www.asgmwp.net Spring 2005
ABORIGINAL HERITAGE “The very ink with which all history is My frustration grew from seeing what little it is all around them. The simple fact that written is merely fluid prejudice” respect a lot of people in Sydney had Aboriginal people lived here whilst – Mark Twain. towards what is perhaps the largest Neanderthal man was dragging his outdoor rock art gallery in the world. knuckles all over Europe and that I have worked in the protection of Councils re-engraving ancient rock art with Aboriginal people had a rich and spiritual Aboriginal Sites on the North Shore for jack hammers so local white fellas could culture, which still exists today, is still little many years now and have found and met see the black graffiti a little clearer. appreciated by most people. some of the most beautiful people during my time. One of those people I married Things have changed on the North side Two steps forward and one step back is and have found happiness and peace for and people’s minds are expanding and often the case for all of us either as my children and myself. It is truly amazing absorbing the truth. members of support groups, reconciliation the time and effort that people, both groups or Aboriginal people. We have over “The difficulty lies, not in the new ideas, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, commit in the past as a community achieved so but escaping the old ones, which ramify, the daily struggle for Aboriginal rights. The much and accomplished goals never for those brought up as most of us have Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah thought possible. With achievement in been, into every corner of our minds”. Pittwater does fantastic work and is a mind, belief and respect grow and there is – John Maynard Keynes. blessing. I guess I gained a light at the end of the tunnel reputation early on as being for our efforts and sacrifices. cranky and unforgiving with I do believe as individuals some people. Those who coming together as one we know me know that I am very can achieve our common passionate about my work. goals and objectives. United we stand and let us never be Being passionate about work divided. does have a price and personally I have paid that I have been blessed with price when it revolves around some wonderful and kind Aboriginal issues. people to be able to work with in Sydney. Phil Hunt, an Looking back over the past archaeologist from Canberra years of my working life as an and part-time hippy, Aboriginal Heritage Officer sacrificed his own time to try sends a shiver up my spine. and encourage Aboriginal Just thinking about how I first Sites protection. felt when I took the plunge into this type of work. The Continued Page 2 feelings of anger, hurt, Vicki and David Watts resentment, frustration and the struggle people endure just to protect The wonderful part of my work is being evidence of the past and present life of able to talk to groups and inform them Aboriginal Sydney. about what is Aboriginal Heritage and that
Spring 2005 1 ELIMATTA Aboriginal Heritage opinion if you just stepped off the boat program at local government level. The Continued from Page 1 yesterday. It’s up to all of us to bring about success of the Office is due to many change for the better in preserving a living individuals’ continued belief and support There are so many Government agencies culture past and present. within Councils and community members, set up to protect Australian resources like like the Support Group. It has also been I congratulate and appreciate people who Fisheries, Heritage, Parks, Flora and successful because the public are in this busy life we all lead today are Fauna, but the protection of Aboriginal interested and want to learn more. Sites and Culture and the evidence of the spending some energy and time in trying past is left to the National Parks & Wildlife to learn and understand more about what I hope people continue to show an interest to handle (now the Department of surrounds them. Also thanks to the many in Aboriginal issues and their local area Environment and Conservation – DEC). The people devoted to reconciliation and being and, through their desire to learn and amount of resources allocated to the part of the struggle. share, that they can help make a future free of ignorance and prejudice. NP&WS is a pittance compared to other While Aboriginal Sites are (supposedly) agencies. protected under the National Parks and In The Struggle Aboriginal Culture and Heritage is not Wildlife Act 1974, which is administered David Watts something that can be given a second by the Aboriginal Heritage Division of the Aboriginal Heritage Manager thought anymore. It is endangered and is DEC, it is at the local government level Lane Cove, Manly, North Sydney, threatened by the very Act that is there to where most decisions are made that are Warringah and Willoughby Councils protect it. The NP&WS is, in my opinion, likely to affect Aboriginal Sites. PH. 02 9949 9882 under resourced to cope with protecting Councils are the owners and managers of Heritage and lacks a spine legally. parks and reserves that contain many When a part of the oldest living culture on Aboriginal Sites. They also have a direct THIS earth today can be destroyed with a simple role in planning and development decisions signature from the Director General, and that can effect the identification and GURINGAI this happens way too often, then its time survival of Aboriginal Sites. Councils also LAND to say no more to this. have more direct interaction with the local community which is important in public This land is our land – White man’s Culture and Heritage cannot awareness and education purposes. The Yours, mine! be signed off on so why do the Australian day-to-day decisions and actions taken by Your dreaming, spirituality, people allow this to happen? I guess it’s a Councils therefore can have a much Language, culture, simple answer – they don’t know about it. greater influence on the Aboriginal Underlay my rootless presence. So much is hidden about Aboriginal Heritage in these locations than state This land of countless, curving Culture and Heritage that it’s something government agencies. beaches, that actually scares people when you awesome cliffs, rugged bushland, mention it. The first thing they think about The Aboriginal Heritage Office is important is my joy and refuge. is land rights and the silly misconceptions as it is giving greater attention to the It is your heritage. about Aboriginal Australia which have nearly 500 recorded Sites in these four existed for too long. Five Councils have council areas and raising awareness Before time, taken a huge step towards protecting among the public in ways that have always your people lived in this paradise. Aboriginal Heritage on the North Shore of been dreamed of by those working in the In my time, Sydney. Almost