Elimatta autumn 2010 www.asgmwp.net Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater

Lavina Warner – From Charleville to the Big City My name is Lavina Warner. I am the fourth youngest in my family of thirteen. My parents were Aboriginal. Both were alcoholics. My childhood memories took place in Charleville, Queensland. In those early days I was always hurt, bruised and cut. I remember being scalded by a pot of tea which went down my back. The memories I have of my mother are both sad and joyous. Sad, because she was often in jail. I remember seeing her sad eyes looking through the bars at me. Apparently, she used to walk up the street drunk, singing Rain drops keep falling on my head. Joyous memories, because one night she took me home from the pub and I cried because I wanted to stay with her. She kissed me good night and gave me twenty cents. One day, my parents took me and my sisters and two younger brothers there. I found out later that they had I left Goondiwindi to go back and to the police station. We had to wait sent her to Kalimna in Brisbane, a live in the Home between 1977 and out the back and then we were on maximum security centre for young 1981 by which time I had fi nished a train bound for who knows where. girls, just because she hung her head Year 10 and then started working in We arrived the next day in a big city in shame. a nursing home. After working for called Toowoomba. We were taken to I was fostered out to a family in nearly four years I left Toowoomba a Salvation Army Home and placed in Goondiwindi for three and a half years and travelled to see family, not really cottages, given a bath, scrubbed and during which time both my parents knowing where to settle. I moved de-liced. I remember the Home as died. My father died in a house fi re down to Sydney. Its beaches, people being a really happy place. We were and my mother was putting paper and work kept me living here, it was fed, clothed and cared for. There was into a fi re when she got really badly beautiful. a pool and trampoline. My older sister burnt. I went to see my mother In 1987, I had my fi rst child Jaime and Mary wouldn’t put her head up at in hospital before she died and I in 1989 my second Nicholi. I wanted the dinner table, it was because she stood looking at this woman who to bring my girls up knowing who they was ashamed. She was fi fteen. Mary I didn’t really even know, but felt a were, that they didn’t have to follow the said to me ‘Come out so I can do connection when I looked into her generational line of abuse in any form. your hair each day before school’. I sad eyes – those same eyes I had I joined Christian City Church in 1991. went out the next day and she wasn’t seen looking through the jail bars. Continued Page 2

The Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater acknowledges the Guringai People, the traditional owners of the lands and the waters of this area.

Elimatta 1 ASGMWP Newsletter Autumn 2010 Continued from Page 1 have done an Advanced Diploma and her colleague Kym Moody talked Jesus helped me raise my girls and in Community Services at Christian about their role in creating a more the support I received from friends City Church and have just fi nished suitable environment for Indigenous and the church fellowship helped give an Advanced Diploma in Applied children in local child care centres my girls a great start in life. They are Aboriginal Studies at Tranby College, as well as educating children on confi dent, trustworthy, bold, beautiful Glebe. I want to help my people Indigenous culture. Lavina then girls. Jaime has done two years at know they don’t have to accept their spoke movingly about her life and the the School of Ministry at Christian circumstances. There is a way out. struggles she had faced. City Church and travelled to America Kym and Lavina worked with the Lavina Warner and Canada doing summer camps. children present to paint on a Nicholi is doing an Arts degree and is Lavina is a child care worker in colourful canvas image of Narrabeen in her third year. the babies room at the Dee Why Lagoon which was to be hung in the Children’s Centre. At last year’s ASG In the time of raising my girls, I Dee Why Children’s Centre. Sorry Day commemoration Lavina the intervention! ASG INTERVENTION STATEMENT The Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater is concerned by the continued stopstopsuspension of the Racial Discrimination Act which allows welfare payment quarantining (Income Management) of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. There are worrying reports of impending federal legislation which may shortly extend Income Management to welfare recipients across the entire country. This expansion will not make the Act any less discriminatory. The vast majority of people currently subjected to Income Management will stay on the Basics Card. Most of those being drawn into the scheme will be Aboriginal. Income Management has degraded Aboriginal people and the proposal to degrade some non-Aboriginal people does not make it any more acceptable or any less racist. JEFF McMULLEN SPEAKS OUT At the ASG Information night in own education and this has been suicide, alcoholism and smoking. the Mona Vale Memorial Hall on generously supported fi nancially by ANU researchers say that at the November 9, 2009, attended by the Commonwealth Department present rate of progress, it will over one hundred people, the of Education at the behest of the take one hundred years to bridge distinguished journalist Jeff McMullen Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. the gap between Aboriginal and gave a riveting account of the state Jack Bancroft’s Australian Mentoring non-Aboriginal health and welfare. of play in Aboriginal and Islander Experience has recruited over one Noel Pearson’s punitive measures, Australia. The central point he made hundred undergraduates as mentors sanctions against parents in cases of was that until we trust Aboriginal for Aboriginal high school students. Jeff truancy, have not been successful in people we won’t see change. emphasised that education is the key. Cape York. But it should be feasible In many communities, including The punitive nature of the Intervention to achieve parity in education within Kalkaringi where Vincent Lingiara with its quarantining of 50% of thirty years and this would profoundly led the walkout from Wave Hill, welfare payments for all NT Aboriginal improve progress in other areas, nothing has changed. The Northern families, irrespective of their level of particularly health. Only Aboriginal Territory Intervention, with its imposed responsibility, the mandatory health custodianship will save the land and solutions, has been a spectacular checks of children and insistence on threatened species. failure. Yet, where Aboriginal people forty year leases of Aboriginal land is The audience showed their have been involved in measures to blatantly discriminatory and has been appreciation by giving Jeff a standing improve the situation, encouraging condemned as such by the United ovation. Questions and comments things have happened. Nations and high profi le Australians followed including an impassioned At Minyerri, Elders have been crucial including Ian Thorpe (Fountain of call for justice. There was a lot of in achieving 95% school attendance. Youth). Worst still, it is humiliating, discussion over tea and coffee Chris and Grace Sara’s Strong and demoralising and disempowering. afterwards. Smart Institute trains school principals Promises to reinstate the Racial This was one of the best Information to engage Aboriginal children in their Discrimination Act have not been Nights organised by the Support honoured. Group that I have attended. The result is feelings of shame and hopelessness leading to Andrew Macintosh

