Secretariat of National Aboriginal Tel: (03) 9489 8099 and Islander Child Care Inc. Fax: (03) 9489 8044 1st Floor, 252—260 St Georges Rd Email: [email protected] North Fitzroy VIC 3068 Website: www.snaicc.asn.au

still Print Post No: 320231/0100 going strong SNAICC NEWS Secretariat of National Aboriginal & Islander Child Care Newsletter April 2008

Saying sorry is the first step EDITORIAL By Julian Pocock, he formal apology by the national parliament to the Stolen SNAICC Executive Officer Generations and their families has recognised the anguish Tthe Stolen Generations have experienced and offered them significant comfort. With the dignity of the occasion, it gave acknowledgement to, and respect for, the Stolen Generations’ experiences and offered hope and a promise of future renewal for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

continued on page 3

SORRY – THE FIRST STEP Special Feature on the National Apology page 10

Also in this edition:

SNAICC Update: PROFILE: Cathy Stassi National Roundup: SRS Update: Child Preotection on family violence Wood Inquiry, Qld ECCHO project and more prevention news and more report page 4 page 8 page 18 page 20 SNAICC News is the newsletter of the IN THIS EDITION Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Inc. It is published elcome to another extended edition of , with an eight-page quarterly. SNAICC News WSpecial Feature on the national apology to the Stolen Generations. © SNAICC 2008. Copyright for images and Because the apology was so significant to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander text published is retained by SNAICC, community, and there were so many stories and perspectives on the apology to unless specified otherwise. Please seek permission from SNAICC share, we decided to delay the special theme on Health and Nutrition to the next before reproducing any information newsletter (July), and to devote this edition to the National Apology instead. published here. We asked members of SNAICC’s National Executive to share what the apology means to them (page 10). We are also privileged to share the perspectives of our Disclaimer While SNAICC makes an effort to elders – members of the Stolen Generation. It was also important for us to hear ensure the information published in from young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about what the apology this newsletter is correct at the time means to them. In all, there were more stories and photos than we could fit in, so we of printing, readers should contact the relevant organisations for current are using the Yarning and Faces features of our newly launched website to publish information on events, conferences, this material. We also encourage you to share your stories and photos this way. More services or publications. information is on pages 12 and 13. The photographs in this publication are intended for illustrative purposes "is is a big year for SNAICC – it is our 25th Anniversary. "is edition, we only. No inference is intended or implied recount the timeline of SNAICC's long journey to the inquiry into the Stolen that the children or adults depicted in Generations (page 17) – it is a good way to remember how we got to this point of the photographs are the subject of any issue(s) raised in this newsletter. the government offering an apology. Look out for more silver anniversary stories this coming year, and do share your recollections with us. Contributions, feedback and suggestions I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your feedback. to SNAICC News are welcome. Copy deadline for our July edition is – Mark Lawrence, Publications Officer 26 May 2008. Cover photograph: Candles on the lawns of Parliament House spell out “Sorry the First Step” on the evening before the national apology. This was an initiative of supporters and campaigners for the National Apology, including online For publication inquiries, contact: campaigning group GetUp!. Photograph courtesy of Get Up! – http://www.getup.org.au Mark Lawrence, Publications Officer Email: [email protected] Telephone: (03) 9489 8099 Deadlines and themes for SNAICC News 2008 Subscribe to SNAICC News Any organisation, government Next edition: July 2008 department, service or individual may subscribe to SNAICC News and receive Theme: Health and nutrition other information on Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander children’s and Do you have a case study, story, successes or perspective on improving the families’ issues. The subcription fee for health and nutrition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pre-schoolers, the newsletter is voluntary. children and young people? We would love to hear it!

Fees (including GST): Send us your story or perspective for the next edition of SNAICC News Government departments $100 before 26 May 2008. Non-government organisations $55 Individuals $33 In 2008, each newsletter edition will have a theme, with a key article on the theme’s issues and a list of resources and services offering more information or support. We welcome All subscriptions are paid annually, based readers’ contributions, suggestions and articles addressing the theme. The themes are in on the financial year. relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Members and affiliate members receive the newsletter as part of their All contributions of announcements, articles, reviews or news to SNAICC’s quarterly membership. newsletter should be sent to us no later than the deadlines listed below. Edition Copy Deadline Theme For subscription inquiries, contact: July 2008 26 May 08 Health and nutrition Angelique Davis October 2008 25 August 08 Focus on Torres Strait Islander communities Email: [email protected] Telephone: (03) 9489 8099 Each edition is usually mailed out the first week of the month the edition is named for. SNAICC, PO Box 1445, Fitzroy North, Contact Mark at SNAICC for details: Victoria 3068 telephone (03) 9489 8099; email: [email protected] www.snaicc.asn.au

2 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 continued from page 1 of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is a foundation upon which the EDITORIAL success of many other initiatives will depend. When we fail to recognise how the past lives on, we allow the injustices Sorry is the first step of the past to continue.”

Acknowledging what happened in As SNAICC Chairperson Muriel the past, and saying sorry, is crucial to Bamblett said in a statement on the the healing that is needed – not only for occasion, “the apology is the right thing. members of the Stolen Generations, but It acknowledges that to forcibly remove for the whole community. "is moment and permanently separate a child from also rekindles the hope that the path to their family is harsh and cruel. Most of the reconciliation between all Indigenous and children removed were swept into a life non-Indigenous Australians can be renewed, of poverty and hardship. "ey had their and a brighter future can be shaped for innocence, their childhood and their culture Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stolen from them.” children. SNAICC welcomes the apology by the As importantly, the apology can national parliament, and appreciates Prime assist the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Minister Rudd’s sincere approach to the Islander community, and the broader Prime Minster Kevin Rudd addressing guests at apology, including his consultation with Australian community, to have faith in the Parliament House after the historic national apology to members of the Stolen Generations over new government’s integrity in the area of the Stolen Generations. The children pictured here are how it should be expressed, and his making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child holding photographs of their grandparents, who had been removed from their families as children. Photograph by it a priority in his first term of government. and family welfare. the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, "is is crucial now as the Rudd published with permission. For more information, see government has embarked on an ambitious, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/index.html “Acknowledging what but overdue, plan to ‘close the gap’ between happened in the past, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – particularly focusing on young children, SNAICC will pursue this national saying sorry, is crucial to the with targets to improve the deplorable objective with all our resolve, and will also healing that is needed – not mortality rates of Aboriginal and Torres pursue having this objective applied to only for members of the Strait Islander infants and young children all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander within the next ten years, and to improve children in every city, town and community Stolen Generations, but for literacy and numeracy rates in early primary across the land – as part of a broader plan to the whole community.” education. secure the well-being of our children. In his speech during the apology, Prime Minister Rudd also announced the Prime Minister also committed his the establishment of a bipartisan In SNAICC’s statement immediately government to ensuring over the next five commission to set national targets for after the apology, Muriel Bamblett said, years that every four-year-old Aboriginal overcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait “"rough the formal apology and his and Torres Strait Islander child in remote Islander disadvantage – and for parliament speech, the Prime Minister demonstrated communities is enrolled in, and attends, a to work together to achieve them. with his heart and mind that he proper early childhood education centre or understands how important the apology is program. continued on page 13 for the Stolen Generations and the nation as a whole.” And whilst 13 February 2008 was certainly a day to celebrate, the apology This year SNAICC celebrates 25 years did bring mixed emotions as we paused to remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait of advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Islander people who have passed away and Strait Islander children were not physically with us to hear the apology. and their families. SNAICC argued for the apology over 10 years, arguing the importance of As part of our anniversary celebrations, in each newsletter edition this year we will bring you a story recalling an aspect of SNAICC’s history and acknowledging the past and of an apology our many campaigns. to the healing our communities require. As We want to hear your story outlined in SNAICC’s key policy platform, Do you have a story of your experiences with SNAICC, or your service’s involvement ‘Seven Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres with our organisation, over the last 25 years? Do you have SNAICC posters, publications, Strait Islander children and families’: or other memorabilia to share with your story? If your story is published in our “A national apology that acknowledges newsletter, we will give you a copy of The Dreaming: Springboard to Learning DVD and the harsh injustices of past child education resource featured in our previous edition. A limited number is available. removals, and the ongoing impact of Contact Mark at SNAICC to share your stories and material: these on the health, happiness, and telephone (03) 9489 8099 or email: [email protected] parenting skills of current generations