six years ago four Councils area but never before achieved. Many in our time – North Sydney, Willoughby, Lane Cove other Councils have expressed interest in your endless struggle for justice and Warringah Councils – committed the Aboriginal Heritage Office but as yet is also my commitment themselves by employing an Aboriginal have not had the opportunity to implement to work for righteousness. their own program. The AHO is therefore a Heritage Officer. Manly Council followed six This land is our land – months ago and we all hope that the other role model for other Councils and the programs that it initiates can be used as Yours and mine, Councils will follow shortly. The Aboriginal to respect, Sites that exist here are such an important arguments by Councils to support their own AHOs, as well as a guide on what to nurture, part of our Heritage, a record into the past to hold in trust before European invasion and an insight programs can be set up by them. I am grateful to the four Councils for having the for generations to come – into what this wonderful country was and Yours and mine! still is today. It doesn’t matter in my courage to be the first to initiate such a Jill Perkins
Spring 2005 2 ELIMATTA WEBSITE UPDATE – New Resources Section www.asgmwp.net
If you’re looking for almost anything about Indigenous Australia, • Films – contains a comprehensive list of films and then make sure the Resources section of our website documentaries about Indigenous Australia and the issues of www.asgmwp.net is your first port of call. reconciliation faced by all Australians. The Resources Section has recently been updated and redesigned at www.asgmwp.net/Resources.htm. • Web Resources – this section contains so much information A great deal more content has been added and the redesign that it is sorted under twelve headings to help make it easier means it should be easier to find. to find. Headings include Government and Land Councils, Culture and Heritage, Health, Human Rights and Legal, There are four main sections: Protocol and more... • Sydney’s Northern Beaches – a comprehensive section includes Local Government, Aboriginal Organisations, If you are looking for something in particular, containing a Community Action and Printed Resources. particular word, then simply press the keys ‘Control’ + ‘F’ to access the Find function and type in your word. • Printed Resources – lists over 80 printed publications on Indigenous issues. Your feedback is always welcome, so if you have any questions or comments about the website and the new Resources Section please email me at [email protected].
Vanessa Walsh
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait These draw attention to the plight of the Graeme concluded “We must work as hard Islander Ecumenical Commission poor overseas, yet Graeme stressed that for our own poor and Make Indigenous (NATSIEC) is the peak ecumenical poverty in Australia is a very real and Poverty History by 2015.” Indigenous body in Australia. It is part debilitating issue for too many of the The campaign was launched on November of the National Council of Churches in Traditional Owners of this land. “Here in 2 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Australia and all members of NATSIEC Australia we must compare the living are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander standards and levels of health and well For further information see the website peoples. being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait www.ncca.org.au/natsiec/miph Islander Peoples with those of the rest of or telephone 9299 2215. Graeme Mundine, Executive Secretary of Australia – not to the poorest of the NATSIEC, was guest speaker at the world’s poor” Graeme said. Northern Sydney Regional Reconciliation Network meeting held on September 12 The Make Indigenous Poverty History The 2005 Winter and Spring issues at Warringah Civic Centre. campaign is about the right for Indigenous of Elimatta are supported by Australians to enjoy the same standard of Graeme spoke about the Millenium living, health and life expectations, Development Goals that aim to reduce employment and economic opportunities poverty and promote human rights and as all Australians and to be full and democratic governance at both national functioning citizens of this country. and global levels.
Spring 2005 3 ELIMATTA INFORMATION NIGHTS
qualities that are the pre-requisite for reconciliation. Art will help us do that. It will contribute to the re-shaping of our culture. A Reflection on the Presentation But especially telling were the scenes And the Support Group continues to keep by Dr. Mark Byrne at the August from Australian Rules. White domination that longing for those qualities alive. Support Group Information Night. of Aboriginal people in the context of a small town environment, expressed Grahame Ellis I wished I had my dictionary with me. Dr. through a game, brought home to us the Mark Byrne of the Uniya Jesuit Social realities of our past. And that not too Justice Centre asked us “ what do you distant. Tensions are still experienced and understand by the word reconciliation?” grief a daily emotion. And thankfully there ACKNOWLEDGING All I could think of was ‘conciliation’ and is still courage like that of the son who SPECIAL FUNDING FOR of the time when I expected someone to eye-balled his father. In that moment of be more conciliatory towards me. We face to face confrontation, although THE WORK OF ASG MWP might have even become friends. Then I preceded by violence, the non-conciliatory realised that the dictionary would not attitude knew it was defeated. It was The Cara Storm Memorial Trust has been have been much help. My experience nothing more than a puff of dust on a established following a bequest to the gave me all I needed to know at that country road, the result of spinning car Aboriginal Support Group from the estate moment… And the answers to Dr. tyres in a bit of dirt. of the late Cara Storm. Cara was an Byrne’s question were more than active and dedicated member of the That hopeful image did not minimise the adequate as we, as a group, developed a group, an enthusiastic and skilled letter difficulties associated with the task at good working definition of reconciliation. writer with a passionate commitment to hand. Acknowledgement was made of the social justice. Her gift will be used What I was not prepared for was his long path that still needs to be taken. In annually to support Indigenous people statement that reconciliation was a this context a member of the audience and programs. cultural and artistic process. Although I made reference to the fact that Australia A donation has been received from the had experienced some cultural and had just become part of ASEAN. The Manly Warringah Branch of the Union of artistic aspects of Aboriginal life I had not implication was that only now Australia