has no best and fairest. sports history will one day surely write a thesis, have an essay comparing AFL football to native initiation “It’s been hard for Liam to adjust to the fact that forged a link between the Yuendumu Magpies and the rites, Rupert worked in Alice Springs with the Clontarf whitefellas keep piling individual awards on him,” says Collingwood Magpies. Academy and saw a young footballer from the Tanami Badger. “It’s not how people think about the game in One part of this was bringing three young Warlpiri men desert called Liam Jurrah. Rupert believed he had seen Yuendumu.” to Melbourne in 2007, one of whom was Liam Jurrah. Australian football’s next frontier — young desert Yuendumu was the place I was first told about the I interviewed them. What had they noticed about footballers “who play like ”. connection between Aboriginal football and Aboriginal Melbourne, I asked. When Liam Jurrah was not taken by Collingwood, Rupert men’s dancing. It’s also where I saw one punch thrown Not as much sky down here, they replied. They pointed to nominated him online for the pre-season draft. in a game result in two clans facing one another on the the buildings blocking out the horizon. Without Liam’s signature, the application could not ground, weapons in hand. I showed them the scarred tree at the MCG, the big proceed. When Rupert somehow got a piece of paper Melbourne’s “Liam knows football intimately,” says Badger. “It’s part one on the skyline midway between the stadium and with Liam’s signature on it, the AFL accepted the of his culture and he knows it like the Law. Punt Road. When they went back to Yuendumu they nomination. Melbourne, having followed Liam’s progress, Warlpiri Football is now the format by which the warrior men of did an interview in Warlpiri for the community media decided to take a chance on him. the tribe express themselves. “When Liam tells young organisation. A member of the Industrial Magpies sent Warrior men to eat better food or not sniff petrol or treat their me a translation. In it, one of them had mentioned the wives more kindly, it has more weight than if someone tree. “We saw that old tree in Melbourne . . . Yapa like Nathan Buckley said it.” (Aboriginal people) from all over got dreaming, it is still Melbourne took Liam as their No. 1 pick in the preseason there. But we still living our draft. That means he was numbered about 90 in the dreaming.” This article is written by Martin Flanagan and was national draft system overall. In Melbourne, Liam lives with Bruce and Ria Hearn originally published in The Age, on February 3, 2009. Collingwood — particularly a coterie called the Industrial Mackinnon. To say that Bruce Hearn Mackinnon has Magpies — has a lot to do with where Liam Jurrah is mixed feelings about Liam ending up at Melbourne is an His tribal lands in Central Australia are a world away from today. understatement. He is, after all, a Collingwood supporter. the MCG and English is not his first language. But his commitment to Jurrah transcends club loyalties. There hasn’t been a story like Liam Jurrah in the AFL “He’s a terrific bloke,” he says. Brett Badger says Jurrah is before. The closest story is that of Tiwi David Kantilla, shy “even by Yuendumu standards”. who crossed the continent in 1961, played in a South Hearn Mackinnon says: “He’s very quiet but that’s his Adelaide premiership, represented and nature. You ask him a question and he’ll give you an was named posthumously in the Indigenous Team of the answer an hour later, two hours later, maybe a day later, Century. but that’s because he’s been thinking about it. He’s a very Liam Jurrah is from Yuendumu, 300 kilometres north- gentle person everywhere except on the football field.” west of Alice Springs. I went there for a football carnival Brett Badger says Liam is unchanged by his time in the in 1987. city. “When he rings home, the conversation is all about That was the year the grand fi nal got aborted mid-way family or people we worked with and how they’re through the first quarter since the word went through the doing.” crowd that the kadatji man was moving among them. Liam played four games for Collingwood in the VFL No one knows who the kadatji man is, only that he brings last year, then went home because a close friend was the possibility of death to those who have transgressed dying. With help from the Industrial Magpies, Liam then what Aboriginal people call the Law. That year, the returned to Melbourne with his friend, who wanted to Pitjinjatjara were initiating their young men in the see Collingwood play before he died. dreaming paths and where the dreaming paths crossed Collingwood didn’t pursue Liam through the national desert roads, it was the roads that closed. draft and his AFL story might have ended there had it not Liam Jungarrayi Jurrah is an initiated Warlpiri man. He been for former Collingwood player Rupert Betheras. stands in the Law. At 20, he is also a mentor to young It is hardly suffi cient to describe Rupert as out there. men in the community as part of the Jaru Pirrjirdi (Strong A former graffiti artist who came to AFL football by a Voices) group. “He lives with that same grace you see circuitous route, he arrived at