Elimatta 2 ASGMWP Newsletter POSITIONS VACANT

EDITOR(S) for ELIMATTA to start early 2011. Please ASSISTANT TREASURER with knowledge of and contact Anna 9913 7940 or Pat 9971 0735 to fi nd out access to MYOB Quickbooks or similar. Requirement more about this challenging and rewarding position. to construct a set of accounts eg twelve income, nine Distribution team as listed on page 12 will continue. outgoing plus two bank accounts. Report capability is needed for ‘progress’ bi-monthly, GST quarterly and ABLE BODIED PEOPLE to help with the ASG Sorry yearly summary for audit. Treasurer would email journal Day commemoration to be held at Bilarong Reserve, details monthly. In 2009 there was a total of 100 entries. North Narrabeen, on Sunday May 30. Please contact A cinch! If this is for you please contact David Harrison Clair Jackson 9913 9922 if you can assist in any way. 9971 4160 or email [email protected]

OUTBACK MEETS THE BEACH 2010

I told them that was okay because I After dinner the visitors performed a was shy too. We had a very enjoyable song in Creole they had written about dinner with all the visitors and were their trip to North Palm Beach and made to feel very welcome. We also sang a farewell song. They then were told about some aspects of life went off to watch a water polo game. in the visitors’ communities. They I felt that everyone, those from the were really looking forward to the NT and those from the surf club and activities that Terry Kirkpatrick and his other visitors, had really enjoyed colleagues had arranged such as surf being together and are looking lifesaving, visits to Taronga Zoo and forward to next year’s Outback Meets the Opera House. the Beach. My personal thanks to On Saturday February 20 a group of Terry Kirkpatrick for inviting me and us went to the Newport home of Ruth the Aboriginal Support Group to be Latukefu so that we could again meet involved – a very pleasant experience On Thursday February 11 several with three of the Elders. Unfortunately – and I have asked him to let me members of the Support Group went the other Elders had had to return know when there is a trip to Jawoyn to the North Palm Beach Surf Life to Katherine urgently due to family country later in the year. This is Saving Club to help welcome the business. With Lisa, Sybil and Anne something I would really love to do if I visitors from the Jawoyn communities Marie we enjoyed the morning tea am able. of Barunga, Maryallaluk and Wugularr that Ruth kindly provided and had in the Northern Territory. They had a really nice and relaxed time sitting Carol Ritchie come a very long way to visit with the at her home overlooking the ocean. members of the surf club who have Thanks to Ruth for arranging this South Narrabeen Surf Life been running this program for three morning. Saving Club has a Bush To years. There was to be a farewell dinner at Beach exchange program. Uncle Bob Waterer did a Welcome To the surf club on the Sunday evening This summer fi fty Aboriginal Country. He also showed the visitors at about 6pm as the visitors were children, aged between three the large laminated map of Australia returning home on Monday. However and fi fteen, enjoyed four days showing all the Aboriginal Nations I received a phone call from Terry of activities organised by club which they were very interested in Kirkpatrick just after 4 to say that the members and supporters. The never having seen this map before. It boys were getting ready to do some visitors came from Brewarrina was decided that the Support Group dancing and so to get there ASAP. which, after ten years of would get this map from ANTaR and I arrived just after they had started drought, was declared a send it to the Jawoyn communities. dancing and Uncle Bob was also able natural disaster area following There were seven Elders and ten to be there in a hurry. Unfortunately recent fl ooding. young people in the group, the Elders some other people were not being very happy to talk to us even contactable and, while coming later, though the young ones were very shy. missed the dancing and singing.

