1973

VICTORIA

REPORT

OF THE

MINISTRY OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1973

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT PURSUANT TO ACT No. 7574, S. 41.

Ordered by the Legislative Assembly to be printed, 27th November, 1973.

By Authority: C. H. RIXON, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MELBOURNE.

No. 28.-739/74.-PL-PRICE 50 cents

Ministry Of Aboriginal Affairs Annual Report 1972/73

VICTORIA

To the Honorable the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs,

SIR, In accordance with the provrs1ons of Section 41 of the Aboriginal Affairs Act 1967, I have the honour to present the Annual Report of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs for the year ended 30 June, 1973

M. R. WORTHY, Director of Aboriginal Affairs.

105 King Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. 30 October, 1973. INTRODUCTION

Intense public interest in Aboriginal If we employ Aborigines they are accused Affairs, as evidenced by extensive report­ for being "stooges"; if we don't employ ing, has fortunately assisted Aborigines them we are accused of denying them to become more fluent and confident employment opportunities. Even on invi­ with mass communication. This recently tation, if we attend Aboriginal meetings, acquired skill will achieve more effective we are often abused and told to get out; results, however, if issues arc emphasised if we don't attend we are accused of being rather than attempting to make people disinterested in Aboriginal affairs. If we feel guilty. promote Aboriginal organizations we are Although this is legitimate political told we have supported the "wrong ones"; activity, given the past apathetic behav­ if we neglect to promote Aboriginal or­ iour of white to black Australians, it ganizations we are told we arc "empire building" for white administrators. If we should be recognized that acting from a involve Aboriginal staff in case work we sense of guilt may cloud rather than arc told they are destroying themselves, clarify judgment. The result will be an that they should not work with their own acceleration of the worst form of patron­ relations; if we do not involve them in case age intellectual paternalism. This type work we are ignoring unique Aborigines of patronage provides for Aboriginal know-how. If we print newsletters in sim­ activity without accountability. ple language we are treating Aborigines as Unless we, black and white Australians, children; if we use sophisticated langu­ appreciate the need to compromise and age we are trying to deliberately mislead together work out solutions on rational them. If we listen to particular Aboriginal as well as on emotional levels then the leaders, we are told that those particular future of race relations between black leaders are not "our leaders". If we buy and white Australians is dark indeed. better type homes we are attempting to The Ministry has sufficient faith in the help Aborigines fail because they can't majority of both races to expect that out be expected to manage the upkeep; if we of the present lively debate, wisdom and buy more modest homes we arc down­ better justice for Aboriginal Aust rali­ grading Aborigines. If we involve Abor­ iginal organizations in case work we are ans will prevail. "setting them up" hoping they will fail; The popular fashion in Aboriginal affairs if we don't involve Aboriginal organ­ this year is to "knock" government izations in case work we are neglecting departments irrespective of whether it their resources. If we support Aboriginal is action or inaction which is under services such as health and legal services scrutiny. The result is always the same we are supporting apartheid; if we don't we are damned if we do and damned we are accused of denying the Aborigines if we don't. Action taken should not the opportunity to use their own initiat­ have been taken; inaction calls for action. ive. If we give assistance we are destroy-

2 ing their initiative and pride by giving bers of the public who take both sides handouts; if we decline to give assistance on every issue. we _are indifferent to suffering and need. If we provide educational scholarships On 14 June I returned from a three we are creating a "white back-lash"; if we months visit to several countries in don't we arc keeping Aboriginal people which I observed race relations. Inform­ down from places of power. If we give ation gained during this visit will be land rights by ownership of reserves to used, where appropriate, to modify pro­ Aborigines, we are accused of a confid­ grammes and policies of the Ministry. A ence trick and wasteful government full report of the visit is being prepared. expenditure; if we don't we are accused The visit encompassed meetings with of denying Aborigines their basic right American Indians, Negroes, Canadian to the land. Treaty and non-Treaty Indians, Eskimos, Bedouins in Israel, immigrants in the It is interesting to note that on all Midlands of England and minority occasions there are Aborigines and mem- peoples in China.

3 MINISTER

The portfolio of Minister for Aboriginal The Hon. V.O. Dickie, M.L.C. was Affairs was held by the Hon. E. R. appointed on 23 August, 1972 as Minister Meagher, M.B.E., E.D., M.P. until 23 for Aboriginal Affairs. August, 1972.

LEGISLATION

Legislation administered by the Ministry remained without amendment.