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 3 SNAICC Update ‘Evidence-based’ review SNAICC submission on "e review of the intervention should be of the NT intervention based on clearly identified indicators relating 2008 federal budget to the well-being of children and families ast December, SNAICC wrote to with the review itself conducted in an open, NAICC has called on the federal Lthe Minister for Families, Housing, independent, transparent and consultative Sgovernment to direct significant Community Services and Indigenous manner. financial commitments in the 2008 Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin, MP, in In recent discussions with the Minister’s budget to support the healthy early-years relation to the government’s proposed office SNAICC has been informed that the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait review of the Northern Territory (NT) review will take place towards the middle Islander children as the the most effective intervention. of this year, will be independent, evidence form of child abuse and neglect prevention. "e Minister has stated that the NT based and focus on what is being achieved We made this clear in a submission intervention will be reviewed against the for children. to the Prime Minister, Federal Treasurer evidence of what works and the outcomes SNAICC would argue that there is a and other relevant ministers as part of the being achieved for children. SNAICC need to identify and respond to the negative federal government’s budget consultation supports this approach and believes the NT consequences from the NT intervention process. SNAICC’s submission was made intervention should also be reviewed against such as fallout from the removal of in January. the best international evidence of what CDEP, the further criminalisation of works in child protection. public drunkenness, the impact of alcohol Since the announcement of the withdrawal on people with alcohol “SNAICC’s perspective is intervention, SNAICC has argued that, dependency and a possible deterioration in while the stated reason for the intervention the role and authority of parents through that supporting the healthy was a concern relating to child abuse and the compulsory income management development of children in neglect, aspects of the intervention have no regime. the early years is the truest clear link to the prevention of child abuse or SNAICC is concerned that aspects form of child abuse and neglect. of the intervention and in particular the broad community wide application of the neglect prevention.” income management regime will further “Any short-term outcome stigmatise Aboriginal parents and diminish of improved access for their confidence and capacity to parent. Any "e submission identifies major short-term outcome of improved access for priorities for Aboriginal and Torres children to basic daily food children to basic daily food and household Strait Islander children and families for and household items may items may come at the cost of raising a the government to direct funding to, come at the cost of raising generation of Aboriginal children with the including $48 million over four years for a generation of Aboriginal belief that Aboriginal people are incapable an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of parenting well. child abuse and neglect and family support children with the belief Similar good intentions are often initiative. that Aboriginal people are claimed to have motivated Aboriginal child We also call for $40 million over four incapable of parenting well.” removal in previous generations. With years to expand the capacity of current the benefit of hindsight we know these Indigenous-specific child care services and policies did inter-generational damage the establishment of new multi-functional to the parenting capacity of families and Indigenous-specific child care services in communities, the results of which we are areas of high need, amongst other priorities. still trying to address. Because of the shorter time than Clearly the welfare reform measures usually available for preparation of budget introduced in the NT are not about initiatives, SNAICC’s submission focusses removing children from their parents but particularly on the need for a long-term they do remove parental decision making response to child abuse, child neglect and from parents. Evidence tells us that the family violence that is guided by a set of more the state takes over the parenting principles. role from parents the worse the long term SNAICC’s perspective is that outcomes are for children. supporting the healthy development of "e review should examine how the children in the early years is the truest form federal government can achieve the best of child abuse and neglect prevention. outcomes for children and families for the Long term improvements in the health level of federal government investment and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres associated with the NT intervention. Strait Islander children will be sustained by – Julian Pocock, SNAICC Executive Officer supporting families in their role of raising

Tatiana Doroshenko 2007 Tatiana children. Strong healthy families raise © Ë 4 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC Update strong healthy children and provide the best social support system for preventing child abuse and neglect. You can download SNAICC’s budget submission on the Submissions page of our website: http://www.snaicc.asn.au/policy/default_ news_resources.cfm?loadref=62

Left: SNAICC Website Manager Tatiana Doroshenko describing the key SRS features of the new SNAICC website during National Child Protection the launch. Right: SRS Program Manager Veronica Johns (left), SNAICC Chairperson Muriel Bamblett, and Fraynework Multimedia General Manager Anne Walsh at the launch. Photos by Mark Lawrence © SNAICC 2008 Framework "e Coalition of Organisations New SNAICC website now NAICC is working with a coalition of Committed to the Safety and Wellbeing Schildren’s and families’ organisations of Australia’s Children was established in live and the federal government to develop a November 2007 to work with governments National Child Protection Framework. to develop the National Child Protection Go to: http://www.snaicc.asn.au F "e Framework will bring together state, Framework. "e Coalition represents the territory and federal governments and majority of organisations that provide NAICC Chairperson Muriel Bamblett community-based children’s services and services to vulnerable children, young people Slaunched the newly redeveloped and organisations to implement common and families on the ground across Australia, expanded SNAICC website at the National guidelines to prevent and respond to child as well as many key researchers. "ere are Executive meeting on 5 March 2008. abuse and neglect. 51 members in the Coalition. Speaking at the launch, SRS Program Work on developing the Framework was After the first meeting between the Manager Veronica Johns described the initiated last year by representatives from a Coalition and Minister Jenny Macklin extensive creative thinking, planning broad group of community organisations. in January, Brian Babington, Director of and development process behind the SNAICC is part of this group, now called Families Australia and spokesperson for the redevelopment, especially in creating the the Coalition of Organisations Committed Coalition, said, “"e Minister has given a new SNAICC Resource Service features of to the Safety and Wellbeing of Australia’s strong commitment to the Commonwealth site. Children. working collaboratively with the states and She said, “"is website will help us all "e Coalition met with the Hon. territories, as well as the community sector, keep in touch, stay informed, build capacity, Jenny Macklin, the Minister for Families, to find both practical short and long term praise and strengthen good practices in our Housing, Community Services and ways to tackle the child protection crisis in services, and help us all evolve, evaluate and Indigenous Affairs, in late January this Australia”. improve our work.” year to discuss the development and "e Australian Labor Party announced “"is website is a tool, a resource. It is implementation of the Framework, and its commitment to develop a National interactive (for both SNAICC members again in February. SNAICC is actively Child Protection Framework during the and the broader community), user friendly, involved in the process, with SNAICC election campaign last year. It is heartening accessible, fluid and dynamic, relevant, Chairperson Muriel Bamblett participating to see the new Rudd Labor Government culturally appropriate, knowledgeable, in the meetings. take a proactive, consultative and national respectful and reflective of people, places, Minister Macklin has asked the approach to child abuse prevention as it programs and processes. It allows feedback Department of Families, Housing, moves to quickly implement its election and input from across Australia.” Community Services and Indigenous Affairs commitment to develop a Framework. Muriel Bamblett acknowledged all the to develop a discussion paper that outlines More information on the Coalition and work on behalf of the SNAICC Executive, the Framework, which will be available soon the National Child Protection Framework saying, “"is new website far exceeds what for community comment. "is consultation is available from Brian Babington at we had originally imagined!” will inform the formation of the Families Australia, or from Julian Pocock at "e website was developed by Framework. SNAICC understands the time SNAICC: Fraynework Multimedia, who were available for comment will be limited, and Brian Babington, Director of Families represented at the launch by their General we suggest that member organisations keep Australia, tel: (02) 6273 4885 Manager, Anne Walsh, and Romain Raffard. informed of the process and timelines to http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au "e new features will house an ensure you have enough time to contribute extensive collection of resources, tools, to the consultation. Feedback can also be Julian Pocock, Executive Officer, SNAICC, information and networking functions made to SNAICC. tel: (03) 9489 8099 that will assist and resource community SNAICC will be actively involved in the services, government departments and other consultation process and the Framework’s More information on SNAICC’s call for organisations working with Aboriginal and development, as part of our commitment to a national a plan to prevent child abuse Torres Strait Islander children and families the development of a national approach to and neglect is available on the Policy and You can find SNAICC’s website at: preventing child abuse and neglect. We will Advocacy Initiatives page of our website: http://www.snaicc.asn.au report regularly on the progress through http://www.snaicc.asn.au/policy/default. this newsletter and via our website. cfm?loadref=55 continued on page 6