Autumn 2010 3 Elimatta Understanding Indigenous Issues I have been asked to write about the So, in April 2008, nine St David’s Although not formation and functioning of a small members gained their Church Council’s claiming regular sub-group of St. David’s Uniting approval to establish an Understanding membership of the group, Church Dee Why. The group calls itself Indigenous Issues group, with the aims: Meredith’s empathy for the cause, Understanding Indigenous Issues. • to develop the group’s and church’s her experience and her insights have Since wandering into a business understanding of the Uniting been most benefi cial for the group’s meeting of the Aboriginal Support Aboriginal and Islander Christian progress. Group-Manly Warringah Pittwater Congress Jointly the Catholic, Anglican and thirteen years ago I have been • to appreciate Australian Aboriginal Uniting Churches fund and assist enriched by the dedication of its core culture and spirituality and how Nungalinya College in Darwin where members, the insights of its guest these can contribute to a more life skills and employment-empowering speakers and the generous fi nancial gentle and sustainable Australia. courses augment theological studies. support of its total membership. As Nungalinya is on our support list Talk is easy, productive action less so, our group helped stage a local fund- Also enriching has been my but a process which has helped has raising dinner recently and will assess association since 1976 with St. been to meet at 7.30am on a middle- future possibilities. David’s Uniting Church Dee Why of-the-month Saturday morning (not and its sub-groups which support much competition then!) with a self- Business is serious but members, projects such as Kaddy’s free serve breakfast, set on a sideboard. disparate in some senses though transport for people who are frail- homogenous otherwise, enjoy We have a learning segment, plan aged or wheelchair-bound, funding to robust cut and thrust but don’t take coming events, review noteworthy Mary Mackillop Institute to establish themselves too seriously. Motivations political developments and consider schools in East Timor, plus more for joining are varied. Half the church relevant new-release books for the traditional community and Mission group members belong also to the group’s self-serve library The Top Shelf. projects. In my view though, due Aboriginal Support Group-Manly partly to leadership changes, only When necessary there is a discussion Warringah Pittwater whose objectives patchy attention has been paid to about the implications of the differ somewhat. Uniting Church National Assembly’s disturbing issues facing Aboriginal All members are enjoying expanding resolution re amendments to its Australia. Opportunities to more fully their knowledge of Aboriginal Constitution preamble which includes appreciate Aboriginal culture and culture, history and events and are The First Peoples had already customs weren’t happening either. keen to encourage other folk to do encountered the Creator God before Australia’s mainstream religious similarly. Age, health (and, probably, the arrival of the colonisers; the Spirit organisations have, at national and likely skill defi ciencies) preclude already was in the land revealing God state levels, units devoted to justice hands-on involvement in Aboriginal to the people through law, custom issues and to Aboriginal wellbeing. settlements afar. However, St David’s and ceremony. The same love and However, unless a congregation has Understanding Indigenous Issues grace that was fi nally revealed in meaningful engagement with Aboriginal group provides opportunity locally Jesus Christ sustained the First people, serious Aboriginal issues are for appreciating Aboriginality and Peoples and gave them particular unlikely to receive much attention. stimulating community interest toward insights in God’s ways. Some might ask ‘Does this matter?’ closing the gap regarding health, This local involvement is against A few members of St David’s housing and education outcomes for the background that in 1985 the thought it should. For starters, our Australia’s First People. Uniting Church’s National Assembly Church building is on traditional As of puddings, the proof of our established the autonomous Uniting Aboriginal land. Compensation? What convivial monthly breakfast and Aboriginal and Islander Christian form? When? And, although well- stimulating meetings might well be in Congress with national and state intentioned, churches’ missionary their consumption. structures, an Aboriginal Church zeal over nearly two centuries has within a Church. The recommended So, why not come one morning? extensively dismantled Aboriginal preamble amendments referred to Welcome assured! No notice culture and been party to separation above are a logical extension. necessary. 7.30am on a Saturday of families. The result in many mid-month at St David’s Dee Why And why delay until 2008 for this local instances has been severe and Uniting Church (next to Dee Why group? Probably it was just that early often traumatic dysfunction and Police Station). disadvantage. 2008 saw a confl ux of some newer people at the right time, notably Confi rm dates with David 9971 4160 among them incoming minister or Grahame 9971 4348 Reverend Meredith Williams. David Harrison

Elimatta 4 ASGMWP Newsletter A GIFT TO THE NATION THE PAINTING OF LIFE November 28, 2009 was a red letter day at the National Orphan girls who were taken away Museum here in Canberra. Women of the Stolen from their families and forced to Generations from all over Australia met to gift to the melt into a white society. nation a most beautiful Namitjira painting. The Friends Lounge was fi lled to capacity and echoed A society who threw away their brushes along with laughter and tears as the Cootamundra girls shared with the colour black, to keep the canvas of times past, and the moment together. To me, it seemed life completely white. such an appropriate place for the celebration. The lounge Exclusion, missions, jails and orphanages became is where the U3A Indigenous Reading Group meets the black reality. monthly to discuss the very personal stories written by Indigenous Australians. It is in this Group many women But don’t cry a tear for us. and men have learned the ‘other’ history of their country Cry a tear for the people who cannot cry. for the fi rst time. Cry a tear for a kind and gentle man whose The event was very emotional. I sat with Jean Begg and heart reached out to ease the pain Nancy Hill Wood, two long-standing ASG members who, in 1982, told their story to help the Group understand the And gave the girls a beautiful painting. Stolen Generations. Craddock Morton, Museum Director, A painting whereby the canvas was neither addressed the gathering saying ‘….I’m sorry for what black or white we have done to you. Personally I feel deep sadness But painted in vivid, lovely colours and shame, but there is joy as well at your strength in confronting your situation and your resilience in coming for both societies to see. through it.’ He delivered a personal apology. The picture on the canvas was painted by Some of the girls remembered vividly Albert Namatjira’s Albert Namatjira. visit to the Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls’ Training Home Jean Begg in 1956. He was very touched by the girls and went back to country to paint a picture especially for them. It hung in the Home’s main dormitory. A very lovely water-colour of a gum tree set in the Centre, it is painted in Namatjira’s inimitable colours and style. The Museum presented a framed copy to each woman. The Welfare Board was dissolved in 1969. The Department of Community Services took over the Home and the painting went missing until 1994. Lola Edwards, one of the girls, recalled that she had been at a DOCS meeting leading up to the Inquiry into the Stolen Generations when the Records Manager said he Nancy Hill Wood (front) and from left, Ailsa Randall, had found the painting. It was hanging in the executive Judith Darcy and Elaine Randall meeting room. Lola recounted how she ‘almost fell over in shock when I saw it. I saw my life fl ash before me. I said, you’ve got to get it out of the welfare offi ces. There’ll be hell to pay if the girls fi nd out where it is’. She said she could Adventures across Aboriginal hear still the women’s gasps when they fi rst saw the Australia with Olympic champion painting again. In 1996 it was offi cially handed back to Cathy Freeman and actor Deborah Ms Edwards, representing the Cootamundra girls. Then Mailman. Two episodes will be it went into the Kingswood Archives in NSW for 10 years screened followed by discussion. until the women fi nally decided that they would like to give it Warringah Council and the Support Group have to the Museum in perpetuity. A wonderful gift to the nation. arranged this Seniors For Reconciliation event as part In the midst of the excitement, laughter and tears, of NSW Seniors Week. remembrances, speeches and chatting, Jean Begg scribbled out a poem which she read to the gathering, Wednesday March 31 from 10am to 11.30 and which she gave to me to share with you in the pages Warringah Council Chambers, Dee Why of Elimatta. Morning tea will be available from 9.30. FREE Bookings essential, contact Pat Frater 9971 0735 M-J Jill Perkins