Australian Women. thought about reconciliation as being a saw itself no longer identified by a White process of culture and art. Without Australia Policy but had started to see Manly Council has given funding to the labouring the point we then had the itself as truly part of Asia. It has taken Group for the promotion of special events opportunity to look at the artistic medium ages for that to happen. But it did such as the Journey of Healing next May. of film which highlighted the cultural happen. It is happening. Two grants are covering the publication dimension of reconciliation. of Elimatta – from Warringah Council for One day that same conciliatory attitude the 2005 Winter and Spring issues and In one sense it was a trip down memory will prevail within Australia when a white from Dee Why RSL for all 2006 issues. lane as we cast our minds back to the population will no longer identify itself times when we saw Jedda, Walkabout, against the Aboriginal community but Funding has also been received from The Chant of Billy Blacksmith. There was both together will claim a common Pittwater RSL for Information Nights a reference to Crocodile Dundee. And I was humanity. One day. including the purchase of videos. amazed at my ability to recall the pain I Forestville RSL has given, through the The stated purpose of the evening was to felt when I first saw One Night the Moon. Support Group, a 2005 Youth Grant to look at the way in which film, as an art Biala Aboriginal Girls’ Hostel at Allambie Our memories were stimulated as Dr. form, had been used to express and bring Heights. Byrne gave us his objective and about change in relationships between thoughtful summaries of the films, Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Australia. This financial assistance is greatly augmented by audience participation. It The evening achieved that and much appreciated. was not long before we all understood more. As a result of Dr. Byrne’s leadership that reconciliation was a cultural and and the participation of the group there artistic process. was a readiness to long for those Thankyou!
Spring 2005 4 ELIMATTA SYNDROME X THE PLAGUE THREATENING THE HEALTH OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST CONTINUOUS CULTURE
This address was given by Jeff McMullen, hopelessness. The Menzies School of should be given the opportunity to lead a the Director of swimming legend Ian Health Research together with a similar healthy and fulfilling life and his Fountain Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth Trust, to a American Institution found the connection for Youth has recognised the urgent need packed hall at the September InformationXbetween places of great stress and poverty to improve the health and education of Night at the Nelson Heather Centre, North and the birth of underweight babies whose Indigenous children and has taken up a Narrabeen. Jeff receives no financial health outcomes never catch up to normal long term commitment to achieve this. The remuneration for this position but it soon weight babies and leave them organisation is working with various became clear as he spoke that this work handicapped for life with Syndrome X. partners to improve maternal and child he was doing gave him deep satisfaction. health and literacy, giving Indigenous The Fountain for Youth Trust is currently He is also a writer, film-maker and children the same opportunities afforded to concentrating on assisting the Jawoyn journalist who said that his world all children. Fountain for Youth supports people in the Northern Territory where wandering sharpened his interest in the the Australian Readers’ Challenge which many people have been found to be world’s oldest continuing culture in his own aims to raise money to purchase books malnourished following decades of having back yard. Jeff and his family have made and to encourage a love of reading in only the poorest European diet available to many friends among Aboriginal people as Indigenous communities where literacy them. Many mothers still do not a result of their long years of interest in rates are very low compared to the rest of understand the adverse effect that habits and respect for the culture. Australia. such as smoking have on their babies. Jeff expressed concern that there is a Aboriginal Elders are aware and concerned Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth can be silent apartheid operating in Australia that their communities do not receive contacted via: whereby many non-Indigenous Australians services equal to those enjoyed by other PO Box 402, do not regard Aborigines as their fellow Australians and realise that education is Manly NSW 1655. citizens deserving of the same high level of the key to getting jobs with reasonable pay Carol Gerrard services such as education and health and escaping the dire effects of poverty. enjoyed by the wider community. The Unfortunately to date, the education ✐ majority of Australians tend to view the offered to Aborigines often has little poor health of Aboriginal adults and relevance for them. Books need to show children as their problem and not an Aboriginal faces so the children can relate Australian problem and Jeff issued the to them and many more teachers need to challenge to everyone to become involved learn Aboriginal languages and creole in and to make a difference. The median order to communicate effectively. It has MEMBERSHIP lifespan for Aborigines is 56 years whereas been found that those teachers who do for the wider community it is 83 years for take the trouble to learn language achieve SUBSCRIPTIONS women and 78 years for men. much better results. Jeff stated that if you improve the education of the young 2005/06 annual subscriptions are The reason for the premature deaths of mother, you will extend the life of her first becoming ‘overdue’. If you have not Aboriginal people and other powerless and born by at least four years. recently paid would you please mail poverty stricken people in the world is your cheque with payment slip ASAP. called Syndrome X and includes conditions Fountain for Youth was launched in 2000 This will avoid the cost of mailing such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney by the Prime Minister and is a non-profit reminder notices Enquiries to the disease. There are endless funeral charitable organisation for the purpose of Treasurer David Harrison 9971 4160. processions in Aboriginal communities so alleviation and treatment of illness and Thankyou. children experience continual deaths which disease in children under the age of often leads to depression and feelings of twenty. Ian Thorpe believes that all children
Spring 2005 5 ELIMATTA LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS