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 5 continued from page 5 "e Executive also discussed SNAICC’s major priorities of the new government position on the federal government’s such as early childhood education, child commitment to establish a National abuse prevention and parenting support SNAICC Update Advisory Board (see report in this section). for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander "e next National Executive meeting is families align with the work of the SRS. scheduled for 23–25 July. In November 2007 the SNAICC National Executive’s – Kim Werner, SNAICC Governance & National Executive and AGM considered March meeting Planning Manager an independent evaluation report of the SRS and reviewed the four priority areas he SNAICC National Executive met Future of the SNAICC that the SRS works within. It was agreed to Tin Melbourne from 5 to 7 March retain the existing four priority areas with 2008 and considered a broad range of Resource Service updated descriptions (see below) and to issues. "e Executive discussed a range have the SRS continue as an integral part of of recent significant developments such he SNAICC Resource Service SNAICC’s long-term operations. as the national apology by the National T(SRS) was established by SNAICC Parliament to the Stolen Generations and with funding and other support from the Priority Area One: Early childhood the Federal Government’s policy initiatives Australian Government Department of development, parenting and child in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Families, Housing, Community Services rearing. Islander children and families, including and Indigenous Affairs in 2004. Supporting services and communities the proposed National Child Protection "e function of the SRS is to promote to provide culturally enriching and Framework. and accelerate the development of services, developmentally appropriate early In addition the Executive commenced programs and community initiatives childhood programs, documenting planning for celebrations for SNAICC’s working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 25th anniversary this year, and the next Islander children and families in the early parenting and child rearing approaches SNAICC National Conference, planned for childhood and family and children’s services and creating resource materials for 2010. sectors. distribution that encourage this "e meeting continued developing a knowledge to be put into practice. SNAICC Service Access Policy, which has been under discussion by the Executive “Major priorities of the Priority Area Two: Child and family since 2007. "e policy is intended to new government, such as well-being. provide a response by SNAICC to the early childhood education, Supporting services and communities broad issue of ‘mainstreaming’ that has been to provide responsive and holistic prominent in recent times. child abuse prevention child and family welfare programs that "e Executive also reviewed SNAICC’s and parenting support for build on Aboriginal and Torres Strait policy document ‘Seven Priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family strengths and approaches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to parenting and aim to improve the children and their families’, which the Islander families. align with cultural, physical, social and emotional Executive identified as a major policy focus the work of the SRS.” well being Aboriginal and Torres Strait for 2008 (see the report on this later in this Islander families. section). "e Executive completed the review and "e SRS has developed and distributed Priority Area !ree: Prevention of update of the SRS Overview document that a range of resource materials, products family violence, child abuse and child outlines the SRS’s guiding purpose, role and and projects over the past three and a half neglect. functions. "is document will provide the years, which support children’s development Engaging services, communities and outline of the next four years operation of and family well-being. SNAICC and the other stakeholders in developing the SRS and the next SRS four-year budget Department are currently discussing the community based strategies to and work-plan. SNAICC is pursuing the ongoing funding and operation of the SRS. understand, prevent and respond to re-funding of the SRS (see the report in this We are hopeful that continuing family violence, child abuse and child section). funding will be provided particularly as neglect involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Priority Area Four:- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance and organisational development. Assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community based and controlled services to identify, articulate and build on their strengths, and to extend their capacity to develop, manage and deliver effective family and children’s services.

Elcho Island’s Chooky Dancers at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. They were amongst "e independent evaluation thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander and non-Indigenous people who gathered in recommended the ongoing funding of the Canberra to hear the national apology to the Stolen Generations. Photo by Rosie Elliot Ë 6 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 SRS for at least a further six years and made "is year, we encourage you to use a number of important recommendations our website to keep in touch with what on how to improve and extend the work is happening for NAICD, to register of the SRS. "ese included having the your NAICD event online, to share your SRS provide additional support for project photographs and stories from your NAICD implementation, a stronger role and better events, and learn what others are doing for resourcing for the SRS clearinghouse, the day. working in partnership with Indigenous For details, go to the Children’s Day Professional Support Units, creating an page of our website: IT support service for Indigenous early http://www.snaicc.asn.au/children childhood services and supporting non- Indigenous services to develop culturally For more information regarding inclusive practice. NAICD 2008, contact Angelique Davis at SNAICC anticipates that the future of the SNAICC Office: the SRS will become clear by the time of the Phone: (03) 9489 8099 federal budget in May. Fax: (03) 9489 8044 Email: [email protected] PS: Details about SRS projects and resource More information on Justice Wood’s materials can be found on the recently SNAICC response to Special Commission of Inquiry is in the re-launched SNAICC website, which also ‘National Roundup’ in this edition. features the new SRS web features: Western Australia draft http://www.snaicc.asn.au child neglect policy Support for a National – Julian Pocock, SNAICC Executive Officer Indigenous Advisory Board he Western Australian Goverment Seven Priorities policy TDepartment for Child Protection t its March meeting the SNAICC initiated a process of drafting policy on child AExecutive affirmed its support for review neglect, and invited SNAICC to comment. the formation of a national Aboriginal and In December 2007, SNAICC made its Torres Strait Islander advisory body to NAICC is currently reviewing our submission to the Department’s review. "e the Federal Government and decided that Sseven policy priorities that we believe Submission is now available for download the following factors should be taken into all Australian governments must adopt to from SNAICC’s website: account in determining its composition: improve the health, welfare and education http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news/view_ a balanced representation of Aboriginal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander article.cfm?id=31&loadref=8 diversity and Torres Strait Islander diversity, children. "e SNAICC National Executive For information on SNAICC’s states and territories, gender, age groups identified this as a major policy focus for submission, please contact SNAICC’s (including Elders and young people), 2008. Policy Manager, Julie Higgins: representation from existing community "ese policy priorities are outlined email: [email protected] controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait in the policy paper ‘Seven Priorities for tel: (03) 9489 8099 Islander service peaks and national NGOs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and remote, rural and urban communities. children and their families’. "e paper also NSW Wood Inquiry "e role and function of the elected identifies the key reforms and initiatives body should be focused on policy needed to implement these policy priorities. n January, SNAICC made a submission development and advocacy to government "e review commenced with a Ito the Special Commission of Inquiry (not program delivery), establishing workshop for members at the 2007 Annual into child protection matters in New performance benchmarks and targets General Meeting in Perth and was further South Wales, led by Justice Wood. In relating to the well-being of children progressed by the Executive in March. our submission, we reiterated SNAICC’s and families, monitoring performance For more information about the policies on the right of Aboriginal and of government programs and services; consultation and review, contact Julie Torres Strait Islander children to be safe, and having the capacity to consult and Higgins, SNAICC’s Policy Manager. and to retain contact with their community, liaise with communities and existing SNAICC’s ‘Seven Priorities’ is available family and culture. organisations to develop its policy views and on our website: SNAICC directed Commissioner ‘set the agenda’ for governments. http://www.snaicc.asn.au/policy/default. Wood’s attention to SNAICC’s policy "e Executive also endorsed the cfm?loadref=67 statements on the matter, including position that representation on the body Achieving Stable and Culturally Strong Out of should be a combination of appointments, National Aboriginal & Home Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait co-option and elected representatives from Islander Children (2005), the briefing paper existing national and peak structures. Islander Children’s Day ‘Developing a National Action Plan and – Kim Werner, SNAICC Governance & National Indigenous Children’s Taskforce Planning Manager hildren’s Day is celebrated on 4 August to prevent child abuse and neglect’ (2007), Ceach year, and this year’s theme is and an international literature review of ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous child protection systems that Also see the SRS Update on page 20 Families – Nurturing Our Children to SNAICC will publish later this year. for more news on the SRS. Flourish’.

