West news Connecting and partnering with Aboriginal communities

Issue 3 – Autumn 2018

Contents Welcome to West news 2 Deputy Secretary’s message 2 Empowering community 2 Five minutes with Adam Reilly 3 Marcus Clarke message 3 ‘Strong Spirit’ sets the scene for true healing 4 Department honors Banjo Clarke’s legacy 5 Gathering Place a culturally-safe hub 6 7 Towards reconciliation: Sorry Day helps healing 7

A view of Gariwerd/ Engaging service keeps women and Grampians National kids connected 8 Park and Halls Gap Contact details 8 from Boroka Lookout. West news

Welcome to Deputy Secretary’s message Welcome to the Autumn increasing our Aboriginal West news Edition of West news – a staffing numbers over The Department of newsletter committed to the past five years, and Health and Human keeping you up-to-date has drawn heavily on the Services respectfully on what is happening experiences of our staff acknowledges the within the Aboriginal- to shape our approach to Traditional Owners of focussed space across developing culturally-safe the Department of Health employment practices. Officer; two Aboriginal Country throughout and Human Services’ As at January 2018, Divisional Executives; and pays its West Division, both two Aboriginal staff at respect to the ongoing 53 employees in West internally and within the Division identified as VPSG6 level; and, seven living cultures of funded sector. Aboriginal and/or Torres VPSG5 Aboriginal or Aboriginal peoples. One of the department’s Strait Islander, compared Torres Strait Islander Self-determination key commitments is to with only 15 in December staff. You can read is a key theme of this ensure that Aboriginal 2013. about our most senior Aboriginal staff member, edition of the West news. people are represented at In 2013, the most senior Adam Reilly, in this Ensuring Aboriginal and every level, and that staff role occupied by an edition of West news. feel supported, safe and Aboriginal staff member have a say in their own valued. in West Division was a I am proud of our future is a fundamental I am extremely pleased VPSG5 position, so it’s success in encouraging principle and one that to report that West very heartening that, Aboriginal people is at the heart of the Division has achieved in 2018, we have: an to not only apply for Victorian Government’s great success in Aboriginal Executive positions across West Korin Korin Balit-Djak: Division, but to shine Aboriginal health, in those roles, and I wellbeing and safety Empowering community am fully committed to strategic plan. Aboriginal communities Specifically, this means continuing to build on Self-determination is have had a long struggle that rather than Aboriginal this great momentum to also vital to ensure the for their right to control people merely being achieve a two per cent success of the Close the their own lives to ensure ‘engaged’ or ‘consulted’ as Aboriginal workforce by 2021. Gap Refresh, which is they survive and thrive, ‘advisors’ or ‘co-designers’ currently underway. In and the Victorian of services and policies, One of the this edition we learn of Government has they are authorised department’s key Victoria’s input into the committed to embedding and empowered to own, commitments is to process. self-determination as a direct and make strategic ensure that Aboriginal And we see self- core guiding principle as decisions about: it works with Aboriginal people are represented determination in • the values and at every level, and that communities to realise motivations of a policy action, with impactful staff feel supported, their individual visions or program community-led safe and valued. projects, such as The and hopes. • strategic intent Well Women and Their ‘Self-determining, healthy • policy or program design To find out about Children’s Health and safe Aboriginal people our current job Program, in Portland, and communities’ is the • funding and allocation opportunities, and the and Caracaramigen, foundation of the Korin of resources strategies and supports the Colac Aboriginal Korin Balit-Djak: Aboriginal • implementation and in place around Gathering Place. health, wellbeing and operations Aboriginal Employment, safety strategic plan • evaluation measures and Adam Reilly, one of the I recommend jumping 2017–2027. definitions of success. most senior Aboriginal onto the ‘DHHS public servants in Self-determination is more Importantly, while Aboriginal Employment Victoria, talks about his than a guiding principle; the concept of self- Unit’ Facebook page journey and we pay our it is a paradigm shift that determination is universal, or the Aboriginal respects to Uncle Banjo sees Aboriginal people there is no single approach Employment page Clarke, whose legacy take ownership, carriage to achieving it – each on the department’s has been formally and responsibility for Victorian Aboriginal website at dhhs.vic. acknowledged by the designing, delivering community is unique and gov.au/aboriginal- Department of Health and evaluating policy will have its own definition employment and Human Services. and services on their and requirements for Paul Smith own terms to overcome ensuring its people are We trust you enjoy this Deputy Secretary, disadvantage and create empowered to have a say edition of West news. West Division their own, positive, future. in their future.