INTERSTATE CONFERENCES

Two meetings of the Australian Abor­ the needs of tribal Aborigines in the iginal Affairs Council attended by North, and those in Southern cities. Commonwealth and State Ministers were The Land Rights issue, too, figured held during the year. The Hon. R. prominently at both conferences. lt was Meagher represented Victoria at the agreed that the complexities of the meeting held in Darwin on 28 July, 1972. overall situation could be remedied by The Hon. Vance Dickie attended the increasing the Commonwealth's respon­ meeting in Adelaide on 6 April, 1973. sibility for Aboriginal Australians, while retaining existing State administrative The Director attended meetings of the contacts and expertise. Standing Committee of Officers of the Aboriginal identity was discussed at Council at Darwin 25-26 July, 1972, length at the Darwin conference and and Adelaide 9-10 November, 1972. The resulted in a special conference held in Acting Director Mr. Peter Renkin attend­ Adelaide to consider legislation relating ed the meeting at Adelaide on 3-4 to Aboriginal and archaeological relics. April, 1973. The Council of Ministers in April was In Darwin and Adelaide, National issues invited by the Commonwealth Minister in Aboriginal Affairs were contrasted to consider a request that the Common­ with the differil'}g policies and attitudes wealth assume responsibility for policy of each of the States. Highlighted in planning and co-ordination at a National discussion was the great differences in level.

4 OTHER CONFERENCES

Mr. Renkin, Acting Director, with Dr. arranged by the Centre for Continuing W.J. Stevenson, Chief Health Officer, Education of the Australian National represented Victoria at the Sixth Com­ University. monwealth/State Conference on Aborig­ Mrs. D. lnglis attended the National inal Health Services in Melbourne on 17 Conference of the Australian Pre-Schools April, 1973. Association in Perth on 19-25 August, 1972. As a result of attendance at these Mr. Renkin also attended a "Search" Conferences, Ministry policies have been Conference on Community Development modified. Details of these changes appear at Canberra on 27-29 June, 1973, in the appropriate sections of the Report.

COMMONWEALTH/STATE RELATIONS

The Commonwealth continues to make lt is evident that a national policy for grants to the State for Aboriginal Aboriginal advancement is essential, affairs. combined with regional administration. The vast difference of interest, culture During the year there was considerable and activity between Aborigines located debate on the issue of responsibility for in different States and even within a Aboriginal affairs at Commonwealth and State boundary dictates that a flexible State levels - generally more heat than approach must be adopted if there is to light was generated. be realistic Aboriginal advancement.

STAFFING

The staff establishment increased from staff. The proportion of Aboriginal staff 79 to 88 (see Appendix D). This increase now employed in the Ministry is 26 per is due entirely to providing additional cent. employment opportunities for Aboriginal

5 STAFF TRAINING The training of staff is considered to be objectives was held at the Ministry's of vital importance due to the complex, camp site at Rubicon in August, 1972. highly personal and often emotional A further course was conducted in May, content of Aboriginal Affairs. The need 1973 to orient new staff members and for a unified and yet flexible approach to provide source material for future is recognised and staff skills are developed planning. particularly in the field of communication with Aboriginal people. The contribution The transfer of responsibility for health which Aboriginal staff make to staff services for Aborigines from the Ministry training is invaluable. to the Department of Health (Victoria) was announced on 25 June, 1973, and A residential course to evaluate the will result in the reduction of five staff Ministry's goals and methods of reaching members.

POPULATION

Figures issued by the Commonwealth comparable figure for Aborigines is 3.4 Bureau of Census and Statistics indicate per cent. that as at 30 June, 1971 the Aboriginal An immediate interpretation of these population of Victoria was 6,371. Present figures tends to support the contention estimates place the Victorian Aboriginal of the Ministry that recent Aboriginal population in excess of 7 ,000. life styles in Victoria continue to have a Prior to the Commonwealth Census of disastrous effect upon the Aboriginal 30 June, 1971, all figures relating to population. Aboriginal population have been estim­ Former community attitudes and prac­ ates based on best available knowledge. tices which encouraged substandard edu­ Although there are some aspects of the cation, accommodation, health, employ­ Commonwealth Census material which ment and minimal opportunities ob­ need clarification, the figures now pro­ viously led to early ageing. vide a basis for realistic programme Aborigines therefore embraced a fatal­ planning. lt is evident from the figures istic approach to their lot. which are now available that the Ab­ The Ministry recognises the importance original population is younger than the of the youthfulness of the population population as a whole. Whereas 37.38 and many of its programmes are geared per cent of the total Victorian pop­ towards normalising the demographic ulation is aged under 20 years, the imbalance of the Aboriginal population. corresponding figure for Aborigines is 54.20 per cent. Alternatively, the per­ As opportunities are provided, fatalism centage of Victorians aged 60 and over will dim in ish and life expectancy be is 12.31 per cent of the community. The increased.

6 To overcome this population character­ Another aspect which requires serious istic, the Ministry, however, has never attention is the fact that the majority advocated family planning. of this population resides in cities and towns.