Collingwood in 1999 with on the football fi eld,” says Yuendumu counsellor Brett an immense ambition and, in the opinion of some, no Japaljarri Badger. He’s known Liam since his teens. great talent. Liam’s father, Leo Japaljarri Jurrah, is a Yuendumu football The same has been said about his art, in which he favours 26 27 According to Bruce Hearn McKinnon, the Demons Carmody says Liam’s skills close to the ground are of the have been “great”. “Chris Connolly (Melbourne’s same exquisite level as other indigenous players but he general manager of football) came around to see us. He combines it with a vertical leap and marking ability. wanted to know all about Liam and Yuendumu. He said “He could become a player who’s extremely hard to Melbourne would have to send some players up there.” match-up on.” Melbourne coach says Liam is another pre- Carmody says Liam’s first two VFL games were as good a season away from challenging for senior selection. Bailey debut as he saw in 11 years in the VFL. pats his chest to indicate they’ve got to get more upper Not everyone in the football world believes Liam Jurrah body strength into him. can make it. The cultural span he has to cross is huge. Maybe it says something about Liam’s leap — Bailey English is not his first language (he speaks four Aboriginal says he has what basketballers call “hang time” — that languages). When he first went to Collingwood’s Lexus different people list Liam as having different heights. Centre, it was also his first time in a gym. The treadmill Hearn Mackinnon insists he’s only 189 centimetres (some startled him. The world shifted beneath his feet. reports say 193 centimetres). “He was only 73 kilos And he had to be cajoled out of a car when the team when he first came down here,” says Hearn Mackinnon. went for its routine early morning dip in Port Phillip Bay. “We’ve got him up to 81 kilos now.” “He may have seen the ocean before,” says Hearn Talking Liam’s manager, Nigel Carmody, played with Liam at Mackinnon, “but he certainly hadn’t been in it.” Collingwood last year. How good is he, I ask. “He’s got But Brett Badger says a commitment has been made, not Story the potential to do anything really.” only by Liam, but by the Warlpiri elders, to Liam’s AFL Northern Territory Government: career. Department of Health and Community Services, Office “The whole community understands that Liam’s in of Sport & Recreation, Family & Children’s’ Services, Melbourne on Warlpiri business, and that’s where his Community Corrections, Central Australian Mental Health obligation lies. No one will be pressuring him to return.” Association, Department of Employment, Education & Clearly, Liam will need to have the right people around Training, Alcohol & Drug Services of Central Australia him, but he hasn’t done badly in that regard so far. Melbourne has six indigenous players and a captain, School of Art History, Cinema, Classics and Archaeology, James McDonald, who is deeply in tune with his club and Mt Theo Committee is dedicated to sharing the success Melbourne University where it’s going. story of Mt Theo Program, and inspiring communities to McDonald, who has spent time in the Northern Territory take strong action in strengthening their young people. Suicide Prevention Workshop, Central Australian Mental with Aboriginal teammate , enjoyed hearing We are not always able to respond to the numerous Health Association the story of how I asked to interview Liam. requests for information and interviews, and where At the appointed moment, not one but three Melbourne appropriate promote our website as a first source. Kurra Aboriginal Corporation, CLC – WETT Project footballers — Aaron Davey, Liam and Tiwi islander Austin Mt Evelyn Christian College, Melbourne Wonaeamirri — stood before me like kids summoned to Examples of representation by Mt Theo Program staff, the headmaster’s office. Committee and Jaru Pirrjirdi members during 2008 – Senator Trish Crossin, Chief Justice Brian Martin, Karl They weren’t having Liam go through his first press 2009 (not including 232 Management related meetings): Hampton MLA interview alone. I asked Liam how it was going. “Good,” he said. That Yirrkala and Lajamanu communities Burdon & Torzillo, Consultants, Tanami Regional was more or less the interview. And so a man of history Partnership Agreement comes to the club of history in its 151st year. NTER and Central Desert Shire executive officers Youth Challenge Australia, volunteer tutors. NTER Review Yuendumu Police, Clinic, Childcare, Women’s’ Centre, Commonwealth Government: School, Central Desert Shire, WynHealth staff Department of Health & Aging, Office of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health, Mental Health Workforce Division, Drug Strategies, Family & Community Services & Indigenous Affairs, Mental Health Branch, Department This year’s annual report was again designed by of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, our regular graphic designer, Anthony Dinham. Indigenous Coordination Centre, Attorney General’s Mt Theo thanks him for his great work for Department, Central Australian Petrol Sniffing Strategy another year! Unit You can see more of Anthony’s work at www.dinham.com.au.