2 Five minutes with Adam Reilly Adam Reilly, a proud This places even more Aboriginal man from pressure on us to make the Marrawarri people sure we get things right, (Northern NSW) has which includes addressing recently taken on the power imbalances and role of Area Director for being genuine about the Wimmera South West self‑determination. Area. Adam oversees What has been the highlight a cohesive network of of your career to date? five offices within the I would say being the department’s largest Manager of a remote catchment area, which Adam Reilly covers about 20 per cent Continued page 4 of Victoria and includes several regional cities, as well as more isolated Marcus Clarke message communities. Things have been moving that Michael Bell has been apace since my last collectively appointed to the Adam brings a wealth of message in the Summer role of Aboriginal Co‑Chair. experience to the role. He Edition of West news, Michael is a highly- was the Assistant Director which focussed on the respected and capable of the department’s interconnected governance Aboriginal leader who is Barwon Area and has mechanisms of the committed to improving worked across various Aboriginal governance and the health and wellbeing states and territories accountability framework of Aboriginal people. • Western , at both state and announced alongside which takes in the five commonwealth levels The next steps are the department’s new local government areas within the Education to formalise the Area headline Korin Korin Balit- of Melbourne, Moonee and Health and Human Aboriginal Governance Djak: Aboriginal health, Valley, Maribyrnong, Services sectors. Committee structures Hobsons Bay and wellbeing and safety across: How did you come to strategic plan 2017–2027. Wyndham. work for the department? • Wimmera South West, Once the structures are West Division has held which takes in the 10 I saw a job online finalised, we will begin the its first meeting of the local government areas that I liked which was process of engaging with newly-formed Divisional of Corangamite, Moyne, based in Geelong. Aboriginal communities Aboriginal Governance Warrnambool, Glenelg, With a preference to in each area. Committee (DAGC), setting Southern Grampians, regional and remote It really is exciting times up the meeting structure Northern Grampians, work, I applied and was ahead with communities through collective Horsham, West being empowered to interviewed and offered agreement on the: Wimmera, Hindmarsh develop action plans the role. 1. process of appointing and Yarriambiack to address their local Who or what has been the Aboriginal co-chair • Central Highlands, challenges and work the biggest influence in 2. tenure of the Aboriginal which takes in the six towards achieving their your career? co-chair local government areas identified aspirations. I have worked in a lot 3. frequency of meetings of Ararat, Ballarat, As always, your comments of different parts of Golden Plains, Hepburn, 4. quorum requirements and feedback are welcome government all around Moorabool and Pyrenees and necessary to ensure Australia. The biggest 5. conflict of interest • Barwon, which takes this newsletter continues influence for me was processes in the four local to serve its audience well. working out bush in 6. standing agenda items. government areas of Feel free to drop us a line remote Aboriginal These critical elements Greater Geelong, Colac- (see back page) if you have Communities. This work were written into a Terms Otway, Queenscliffe and any article suggestions for made it clear to me that of Reference that will serve Surf Coast upcoming editions. the most vulnerable as a central document to • Brimbank Melton, members of our Marcus Clarke guide the group’s working which takes in the local Manager, Aboriginal communities are often arrangements. government areas of Engagement Unit, the ones without a voice. I am pleased to report Brimbank and Melton West Division