EDUCATION

Can education be bought? Community PRE-SCHOOL expectations, including some Aborigines, The Minis try's Pre-School Program me that the provision of scholarships will in announced last year has been in operation themselves provide a better education is for less than eighteen months, but al­ erroneous. The provision of scholarship ready 197 Aboriginal children have had monies has contributed to the increase the experience of Pre-School under the in family income and .has had the effect scheme. of stimulating interest in school attend­ ance. In contrast to 1971 when 12 Aboriginal children attended accredited kindergart­ Despite the scholarships which have lead ens, 62 children were attending Pre­ to many more Aboriginal children attend­ Schools under the Ministry's Scholarship ing schools, educational gains will be Scheme in June, 1972, and these num­ limited if Aboriginal parents, children bers had increased to 100 by June, 1973. and teachers do not positively engage in the benefits available. School teachers A new development in the programme and administrators will increase the commenced in September, 1972. Fi­ results if they incorporate in their nancial assistance was provided through curricula and school organization a re­ the Ministry to enable Kindergartens to cognition of Aboriginal identity and employ Aboriginal Pre-School Assistants. heritage. As at June, 1973, 11 young Aboriginal women were employed as Pre-School Assistants, and the programme has been an outstanding success. To assist them better to relate in their work, five SEMINAR Assistants undertook a two-weeks course A one-day seminar was sponsored by the of further training in deportment. Ministry at Bairnsdale on 7 December, 1972. Under the title of "Educational A special need for Pre-School services Issues in Aboriginal Affairs" the seminar has been demonstrated in East Gippsland attracted intense interest from East where there are no Pre-School facilities Gippsland pre-school, primary and sec­ in more distant locations. To meet this ondary teaching staff, as well as other need, the Ministry plans to establish a persons involved in Aboriginal affairs in mobile Kindergarten service to com­ the area. mence in February, 1974.

7 PRIMARY CAMPING Since the inception of the Aboriginal As foreshadowed in last year's report, Education Incentive Scholarship Fund in development of the permanent camp 1967, Aboriginal Children's school at­ site at Rubicon in the Lake Eildon tendance and performance at school has district has been undertaken. A dining/ greatly improved. The scheme has in­ reception hall and kitchen were built; creased parental interest in education and three buildings previously moved to the also established contact with their child­ site were renovated for use as dormitories ren's schools. In the Latrobe Valley and and a craft centre; site works were carried Colac the A.E.I.S.F. phased out its out and a lake for boating and swimming scholarships this year as the objectives activities constructed. A residence for an had been achieved. Aboriginal caretaker is at present under construction. A total of $1 00,500 was made available through the Ministry to the A.E.I.S.F. Due to the extensive building activities, Committee. Scholarships were awarded the camping programme was restricted to 928 primary students this year. throughout the year. lt was possible, however, to conduct eight camps and two staff conferences, in addition to making the camp facilities available to SECONDARY four other organisations to hold camps Increasing numbers of students are on the property. attending secondary school this year Letters and reports from youngsters notably with a higher proportion of boys Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal who than girls. (See Appendix Table 2). have attended the camp are most In January 1973, Commonwealth Ab­ encouraging. original Secondary Grants Scheme ad­ ministered through the Department of Education was extended to Aboriginal children attending all levels of second­ BERNARD VAN LEER PRE-SCHOOL ary school. A.E.I.S.F. scholarships for PROJECT students in Farms 1 and 2 were con­ By agreement with the Australian Govern­ sequently terminated from that date. The ment Department of Aboriginal Affairs, total number of secondary grants awarded financial support for this project will was 632, an increase of 99 on the terminate at the end of the 1973 previous year. academic year. A report on the project is still pending. ADVANCED Students holding Commonwealth Ab­ original Study Grants from the Depart­ ment of Education number 94, an AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL FOR increase of 54 on the previous year. Of EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH these 23 were at Universities or Colleges The A.C.E.R. has continued with the of Advanced Education. Five study grant study which was commenced in 1969 holders undertook secondary studies and into educational achievement of Ab­ a further five engaged in literacy courses. original children. In its initial stages The remainder used the grants for a wide investigation was made into the com­ variety of vocational training courses. parison of performance of groups of

8 Aboriginal, migrant and other Australian attention is being paid to the study of children in Victorian primary schools. A school leaving patterns and occupational report on this stage has been completed choices of Aboriginal school leavers. under the title "Some Cognitive Skills in Aboriginal Children in Victorian Primary The work of the A.C.E.R. has been most Schools" {1971). valuable to the Ministry in providing an During the present year, work has been objective basis on which policy decisions extended to secondary schools where about Aboriginal education may be made.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT TRAINING City of Swan Hill The Ministry, in association with the Shire of Tambo Department of Labour, carried out pre­ employment programmes for young Shire of Warrnambool. people in the West Gippsland and Mallee A total of 64 men were employed under regions. the Special Works Projects, and this has These programmes have been instrument­ enabled them to obtain employment al in creating interest, as well as raising which would otherwise have been dif­ employment aspirations among Abo­ ficult to secure. The projects have con­ riginal youth. tributed towards an increase in self­ esteem and an improvement in relations and functioning. Many of the men em­ SPECIAL WORKS PROJECTS ployed were previously thought by some to be unemployable. They have proved In conjunction with the Department of otherwise. Labour, the Ministry administered ten Special Works Projects this year. Funds were made available to the following COMMONWEALTH EMPLOYMENT cities or shires in order that Aborigines TRAINING SCHEME could obtain employment with local The Ministry provided support and coun­ Government bodies:-~ selling services to many Aborigines mak­ Shire of Bairnsdale ing use of the Department of Labour's Employment Training Scheme. Through­ Shire of Dimboola out the year the number of Aborigines Shire of Morwell employed under the Employment Train­ Shire of Rosedale ing Scheme increased by six to a total of thirty-four by the end of the year. Forty­ City of Shepparton nine trainees commenced this year and Shire of Swan Hill forty-three terminated their training Shire of Swan Hill- Robinvale Project during the same period.