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 7 “We are working with perpetrators and PROFILE family, working with the People’s Courts and the Tiwi Land Council, banning people from the club and working as mediators between families and the court. I try to help people realise that violence is not on, and help is available. We try to get them to recognise they have a problem and try to fix it – because most people want to stay together as a couple. (See the box at right for more information on the IFVOP.) “Both the perpetrator and the victim need to recognise that they have a problem. Some of them don’t understand this – they are so used to the violence, or grew up with it, watching their father hit their mother. "ey think it’s normal. "e tension builds up and they don’t trust anyone to talk about it with, and they don’t know you don’t have to fight.” “But I feel good about how it is going. “When people get angry, they don’t Two or three couples have stopped the violence and while some other couples are still fighting, they all drop in and I think we seem to remember that the kids are will get somewhere with them. "ings have also gotten better because the club is now watching” open four days a week instead of six days like before.” An interview with Tiwi Islander Cathy Stassi “We try to have a weekly Strong Men’s group and a Strong Women’s group, but people are ashamed to speak up and fear By SNAICC Project Officers Nikki Butler and Rosie Elliott trouble afterwards. We need the older men to come and make the men’s group strong, athy Stassi is a Tiwi woman from – there’s more blaming and we don’t have and the young people and the old people Pirlangimpi, Garden Point (Tiwi that women’s shelter anymore.” need to come to trust and listen to each CIslands). She has seven children “But there’s more trouble now. I can’t other too.” and 15 grandchildren and works part-time keep sheltering women at my home. We “Sometimes the meetings work through as a community-based facilitator for the need a woman’s shelter again. I don’t get us facilitators starting off sharing our Northern Territory Correctional Services scared doing this work, but sometimes I get own experiences. If the participants feel Indigenous Family Violence Offenders upset if people won’t go to the police or get comfortable they will share too. Really, we Program (IFVOP). a restraining order and they go back to the need facilitators for these meetings who are “I have lived at Garden Point all my life. violence.” fair people and who are not judgemental”. I first started working in family violence with the Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services (CAAPS) – it was a “Both the perpetrator and the long time ago, in the early 1990s. I went to victim need to recognise that CAAPS to learn to cope with alcohol issues they have a problem. Some in my community. We got training and then I worked with Sister "erese and Sister of them don’t understand Dorothy on alcohol and drugs (paid on this – they are so used to the CDEP),” said Ms Stassi. violence, or grew up with it, “A women’s shelter was set-up in watching their father hit their Pirlingimpi, and the women would come to my home, especially at night, and I’d take mother.” them to the women’s shelter and a few of us women would stay with them overnight. If “"is new Indigenous Family Violence we ever had any trouble we could call the Offenders Program has been running cops in, they usually came when we called”. for two years now. "ere are four of us “Us women who provide shelter in working as program facilitators at Garden our community are all widows with older Point – three women and one man. My Top: Cathy Stassi (left) visiting the SNAICC office, children and families. I don’t like to get daughter does the administration work. We pictured with her niece Nikki Butler, who is a Project involved in people’s problems, because they work about two to four hours a day and Officer at SNAICC. Photo by Rosie Elliot. Above: Cathy are all family to me. I just provide safety and it’s getting better now we understand the Stassi (left) silhouetted on the front cover of the Bringing shelter, but things seem more difficult today program better. Them Home report, published by HREOC in 1997

8 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 When asked what she thought about the EARLY YEARS new SNAICC rsource, !rough Young Black Eyes – Community Leader’s Guide, Cathy said, “It could be useful. Maybe we could try running the meetings looking through the children’s eyes, seeing how we can all think about the children, because when people get angry, they don’t seem to remember that the kids are watching.” l

Indigenous Family Violence Offenders Program (IFVOP), NT

The IFVOP is delivered as a 16 module course over 50 hours. This unique program was developed by both Commonwealth, state and non-government stakeholders. The program now covers all NT regions, targeting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Supported Playgroups Islander offenders of family violence. Participants are usually referred through the court system but may also By Judith Keller, National Program Manager – Supported Playgroups, be self-referrals, or referrals from other Playgroup Australia Inc agencies. Partners/spouses of participants are also offered a shorter program which is usually available towards the end of oes your community need a “We think that our community needs a the offenders program. If court referred playgroup? Would you like some Supported Playgroup. What should we do offenders/perpetrators do not attend the Dassistance to get started? Your next?” program then they are breached under The state or territory Playgroup Association "e first step is to contact your state Act and must appear in court again. Also can help. or territory Playgroup Association on offenders/perpetrators can also be banned Under the national Supported 1800 171 882 (free call from everywhere from clubs/pubs by local councils and Playgroup Program funded by the in Australia) and ask to speak to the State police. Australian Government, Aboriginal and Supported Playgroup Coordinator. "e Indigenous Family Violence Offenders Torres Strait Islander families can receive State Supported Playgroup Coordinator Program (IFVOP) 16 Modules address: assistance and support from a Playgroup assesses potential Supported Playgroup ü Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Worker for between 3–12 months to help sites and seeks approval to fund the family violence set-up and organise their playgroup. establishment of new playgroups. ü personal values and beliefs At a Supported Playgroup, the Some state and territory Playgroup ü cultural context of violence Playgroup Worker’s role is to empower Associations also have other programs parents and family members to develop the and activities specifically funded to assist ü intergenerational aspects of violence confidence and skills to run their playgroup Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ü the law and family abuse independently – to create an environment families and Australian South Sea Islander ü motivation to change and changing where pride in family, community and families. controlling behaviour cultural identity can be fostered through Find out more about what is available ü power versus equity play and positive interactions between and happening in your state or territory by ü dynamics of family violence parents and their children. visiting Playgroup Australia’s website: ü functional self talk In addition to helping families to www.playgroupaustralia.com.au ü relationships identify and develop their own strengths ü taking responsibility for own behaviours and resources, the Supported Playgroup Or contact your state or territory ü resolving conflict without violence and Worker will also help family members to Playgroup Association: change access other services that may be able to 1800 171 882 (free call from everywhere support and assist them in caring for their in Australia) Thanks to Veronica Cubillo, Top End children. IFVOP Coordinator, for the program In this way, the Supported Playgroup Playgroup Australia is the national body information. Program seeks to work in partnership recognised as the leading representative and For more information, contact: with and complement the activities of advocate for playgroups Sue Rhodes, General Manager IFVOP other organisations already working with Tel: (08) 8935 7559 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Photo: Children participating in a playgroup in Yarrabah, email: [email protected] families in the community. Queensland. Photograph kindly provided by Playgroup Queensland Inc. © Playgroup Queensland Inc.

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 9 SORRY – THE FIRST STEP Special Feature on the National Apology

he national apology was certainly a signficant moment in public squares to witness the live telecast of the apology from for members of the Stolen Generations who gathered Parliament House – side by side with non-Indigenous Australians at Parliament House to hear, at last, the formal national who were also anxious to hear these healing words. And let’s not T discount them as just words, as many have made a compelling case apology for the practice of removing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, and its bitter legacy. for their importance. It is important to record and share these stories and perspectives. It was certainly also significant for those – both Indigenous and "ey allow us to learn from our past, to understand how it affects non-Indigenous – who worked long and hard to secure justice us today, and to resolve to shape the future by learning from past and recognition for the Stolen Generations. mistakes. But this is just a beginning. But it was not all just happening in Canberra. It was amazing to As Aunty Zita Wallace of Central Australia says in her account hear stories from around the country of how Aboriginal and Torres of the day in this edition, in words that sum up the whole theme for Strait Islander communities, particularly members of the Stolen our coverage of the apology, “Saying sorry is a big milestone, but it is Generations and their families, gathered in community centres and only the first step towards healing.”  The apology in words and pictures A day of sadness, joy and hope SNAICC staff member Rosie Elliott travelled to Canberra to witness the apology by the National Parliament to the Stolen Generations. She joined with thousands to watch the parliamentary apology telecast on the large screen on the lawns of Parliament House. More of Rosie’s photos and her story are also available on the SNAICC website. Go to the ‘Faces’ photo gallery page of the new SRS section of the website: http://www.srs.snaicc.asn.au

Story and photos by Rosie Elliot.

e came up from Melbourne to see Wthe apology. We arrived at the Tent and institutions. We need our Aboriginal Embassy early, took some photos of those sovereignty recognised.” gathering, including the many young people, But as well as the sadness, there was and joined the Smoking Ceremony, presided joy and hope. And tears. We were proud to over by Isobel Coe (right). She remembered take the SNAICC banner (top) out on the all those who had gathered around this Tent short march from the Tent Embassy to the Embassy fire over many years. lawns of Parliament House to be part of the “"is is a sad day for many of us,” Isobel unfolding events.” said to those gathered around. “It’s got to Isobel Coe was a founding member stop now, our kids being taken away to jails of SNAICC. She remained on the SNAICC Executive for around 15 years and has long been associated with the Tent Embassy. Isobel painted the painting used in SNAICC’s 1995 National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day poster, which reiterated our call for a National Inquiry into the Stolen Generations with the slogan ‘Never Again – Break the Chains’. l