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‘Strong Spirit’ sets the scene for true healing The fundamental principle seamless service of self-determination delivery. ‘There’s an innate capacity in us to heal. It’s all about and a holistic approach establishing safety, security and trust, and having The Victorian Government the opportunity to work with someone you trust and to healing is at the has invested heavily in heart of the Victorian get support from. As long as we remain committed to a range of strategies our healing, be really true and honest with ourselves, Government’s plan to that support the above and reach out for support, the healing does come. achieve better social four domains, including But often we need help, that’s the thing, and there’s and emotional wellbeing $22 million towards an no shame in reaching out and asking for help.’ outcomes for Aboriginal expanded Aboriginal people. mental health and - Graham Gee, senior psychologist at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Launched in October 2017, drug and alcohol Balit Murrup: Aboriginal workforce; $7.7 million social and emotional for demonstration wellbeing framework projects to provide Five minutes with Adam Reilly 2017–2027 adheres closely culturally-responsive From page 3 have kept the symptoms to the Aboriginal social mental health care, under control for me and and emotional model of treatment, counselling Centrelink office with all afford me the freedom to wellbeing, which is centred and care coordination; Aboriginal staff. We had work and live a normal around resilience, building $1.8 million to extend such strong links to the active life. The take away strengths and connecting the Aboriginal youth community in Halls Creek message for me having to country and culture as mentoring program; and, and all the way down the MS is not to take anything key protective factors. $27 million over four years Tanami Track to the NT for granted. Enjoy every to deliver the Victorian border. According to the Healing day and make the most suicide prevention What motivates you? Foundation, a national of what we have. organisation that framework to support I think much of life is addresses the ongoing 12 local communities, about luck and timing. The advice I would trauma of Aboriginal and with an important focus I started life as a ‘welfare give to Koori kids Torres Strait Islander on seeking the input of baby’, just like many who are entering people: ‘Healing works Aboriginal community of our own clients here adulthood is that it best when solutions members to shape at DHHS. I believe it’s doesn’t matter what are culturally strong, culturally-appropriate and due to timing and luck your level of education developed and driven at safe approaches to suicide that I didn’t end up in or achievement is to the local level, and led prevention. residential care or having date, it’s about what by Aboriginal and Torres Written into the framework contact with youth you do now. You can Strait Islander people.’ is a commitment that key justice. I am very mindful earn your own money Aboriginal leaders and of this and I feel a strong Balit Murrup is closely and you can support experts, plus a range of obligation to ensure that aligned with Victoria’s your family, just have other stakeholders across 10 year mental health any service response that confidence in yourself the health and human plan, and is a companion I can influence provides a and accept help when services sectors, will be document to Korin Korin positive and meaningful it’s offered. Balit-Djak: Aboriginal responsible for monitoring, pathway for Aboriginal health, wellbeing and measuring and evaluating kids. What advice would you safety strategic plan the framework’s outcomes. What advice do you wish give young Indigenous 2017–2027. you’d had when you were people who see you as a young man? The Balit Murrup a role model? framework, which means Don’t buy flash motor I get pretty annoyed ‘Strong Spirit’ in the cars. Do save and buy at the pressure kids in Woi-wurrung language, houses! general are under these contains four domains: What would people days; especially when 1. improving access to be surprised to learn it comes to achieving culturally responsive about you? at school and then the services Not too many people expectation of going to 2. supporting resilience, know that I have multiple Uni. I was not academic healing and trauma sclerosis (MS). It’s a nasty at school but have always recovery disease that impacts had an appetite for 3. building a strong, different people in learning. For me it means skilled and supported different ways. I’m very we all learn in different workforce blessed to have a great ways and university isn’t medical care team who for everyone. 4. integrated and