9 HOUSING

HOME OWNERSHIP Tenants on low incomes were eligible for The Ministry Housing Grant of $1,500 rental subsidies calculated on the basis designed to stimulate interest in home of the formula applied by the Housing purchase, was paid to 39 applicants Commission. during the 12 months ending 30 June, 1973. Appendix "B" indicates that rental The desire by Aborigines to purchase collections for the year amounted to their own homes, continues to be reflect­ $38,420.78, an increase of $13,467.87 ed in the long waiting list of applicants or fifty-four percent over the previous for the Grant. financial year. This year, the Ministry has also assisted Aborigines with home ownership by On 31 December, 1972, the Ministry making housing loans of varying amounts wrote off rental arrears to the extent available to 19 families. of $44,046.51. The purpose in writing off these arrears was to provide Ab­ original tenants of Ministry houses with RENTAL the opportunity to make a fresh start The Ministry continues to provide rental as from the beginning of 1973. Ex­ accommodation in both metropolitan perience has shown that one of the major and rural areas. This year, the Ministry difficulties for some Aboriginal tenants acquired 24 houses for rent· in the has been the burden of rental arrears following areas. some of which had accumulated over a Metropolitan 3 period of 15 years. Those tenants of twelve months or more who had paid Central their rent regularly were granted a bonus, Gippsland 12 depending on the period they had suc­ cessfully maintained their rental oblig­ Mallee 4 ations. These bonuses, the maximum Murray-Goulburn 3 being $500, were allocated to 23 fam­ Wimmera-Western ilies. In fifteen cases, the bonus was applied to a temporary reduction of Total 24 twenty percent off their normal rent. Details of housing owned by the Ministry In eight cases, the bonus was used are set out in Appendix "F". towards a house purchase deposit.

HEALTH

This year the Ministry's health education toria arousing the interest of Aboriginal programme was developed into a task communities and increasing knowledge force approach. Based in Melbourne, the in nutrition, hygiene, child care and use nursing team travelled throughout Vie- of community resources. The nursing

10 team has also assisted health resources VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL throughout the State in a more receptive HEALTH SERVICE attitude towards Aborigines. Ministry Aboriginal people in Melbourne have visiting nurses assisted a number of announced plans to establish their own infant welfare centres to conduct health health service in Fitzroy to serve the education programmes for the total com­ the health needs of Metropolitan Ab­ munity. origines. On 27 June, 1973, the Minister an­ nounced the transfer of the Ministry's nursing team to the Department of RESEARCH Health (Vie.). This change is in line with Ministry's policy that services provided Assistance was again provided to Dr. to Aborigines should be made available Lena Thomas of the Department of wherever possible through the comm­ Social Studies, University of Melbourne. unity's existing resources in this case Dr. Thomas conducted a data collection the Health Department. Additional funds study on the nutrition of Aboriginal will be made available to the Department children in East and West Gippsland. to meet the expenses of the nursing team. A report on this study is pending. During 1973, the general lack of health Dr. Malcolm Dobbin, a Ph.D. Student, resources in East Gippsland became an Department of Social and Preventive important issue. In co-operation with the Medicine, Monash University, was assisted Victorian and Commonwealth Depart­ financially and by Ministry field staff in ments of Health, the Ministry provided his research into the morbidity, growth assistance in planning for improved and nutrition in children aged between health facilities in that part of the 0 and 5 of East Gippsland and Mel­ State. bourne. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

During this year the Ministry has intro­ lt has become increasingly evident that duced a new dimension in working with economic and education programmes for Aboriginal clients of the Ministry. Aboriginal people are often negated un­ less accompanied by adequate social After considerable consultation, the Min­ programmes. The provision of employ­ istry has involved an Aboriginal organiz­ ment and education opportunities re­ ation in carrying out case work on behalf quire continuing assistance to the recip­ of the Ministry, particularly relating to ients in order that they might enjoy the housing matters. benefits of social interaction with other lt was proposed to the Ministry that citizens in their localities. more effective results could be achieved As a means of consolidating the social using this method rather than having pro­ development which has occurred in re­ fessional Social Workers or Ministry Ab­ cent years the Ministry has continued its original Liaison Officers doing the same two-pronged approach to the ultimate task. solution of racial equality. Firstly exten­ At this stage it is too early to comment sive activities have been undertaken with on the results of this approach, but the community in order to assist them to expectations are high. meet Aborigines halfway. Secondly to