LAUNCH OF INDIGENOUS sensitivity and awareness are reflected in Congratulations to Cr Denise Wilton,a SCULPTURES his use of recycled material as the wooden member of Mosman Reconciliation who logs for the sculptures were from trees was elected Mayor of Mosman at the that have been removed from the local September elections. area and would simply have been discarded.” As Councillor of Mosman Council and with the backing of Mosman Reconciliation, Haurama, in his early 30s, has already had Denise was instrumental in having the his work widely recognised by galleries Aboriginal flag fly some 300 plus days a across Sydney, including Salmon Galleries year outside Council Chambers as well as in McMahons Point and Ulladulla Aboriginal the Acknowledgement of Country before all Art Gallery in Circular Quay. Shane says meetings. “the style of figures follow those of the Manubada tribe of Yule Island, which is Mosman Reconciliation and Denise are still located between Cape York and Papua endeavouring to have an Aboriginal New Guinea.” Heritage Officer employed by Council. Narelle Spooner A motion – “That Council request the Community Development Manager to Planning for the 2006 Guringai Festival is prepare a report into possible additional underway with Manly Council designing and funding options above and beyond the producing the program brochures. Did you $5000 allocated for the implementation of Shane Haurama with the sculptures know that Manly was the first Council on the Aboriginal Heritage Study of the Photo courtesy North Sydney Council the peninsula – perhaps even further afield Mosman LGA on the management and – to fly the Aboriginal flag? That was on conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage North Sydney Council’s first Indigenous Sunday July 5 1992, following the formation values in Mosman.” was carried artworks were unveiled on Saturday 17 of the Manly NAIDOC Committee, later to unanimously. become MATSIC. From this was born, in September at Kesterton Park, Neutral Frennie Beytagh Bay.The sculptures – Manubada Haurama 2001, the Guringai Festival. That year’s and Abia Haurama – were created by theme was Footprints On The Peninsula Lane Cove Council has won the Council Indigenous artist Shane Haurama and and for the first three years the festival was of the Year Award at the annual NSW Local depict a fisherman and fisherwoman. They celebrated in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater. Government Aboriginal Network ceremony were commissioned as part of this year’s In 2004 it was expanded to include six held in Wagga Wagga in July. The Council Guringai Festival Belonging: People and other Councils within Guringai Country. has worked in joint partnerships with Lane Place. The festival, organised by Northern Pat Frater. Cove Residents for Reconciliation, the Sydney councils, celebrates Indigenous Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, arts and culture with a range of events and Hornsby Area Residents for local Aboriginal representatives, Lane Cove exhibitions across the region. Reconciliation and Hornsby Shire Historical Society and many schools and Council have added signs acknowledging community groups. North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery, said Traditional Lands to four roadside signs she was delighted to be unveiling the welcoming motorists to Hornsby Shire. The Mayor of Lane Cove, Cr Ian works. “This is a most appropriate home Signs at the Hornsby Shire border on Longbottom, said “As leaders in our for these particular works, being right at Epping Road at Epping, Castle Hill Road at community, we have taken steps forward the water’s edge and close to Kirribilli, Castle Hill, Comenara Parkway at by presenting information and local history Aboriginal for good fishing spot”. The Thornleigh and Edgeworth David Avenue at from a shared perspective and in so doing, Mayor said she was pleased that at last Waitara remind thousands of passing have been able to pay sincere tribute and North Sydney has a permanent motorists that they are entering “Traditional respect for the Traditional Owners – the contemporary fixture to represent the Land of the Darug and Guringai Peoples”. Cameraygal People.” original occupiers of the land. Kerrie McKenzie Funding has allowed only four signs to “I hope that we’ll see more Indigenous date. We hope funds can be found later for Continued Page 7 artwork around North Sydney in the not too signs at other shire entry points. distant future” she said. “Shane’s Bob White
Spring 2005 6 ELIMATTA Local Government News the crowd following the signing ceremony. and the benefits to the local area from Continued from Page 6 Kathryn Ridley involvement in this program. David Watts, the Aboriginal Heritage Manager, will be Willoughby City Council signed the Pittwater Council is developing a Cultural conducting an information tour of Principles of Co-operation with the Plan. Vanessa Walsh and Jan Kirk, Aboriginal sites in the Ku-ring-gai area for Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council members of the Support Group, attended relevant Council staff to assist in preparing on October 19. At the official ceremony one of the meetings held in October to the report. which was held in the Council Chambers explore the views of the community on a The Young Australia Workshop recently Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly emphasised range of cultural issues. the importance of addressing Aboriginal conducted an Aboriginal program for issues at the local level. One recommendation made was for Council's Family Day Care Scheme Council to install signs acknowledging that involving 50 children and carers. The “The agreement is particularly important Pittwater is in Guringai Country. program provided an introduction to as the North Shore was once home to the Jan Kirk Aboriginal culture through dance, stories Cammeraygal people. Willoughby has more and the didgeridoo. than 80 known significant Aboriginal sites, Ku-ring-gai Council staff are currently in including rock and cave engravings." The Vacation Activity Program also the process of preparing a report to go to incorporates multicultural activities in all its Metro Land Council Chairman Rob Welsh Council regarding participating in the program activities. The recently conducted said he was confident the agreement Aboriginal Heritage Office Program. September-October Program incorporated would promote a greater understanding of Representatives of the Aboriginal Heritage an Aboriginal theme including making of Aboriginal culture and history among the Office recently made a presentation to didgeridoos. local community. Yidaki Didg and Dance Council's Senior Management Team Danny Houseas performed a series of traditional dances for outlining the various activities undertaken
CONNEXIONS IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION - a project that links young people in Brewarrina and Warringah held at Manly Vale Community Centre and Brewarrina Visitor Information Centre in October and November.