4 Department Tommy, Brett, Caleb and honors Marcus Clarke. Banjo Clarke’s legacy Henry ‘Banjo’ Clarke was respected by the Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal communities alike for his wisdom and leadership, and now his legacy has been officially acknowledged and honoured by the Department of Health and Human Services’ into the Victorian Aboriginal for his compassion and leader of great wisdom, West Division. Honor Roll in 2012. wise words, he promoted presence, respect and In February this year, in He was a key figure in the respect and forgiveness knowledge who over a ceremony described Framlingham community’s between Aboriginal and his long life made an as ‘extremely moving’ peaceful decade-long non-Aboriginal people incalculable difference to by the division’s Deputy campaign for land rights long before the term the lives of all he touched, Secretary Paul Smith, over their forest, which ‘reconciliation’ was coined. across the Aboriginal the department named achieved success in ‘Although he experienced and non-Aboriginal a conference room in its 1987 when the Federal the worst of people at communities, and across Warrnambool office after Government handed times, Banjo only ever saw our country. Banjo. back 1,130 acres to the the good. He believed that ‘By honoring him in A proud Gunditjmara people. love and compassion could naming our conference man, Banjo was awarded His honor roll citation change the world; for that he room after him, we know the World War II Civilian reads, in part: ‘Uncle Henry will always be remembered that his wisdom will Service Medal for his “Banjo” Clarke was a man as truly special.’ guide us and inspire us, services during the war who cast a spell on all Mr Smith says, ‘Banjo through the important years and was inducted who met him. Renowned Clarke was a community consultations, discussions and decisions which Banjo’s daughter and take place in this key artist, Aunty Fiona. departmental facility.’ Several of Mr Clarke’s descendants were among those who attended the ceremony, including grandson Marcus Clarke (Manager of the department’s Aboriginal Engagement Unit, West Division), who gave a speech on behalf of the Clarke family. Brett Clarke performed a generous welcome to Gunditjmara country and smoking ceremony and Banjo’s daughter Fiona and granddaughter Patricia donated a portrait they had painted of Banjo, which now takes pride of place in the conference room.

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Gathering Place a culturally- safe hub Hundreds turned out to celebrate the long- awaited opening of the Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place, Caracaramigen, in November last year, and the culturally-safe space is already delivering on their hopes for improved advocacy, culturally-safe delivery of services, and an Strong Brother, increase in local awareness Strong Sister Team of Aboriginal issues. Cormach Evans and The centre has been Keedan Graham with Chantel Johnson. providing the community with a range of much series of issues historically; within child protection. relevant services shows a needed services and these issues are now ‘We have provided level of self-determination support, from family slowly being addressed parenting support and that is the core of the violence identification with increased support, education on safe sleeping Gathering Place project training for mainstream cultural awareness and techniques and distributed moving forward,’ Ebony workers to access to partnerships created by bags of children’s clothes says. showers for those facing the Local Aboriginal Action donated by “Geelong ‘The local community homelessness, and Group and the Colac Mums”,’ Ebony says. feel that the future is now delivering and setting up Aboriginal Gathering The Gathering Place was strong and that Aboriginal donated cots for young Place,’ Ebony says. an initiative of Colac’s people and families are families. Caracaramigen has had Aboriginal Action Group being assisted in ways Project worker Ebony a tremendous impact and Aboriginal that best support them in Hickey says before in the short time since Co-operative, who worked a holistic and culturally- Caracaramigen’s opening, its opening, including on the project for several appropriate manner, the Aboriginal community in successfully advocating years before securing the including by mainstream Colac lacked an Aboriginal for three government- required funding from service providers in Community Controlled funded positions in local the Department of Health the Colac Otway local Organisation or culturally- kindergartens; delivering 11 and Human Services government area. safe space to meet. food and toiletry support to open the service at ‘Work continues to build, ‘The lack of advocacy bags; providing four people 4 Miller Street, Colac. strengthen and maintain with Justice Support and and cultural safety in ‘Throughout this time, the the Gathering Place for information; providing health, community, family resilience of the Colac the future generations of 16 hours of community work education and a range of Aboriginal Community the Colac/Otway region. for community members other services has led to a has been second to none We appreciate the support through the Department and the informal ways of so far and hope it can of Justice; supporting support they have shown be a way forward for our three families experiencing to navigate the lack of mob,’ Ebony says. family violence; and, writing 19 letters of support. Coming up at Caracaramigen The centre has also hosted the Koorie Engagement • the Colac Koori Community Justice Forum Support Officers • win tickets to Mission Songs for Reconciliation Week (Department of Education • huge NAIDOC week celebrations (fibre optic arts, and Training), formal possum skin cloak and basket weaving projects and meetings, Aboriginal Health flag raising at the Colac Otway Shire – Colac’s very worker visits, and supported first NAIDOC event) families to gain supervised See facebook.com/colacaboriginalgatheringplace/ access with their children for details Facepainting fun.