11 extend the opportunities and responsibil­ DISTRICT REPORTS ities of the Aborigines in community Metropolitan activities. In this regard during the year "GUNNAI" LODGE, Dandenong many Aboriginal people have taken part in various service clubs, community com­ In October 1972 the Ministry announced mittees and allied organizations. that it had purchased a registered board­ ing house in King George Parade, Dande­ While it is not intended to convey the nong, for the purpose of providing ac­ idea that Aborigines should prove them­ commodation for young Aboriginal selves to the community at large the people from country districts. value of Aboriginal participation on com­ Public reaction to the purchase was munity committees is one of enhancing immediate, strong and, to say the least, their own self image. In addition, the disappointing. Within days, a petition skills acquired in the process are able to had been forwarded to the newspapers, be utilized in the management of Ab­ and an intensive campaign mounted to original organisations. oppose this project based solely on racial grounds. The Ministry refused to yield to the CONSULTATION demand that the project should be aban­ doned and was supported in its stand by Aboriginal people have contributed con­ Aboriginal organisations, as well as by siderably to the thinking of the Ministry many members of the general public. during this year through formal and informal consultations. Issues which "Gunnai" Lodge is home to eleven dominated discussions related to housing young Aboriginal men who are either and health. Meetings were held in metro­ apprentices or receiving "on the job" pal itan and country areas with the Di­ training in employment. lt is under the rector or his Deputy. management of Aboriginal people who manager, supervisor and relieving super­ An innovation this year was the intro­ visor, and is administered by a Special duction of residential consultation in­ Purpose Committee, established under volving staff and their families and Ab­ Section 38 of the Aboriginal Affairs Act original families. 1967. Such consultations were held over the weekend 14-16 July and 17-19 Nov­ The Committee comprises ember at Warburton. Aboriginal families Mr. K. C. Walker- President from metropolitan and country areas Mr. J. R. Russell Executive Secretary attended and senior staff and their fam­ ilies. Both staff and Aboriginal people Mrs. B. F. Walker- Minute Secretary considered that this form of meeting was Mr. C. A. Elliott Treasurer invaluable for the interchange of ideas Mr. L. Briggs and particularly of getting to know and understand each other. Mr. R. R. Harrison Mr. B. j. Mitchell Sir Douglas Nicholls, O.B.E., was ap­ The Ministry wishes to express its sincere pointed on 29 November, 1972 as a full thanks to the members of this Com­ time consultant to the Director of Ab­ mittee, who have given their time and original Affairs. assistance so generously in the task of

12 13 14 73 9174 -2 15 16 establishing and operating this new EAST GIPPSLAND project.

Special thanks are extended to Mr. and "MEERJNDOO" HOSTEL Mrs. Reg. Blow as manager and super­ visor respectively for the most difficult This hostel is in full operation, with task which they have undertaken and seven Aboriginal students in residence. The students come from remote areas of carried out in an exemplary manner. East Gippsland where it is not easy for At the close of this financial year, it is them to obtain a secondary education most gratifying to report that after six near their homes; all attend the Bairns­ brief months of operation, the boarding dale High School. house is operating happily with the full The Hostel is managed by a married co-operation of local residents, and it is couple and administered by a Special evident that the initial reaction was Purposes Committee established under based on unfounded fears. Section 38 of the Aboriginal Affairs Act. lt comprises The Rt. Rev. D. A. Garnsey, "WIRRAMINNA" Bishop of Gippsland. (Chairman). "Wirraminna" continues to provide a Mr. R. M. Henger. (Secretary). home where tender loving care for six Aboriginal children, from an Aboriginal Mr. T. A. Caldwell. (Treasurer). mother, is available. Eligibility relates Mr. M. F. Bundle. only to Aboriginal children who are Mr. S. V. Dyson. Wards of State. Cr. P. A. Evans. This family group home is administered Mr. S. Hood. by a Special Purpose Committee estab­ lished under provision of Section 38 of Mrs. R. R. Mullett. the Aboriginal Affairs Act 1967. Mem­ Mr. D. McE. Yeates. bership of the Committee is as follows: The Ministry is most appreciative of the work of this committee and staff in Rev. Fr. R. L. Jones (Chairman) ensuring another most successful year. Mrs. M. G. Pettett (Secretary) EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE Mr. K. j. Boehme (Treasurer) The Ministry provided assistance to the Mr. H. Blair value of $2,635 for East Gippsland Mrs. J. M. Boehme Schools where Aboriginal children are enrolled. The funds were used to pur­ Mr. A. D. Fairless chase additional equipment and amen­ Mrs. R. Monks (ex officio) ities, such as library materials, dupl i­ (Cottage Mother) cators, remedial aids and film equipment. Mr. J. R. Russell The funds were provided on the basis that the additional equipment will be available for all pupils at the schools. The work of the Committee is greatly appreciated by the Ministry. SPECIAL WORKS PROJECT To Mr. and Mrs. Monks we again extend Arrangements were made at the begin­ our sincere thanks for a task well done. ning of 1973 to introduce special works programmes in three Shires in East in particular seem to be increasingly Gippsland. The schemes are administered taking opportunities to participate in by the Shires with funds provided community activities. through the Ministry. Regular employ­ Activities of the women's group have ment is available on the same basis as for other council labouring staff to included numerous meetings and several successful cabarets. Aboriginal men who would otherwise have been unemployed. The operation of the projects received a most favour­ able response from all sections of the East Gippsland community. MALLEE REGION