Clockwise from left: the raw emotion of the day brought many people together; the SNAICC banner on the march to Parliament House; long time Stolen Generations campaigner Isobel Coe overseeing the Tent Embassy fire

10 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 What the apology means to me

Members of the SNAICC National Executive share what the apology means to them

s a member of the SNAICC Executive I also believe we should always strive for AI am proud to know that SNAICC higher achievements in all areas and with was the first national organisation to call for the right support and resources our children SORRY – THE FIRST the inquiry into the Stolen Generations and can and have already started closing the gap. STEP now in 2008 our government has given a So for me the saying of the word ‘sorry’ national apology to the Stolen Generations. does need to happen and from there we Special Feature "e apology means a lot to so many need this government to support us to work on the National Aboriginal people who were victims of the hard at building a better world for us as Stolen Generations. I know it won’t help or Aboriginal people. We don’t need the word Apology erase the years of suffering they have been ‘sorry’ to make us feel proud because we are through but it will be a healing starting already a proud, strong race of people and point for many of them and for Aboriginal over the many years of struggles we have believe that the National Apology people in general. proven how strong we can be and together Iwas long overdue. On February 13 I also see it has a positive sign that the we can support each other to become 2008 the Australian Government made many non-Indigenous people in Australia stronger and stronger. a fundamental acknowledgement of past want this apology to happen as well and – Debbie Bond is the Coordinator of the practices. I know from experience the that one little word is so important to all Aboriginal Resource & Management Support impact these practices had on all community of us in Australia. From there we need to Unit, SA members. work out policies and strategies to help "e apology provoked mixed feelings. Indigenous Australians get a better future "ere has been grief and sadness, but also for all of us no matter were we live or what have thought deeply about “what the happiness and optimism. From this point our situations are. "is can only happen Iapology means for me”, and the only there will be a sense of being able to move with a lot of hard work and appropriate constant feeling I get is “nothing really – forward. Saying sorry is a progressive step support and resources from all areas to help what does it mean?” Will there now be that was absolutely necessary and it is us build a better future. equality among people, will there perhaps be something to feel hopeful about. From the early childhood point of view, equitable funding for our peoples? Does this – Geraldine Atkinson, President, Victorian I would like to see more early childhood mean that situation where our children who Aboriginal Education Association Inc. centres being built, more resources for our continue to be removed at a rate four times early childhood programs that cover better that of white children will improve rapidly? educational outcomes, greater availability Will it mean a future will be provided he apology means that the past wrongs to all areas of training for our staff, access and assured for the next generation – our Tdo mean something to the Australian to better health services, financial and children and grandchildren? After all it people. It is an acknowledgement that we management support and advice and lots of is not about us. Will it mean our people as Aboriginal people were wronged; that lots of our culture being installed in services providing services for our people? Will it the people who dispossessed us of our land, all over Australia that will build our little mean less government control? massacred many nations of our people, ones’ self esteem and they can feel even Unless the future path for our next who removed our children and imposed prouder of being Aboriginal or Torres Strait impoverishment on us when placing us on Islander. continued on page 12 missions – that they did wrong. "is wrong continues to create what Australia would call dysfunction, leading to our children being taken away, our men being imprisoned, our people dying young. It is a recognition for our old Grandmothers and mothers of their hiding their children and not feeling safe in their own homes or communities, of being too frightened to ask for help because it only had one solution “to take them away”. To me the apology is the right thing, it is the Australian thing to do. It is only when the Australian Government apologises can we as a nation truly move forward. – Muriel Bamblett is Executive Director of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and Chairperson of SNAICC Former SNAICC Chairperson Brian Butler (left) with SNAICC’s current Chairperson Muriel Bamblett, at Parliament House for the national apology. Muriel represented SNAICC in the parliamentary public gallery to hear Mr Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations. Photo by Nigel D’Souza © Nigel D’Souza 2008 SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 11 continued from page 11 I feel that the apology is the first step in a long process of healing, a process of much What the apology means to me – continued sadness, another process for the Stolen Generations to re-tell their stories and an SNAICC National Executive members share their perspectives opportunity to keep the Prime Minister true to his word with regard to our children and our future generations. generations is spelt out formally and me personally. "e Prime Minister in his Apology enshrined in legislation, “the apology will "roughout the reading of the apology said in reference to the Stolen Generations, always mean nothing to me”. I was driven to think about my job as the “"ey are human beings, human beings who Kevin Rudd is calling upon all the General Manager of an out-of-home care have been damaged deeply by the decisions brilliant minds in the country, of which a agency which deals daily with Aboriginal of parliament and governments. But, as of select few will be invited, to share their ideas children removed from their birth families. today, the time for denial, the time for delay, for the future, but take a step back and I was constantly going over in my mind has at last come to an end”. think - who determines who is a brilliant how important it is to make sure that any Compensation must be sought and mind? "e real solutions rest with ordinary Aboriginal child who enters out-of-home given without conditions. people living ordinary lives, people who care (foster care) is placed with their family. I look to the future with smiling eyes struggle to meet the challenges life throws Many states and territory’s now have an and a ray of hope that one day Aboriginal at them but they never give up. So how does Aboriginal Placement Principle, but not people my people will be treated as an Mr Rudd intend to find the real people with until that moment has it meant so much to equal in Australian; that the constitution, the real solutions? make sure that principle is followed. legislation and laws of Australia recognise – Donna Klein, CEO of Central Queensland And so now I am back in my office re- Aboriginal people as First People and show AICCA, represents the Queensland Aboriginal developing our agency’s policies to ensure due respect. and Islander Child Protection Partnership on that Aboriginal children who can’t live with – Garry Matthews is CEO of Coffs Harbour the Executive their birth families get to live with extended Aboriginal Family Community Care Centre family or at the very least have contact with their birth family so that the ties to n the days leading up to the National family are built strong and that never again e are all embracing the moment – IApology, I began to get very interested will Aboriginal children need to search Wthis historic occasion of the federal in the wording of the apology and found for their mob, that knowing where you parliament in Canberra offering the national myself watching the news to see what belong is a part of growing up in the lives apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 it would say. I knew from talking with of all Aboriginal children. "at’s what the February. "is is a healing process for all local members of the Stolen Generations National Apology means to me. involved, and a special moment for members how important ‘sorry’ was to them. I was – Steve Larkins, General Manager of Hunter of the Stolen Generations. We want to see reminded by them that sorry business in Aboriginal Children’s Services, represents 13 February declared an annual National Aboriginal culture was of huge importance AbSec on the Executive Day – as a Sorry Day – to commemorate due to the levels of respect shown to those this moment across the nation for years to who have passed and that saying ‘sorry’ was come. not just a word but a sign of love, respect had strong emotions before the Apology – Shirley Wilson, New South Wales early and honour, and important to our culture. I– those emotions grew stronger during childhood representative on the Executive, So when the opportunity arose for me the Apology and I was able to allow those made this statement on behalf of all the to be in Canberra to attend the National centrifugal emotions out after the Apology. MACS of New South Wales Apology in person, I took that as a great I wept. honour and a great way of representing my "e Apology to me was recognition of people (Worimi) who could not attend or truth. "e truth that the stories our people who are no longer with us. I spoke to my have been telling for decades is believed. What does family who supported me attending to show "e truth that the sorrow and blame felt for the National our respect for the Stolen Generations. I decades by Aboriginal people is believed. also spoke to the local Lands Council, they "e truth that the wrong-doings of the past Apology mean to too saw it as an opportunity for the Worimi are never to be allowed to happen in the you? to be represented at such a special event. future. I was extremely privileged to be able I was moved by the story of Nanna Share your story with us through to sit in the public gallery at Parliament Fejo and the manner in which the Prime the new Yarning section of House and to witness the Prime Minister Minister referred to Nanna’s words. SNAICC’s website. read the apology. However, what made the I was moved by the words of the day so much more important was that I was Prime Minister when he said to the Stolen sitting beside two ladies who themselves Generations, “As Prime Minister, I am sorry. Go to http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/yarning were survivors of the impact of the Stolen On behalf of the government of Australia, and click on the ‘National Apology Yarn’ Generations. To share their emotions and I am sorry. On behalf of the parliament to share with others what the apology to witness their relief that the Government of Australia, I am sorry. I offer you this means to you, or to your family. of Australia had finally acknowledged and apology without qualification.” I was moved You can read these and other perpectives on the ‘National Apology Yarn’ apologised for their policies which led to so when members of the Parliament turned on the Yarning feature of our website. many children being removed from their to the gallery and applauded. I am thankful families, was an overwhelming highlight for that I have lived to hear the Apology.