Autumn 2010 5 Elimatta BOOK REVIEW TED KENNEDY: Priest of Redfern By Edmund Campion. David Lovell Publishing 2009

Ed Campion’s Campion refl ected on the relationship Chris Geraghty prayed at his funeral biography with Mum Shirl where he stated that ‘raise up an army of Kennedys… to captures the without her ‘help’ his work would have bandage the wounded, to bury the life and in some been substantially diminished. Ted dead, to share the fruits of your earth, small measure would have seen it differently. He always to protect the weak and welcome the the person that referred to Shirl as his teacher. Shirl stranger’. Ted was. I fi rst challenged the church, the state and The story of Sister Nora is not met Ted in the the values of mainstream society. She accurate and it is a shame it was seventies and challenged Ted to stand in solidarity refl ected as it is in the book. It is spent time living in the presbytery with them and listen and learn. disappointing that Campion did not with Ted, Mum Shirl, the Kooris and Ted’s insights from this magnifi cent include an index or references or men and women who had joined Ted love between two people was the interviews with Aboriginal people in the struggle for justice at Redfern. evolution of his liberation theology as who are still at St Vincent’s today. In many ways the stories from those was the life and work of Dorothy Day Ted was a man of great strength, pivotal days gave an insight into how and her theology of hospitality to the an intellectual thinker and writer, Ted’s life was turned upside down in poor. Ted was also challenged by the compassionate and loyal. his uncompromising stand with the strong feminists at St Vincent’s over His pain at the installation of the poor and his constant agitation with the years and by the late Veronica Neocatechumenal Way priests at his the church hierarchy. Green and her environmental theology. beloved St Vincent’s was a terrible Ted opened his heart and his home His liturgies were magnifi cent with blow to him. His latter years were to the broken, the ostracised, the deep refl ections on the gospel that not easy with his deteriorating health dispossessed. St Vincent’s was were always profound, challenging and he struggled emotionally with always a welcome place to those and centered on justice. His love the unfolding of events imposed by looking for solace and support. His of poetry was a gift that he often George Pell. love of Aboriginal people is legendry included as a refl ection. I believe Campion’s book is the fi rst among the Aboriginal communities His funeral was a testament to the of several. He has given an insight throughout Australia. Ted had a deep wide network that he traveled with. and a taste of the life and work of respect for the littlest of his bothers Judges, politicians, leading fi gures Ted Kennedy. There is much more and sisters and this was refl ected in in the Law, Medicine, Academics to be told and that has to be done. his great love of the radical gospels. and many priests including a handful A magnifi cent man and a great He not only formed a relationship of brother priests who loved him. friend. I loved Ted and found the with the Kooris at Redfern but knew Signifi cantly the tent on the block fl aws Campion spoke of as the their families and their history. To where he was buried from was full humaneness of Ted. For what Ted did travel with Ted was an experience in to capacity with mainly Aboriginal best was love the brokenness and that he would know people in every people. Their love for this man who fl aws of humanity. Aboriginal community the length and loved them was simply overwhelming breadth of Australia. in the emotion they shared. Rhonda Ansiewicz

Is the Stolen Generations a myth?

It seems incredible that despite the volume, The Fabrication of Aboriginal many as 50,000 Aboriginal children Bringing Them Home Report and History: the Stolen Generations, were forcibly removed in the 20th the apology by Prime Minister Kevin 1881-2008, 2009 Macleay Press, century and has himself estimated Rudd, on February 13 2008, there in which he attacks what he calls that only 8250 were placed in are still historians who seriously ‘politically motivated’ historians such institutional care. These removals question the very existence of the as Peter Read, Henry Reynolds and were almost always justifi ed; ‘Rather Stolen Generations. Foremost among political scientist, Robert Manne than attempting to destroy Aboriginal them is Keith Windschuttle who has for exaggerating and distorting culture, institutions for these children recently published another the allegedly racist and genocidal performed a temporary care function objective of government policies in for disadvantaged and dysfunctional the 1930s. He rejects claims that as families, the same as welfare Continued Page 7