28 29 The Program has been featured regularly in the media this year. As a nationally recognised and respected community program we are often used as a source for ‘expert comment’ in features and in-depth reviews of Aboriginal substance abuse issues, or programs focussing on young people. Mt Theo staff, Committee and Jaru Pirrjirdi members are interviewed, on average, once a week. Main media topics included the Anti-Discrimination incident, the opening of the Yuendumu Swimming Pool, the Commonwealth Petrol Sniffing Inquiry, and suicide In-kind and professional support: Media prevention for a total of 45 radio, TV and print interviews, Partners Bruce and Rhea Hearn-McKinnon 2 TV feature stories, and 1 major magazine feature. Canberra Doctors Association John Lewin www.mttheo.org Karl Hampton, MLA The increase of activities this year made it difficult to keep In 2007-2008 Mt Theo Program received funding from: Newmont Asia Pacific the website updated as often as we would have liked. Professor Sherry Saggers and Anne Stearne However, we were able to implement online donation Commonwealth: facilities, which has had a significant impact on donations Department of Health & Aging Community Partnerships: received. Office of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Bush Mob, Alice Springs Health Strategies Branch Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit Drug Strategies Branch Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Services National Illicit Drug Strategy Central Australian Youth LinkUp Service (CAYLUS), Community Partnerships Initiative Alice Springs Department of Housing, Families, Community Services Central Desert Shire & Indigenous Affairs Central Land Council The Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination Community Corrections, Alice Springs Central Australian Petrol Sniffing Strategy Unit Family & Children’s Services (FACS), Alice Springs Stronger Families & Communities Strategy InCite Youth Arts, Alice Springs Emergency Relief Lajamanu School Mental Health Branch Lajamanu Store Department of Education, Employment Life Promotion, Alice Springs & Workplace Relations Newmont Asia Pacific After School and Vacation Care Nyirrpi School Attorney General’s Department Nyirrpi Clinic PAW Media Territory: Remote Mental Health, Alice Springs Department of Health & Families Services Royal Life Saving Society Arts NT Warlukurlangu Artists Central Desert Shire Willowra School Willowra Clinic Independent: World Vision Early Childhood Project AER Foundation Worrawa College, Melbourne Central Australian Youth LinkUp Service (CAYLUS) WynHealth Collingwood Industrial Magpies Coterie Group, Victoria Youth Challenge Australia The Ian Potter Foundation Yuendumu CDEP Kurra Aboriginal Corporation Yuendumu Childcare Newmont Asia Pacific Yuendumu churches The Poola Foundation Yuendumu Clinic Yuendumu Law and Justice Committee Private donors: Yuendumu Men’s and Women’s Night Patrols Mt Theo gratefully acknowledges those private individuals Yuendumu Mining Store and groups in the broader community who donate Yuendumu Police regularly. As these donations are not encumbered with Yuendumu School project-specific funding conditions, they allow us to Yuendumu Social Club respond to community concerns as they arise. Such funds Yuendumu Women’s Centre provide invaluable operational flexibility. Kormilda College, Darwin 30 31 Adam Gallagher Levania Watson Aiden Marshall Linton White Alan Dickson Jnr Lisa Watson Mt Theo Alison Lechleitner Louanna Williams Income and Alistair Morton Long Louise Dickson Team Alvin Williams Malcolm Dickson Expenditure Ashton Gibson Mark Wilson Astina Egan Mel Langdon 2008-2009 Athena Granites Methuselah Nelson Azaria Robertson Michael Wayne Bayden Walker Micheline Wilson Bethany Langdon Moses Nelson (as at 30 June 2009) Brendan Woods Narelle Nelson Brendan Palmer Nathan Brown 2.29% 22.6% Susie Low, Chief Executive Officer Brian Brokus Nathaniel Dickson 22.6% 71.27% 80.62% 43.34% 66.65% 51.61% -40.58% -10.93% -30.68% Brett Badger, Operations Manager Bruno Wilson Neil White 356.46% % Change Alex Cadden, Executive Assistant Charles Kennedy Nicholas Robertson Peggy Brown, Cultural Supervisor Charro Watson Nikkita Sampson Johnny Miller, Cultural Supervisor Cherylyn Granites Owen Williams Thomas Rice, Cultural Supervisor Chris Walker Pauline Singleton