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs offices were moved from "Wandarrah" GOULBURN VALLEY in McCallum Street, Swan Hill, to offices in Drummond House, McRae Street, Swan Hill. This move was made to allow In the Goulburn Valley area this year the social club to occupy the "Wan­ there has been a particular interest in darrah" building as part of the overall camping. There have been three camps policy of implementing the programme attended entirely by Goulburn Valley which allows for Aboriginal initiative students, and two other camps to which and opportunity. a few Goulburn Valley students went. In general the young people who have The Sir Rohan Delacombe Award was been to these camps have found them won this year by Darryl Nicholson of most enjoyable and several of the teen­ Swan Hill, a student in Form IV at agers have demonstrated leadership po­ Swan Hill Technical School. tential. SPORT School attendances at all levels have Mr. Frank Stewart, Aboriginal Liaison been improving over the last few years, Officer, coached the Little Athletic Club and in the past year have been very at Swan Hill during the season, and good. This is true also of Pre-School several Aboriginal children did very well, attendances. There are a number of and many mothers joined in and assisted students now in higher secondary forms with the Club. Aboriginal children have who intend going on to tertiary training. also excelled in other sport, including Several teenagers are doing apprentice­ football, basketball and netball. ships. There are three Aboriginal girls in the Goulburn Valley who are employed as Pre-School Assistants. Their employment WEST GIPPSLAND has been extremely successful. A Special Works Project has been operat­ LIONEL ROSE CENTRE HOSTEL ing at the Shepparton City Council. An average of ten students resided at the There are presently eight (8) men work­ hostel during the year, and the average ing there. stay was eight months. Involvement in community affairs, par­ In 1972 one student passed his Leaving ticularly in sporting activities, has been Certificate, and this year three students noticeable in the last year. Young people, are studying at the Leaving level.

18 Involvement in the community increased Apart from five other buildings, the land considerably. Sporting activities have ex· is divided into three dairy farms with tended from football to include basket­ residences and milking sheds. The area ball, cricket and volley ball. is moving towards economic and social stability. The Trust demonstrated its GIRLS' HOSTEL capabilities by paying a dividend to its This hostel opened in April, 1973, and members in the second year of its already four girls are in residence. operation. Congratulations. The Trust operates through a committee LIONEL ROSE CENTRE of management elected by the people. This Centre has been used by both The Trust has already shown its ability Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal pt:ople to deal effectively with questions involv­ during the year and is demonstrating its ing Aboriginal members, much more value to the community. than the Minis try was able to do. The Ministry wishes to acknowledge VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE with thanks the assistance and advice A number of vocational orientation pro­ given by Mr. Hugh Adams, Mr. Ken grammes were carried out involving fif­ Armstrong and other local residents. teen boys and sixteen girls.

SPECIAL WORKS PROJECT LAKE TYERS TRUST A Special Works Project was commenced with the Morwell Shire Council and The Ministry ceased to be responsible for commenced with the employment of running Lake Tyers from 1 July, 1971, th~ee Aboriginal men. when the freehold title to the land was transferred to the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, comprising the residents. However some sections of the non-Aboriginal WIMMERA-WESTERN community still have not appreciated the nature of the changes. Lake Tyers is no Because many of the Aboriginal people longer an Aboriginal Reserve. The Trust in these districts are self-reliant, the takes full responsibility for its own Ministry was able to close its Regional affairs, and the management is in the Office at Ballarat on 2 February, 1973. hands of an elected committee which Any matters requiring the attention of a employs staff and determines operational social worker are still handled by an policies. officer based in Melbourne, who is able The Ministry again made a grant of to visit the region as necessary. $40,000 to the Trust for 1972/73. Financially the Trust is now on the point of "breaking even" so far as the farm is concerned. Despite a most serious FRAMLINGHAM TRUST drought during the summer of 1971/72, the property weathered the adverse sea­ The Ministry ceased to be responsible for son better than most farms in the the operation of this former reserve from district. The cattle and sheep are in good 1 July, 1971, when the freehold title of condition. The piggery project is still 488 acres was transferred to the Fram­ under consideration for introduction at lingham Aboriginal Trust of residents. an appropriate time. Preparations are

19 being made for large sowings of vegetable years is a short time when compared crops and for the construction of a new with the humiliating decades which Ab­ dam to irrigate additional pastures. original citizens of East Gippsland have Neither the Trust nor the Ministry had to wait for this opportunity to own expects miracles, but we both confidently and manage a small section of the land expect that the public will be patient that originally belonged entirely to their in its expectations of the project. A few predecessors.