Elimatta 6 ASGMWP Newsletter Is the Stolen Generations a myth? has been one of the most important fronts in the Australian History Wars. Continued from Page 6 especially Henry Reynolds, whom Windschuttle’s book is the most institutions for white children’ and he accused of misguided political ambitious statement of the right-wing that ‘rather than acting for racist motivation, though he denied that case we are ever likely to see.’ (The or genocidal reasons, government he himself had any political agenda. Monthly, February 2010, p.8) offi cers and missionaries wanted to His self-published The Fabrication Manne begins by attacking rescue children and teenagers from of Aboriginal History, Macleay Windschuttle’s inadequate research welfare settlements and makeshift Press 2002, expanded the earlier and scholarship, noting that his only camps riddled with alcoholism, controversial essay by questioning real archival work was done in New domestic violence and sexual abuse.’ the extent of settler violence against South Wales, which leaves him largely (Keith Windschuttle, ‘Flawed history Aboriginal people in Tasmania and ignorant of the evidence and practice keeps myth alive,’ The Weekend argued that their near extinction of Aboriginal child removals in other Australian January 30-31, 2010). within seventy years of colonial States since he failed to use their The other alleged myth which contact was due to their susceptibility archives. He shows no evidence of Windschuttle sets out to demolish to introduced diseases, to Aboriginal having read many relevant articles, is the notion that there was a men trading their women to white books and doctoral theses, and also government policy to remove men and to the Aboriginal people’s ignored a 40,000-word document children ‘to breed out the colour’ by non adaptive, dysfunctional culture. collection on the Stolen Generations overseeing the marriage of mixed He insisted that orthodox historians which has been available on The race Aboriginal women to white had grossly exaggerated British Monthly website. In addition he has men. Though he admits there was settler – Aboriginal clashes, but as not bothered to read any of the 340 such a proposal by the Northern well he argued there had been more Indigenous oral history testimonies Territory Chief Protector Dr Cecil killings of British settlers by Aboriginal held in the Australian National Library Cook and Chief Protector A.O. people than of Aboriginal people by nor numerous memoirs dealing with Neville in Western Australia during settlers. He was determined to prove child removal, published in recent the 1930s, he insists that it was the falsity of the so-called black-arm years by many Aboriginal authors. never given legal authority by their band view of Indigenous history which Manne regrets that ‘In Windschuttle’s ministers or parliaments, nor did Prime Minister Howard also rejected. Fabrication, Aboriginal voices are it have any connection with child A vigorous debate ensued which effectively silenced once again removal. Yet recent historians and became known as the Australian and consequently what he has commentators have persisted History Wars. In 2003, Robert provided is an apologetic pseudo- in describing this proposal as ‘a Manne edited a book of essays history of Aboriginal child removal massive exercise of social engineering critical of Windschuttle and those written almost exclusively from the and an instrument of genocide.’ He who supported him – Whitewash: removalists’ point of view’. (The singles out Professor Robert Manne On Keith Windschuttle’s Fabrication Monthly, p10) of Aboriginal History, Schwartz as one of those who maintains it was Manne deals with many false or Publishing, 2003 with contributors Commonwealth policy and says he misleading conclusions drawn by with expertise on the Tasmanians and is mistaken. Professor Robert Manne Windschuttle through his limited and their history. had responded to similar earlier selective research. The numbers of attacks on the Bringing Them Home After Windschuttle’s latest attack on child removals to institutions which he Report by right-wing commentators the notion of the Stolen Generations, calculated as being less than 9000 with a lengthy rebuttal: In Denial: The the Australian History Wars have are considerably underestimated, Stolen Generations and the Right, once again ignited and Robert Manne as he neglected evidence of the Quarterly Essay 1, 2001. has launched another counter- active policies pursued by some Windschuttle’s views gained offensive on Windschuttle’s Flawed Aboriginal Protectors such as Walter considerable media prominence, history keeps myth alive with a reply Roth in Queensland who was able to Sorry litany of misinformation in the especially in the Weekend Australian remove children from their Aboriginal during the Howard years, fi rst following weekend’s issue of The or half-caste mothers, under a law through the publication of a 35,000 Weekend Australian (February 6-7, enacted in 1865, the Industrial and word essay in three issues of the 2010) which was an abridged version Reformatory School Act under which of his longer critique Comment conservative magazine Quadrant in a Protector could charge a child with 2000, where he argued that British – Keith Windschuttle by Robert being neglected simply because of settler massacres in Tasmania were Manne which appeared in The the race of the mother. Monthly, February 2010. Manne felt largely a left-wing myth. Then he set Continued Page 8 about correcting what he alleged that Windschuttle’s latest writings were the distorted views of black should not be ignored because ‘the history held by other historians, question of the Stolen Generations

Autumn 2010 7 Elimatta Australians, it is impossible to ignore Is the Stolen Generations a myth? not merely the existence of this sad episode in our recent past, but also to Continued from Page 7 struggle over the interpretation of the see its continuing detrimental effects In conclusion Robert Manne says episode called the Stolen Generations on the many Aboriginal families ‘By contrast, because the question has provoked one of the fi ercest who suffered under past policies turns on the blind spot in the battles of the Australian History Wars.’ of enforced separation and were national psyche – the stunning Despite Keith Windschuttle’s ongoing uprooted from their loved ones, some injustice and racism meted out to the campaign to deny the Stolen never to meet with them again. Indigenous people the British settlers Generations’ existence and defend dispossessed – for twelve years the past policies towards Indigenous Ruth Fink Latukefu