The Connexion in Time photography exhibition of the work of Bianca Peters’ loving photograph of her little brother set on a young people from country town and city suburb – Brewarrina beautifully textured twig-strewn sandy slope is a masterful work. and Warringah – truly reflects its title, with creative young Another Bre student, Megan Kelly submitted a photograph, which photographers depicting their “was an accident” but, in lives and intimate home showing the sun-lit golden place, as well as their wider hair and translucently-lit ear living spaces, in present time. of a friend, it was reminiscent of an ancient sculpting of The Landscape studies by Winged Victory. seaside-living Michael Cooper and by Brewarrina student I regret that space must Samantha Gordon – the first curtail more individual a dawn study of a typical references, but overall the seascape, the second a exhibition was a joyous dramatic landscape of a red experience – the excellence rock-topped sand hill – of technique, the imaginative seemed to me to reveal a choice of subjects and a quite passionate understanding for their home places, in times of special delight – the frank, at times droll, notes the students poetic significance – at dawn and sunset. wrote about their works. The ‘connexions in immediate time’ with family and friends was Thanks to Brewarrina and Warringah Councils for the collabor- shown through loving, quirky and at times touchingly frank ation which brought such an accomplished and inspiring photographs. exhibition to Warringah. Enid McIlraith
Spring 2005 7 ELIMATTA NORTHERN SYDNEY ABORIGINAL CULTURAL FAMILY DAY The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council held a Cultural Family Day on Sunday 25 September at James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why Beach. It was a beautiful sunny day with around 30 Indigenous people attending, sitting around meeting other community members and having a yarn. The smell of steak, snags and fresh sea breeze with a band playing nearby set a beautiful scene for what was a terrific family day. Fun was had by all, with the youngsters playing in the playground or taking a refreshing swim. Families travelled from North Sydney, Northern Beaches and Inner City. The day was a great success, with great feedback from all. A big thankyou to all who attended. This was the first of many MLALC Family BBQs. Now that the weather is warming up and football is finished for another season, this will be a regular event. For more information about the next Family Day or to submit your contact details please phone me on 02) 9984 1877. Metro’s Dee Why Office is at Enjoying the Family BBQ Suite 203, 30 Fisher Road, Dee Why. Lee Mladenovic
BOOK REVIEW
Part 2 Sydney reveals that soon after arrival their hopes are raised; they realise The Secret River that “a person who was willing to work ... by Kate Grenville through William’s eyes. This approach, making no could make good in no time.” And they do. (p.68) The prospect of owning land on the (Text Publishing, Melbourne, Australia pretense to ‘see’ what happens through Aboriginal eyes, makes the telling of the story credible. Hawkesbury becomes an obsession with 2005) him. After Thornhill settles there with his Before Thornhill’s next confrontation, seven years family in September 1813 he doesn’t heed This novel is dedicated to the Aboriginal people of later, on Hawkesbury River land he asserts is his for the advice of either Blackwood or the feisty Australia, past, present and future. the taking, the author reveals where he is coming Mrs Henning; they give as well as take and An Aborigine, spear in hand, defiantly confronts from, what makes him think as he does. Part One so live peaceably with the Aborigines. convict William Thornhill on his first night in the London reveals his abject poverty as a child in the Amusing situations lighten the story. For Sydney Town of 1806. When the Aborigine mimics slums and why he grew up a fighter. When his example, William begins to see why the William’s angry shout “Be off!” matching “his tone hopes, raised when he completes his apprenticeship Aboriginal women found the newcomers’ exactly” they were close enough for William “to see as a lighterman on the Thames, are dashed within efforts to grow corn so funny. Unlike the the man’s eyes...and the straight angry line of his three years, his wife Sal keeps him going. “Left to Aborigines, they still had nothing to eat but mouth.” himself, he would have slipped under the surface of salt pork and damper each day; William life like a man fallen into water that is too cold to I felt I was ‘there’ (with the omniscient persona) barters a bag of flour for a scraggy fight.” (p.47) watching this hostile encounter between these kangaroo paw. Strangers (the title of the brief introduction) and And thanks to Sal’s initiative, an appeal saves him Continued Page 9 interpreting the Aborigine’s dignified body language from the gallows. This story is also about her.