LEGAL

During this year the Victorian Aboriginal Committee of Victoria; and the Ministry Legal Service was formed and com­ of Aboriginal Affairs must be on the menced operations after receiving a grant Council. of $2,000 from the Ministry. The Aust­ Mr. P.F. Renkin attended Council meet­ ralian Department of Aboriginal Affairs ings as the representative of the Ministry. has provided adequate funds to meet expenses of the administrative and pro­ The Ministry co-operates fully with the fessional staff and premises. V.A.L.S. and provides the names of all This Service aims to provide a wide range Aboriginal persons arrested by police of advice and assistance to Victorian and reported to the Director under Aboriginal people and covers the full Section 37 of the Aboriginal Affairs Act range of legal matters. The governing 1967. body of the Legal Service is the council lt has been obvious for many years that of members elected at the annual general Aborigines, along with some other min­ meeting. Regulations of this organisation ority groups such as migrants, are often require that one-third of the Council and disadvantaged before the law. one officer must be of Aboriginal descent; one representative of the Bar Council is The present arrangement should help to be elected; and representatives of the considerably to provide a more equitable Law Institute of Victoria; the Legal Aid service for Aboriginal people.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RELICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

This Committee was constituted by the The Act provides that one member shall Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Pre­ be the Director of Aboriginal Affairs or servation Act 1972, under the administ­ his nominee, and that one member shall ration of the Hon. the Chief Secretary. be an Aborigine nominated by the

20 Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Acting April, 1973, and has held two meetings. upon the advice of the Aboriginal Affairs Matters dealt with include the location, Advisory Council, the Minister nominated evaluation and protection of archaeo­ Mr. David R. Anderson. logical sites, and the development of a public educational programme to assist The Committee was appointed on 3 in the preservation of Aboriginal rei ics.

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Membership and attendance at the meet­ Members Appointed ings were as follows: by Minister Meetings Attended Meetings Attended Mr. W.K. Alien (Overseas) 3 Chairman- (Mr. G. Sutcliffe substitute for Mr. Alien while Mr. M. R. Worthy, overseas) 2 B.A., Dip. Soc. Studs. 6 Mrs. E.M. Cameron 4 Elected Members- Mr. T.L.W. Emerson, Mr. D.R. Anderson B.A., Dip.Ed. 4 (Mal lee) 6 Dr. P.W.j. Leighton, Mr. E.A. Cooper M.B., B.S. 5 (Murray-Goulburn) 5 Sir Douglas Nicholls, O.B.E. 5 Mr. I.K. Couzens Mrs. M.E. Tucker, M.B.E. 6 (Wi m mera-Western) 5 As required under Section 14 of the Mrs. M.R. jackomos Aboriginal Affairs Act, the Council met (Metropolitan) 6 on six occassions, although the Chairman • Mr. j. Mullett was overseas for three months. (West Gippsland) The Council has continued to be a Mr. P. Pepper valuable means of communication be­ (East Gippsland) 5 tween the Ministry, Aboriginal people • Mrs. E. R. Smith and particular departments and organis­ (West Gippsland) ations represented on the Council.

• Elected unopposed 29/3/73 • Elected unopposed 24/8/72 seat declared vacant due to non-attendance at three consective meetings.

21 APPENDIX "A"

MINISTRY OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS FUND

Statement of Receipts and Payments

1969/70 1970/71 1971/72 1972/73 $ $ $ $

Balance of Fund Brought Forward 6,041.61 452.89 931.94 1 July. 15,224.09 44,167.70 61,814.71 90,959.52 Receipts 101,919.29 380,000.00 369,000.00 332,000.00 Contribution from Loan Funds 310,000.00 350,000.00 372,400.00 410,000.00 Contribution from Vote Funds 410,000.00 Commonwealth Grants $ Health 49,000.00 Education 227,000.00 Employment 2 000.00 Special Works Projects 135,000.00 91,000.00 70,000.00 120,000.00 Rural Employment 33,256.00 446,256.00

$871,209.31 $873,667.60 $953,891.46 Total Funds $1,283,399.38

LESS Expenditure 252,803.54 304,178.64 336,080.29 Item l. Salaries 366,701.28 12,757.24 13,587.15 19,910.02 2. Travelling and Subsistence 21,131.29 17,879.36 13,457.90 7,287.93 3. Office Requisites 11,699.55 23,157,37 5,551.36 9,363.20 4. Public Relations 18,171.96 13,541.91 15,710.20 12,962.30 5. Incidentals 25,326.65 10,727.54 16,719.54 14,347.36 6. Postage and Telephone 19,235.14 15,919.70 20,013 03 19,511.12 7. Motor Vehicles 27,122.80 4,544.47 4,705.64 3,154.25 8. Fuel, Light and Power 2,705.43 103,901.16 103,219.67 59,366.75 9. Assistance 71,760.19 80,285.52 97,274.29 127,122.31 10. Education 154,163.60 4,000.00 4,417.67 6,148.38 11. Employment and Special Works 37,720.14 108,314.80 83,237.26 65,425.60 12. Lake Tyers 58,089.22 7,478.75 7,199.40 18,285.08 13. Framlingham 10,273.21 90,197.19 83,010.02 108,459.18 14. House Maintenance 131,872.49 125,247.87 85,272.61 108,160.61 15. Capital Works 156,793.79 3,000.00 8,187.16 16. Health Projects 9,098.50 12,181.28 14,895.83 17. Hostels and Centres 22,751.15