REVISION OF ADVANCE JUDITH DURHAM’S AUSTRALIA FAIR ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR The launch of new multi-cultural lyrics to the tune of Advance Australia … A lyric for contemporary Australia Fair during a Cultural Concert at the Victorian College of the Arts late in Australia celebrate as one, with peace and harmony, 2009 was organised by Aboriginal Our precious water, soil and sun, grant life for you and me. opera singer Deborah Cheetham Our land abounds in nature’s gifts to love, respect and share, with support from the Wilin Centre And honouring the Dreaming, advance Australia fair. for Indigenous Arts and Cultural With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair. Development. An emotional night featuring talented Australia, let us stand as one, upon this sacred land. Aboriginal singers and musicians A new day dawns, we’re moving on to trust and understand rose to fever pitch when Judith Combine our ancient history and cultures everywhere, Durham and Kutcha Edwards To bond together for all time, advance Australia fair. sang the alternative words for Advance Australia Fair in a thrilling With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair act of national Reconciliation. This Australia, let us strive as one, to work with willing hands was followed by huge applause, Our Southern Cross will guide us on, as friends with other lands a standing ovation and jubilant repetition. While we embrace tomorrow’s world with courage, truth and care With the lyrics projected on to a large And all our actions prove the words, advance Australia fair. screen, the enthusiastic audience With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair. joined in singing heartily and sang CODA: together with passion and joy, And when this special land of ours is in our children’s care, expressing their heartfelt pride in this young country and its First Nation From shore to shore forever more, advance Australia fair heritage. With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance … Australia … fair An immediate recognition of the spirit of togetherness in this bountiful Words by Judith Durham OAM (2008), Peter Dodds McCormick (1878) country and acceptance of the Kutcha Edwards, Bill Hauritz OAM, Camilla Chance, Lou Bennett contribution by Aboriginal people was Words, Piano arrangement & Orchestration Copyright 2008 Musicoast warmly shared. (APRA> AMCOS) PO Box 555 South Yarra Victoria 3141. After an excited discussion over Any adaptation of this Lyric without the consent of the Copyright owners is supper, universally proclaiming the an Infringement of Copyright. The performance of any parodied version is merits of our much improved National expressly prohibited. Anthem, people headed for home singing in the street. The Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Elimatta featured the lyrics of Advance Rob Martin (Victoria) Australia Fair by Peter Dodds McCormack with the Dharug (Darug) translation by linguist and teacher Richard Green.

Continued Page 9

Elimatta 8 ASGMWP Newsletter Continued from Page 8 courtesy Qantas WIRADJURI Also in that issue next to the words of Advance Australia Fair was an article about the new Qantas LANGUAGE promotion. Additional information follows: RESOURCES Peter Allen’s hit and Qantas theme song ‘I Still Call Orange Aboriginal Land Australia Home’ has been given an Indigenous Council has launched a CD makeover in the new Qantas TV ad: it is sung in Kala Lagaw Ya, the language of and booklet about the local Mabuiag and other Western and Central Torres Strait islands. Wiradjuri language. Girinyalanha Ngoey rangadhau lag ubika udaigi Wiradjuridya or Talk Together – I travel from home with this feeling of being free will be a teaching resource for Goeyga mul kalanu uzari schools, TAFE and community – the sun is over the water as I leave it behind members interested in learning Ngau ngannakap ina ukar sikau kuthanu the Wiradjuri language. – my heart lies waiting over the foam Its objective is to encourage Ngau inab lag Australia mudh – my home is Australia. greater participation rates in Wiradjuri language programs Permission to use the language was granted by Adhi Dimple Bani, a chief of the in Orange which have been Wagadagam tribe on Mabuiag Island, who are custodians of the dialect. Kala Lagaw Ya is one of the healthier Indigenous languages in Australia with between 3000 and running for three years. Since 4000 speakers. the introduction of the language Reprinted from Voice of the Land, newsletter of Federation for Aboriginal and Torres program fi ve Orange schools Strait Islander Languages (FATSIL) with the authority of linguist Rev Elder Patrick have added Wiradjuri classes to Whop, a language custodian of the Kala Lagua Ya Mabuiag dialect. their curriculums.

LIVING LANGUAGES – FESTIVAL 2010

Living Languages is the theme of this the tenth Guringai Festival, a celebration of Aboriginal culture and heritage across the Northern Sydney region. Listed below are festival events on the Northern Beaches.

May 21–Jun 13 Saltwater Country, an exhibition by photographer Sally Mayman and painter Dale Kentwell in collaboration with people of the Dampier Peninsula exploring their connection to country. Manly Art Gallery & Museum: 9976 1420 www.manly.nsw.gov.au/gallery Sat May 22 Special Events at Glen Street Theatre, corner Blackbutts Road and Glen Street, Belrose 11am - Forum: The Future of Indigenous Performing Arts 2 pm - PAGE 8 - A moving story about David Page’s life. Special Guringai Community tickets $25 3.45 pm - Offi cial Launch and Cocktail Party For more information about these Warringah Council events contact Janine Turnbull 9942 2502 Sun May 30 Sorry Day Commemoration – Meet members of the Support Group and friends at 2.30pm at Berry Reserve, Narrabeen for Welcome to Country then Remembrance walk to Bilarong Scout Hall, Wakehurst Parkway, arriving 3pm. An opportunity to come together to learn and have fun. Entertainment, Aboriginal speakers, bead making and sausage sizzle. FREE. Contact Clair Jackson 9913 992 Wed June 16 Fire Talker, a documentary about Aboriginal political activist Dr Charles Perkins aka Charlie Perkins who led the Freedom Rides in the 1970s, will be screened by the Support Group at Collaroy Cinema. Made in 2009, this biopic is directed by Ivan Sen and narrated by Rachel Perkins. 10am Gold coin donation to The Charlie Perkins Trust for Children and Students. This event is made possible with the support of the Mustaca Family of Collaroy Cinema. Enquiries: Lizzie Landers 9918 2594 Sun June 20 Living Language discussion with damper around the campfi re at St Anthony in the Fields, Terrey Hills. 10.30 - 2pm. Admission by donation. Contact Anne Lanyon 0408 279 871 Mon July 12 Aboriginal Heritage in the Guringai Area with Guest Speaker David Watts, Manager, Aboriginal Heritage Offi ce, and staff will present an outline of the work of the AHO within eight of the Guringai Northern Sydney councils. Mona Vale Memorial Hall next to Pittwater Library. Aboriginal Support Group festival event. 7.30pm. Enquiries: Lizzie Landers 9918 2594. FREE.