6 Closing the Gap This year marked 10 consultations throughout years since the Council of the country before setting Australian Governments new targets for the Closing (COAG) committed to the Gap framework by a framework aimed at 31 October 2018. Closing the Gap between Event highlights the health and life inequity expectancy of Aboriginal The challenges facing and non-Aboriginal ongoing efforts to Close communities. the Gap were high on With only one of the the agenda of a Barwon framework’s seven targets Health morning tea to reduce indigenous attended by members of outcomes in Australia for Barwon Health NCTGD event. disadvantage being on the Department of Health Aboriginal people, who Health Social Worker and track, (Year 12 attainment and Human Services’ can expect to live 10 years Aboriginal woman, Mandy rates) the Commonwealth Aboriginal Engagement less than non-Aboriginal Collie. Keynote speaker, Government has Unit in March. Australians. NCTGD is Geelong MP, Christine announced a ‘Refresh’ of The morning tea was to usually held on the third Couzens discussed the the framework. mark the annual National Thursday in March. challenges facing efforts In Victoria, Aboriginal Close the Gap Day Wadawurrung woman to Close the Gap and the people gathered to talk (NCTGD), which highlights Corrina Eccles performed a importance of continuing about their views on the the ongoing inequity of Welcome to Country and the to strive towards needs and aspirations healthcare and health event was MC’d by Barwon achieving that goal. of their communities to inform not just the national Close the Towards reconciliation: Sorry Day helps healing Gap Refresh, but the May 26 marks the day removal policies and their cemented as one of great Victorian Aboriginal when Australia remembers ongoing impact on the significance to the Stolen Affairs Framework. and commemorates the Aboriginal children who Generations and Aboriginal mistreatment of Aboriginal were taken, their families Six Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, including through and their communities. representatives, and communities, as well as government policies such the Victorian Premier, Sorry Day is an outlet for many non-Indigenous as those that resulted in then took part in a two- Australians to express Australians, who continue the . day Special Gathering regret for the historical to mark it with ceremonies, in with On May 26, 1997, the mistreatment of Aboriginal marches, speeches and people. prominent Indigenous Bringing Them Home report presentations around leaders from around the by the National Inquiry The date May 26 is now the country. country to talk about the into the Separation of Refresh’s priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Evolution of Sorry Day Islander Children from the next decade. January 26, 1938 – held a ‘Day Their Families was tabled of Mourning’ to protest 150 years of callous treatment High on Victoria’s list was in Federal Parliament. for the Commonwealth and the seizure of land. The date was selected to to embrace the Uluru The report recommended coincide with the Australia Day celebrations held by Statement from the that Prime Minister the European population on the same day. The protest Heart and its call to apologise to the Stolen has continued to be an annual tradition and is now establish a First Nations Generations. The then- widely commemorated as ‘Survival Day’. PM, John Howard, refused Voice to Parliament, May 26, 1998 – The first Sorry Day was held one year which would have the on the basis he, ‘did not subscribe to the black after the Bringing them Home report was first tabled right to be consulted on armband view of history’. in parliament. legislation and policies that relate to Aboriginal Public anger at this lack of May 25, 2005 – the National Sorry Day Committee and Torres Strait acknowledgement by the renamed Sorry Day as the National Day of Healing Islander peoples. government for its past for all Australians to better engage with the wider actions led to the first ‘Sorry Australian community. After being presented Day’, held the following with a statement from Speaking on the National Day of Healing launch, year to raise awareness the Special Gathering, Senator Aden Ridgeway said: ‘The day will focus on among politicians, policy COAG agreed to the healing needed throughout Australian society makers, and the wider conduct community if we are to achieve reconciliation.’ public about the forcible