$870,7 56.42 $872,735.66 $938,667.37 Total Expenditure $1,144,616.39

Balance as at 30 June, 1973 $138,782.99

22 APPENDIX "B"

ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS FUND

Statement of Receipts

1969/70 1970/71 1971/72 Item 1972/73 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 16,932.48 19,850.45 24,952.91 Rent Collections 38,420.78 507.67 16,424,81 1,384.20 18,466.25 3,372.60 21,580.31 Less Corn mon wealth 6,619.71 31,801.07 Rents

8,344.03 10,458.07 14,391.95 Loans Repaid 19,997.47 396.72 7,947,31 1 ,486.42 8,971.65 4,992.54 9,399.41 Less Commonwealth 9,699.81 10,297.66 Loans

2,437.80 1,507.50 8,976.65 Donations 5,373.67 12,097.50 Property Damage Proceeds 8,403.95 19,340.48 33,031.46 Sale of Property 46,977.72 2,255.00 300.00 Sale of Boomerangs 148.05 2,163.69 4,044.63 Morwell Centre 5,631.85 Boarding Fees 1,194.05 468.70 1,829.56 Other 1,837.32 5,356.73 10,596.44 Receipts Lake Tyers (a)

44,167.70 61,814.71 90,959.52 101,919.29

Nota (a) All receipts since 1. 7.1971 ore under the control of Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust

23 APPENDIX "C"

ABORIGINAL HOUSING {COMMONWEALTH) TRUST ACCOUNT

1972/73 $ $

Balance 1 July, 1972 267,213.22

ADD GRANTS received from Commonwealth- Health 49,000.00 Education 227,000.00 Employment 2,000.00 Special Works Projects 35,000.00

313,000.00 Housing 357,000.00 670,000.00 Rent and Loan Repayments 16,319.52 House Sales 20,458.00 Fire Insurance on house destroyed by fire 7,500.00

981,490.74

LESS Transfer of non-Housing Grants to Aboriginal Affairs Fund 313,000.00

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING 668,490.74

LESS Expenditure on Housing 428,914.77

Balance as at 30 June, 1973 239,575.97

24 APPENDIX "D"

STAFF

30 June, 1973 30 June, 1972 Establishment Employed Establishment Employed

Head Office - Administration and Typing 26 26 23 22 Assistant Director Senior Research Officer Publications and Publicity Officer Chauffeur 2 2 Printer 1 Cadet Social Worker 2 2 Trainee Printer 2 2 Field Staff - Supervising Social Worker Senior Social Worker Camp Director/Education Officer 1 Field Officers 5 5 4 4 Assistant Liaison Officers 2 1 1 Social Workers 12 10 13 10 Liaison Officers 9 9 4 4 Pre-School Advisers 2 2 2 2 Health Staff Senior Sister 1 Visiting Nurses 4 2 5 4 Property Staff - Property Officer Assistant Property Officer Rent Collectors *1 *1 *1 *1 Regional Staff Clerical Assistant Typist Receptionist 1 S teno./ Receptionist 4 3 5 5 Hostel Manager 1 Relieving Hostel Manager *1 *1 Cook 1 1 Domestic 2 2 2 2 Relieving Cook/Domestic *1 1

88. 78 79 70

*Part-time

25 APPENDIX "E" Table 1.

DISTRIBUTION OF CHILDREN BY FORM

Form 11 Ill IV V VI Other Total

Number of Children 182 144 148 107 39 8 4 632

Table 2.

DISTRIBUTION BY SEX

Girls 305 48.3%

Boys 327 51.7%

Table 3.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS (June, 1973)

Technical 216 High 361 Registered 51 Special 4

Total number Students 632

Total number Schools attended 191 APPENDIX "E"

Table 4.

NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS

DISTRICT PRIMARY SECONDARY TOTAL Metropolitan- South 9 29 38 Central 34 14 48 East 23 43 66 North-East 89 44 133 North-West 25 33 58 West 22 17 39 Dandenong 15 10 25 Healesville 29 5 34 Ballarat 18 29 47 Horsham 36 4 40 Hamilton 20 20 40 Warrnambool 26 10 36 Colac (a) 5 5 Bairnsdale 29 32 61 Lakes Entrance 6 6 Bruthen 10 10 Nowa Nowa 15 15 Orbost 24 24 48 Cann River 14 13 27 Bendoc 3 3 Latrobe Valley (a) 32 32 West Gippsland 30 13 43 Mildura 41 16 57 Robinvale 44 18 62 Swan Hill 73 34 107 Shepparton 122 47 169 Echuca 69 36 105 Nathalia 23 18 41 Other districts 79 86 165

Totals 928 632 1560

Note (a) A.E.I.F.S. Primary Awards terminated in these districts in 1973.

27 APPENDIX "F"

HOUSING

CATEGORIES INCREASE DECREASE

As at Purchase Built Became old to Sold to f::' Non- Made As at 30.6.72 Available Abor. Ab Demolished Available 30.6.7 3 p or. For Rental ersons p For Rental ersons

Metropolitan 6 3 9

(former Rural Towns 145 18 2 *1 staff 2 5 1 158 house)

Rumbalara 10 10 (Vacant} Rub icon 3 3 Camp Site Staff Houses 6 1 1 1 1 (see*} 6

TOTALS 170 22 3 1 2 6 1 1 186

28