12 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 SORRY – THE FIRST STEP Special Feature on the National Apology

Lorraine Peeters and the “We have a to make sure our children are carried new covenant forward, loved and nurtured and able to message in the coolamon between our live a full life.” peoples” Lorraine Peeters is one of eight children Following their speeches, Prime Minister Kevin Lorraine Peeters removed from her family and community Rudd and Opposition Leader Dr Brendan presenting Prime when she was aged four. She is the creator Nelson, with Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Minister Kevin of the Marumali Healing Model. “I was Macklin, greeted the guests seated in the Rudd with the overwhelmed by the whole day,” she said. “It visitors’ gallery, including 69-year-old Stolen coolamon. Photo put closure on everything for me. I have been courtesy of Ms Generations member Lorraine Peeters. Lorraine through my own healing process but nobody Peeters presented Mr Rudd with a glass coolamon. had apologised to my own mother and father Mr Rudd and Dr Nelson then stood and community from Warren NSW.” together in the parliamentary chamber before It contained a message to Mr Rudd, on The beautiful red, black and yellow glass handing the gift on to House Speaker Mr Harry behalf of the Stolen Generations, saying ‘thank coolamon came from the Warlayirti artists Jenkins, who said, “I gratefully receive this gift you’ for saying ‘sorry’. community, Balgo Hills WA. It is currently on behalf of the House. It will represent a very The message also says: on public display in Parliament House in important point in the history of not only this “We have a new covenant between our Canberra. Chamber but our nation.” peoples – that we can do all we can – Rosie Elliott

continued from page 3 ‘SNAICC Update’ in this edition). EDITORIAL Nonetheless, the lack of progress Coolabaroo Neighbourhood Centre in implementing the recommendations MACS celebrated sorry day with remains a concern. In fact, it is troubling a party lunch for all the children to Sorry is the first step that 10 years after Bringing !em Home have together. !e children in our recommended all governments support pre-primary kindy room painted SNAICC welcomes this commitment greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait an Aboriginal flag for the younger to bipartisanship. We also welcome the Islander community control of child groups and brought the flag down support provided for the national apology protection, out-of-home care and family and presented it to the younger from the Federal Opposition. Whilst welfare and support services, the last groups to display while all the Mr Nelson may have said more had he remaining Aboriginal and Islander Child children had a party lunch. said less in his speech, the journey to Care Agency in the Northern Territory will – Anne Egan, Acting Director, reconciliation has many starting points and have to close its doors, rather than there Coolabaroo Neighbourhood Centre we acknowledge the beginning Mr Nelson being new ones opening (see page 18 for the MACS, Perth, Western Australia has made. report on this closure). SNAICC will also continue to pursue "e national apology is a first step – and with the government the implementation certainly in the right direction. So too is What did your of all the 54 recommendations of the the government’s commitment to ‘close the service do for the Bringing !em Home report. "is includes gap’ – and to report annually on how well it National Apology? full reparations for the Stolen Generations is succeeding in doing so. "e government’s – the apology is one part of what was approach to reducing Aboriginal and Did your service hold a celebration recommended, financial compensation is Torres Strait Islander disadvantage must for kids, or a gathering for family and another. create a future of hope, safety, equality community? Did your staff attend a public "e 54 recommendations of the of opportunity, health and well-being for viewing of the telecast of the apology with Bringing !em Home report provide a all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander others in your community? blueprint for reform that the government children that embraces, rather than forsakes, Share your story and your photos should follow. SNAICC is still calling for their cultural identity and pride. "is is the with us in the new ‘Faces’ photo all Australian governments to implement promise that the apology holds for children gallery on SNAICC’s website. a National Action Plan to stop child abuse of today. and neglect that is developed, implemented In its resolution offering a formal http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/faces and monitored via the Council of Australian apology to the Stolen Generations, the Governments. We are also calling for national parliament also envisaged, “A Go to the ‘National Apology’ gallery to national monitoring of how the Aboriginal future where this Parliament resolves that view the photos from across the country. To share your photos of how your Child Placement Principle is implemented the injustices of the past must never, never organisation observed the apology, email in all states and territories. happen again.” SNAICC will hold them to your photos and a short explanation In this regard, SNAICC is supporting that. And more. l to SNAICC Publication Officer Mark the Federal government’s development of Lawrence: a National Child Protection Framework See www.snaicc.asn.au for our extended email: [email protected] and we will continue taking an active part coverage of the National Apology, including or call: (03) 9489 8099 in its development (see the report in the some of the stories found here.

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 13 SORRY – THE FIRST STEP Special Feature on the National Apology

!e apology – young people have their say

We asked some young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share with us what the national apology means to them. Thank you to VIYAC (Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council) for sharing some of these reflection with us, and to SNAICC Project Officer Nikki Butler for compiling them for the newsletter.

Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council (VIYAC) State Coordinator What did the Jade Colgan asked VIYAC members, “As a young person who is going to apology mean to ‘live it’, what do you think the future of reconciliation is now, after the me? apology?” Here are some of the VIYAC member’s responses. Rebecca Phillips, a young Bangerang woman, who works in Indigenous Education & believe the national apology on 13 Interpretation, shares her perspective. IFebruary 2008 increased the likelihood of Australia achieving reconciliation in my was down at Federation Square the day lifetime. I was present at Federation Square Iof the National Apology. I was amazed to watch the apology and was overwhelmed to see all the non-Indigenous people there by the number of non-Indigenous – that is what made the event real for me. Australians who stood beside me to witness "e apology would have been meaningless and support this historic event. "eir without non-Indigenous Australians support and positive response enforced the supporting it. I was silently impressed by notion that reconciliation is alive and more the words of Rudd, I think that he had importantly is achievable. demonstrated the sensitivity and respect Rebecca Phillips, a young Bangerang woman, felt proud "e national apology is testament that that the matter truly deserved. to be Australian upon hearing the national apology to the considerable action does not happen over "e words were well thought out and Stolen Generations at Melbourne’s Federation Square. night, but it is proof that such milestones delivered with integrity, it was something Photo courtesy of Rebecca Phillips are feasible. I am confident that Australia all Australians could be proud of. It was not will achieve reconciliation in my lifetime. blaming and shaming but acknowledging Stolen Generations who never thought that Ursula, 22 – Eastern Arrente past governments’ attempt at genocide, one day an apology would come for them, ruling out any debate that it happened and acknowledging the wrongs they endured. stating the facts so the healing could begin May they now rest in peace. I hope for found the apology surprisingly sincere. for the Stolen Generations. the people still looking for their families IMr Rudd has set an important precedent. It made me really feel like an and identity that the actions following the I dare say that now other members of Australian, I even felt proud for a moment Apology help the timely and emotional our government will find it very hard to before Nelson tried to justify his own process of reuniting to be less challenging. avoid the pressing issues in Indigenous misunderstanding of the issue. In my own From an Indigenous youth perspective advancement in many areas of our laws, opinion, too many outspoken people have in the year 2008, the National Apology policies, services etc. I hope those who have confused present day welfare practises means more in symbolism than what it was suffered from the tragedies of our past find and neglect cases with the past race based intended for. My generation are the lucky comfort, closure, peace and hope. removal of children from loving families. ones who were not primarily affected by In terms of reconciliation, Mick I wish to thank the man who pulled the the past governments’ assimilation policies, Dodson wrote, in one of my favourite plug out of the speakers so we didn’t have only the repercussions they caused in our pieces of writing, “Denial is the enemy of to listen to Nelson gloss over the issue, talk families’ wellbeing. Reconciliation”, so in my humble opinion about himself and blur his speech with the I believe that this day will be celebrated this is a first step. I hope that better and intentions of past policies rather than the in future by people who believe in equality stronger relationships in our organisations, outcomes it created. and common courtesy and are true to services and most importantly amongst "e atmosphere at Federation Square balanced Australian values. It gave individuals are formed. "is is imperative was thick and at the moment those words Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous for the benefit of all Australians. were said by the PM you could feel the Australians a day to celebrate together – a Reconciliation at the grassroots level is heavy burden of this truth become a lighter milestone finally reached in our shared just as important as at the top, so let’s start load that everyone shared. No longer was history. l and continue in our communities. the weight being carried for those of the Jamie, 23 – Mount Isa