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Editor: Kate Robertson Publisher: West Division, Department of Health and Human Services Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. © State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, Program improves the June 2018. lives of women and children. Except where otherwise indicated, the images in this Engaging service keeps women and kids connected publication show models and Gunditjmara Elders’ service to Aboriginal has been positive: illustrative settings only, and concerns about the women and their children. do not necessarily depict ‘The program has been actual services, facilities or wellbeing of women Non-Aboriginal women going for three years, I’ve recipients of services. and children in their with Aboriginal children been coming pretty much community has led to the are also assisted. This publication may the whole time. I have six contain images of deceased development of a program The program provides kids ... it’s great to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait that is keeping women advocacy, referrals to some time just for myself.’ Islander peoples. Where the engaged and connected appropriate Aboriginal ‘The workers have walked term ‘Aboriginal’ is used it with vital services. and mainstream services, beside me through refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Well Women and assistance with housing appointments with Indigenous is retained when Their Children’s Health applications, and supports services and things I it is part of the title of a women in their contacts (WWATCH) Program, run found stressful and hard report, program or quotation. by the Portland-based with the justice system to understand – but they Dhauwurd-Wurrung and the Department never took over – just To receive this Elderly & Community of Health and Human supported me.’ Services, and with publication in an Health Service (DWECHS), Staff say the program kindergarten and primary aims to ‘Close the Gap’ is playing a vital role in accessible format school issues. in health services by improving the quality of phone 03 5561 9462 improving the physical, Workers also assist participants’ lives: using the National mental, social, emotional women, when needed, ‘If the women drop off the and spiritual wellbeing of with transport to external Relay Service radar ... we will go around mothers and their children. appointments. A Women’s 13 36 77 if required, and knock on the door to Group is held every The program provides encourage them to come. or email marcus. Wednesday. a culturally-safe and (It) usually works!’ [email protected]. confidential support Feedback from participants ‘One of the great things gov.au Contact details about the program is we can keep the client Printed by Sunnyland Offset, MARCUS CLARKE Warrnambool engaged and connect Mildura. (1805001) Manager P: 03 5561 9462 M: 0428 428 552 them with our services and ISSN 2208-7109 - Print format E: [email protected] our community. It could JULIE JOSE Geelong (Monday to Thursday) save someone’s life.’ ISSN 2208-7117 - Online Senior Advisor M: 0419 535 264 (pdf / word) format E: [email protected] Women can refer themselves to the program Available at https://www2. LINDI DIETZEL Geelong health.vic.gov.au/west-news Senior Advisor M: 0408 425 798 by contacting DWECHS Contributions to West news E: [email protected] directly, and other service providers are also able to are welcome. However, JULIAN HARVEY Ballarat make referrals. The intake please note that we cannot Senior Program Adviser P: 03 5333 6014 M: 0409 351 567 print every article received. E: [email protected] process includes the client The decision to include an DIANNE SZKIRKA Geelong/Footscray working with a support article will be made by the Senior Program Adviser M: 0429 334 672 worker to clarify their Editor and we reserve the E: [email protected] goals and the services right to edit material. SANDY HODGE Horsham and support they need to Contributions may Senior Project Officer P: 03 5381 9719 M: 0439 837 014 achieve them. be forwarded to: E: [email protected] Contact WWATCH on Marcus Clarke, Manager SYD FRY Geelong (03) 5521 7535, or freecall Aboriginal Engagement Unit, Team Leader P: 03 5226 4712 M: 0458 332 998 1300 802 664, or visit West Division email: marcus. [email protected] E: [email protected] dwech.com.au

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