Riley Oldfield, Cultural Mentor Christosh Wayne Philomena White $ Change 75,061.10 44,792.74 93,697.00 -93,437.60 194,195.00 470,772.92 -728,396.56 Emma Stubbs, Administration Officer Clayton Sampson Polly-Anne Dixon -565,948.19 1,261,123.46 1,261,123.46 1,920,509.25 Hannah Morrison, Relief Administration Officer Cooper Walker Randall Brown 1,186,062.36 Ruth Bignell, Warra-Warra Kanyi (WWK) Counsellor Courtney Singleton Ritasha Watson Jean Brown, WWK Senior Cultural Advisor Delvene Langdon Robert Lechleitner Sherman Spencer, WWK Male Mentor Dennis Nelson Robin Brown 12,565.95 272,474.34 116,226.00 Talitha Low, Jaru Pirrjirdi & Youth Coordinator Dion Brown Rochelle Nelson 854,645.75 3,282,588.58 1,795,012.57 1,086,309.72 5,580,929.04 5,580,929.04 1,844,862.81 2,881,420.48

J Nungarrayi Egan, Jaru Pirrjirdi Project Worker Elijah Brown Rosena Dickson 2,298,340.46 Jul ‘07 - Jun 08 Kate Webb, Relief Worker Elton Collins Roxella Marshall Jason Shilton, Youth & Community Worker Esau Marshall Samara Dickson Amelia Watson, Outstation Coordinator Eugene Forrest Sandy Brokus Steven Marshall, Mt Theo Supervisor Francis Forrest Sarah Singleton

Glenys Brown, Mt Theo Supervisor Geoffrey Wilson Sean Wilson 57,358.69 466,669.34 209,923.00 761,208.15 3,357,649.68 1,066,616.01 1,557,082.64 6,842,052.50 6,842,052.50 1,278,914.62 Evans Sims, Mt Theo Supervisor Gina Spencer Sebastian Wilson 4,801,929.73 3,484,402.82 Jul ‘08 - Jun 09 Scotty Brown, Mt Theo Supervisor Gisella Dickson Senita Granites Audrey Brown, Mt Theo Supervisor Gregson Collins Shadrach Williams Steven Brown, Mt Theo Supervisor Isaiah Collins Shane Kennedy Carson Brown, Mt Theo Supervisor Jamie Nelson Sharelle Dickson Sue Lovett, Outreach Coordinator Jason Woods Sherelle Shannon 200 Salaries 500 Services Amy Hardy, Senior Youth Worker, Lajamanu Jeanelle Nelson Shaun Brown

Kyle Jarvie, Senior Youth Worker, Lajamanu Jerome Spencer Shaun Wilson 140 Other income 700 Motor Vehicles

Steve Patrick, Cultural Mentor, Lajamanu Jessica Hargraves Shimera Sampson 130 Grants Received

Ali Satour, Youth Worker, Nyirrpi Jocelyn Watson Simon Fisher Jnr 160 Grant Surplus Funds

Cecily Blakeman, Youth Worker, Nyirrpi Josiah Fry Stuart Robertson 800 Repairs & Maintenance David Waugh, Youth Worker, Willowra Joy Michael Tasha Collins Rachel Waugh, Youth Worker, Willowra Kirsten Egan Terrence Wilson & Amortisation 400 Depreciation Total Expense Total Expense Total Income Total Michael Rohrlach, Mechanical Workshop Coordinator Kirsten Spencer Travis Collins Income Darren Talbot, Yuendumu Pool Manager Larissa Granites Vicky Sims Liam Campbell, Consultant Leah Sampson Warrick Dickson Craig san Roque, Consultant Psychologist Leekira Oldfield Waylan Hudson

Lekeesha Walker Willow Langdon Profit Gross Net Income This team comprises 19 Aboriginal Leo Michaels Zachariah Long Income/Expense Ordinary and 15 non-Aboriginal members. Leon Penhall Zacheas Williams Jaru Pirrjirdi casual workers Leslie Walker

32 33 back cover

Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation Mt Theo Program

post LPO Yuendumu via Alice Springs NT 0872 email [email protected] tel 08 8956 4188 fax 08 8956 4081 web www.mttheo.org