For further information visit www.guringaifestival.com.au. Programs will be available prior to the festival.

Autumn 2010 9 Elimatta NSW RECONCILIATION CONFERENCE 14.11.2009

SPEAKERS: • further criticism received for requirement of gender 1 Professor Larissa Behrendt balance (but this is justifi ed taking into account the role (Director of Research, Jumbunna House of Learning, of women in culture) University of Technology Sydney) • currently waiting for government response to Setting the scene: An overview of current issues in recommendations Aboriginal affairs • meeting of committee of 12 people to fi nalise the last Intervention: technical/legal details of the selection process for the interim board • recent report shows social economic downturn in the NT • next steps: selection of interim board (can be done soon), then national congress > fi rst representative • recent research by Jumbunna shows that people feel board very little positive change as result of the intervention but feel very heavily the negative impacts • details of new structure are very complex Report as result of the human rights consultations: • further information (including details from the meeting) available from HEROC Very unhappy about the results in relation to www.humanrights. Indigenous rights: gov.au/social_justice/repbody/index.html • report states that not enough Indigenous people 3 Priscilla Brice-Weller came to the consultations to talk to the commission; (Campaign Manager, ANTaR) therefore hard to fi nd out what the issues are – this Digital Media: Building the peoples movement online shows a lack of understanding how consultations for Reconciliation with Indigenous people work • how ANTaR was/is using digital media • observation in the report: Australians are in general • Sea of Hands online rather unhappy about Indigenous rights; the mandate of the commission is to make popular • goals of online campaigns: clear purpose, suggestions – therefore Indigenous rights were not understanding our target, willingness to experiment, put on the table using a variety of tools • for some of the concepts of Indigenous rights • facebook important for ANTaR (good relation the Indigenous people didn’t give a clear enough between effort and effect) example about what the issue is, therefore these • example: respect campaign www.antar.org.au/ rights could not be protected – when asking an respect average Australian about his right to privacy: will 15,000 people signed up.Feedback showed that he/she provide a precise defi nition? Would anybody some people felt the campaign was offensive take this as a reason to deny the right of privacy? • current campaign: a better way (on NT Intervention) • The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous People – see www.antar.org.au/issues_and_campaigns/ is the only international instrument on human rights nt_intervention NOT included in the list of instruments that could 4 Program change: Brian Dowd form the content of a Charter of Rights. (General Manager, Black on Track) 2 Jason Glanville Getting to Know ‘Black on Track’ (CEO, National Indigenous Centre for Excellence) • small grassroots Indigenous independent An Exploration of the New National Indigenous organisation based originally in Newcastle Representative Body • provides several programs in the area of self-healing, • general acceptance of the new body from empowerment, education support, motivation, community is good community development • heavy criticism received for ethic council (but this is • in 6 years 750 participants, 99% completion rate intended to set standards for others) Continued on Page 11

Elimatta 10 ASGMWP Newsletter Continued from Page 10 REGIONAL RECONCILIATION • currently struggling fi nancially for survival (last engagement 3 months ago, big government NETWORK organisations say they have no money) The Support Group is a member of the further information: www.blackontrack.com.au Reconciliation Network: Northern Sydney Region (RN:NSR) which is the newly adopted name 5 Gregory Andrews for the regional network of local Reconciliation (CEO, Indigenous Community Volunteers) groups. The Network meets bi-monthly in • getting proposals for projects from communities different local government areas. • searching for volunteers to realise projects The recent AGM was hosted by the Support • politically very close to government Group at the Coastal Environment Centre thanks to the support of Pittwater Council who • quite huge budget also provided a delicious lunch. Contact Kerrie • further information: www.icv.com.au McKenzie 9428 1197 for further information. In the evening Samson and Delilah was screened followed by Q&A with writer and director Warwick Thornton. 2010 NATIONALNA L NAIDOCAIDDO WEWEEKEK NSW RECONCILIATION COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 15.11.09 NAIDOCIDO WeeWeek will bee celebratedcele aeddf fromm SuSundayday Reports: Julyuly 4 to 111. Thisis yyear’s • looking at new technology to attract younger people. themethem is UnsungU ung Heroeseroess – ClosingClos ng tthe Gapap by • schools initiative to raising awareness, includes Leadingding Their Way.y. competitions (eg postcard design, songwriting), Many unsungunsun AboAboriginalnal anand presentations by schools in Reconciliation Week. Torres StStrait Islanderr peopeople havhaveem made hugee • small grants program revived; applications must be contributionscontrib s to AAustralian society.ocie UnsungUns sent by end of January. Heroesroe recognisesgnise the part playedayed by tthehe qquiet Elections: achieversac in thehe InIndigenousgeno community.mmu • for almost all posts there was only one (or no) TheTh thememe asasserts Indigenousndige ownershipnersh p of candidate; most of the posts without a nominated closing thehe gagap. The gapgaps that needdto to be clclosedsed candidate were fi lled by spontaneous nominations includein ggaps betweentween Indigenousgenou and non-on- from the fl oor. IndigenousIn nous Australiansalians andd gaps in knowledgedge and understanding.ders Other motions: NominationsNo ons for the 202010 Nationalational NAIDNAIDOCOC • endorsement of the planned national protest on AwardsAw close on Fridayday AApril 30. ThThee awawardss 13.2.10 see www.stoptheintervention.org.au provide the oopportunityunity fofor Aboriginalinal and Torresorres • support for Indigenous people on the coasts trying to Strait Islander ppeople to be rerecognisednise foror ththe get/keep fi shing rights. differencediffere theyey mamake in the livlives of otothers. Technical problems and complex legal procedures Furtherher informationmatio visit www.naidoc.org.auaid .orgg u caused a huge delay, therefore the working groups had to be shortened. Working groups discussed (very briefl y) • Aboriginal fl ag as third fl ag on the Sydney Harbour WordStorm, The Festival of Australasian Writing will Bridge (broad agreement for this idea) be held in Darwin from May 13 to 16. This event has • NSW Reconciliation Week Theme 2010 cemented a unique place in Australia’s writers’ festival • Building membership including working with schools scene with its strong focus on Indigenous and South East Asian writers. Hans-Josef Mauve On May 12 and 13, to coincide with WordStorm, will be the Indigenous Writers and Eduators Conference.The FATSIL Young Indigenous Writers Initiative aim is to talk about what’s working and what’s not in the If you are an Indigenous person between the age of Indigenous writing industry and to provide professional 16 and 35, have a passion for writing and interest in development and a network opportunity for Indigenous language and culture, you are eligible to apply for the writers and educators. Young Indigenous Writers Initiative. For further information visit Please email [email protected] to register your www.ntwriters.com.au interest.