14 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 Young people have their say – continued

am very appreciative of the apology made Iby Prime Minister Rudd and the fact that he acknowledged all colours of Aboriginality and all the successive generations. I, however, do not acknowledge the attempted apology made by [Opposition Leader] Brendan Nelson as it was against the spirit of the apology and it felt like a slap in the face after the Prime Minister’s tear inspiring apology. I, as a young person, am grateful for the apology and the acknowledgement of the pain and suffering that has affected Australia as a country ever since the Stolen Generation was allowed to happen. Mrs Zita Wallace (right) with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his wife, Ms Thérèse Rein, at Parliament House the day he I will personally be living up to the made the apology on behalf of the national parliament to the Stolen Generations. Photograph courtesy of Mrs Wallace apology and raise my daughter in that spirit and to have a love of Australian history both bad and good, because it has made us who from my mother, my family, my land and we are today as a country. I am proud to say What the apology culture – was not right. I immediately felt that I am an Aborigine and have ownership a weight lift off my shoulders. I now am and claim to one of the oldest and awe- means to me more empowered to progress with achieving inspiring cultures in the world and belong other recommendations for reparations as to such a strong and beautiful country, Mrs Zita Wallace, Chairperson of the outlined in the 1997 Bringing !em Home Australia. Central Australian Stolen Generations and report. Saying sorry is a big milestone, but it Reconciliation is still a long road ahead Families Aboriginal Corporation in Alice is only the first step towards healing. in my personal opinion. Speaking from Springs, shares with us her reflections of Since the apology our corporation has personal experience I believe it will be the apology. been inundated with calls from Stolen difficult for Aboriginal Australia to reconcile Generations members. "ey want to with non-Indigenous Australia when we e waited ten years for an apology. It be acknowledged, and like me they feel have trouble reconciling amongst ourselves. Wwas wonderful to be part of such a empowered to speak up, not deny what Hopefully with the apology the tensions historic occasion … it was just magic. happened or hide the impact and issues we will ease and we can all make the effort to A month before the Prime Minister’s are facing as a result. better ourselves and redefine ourselves as a apology I travelled with a group of Stolen nation and a culture both nationwide and Generations Alliance members and advisors individually. to Canberra to assist in the wording of Shantelle, 24 – Barkindji the apology. It needed to recognise the “Finally, recognition that what detrimental affects that past policies have had happened to me – my had on those like me who were removed removal from my mother, my think that the national apology was the and the trans-generational impact these Ifirst step toward real reconciliation. "e policies still have on the lives of our families family, my land and culture – apology has been long over due and we can and communities. "e Prime Minister was not right.” all now really come together as a nation and incorporated everything we asked to be focus on moving forward together. included, plus more. Nikayla, 19 – Gunditjmara On the day of the apology I was one of many Stolen Generations members who "e Central Australian Stolen were invited to Parliament as special guests Generations and Families Aboriginal VIYAC is a Victoria-wide network of volunteer of the Prime Minister. Both Mr Rudd and Corporation is moving forward with an Indigenous young people between 12–25 his wife met everyone personally, shook application to the Federal Government for years who provide a voice to government hands and listened to people’s stories. He reparation in the form of compensation and community on issues of importance to stood there and genuinely listened. for our members. Our corporation them. VIYAC is an avenue for Indigenous "ere was complete silence as the commends Senator Andrew Bartlett for young people to come together and voice Prime Minister addressed Parliament. You taking the initiative to put forward a Bill for their ideas, passions and interests, in a safe, could have heard a pin drop. "ere was not compensation to the Stolen Generations. structured and supportive environment. a dry eye in the house after the apology It is the right step in honouring the Contact Jade Colgan, State Coordinator, as the standing ovation went on and on recommendations of Bringing !em Home, on 03 9267 3788 or [email protected] or and on. It was almost surreal to finally and we hope the Labor Government will check out the website at www.viyac.org.au hear those words. Finally, recognition that follow this example and put compensation what had happened to me – my removal on the agenda. l

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 15 SORRY – THE FIRST STEP Special Feature on the National Apology Treasure the elders, lest we forget again

On the occasion of the national parliament’s Aboriginal girl to her parents after she was apology to the Stolen Generations, Anna kept in foster-care for eight years without Haebich asks all of us to remember the men just cause. A heated national debate on the and women who sacrificed so much to start fostering of Aboriginal children erupted our nation on the long journey to this historic and culminated in calls from the National occasion. Aboriginal Consultative Council for a federal inquiry. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers Bill Ryan told his own tragic story are advised that this article contains the of removal to the press and called for a names of people now deceased. Royal Commission into the “dangerously cruel” practice. Gordon Bryant, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in the Whitlam ur nation has a long history of government, announced that he would Brian Butler, former SNAICC Chairperson, at the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra. Brian was in the public remembering and forgetting appoint an inquiry into foster placements in gallery of Parliament House to witness the apology by the Othe Stolen Generations. We the Territory and that the children would be national parliament to the Stolen Generations in February. remembered them in the 1990s when the returned to their families. Shortly after he Photo by Nigel D’Souza nation was rocked by disclosures in the was removed from office, reportedly because © Nigel D’Souza 2008 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths of his handling of the Darwin case. in Custody, Paul Keating’s Redfern Speech, the Going Home Conference in Darwin, the In 1981 Brian Butler became the public Kruger case, the National Inquiry into the face and driving force behind the new Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait “!e decades of sacri"ce had Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Children, the Bringing !em Home Islander Child Care. Criss-crossing the report and the Gunner Cubillo case. "en, taken a heavy toll on our country he lobbied relentlessly for federal after a sustained period of often vicious elders.” control of services for Aboriginal children debate, the issue suddenly disappeared from and families, claiming that the 1967 the headlines, only to be revived in 2008 referendum made this a moral and legal by the Rudd government’s Statement of obligation. Apology. What do we remember of the struggle A new generation of leaders led the "is cycle of remembering and for practical strategies and resources to national campaigns of the 1990s, and forgetting has happened down the years. restore rights to Aboriginal families? A many of them were in Parliament for the Who remembers the nation’s shocked leading force here was Molly Dyer, daughter Apology. But the decades of sacrifice had reaction fifty years ago to West Australian of Margaret Tucker whose autobiography If taken a heavy toll on their elders. Of those parliamentarian Bill Grayden’s film Everyone Cared remains a classic account of mentioned here only Brian Butler was footage of diseased and starving children removal. Working for the Aboriginal Legal present in the House of Representatives to at Warburton Mission and his allegations Service in Melbourne in the 1970s, Dyer hear the historic Statement of Apology. that government plans for their mass noted the link between Aboriginal child "ese elders are national treasures. As evacuation contravened the United Nations removal and imprisonment and the high we join to remember the Stolen Generations Declaration of Human Rights? What of rate of breakdowns of adoptions and foster we should seize the opportunity to ensure the horrific report in 1968 by Reg Worthy, placements. that these men and women who sacrificed so Director of the Department of Aboriginal She fought successfully for the much are enshrined in our national history Affairs in Victoria, on the “trafficking” of development of an Aboriginal Child – lest we forget once again. Aboriginal children in Melbourne and the Placement Principle based on Aboriginal finding that over three hundred had been values and practices and a national network Professor Anna Haebich, of Griffith “illegally adopted” into white families? of Aboriginal Child Care Agencies to deliver University, is the author of Broken Circles During the 1970s a new Aboriginal professional Aboriginal foster care and The Fragmentation of Aboriginal Families leadership put their stamp on the issue, but link-up services. Dyer also built networks 1800-2000 and Spinning the Dream who remembers this? In 1974 the nation of exchange with indigenous groups Assimilation in Australia 1950 to 1970, both was divided by sensational media reports overseas. Adding fuel to her campaign were published by Fremantle Press. condemning or praising the actions of international debates on the Convention Bill Ryan, Director of Northern Territory of the Right of the Child adopted in the First published in ABC New Online Opinion Aboriginal Legal Aid, who rejected United Nations in 1978 and celebrations for on 19 February 2008. Republished with government directives and returned an the 1979 International Year of the Child. permission. © Anna Haebich 2008