Spring 2005 8 ELIMATTA POLE DANCING FOR PAULINE About three or four years ago, people beautiful – and clear varnish for the semi- They honoured Pauline, shared their stood chatting on a verandah at the final coat. Pittwater Council agreed to do stories about her and the day was blessed Coastal Environment Centre, Narrabeen the final coat with anti graffiti paint. with fine weather. This was a gathering of Lagoon. They were watching the beauty and grace. “I danced around the poles yesterday,” installation of a community art piece and whispered Lois. “They are ready!” “Those mysterious black poles along mused that it would be great to paint the Pelican Walk outside the CEC beside green treated poles edging the car park. “Sky cried this morning” whispered Narrabeen Lagoon were painted and will Lynne Czinner agreed and Virginia Gow Virginia. “They are washed!” be dedicated to celebrate the life of offered to paint the poles. Patricia Giles, Lois brought a picnic, buckets for water, Aboriginal poet, Pauline McLeod. Artists then Mayor of Pittwater Council, was chairs and a picnic rug. They settled in, included Elders from Sydney’s South West, introduced to the concept and she agreed gathering at the poles to sing, dance and local Aborigines and also some bystanders. that this was a worthwhile project. paint together. After a ceremony, the work I painted lots of white dots – it’s very Years passed. Then late in 2004, Lynne began in earnest. therapeutic” wrote Lynne Czinner in her asked Virginia “What about the poles?” On the poles Jessica Birk painted the big last editorial as Mayor of Pittwater Council. “What a gracious lady!” wrote Virginia. Virginia replied “We would like to paint green frog and the black crow, both from three large poles to honour Pauline stories told by Pauline. A willie wagtail and Down the track, Stage Two will remember McLeod, the Australian Aboriginal a big black crow visited during the painting the names of the people who helped and storyteller, who passed on in 2003, aged and became friends. Jessica shared her will acknowledge Pittwater Council. There 46. Pauline did so much for our talents for stencilling with the group. They is a space for a poem by Pauline and also community living along this coastline.” painted wonderful, colourful meeting to honour her life and a space to circles and the Cooee Classic dreaming acknowledge the Guringai Ancestors. Early in January 2005 Virginia and Carolyn pattern. Meeting place symbols were Pattison designed the concept and faxed it Stage Three will be the Dedication painted on the top of the poles, a to Lynne, then Mayor of Pittwater. It was Ceremony. Volunteers for this task are bystander climbing up a tree to finish a accepted. Three black poles were prepared sought, can you help? symbol too high for Virginia to reach. and placed in the ground, awaiting Many thanks to all who added to this completion. Gladys and Pat Lock, Elders from experience. We acknowledge the help of Campbelltown, Susan Moylan Coombs and Carolyn, Lois Birk and Virginia finally set a Joanne Tulau from the Coastal Lizzie Landers were among the twenty-one date, 11th September, to paint the poles. Environment Centre, Pittwater Council and people to be congratulated for the fine Brushes, paints – 15 little tester pots were the Aboriginal Support Group. work created that day and for the lead-up chosen because the colours were so beforehand. Virginia Gow
The Secret River dispersed them.” (p.322) In the novel, there and elsewhere but also portrays the Continued from Page 8 Thornhill was one of the settlers involved. ongoing effect on relationships. Thornhill is haunted by what he did, is alienated from Up to the Governor’s proclamation on In March, 1814, six months after the his son Dick, Blackwood and an Aboriginal 22nd March, ample historical resources Thornhills settle on the Hawkesbury, survivor. His “blankness” leaves a space of were available, in London then in Sydney, Aboriginal “outrages and depredations” silence between him and his wife: as a basis for Kate Grenville’s story but (the Sydney Gazette’s term) against the not for what happened next. Why “Their lives had slowly grown around it, the property of settlers erupted up and down Aborigines are no longer a threat to those way the roots of a river-fig grew around a the river. The Governor took steps to deal settlers on the Hawkesbury is not rock.” with “the native problem” (p.260) and on explained. 22nd March a proclamation was issued in I believe this is a great book, and far and the Gazette to “unleash the settlers.” Soon “Nothing was written on the ground. Nor away the best on this highly relevant issue. afterwards the Aborigines were no longer a was it written on any page. But the I treasure it most because Kate Grenville threat. The Gazette merely reported that blankness itself might tell the story to uses her exceptional writing gifts to bring “The natives had been guilty of anyone who has eyes to see”(p.325) to life both sides of this story without an depredations and outrages. There had hence The Secret River. It not only axe to grind. Do read it and pass it on! been an affray and the settlers had represents what happened to Aborigines Val Horniman