Autumn 2010 11 Elimatta ✎ Coming Activities details at www.asgmwp.net Wednesday March 31 GOING BUSH, a road trip with Cathy Freeman and Deborah Mailman, will be screened at the Warringah Council Chambers. 10am to 11.30. FREE. Details on page 5. Monday April 12 ASG Business Meeting at Mona Vale Memorial Hall next to Pittwater Library. 7.30pm. ALL WELCOME. Enquiries: Anna 9913 7940. Monday May 10 ASG Information Night – AUTHOR TALK with Max Dulumunmun Harrison, an Elder of the Yuin people. Uncle Max will share his cultural knowledge and wisdom. Copies of his recent book My People’s Dreaming (cost $40) will be available on the night. Mona Vale Memorial Hall. 7.30pm. FREE. Enquiries: Lizzie 9918 2594. Saturday May 22 GURINGAI FESTIVAL SPECIAL EVENTS at Glen Street Theatre, Belrose. Details on Page 9. Wednesday May 26 NATIONAL SORRY DAY May 27 to June 4 RECONCILIATION WEEK – the theme is Reconciliation: The Road Ahead Sunday May 30 SORRY DAY commemoration with the Support Group at Bilarong Reserve North Narrabeen. Join the walk from Berry Reserve at 2.30pm. Details on Page 9. THERE WILL BE NO ASG BUSINESS MEETING IN JUNE DUE TO THE LONG WEEKEND Wednesday June 16 FIRE TALKER, a documentary about Dr Charles Perkins, Aboriginal political activist. Collaroy Cinema, Collaroy Beach 10am. Details on Page 9. Sunday June 20 LIVING LANGUAGE at St Anthony in the Fields, Terrey Hills. Details on Page 9. July 4 to July 11 NATIONAL NAIDOC WEEK – Details on Page 11. Monday July 12 ABORIGINAL HERITAGE IN THE GURINGAI AREA – Guest Speaker David Watts, Aboriginal Heritage Offi cer. 7.30pm. Mona Vale Memorial Hall. Details on Page 9

Congratulations to An Invitation to join us Aboriginal Support Group Alanna Raymond for her excellent HSC results and Manly Warringah Pittwater her acceptance by University of Technology, Sydney Founded 1979 – Kuring-gai Campus for primary school teaching. Membership is $25 per year Rachel Perkins, director of Bran Nue Dae. Since its (02) 9913 7940 (02) 9982 1685 January release, Bran Nue Dae has become Australia’s most commercially successful fi lm with an Aboriginal P.O. Box 129 NARRABEEN NSW 2101 theme. Set in 1965 it is a joyous coming-of-age story www.asgmwp.net that never takes itself too seriously. Toe-tapping music. Great entertainment. Uncle Bob Waterer who has been honoured with a Elimatta is the newsletter of the Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah 2010 NSW Seniors Week Achievement Award. Bob, Pittwater. a valued and highly respected member of the Support Articles are welcome with the understanding that editorial changes may be made and that contributors agree that the material will be archived by the National Library Group, is the only known sixth generation Guringai of Australia. person living on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Since Contributors to Elimatta are from many different cultures and backgrounds. Views discovering his Aboriginal heritage in 2005 he has expressed are not necessarily those of the Editors or members of the ASG. Please email articles where possible to [email protected] volunteered his time unstintingly to speak to schools, If you use any of the material it would be appreciated if the extract is set in context community groups, businesses and government and the source acknowledged. organisations creating awareness and a growing understanding of Australia’s Aboriginal heritage. Editorial: Anna Bell and Pat Frater Proof Reader: Carol Gerrard Graphic Design: Mark Ansiewicz: (02) 9979-9112 Distribution: Jackie O’Hare, Anna Bell, Pat Fisher, Helen and Alan Ford, Carol Gerrard, Clair Jackson, Suzen Meagher, Marcia Rutter, Don and Pat Frater.

Elimatta 12 ASGMWP Newsletter Autumn 2010