Spring 2005 9 ELIMATTA NAIDOC WEEK – DUBBO STYLE non-Aboriginal side by side, with the flags going up to the sky in perfect Two weeks of NAIDOC celebrations means to come together with other Koori students synchronicity. It was a great day for the double the fun! of all ages for a NAIDOC march down children to feel a sense of pride as we Macquarie Street, the main street in town During July, schools around Dubbo celebrated their wonderfully rich culture (don’t compare it with Macquarie Street in organised their NAIDOC celebrations with and important place in the community. flair. Kalina’s school invited parents and Sydney – it wasn’t that much of a hike!) This time was filled with activities for all carers to an informative assembly run by We were led by the Yarradamarra dancers, children, with sports days, barbeques, and the students. They then held activities in students from the Indigenous centre at all-round fun. their classrooms for the rest of the day. TAFE. At the rotunda, they entertained So when are you visiting us in Dubbo? Year 1 had a day of singing ‘Aunty schools and onlookers with fantastic Wendy’s Mob’ songs, making excessive dances and songs – and they must have Cassie Davis noise with musical instruments and mixing encouraged the rain to join in too! But all traditional art with modern art and creating the rain did was confirm the commitment their own masterpieces. the community had by sticking it out and The Aboriginal Support Group Famous actor Jack Thompson even came getting involved with Jenny who donned Manly Warringah Pittwater to Dubbo to promote Reconciliation with an the guitar and got us all to dance! was founded in 1979 and is informative evening at the zoo, as well as There was a myriad of speakers, including committed to supporting visiting the Indigenous youth at community Ray Peckham who gave us an insight into Indigenous people in their centres and the Juvenile Justice Centre. his wonderfully adventurous life. struggle for justice. In September, just when we thought the When the rain subsided, the flag raising festivities had died down, the Indigenous ceremony went ahead, giving us goose The first newsletter was children from our school got an invitation bumps as we watched an Aboriginal and produced in March 1982. The 1987 Winter edition was named Elimatta for the first time. BRIDGING THE GAP Elimatta is included in the Pandora Website, Australia’s We all are given a path to walk in this I was told stories by my family and Web Archive set up by the lifetime. The path that was chosen for me Aboriginal Elders to help me work out that National Library of Australia was a true path to learn about the oldest everything we go through in this lifetime is race to grace the face of Mother Earth – for a reason. I was taught to always tell the the Australian Aboriginal people. For forty- truth as only the truth will protect you. My five years I have lived a white nomadic father told me to find the old Aboriginal lifestyle to learn lessons by moving amongst tracks back. To look at history you must go people to learn from life’s experiences back as far as you can. You can go no what you cannot learn from books. further back than the Aboriginal people. At the age of three I was taken to a sacred This was my path – to help us realise how In one Aboriginal Language, Aboriginal fire by my father. I was allowed important this island and its true custodian Elimatta means ‘our home’. to run around the fire inside the Elders’ owners, the Aboriginal people, are. We all In naming our newsletter this circle. The Elders watched me running like have a right, a path to lead, no matter what way, we express our dream the wind. They said to my father: “Let this the colour of our skin is – brothers, sisters for this country – a real home boy go now. He is a free spirit.” and cousins from the one tree of life that to both Aboriginal people has branched out all over Mother Earth. It is my free spirit that protects me here and later settlers. upon this most sacred ground, the purest These experiences are being reflected in a That depends on us being island upon earth – Australia. As a child I book I have been asked to write called The ‘at home’ with each other, had an Aunty Jacky and an Uncle Jacky. Riddle of Life and in my paintings. and to each other. This is a sign to me who my spirit guide is Garry Parkinson (Possum) – a great Aboriginal tracker who always came home, Jacky Jacky. Garry has donated the artwork entitled Hands of Time which the Support Group is at present raffling.
Spring 2005 10 ELIMATTA STOP AND TAKE A LOOK During a recent motoring holiday in from their homes to bring them to school. I at the school for 17 years, was in charge. western New South Wales with my friend was on the bus that went through the new Three candles in Aboriginal colours were lit Sandy, we discovered the truth in the old housing area, The Mallee, where Aboriginal by the children, then a conversation took adage ‘give a dog bad name and you will families who were displaced from their place about a visit they had made to the soon hang him’. This was particularly true camps on the Darling during the 1975 Mission to see the Elders. The children when we informed inquirers that we flood have now been housed. Some had were encouraged to say what special intended to stop at Wilcannia. “Don’t stop established gardens, beautiful petunias qualities those Elders gave to their there , don’t even think of stopping for growing. Margaret wished that the local community. A beautiful meaningful song petrol, drive straight through and out the earth brick factory had got the contract to composed by Patricia which included their other side” we were told on clan name and reasons for every occasion. Luckily we had pride was then sung by all. made some contact with Being Friday it was Awards Day. acquaintances in Wilcannia and Those who had been at school our twenty four hour stay in for five straight days without Wilcannia became one of the missing a day received a ticket great highlights of our two in a bike raffle which is drawn weeks away. at the end of each term. Through a fellow ex-student Children who had not missed a from our Indigenous Studies day for two weeks got to Course at Tranby College we choose a small gift. Non- were introduced to Sister attendance is a major problem. Margaret McGrath, Principal of Twenty of the forty students St Therese’s Community School were there on the Friday we who invited us to stay at the visited. It was the Friday after school with her. The Mercy pension day; also the end of Sisters first came to Wilcannia term which meant we visited on in 1890 providing primary and one of the worst possible days secondary school education. for attendance. “Getting Presently there are three children into the habit of going teachers and three Aboriginal to school is so important and aides at St Therese’s and about we encourage this in any way forty children enrolled from we can” Margaret explained. At kindergarten to year two. the end-of-year prizegiving a bike is presented to a child who At our evening meal Sandy and has not missed a day all year. I realised these Catholic women were no slackers. Sitting There was also much opposite us we recognised the excitement as the children were elderly rider of a motor scooter going on a camp the following that had passed us in the main Anna Bell and Waddy Harris – Photo courtesy Sandy Myers week to Mutawinji National street earlier in the afternoon. Park. Having just come from Florrie, an octogenarian, had been up at there we could guarantee them a very the hospital doing pastoral work and was build the homes so that some jobs would worthwhile stay and an informative time speedily making her way home. We had a have been available and the local economy with Uncle Bill, the guide to the sacred sites. real fun evening with her and the others as helped. Our next stop was to the Police Station, we participated in the St. Therese’s Trivia Arriving back at the school, the children where Krys (daughter of a friend) and her Team at the local Golf Club competition. were all given milo drinks to start the day husband, a senior policeman, are Sorry to say we didn’t bring them victory. and then we were privileged to be included stationed. Our day in Wilcannia was a very busy one. in morning assembly. How special this Continued Page 12 Two school buses pick up the children was! Patricia, who has been senior teacher
Spring 2005 11 ELIMATTA Stop and take a look For years she had been asking for Next we sought out Waddy Harris at the Continued from Page 11 equipment and a few seats so she can Commonwealth Development hold an outdoor cinema for the local kids. Employment Project (CDEP) Office. They live next door in a two hundred Finally this has happened. The kids come A senior member of the Aboriginal year old sandstone, high ceilinged and are all together on Thursday evenings community, Waddy is known for his spacious home. Krys was our guide on just having fun watching a video. “We wonderful artistry and his work with the the Heritage Trail, the walk around town need more” she says, “couldn’t you see local unemployed youth. We went to the to see the old magnificent sandstone a basketball court here” pointing to a park adjoining where he and his students buildings. First stop was of course the vacant indoor space. Some of the local have created a very pleasant place to sit Police Station. Here we met Chris police have formed a touch footie side or stop and have a cuppa if passing Awege, Police Liaison Officer and a great and played a team all season. Doug and through. It features some fine sandstone source of information. She showed us Krys will have to make a decision soon, sculptures. Waddy generously invited us over the old cells, where tortured spirits whether to leave after their two year out to his home and workshop. The – the Goonkies – still wander the tenure is up or to stay on. They think property was given back to Waddy by an corridors. The place certainly has a things have improved in the time they Afghan camel driver many years ago and sinister presence. Thankfully no inmates have been there. The new housing is one here he now again bonds with his land. were in occupation in the present cells. of the reasons and different policing We were so aware of this as he told us Chris has finally had one of her dreams methods another. They wouldn’t mind stories of his early life learning to live off for the Aboriginal community come true. staying on at all, they admitted. the land and of being taught his craft from his father. Inside in various stages of development were his artefacts, boomerangs and red gum bowls being AN INVITATION prepared for his Christmas orders. He is a beautiful craftsman. TO JOIN US... Our last stop was to visit Carla King who two years ago finished Year 12 at Mackellar Girls High School while living The Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater at Biala Hostel. Luckily she was home on meets on the third Monday of each month, from February to November, at 7.30 pm holidays as she is now working full time in Mildura in an employment agency. Venue: Angophora Room Carla is looking as radiant as ever. It was Nelson Heather Centre, Cnr Pittwater & Jacksons Roads a thrill to make contact and bring her North Narrabeen. greetings from Denise, her art tutor, and Entrance to the centre’s carpark is from Boondah Road off Jacksons Road from our Support Group. She in return Special Events are listed on the enclosed Calendar says hello and sends best wishes to all her friends back here in Sydney, the ☎ For further information ☎ Support Group and those friends still (02) 9913 7940 (02) 9982 1685 at Biala. P.O. Box 129 NARRABEEN NSW 2101 Time was not long enough for us in Wilcannia. Far from hitting the accelerator www.asgmwp.net and driving straight through, we wished we could have spent much longer. It has such potential: a great history Aboriginal Elimatta is the newsletter of the Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater. and colonial; heritage buildings; the 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 of Australia. wonderful river and a community full of interesting personalities. Perhaps one day Contributors to Elimatta are from many different cultures and backgrounds. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editors or members of the ASG. it will be restored to its former glory of Please email articles where possible to [email protected] Queen of the Darling. If you use any of the material it would be appreciated if the extract is set in If you are travelling that way our advice context and the source acknowledged. would be to Stop, Look Around and Editorial Committee: Anna Bell and Pat Frater Give Wilcannia a Fair Go. Layout/Design: Mark Ansiewicz: (02) 9979-9112 Anna Bell Distribution: Jackie O’Hare, Anna Bell, Rob Osborn, Pat Russell, Jan Kirk, Carol Gerrard, Don and Pat Frater.
Spring 2005 12 ELIMATTA