16 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC’S JOURNEY TO Brian Butler tells the Australian Law Reform Commission that SNAICC reiterates its 1991 THE STOLEN GENERATIONS call for the upcoming national inquiry into child removal to investigate whether the INQUIRY – A TIMELINE removal policies fell within the definition of genocide under article 2(e) of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide This year marks SNAICC’s 25th anniversary. This is the first of a series of pieces we will publish Act 1949. to commemorate our journey and work over a quarter century. This timeline also provides a good historical context to this year’s national apology. Attorney-General of Australia Michael Lavarch formally requests HREOC to inquire This timeline represents some key events August 1993 into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres and initiatives in SNAICC’s work to bring In his contribution to the special edition Strait Islander Children from their Families. about, and support the implementation of, of the Australian Institute of Family Affairs He had originally requested the Inquiry in the National Inquiry into the Separation journal, Family Matters, marking the May 1995, but later re-issues his call for the of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander International Year for the World’s Indigenous Inquiry with extended Terms of Reference. Children from their Families. It is not Peoples, Brian Butler outlines the history and intended to be a definitive representation of rationale of SNAICC’s campaign against child November 1995 all developments along this journey. removal policies. The publication increases SNAICC’s Chairperson, Brian Butler, and the profile of SNAICC’s call for the national Executive Officer, Nigel D’Souza, are 1989 inquiry. appointed as SNAICC representatives to the SNAICC writes to ABC television presenter Indigenous Advisory Council of HREOC’s Peter Couchman following his program on October 1994 National Inquiry. the removal of children from the British SNAICC supports member organisation Karu Isles. In response, Couchman agrees to do a AICCA and other Northern Territory Stolen December 1995 programme on the removal of Aboriginal and Generations groups to organise ‘The Going SNAICC Chairperson Brian Butler presents Torres Strait Islander children, with SNAICC Home Conference’, the first major conference SNAICC’s oral evidence to the Inquiry at assisting in organising members of the studio of Stolen Generations people. Wybalenna, Flinders Island, Tasmania. audience, which screens in February 1990. April 1995 May 1996 1990 SNAICC Chairperson Brian Butler, along SNAICC holds a national workshop in SNAICC Chairperson Brian Butler presents a with a representative of SNAICC member Uluru, Northern Territory to (amongst other paper at the 1990 Australian Child Protection organisation Karu AICCA, is part of a purposes) discuss the progress of the National Conference, and calls for a national inquiry delegation of Aboriginal people from Darwin Inquiry. into the removal of Aboriginal children. who serve a writ on the Commonwealth government in relation to the removal, as August 1996 February 1990 children, of six Aboriginal people from their SNAICC presents its written submission to the The SNAICC Annual General Meeting families in what is to be the first major Stolen National Inquiry. in Brisbane resolves: “That, as a result of Generations High Court case. conclusive evidence highlighted in various May 1997 research, reports and recommendations SNAICC’s Executive Officer Nigel D’Souza The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity in child welfare practices and policies, publishes an article, ‘Call for a National Commission releases Bringing Them Home, the Executive investigate the possibility of Inquiry into the Removal of Aboriginal its report from the National Inquiry into the SNAICC calling for an enquiry into the effects Children’, in the ACOSS journal Impact. Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait that these polices have had on Aboriginal Islander Children from their Families, at the communities.” June 1995 Australian Reconciliation Convention in The President and five commissioners of Melbourne. August 1991 the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity SNAICC’s National Aboriginal and Islander Commission meet with SNAICC August 1997 Children’s Day theme for 19991 is ‘The Stolen representatives Brian Butler, Wanda National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Generation – Demand an Enquiry into the Braybrook, Sharon Slater, and Nigel D’Souza Day focuses on the release of the Inquiry’s removal of Aboriginal and Islander Children’. at SNAICC’s Fitzroy offices to discuss issues report and calls for the full implementation of Through its media release for Children’s related to the establishment of a National its recommendations with the theme ‘Bring Day, SNAICC becomes the first national Inquiry into the Removal of Aboriginal Them Home’. Indigenous organisation to call for a national Children. inquiry into the Stolen Generations. Originally published in SNAICC’s publication August 1995 ‘Remember Me’: Commemorating the tenth August 1992 The theme for Aboriginal and Islander anniversary of the Bringing Them Home National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Children’s day in 1995 is ‘Never again… report, published last year. This publication Day in 1992 continues the focus on the Break the Chains’, referring to the past and is available for download and order from Stolen Generations with the theme ‘My current practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait SNAICC’s website: family… Where are you? Enquiry into the Islander child removal. www.snaicc.asn.au/publications removal of Aboriginal and Islander Children’.

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 17 NATIONAL ROUNDUP

This edition of SNAICC News sees the return of National Roundup – a digest of news from our sector across the country

NEW SOUTH WALES NORTHERN TERRITORY SNAICC believes that the way governments do business with Aboriginal Wood Special Commission into child Karu loses Link-Up funding and Torres Strait Islander communities and protection in NSW aru Aboriginal Family Support Agency organisations means they often lose sight of fter numerous concerns and allegations Kbased in Darwin has in a tender the long-term need to build and extend the Aof mismanagement invovling the process recently lost its only source of capacity of Indigenous managed services. State’s handling of child protection matters, funding – that for the Link-Up program in While Karu not winning the tender may the New South Wales Government the top end of the Northern Territory. be justifiable on the merit of the tender established a Special Commission of Karu was one of the earliest established applications (and SNAICC can make no Inquiry into Child Protection Services in Aboriginal child welfare agencies in judgement about this) the loss of an agency the state. "ey appointed retired Supreme Australia, having been established in the like Karu is neither justifiable nor desirable. Court Judge James Wood AO QC to lead early 1980s. Since its formation Karu has "e current Director of Karu, Natalie the Inquiry. been a member of SNAICC and has served Hunter, has actively advocated that the case "e NSW Aboriginal Child Family and for many years on the SNAICC National files of current Link-Up clients these files Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec), Executive. Karu played the critical role in must remain confidential and protected, the peak body for Aboriginal and Islander initiating and hosting the ‘Going Home with the handover of files managed in a way Child Care Agencies (AICCAs) in the Conference’ in 1994, which propelled the that respects the wishes of Link-Up clients. state, has actively represented the interests rights of the Stolen Generations onto SNAICC agrees. and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait the national political agenda and created Islander children, and the concerns of the much of the momentum that led to the By Julian Pocock, SNAICC Executive Officer AICCAs, in the Inquiry’s proceedings. 1997 HREOC inquiry into the Stolen AbSec has made a detailed formal Generations. submission to the Inquiry, has appeared QUEENSLAND before the special commissioner to give oral evidence, and has participated in forums Building cultural competence in alongside other community organisations “Karu was one of the earliest early childhood services and peak bodies in the areas of out-of-home care and children’s welfare. established Aboriginal child uilding Cultural Competence’ was a SNAICC has also made a submission welfare agencies in Australia.” ‘Bmeeting held recently for Aboriginal to the Inquiry (see the SNAICC Update and Torres Strait Islander early childhood in this edition for more information). education and care professionals in SNAICC is also liaising closely with AbSec Brisbane, 22 January 2008. "e ‘Building over the proceedings of the Inquiry. AbSec Karu also led the establishment of the Cultural Competence’ meeting was funded is a member of the SNAICC National Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s by the Queensland Professional Support Executive. Service, Minbani, in Darwin. Regardless Coordinator (Health & Community "e Special Commission of Inquiry’s of the outcomes of the Link-Up tender Service Workforce Council Inc.) and the website has more information, including the process, nothing can take away the proud Queensland Indigenous Professional full terms of reference, various submissions history and work of Karu on behalf of Support Unit. made to the inquiry that are available Aboriginal families and children. Tara Lee Franks, Project Officer with to download and transcripts from oral "e loss of Link-Up funding for Karu the Child Care Skills Formation Strategy, evidence and forums: (following the earlier removal by the NT PSCQ, at the Health & Community http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/cpsinquiry government of funding for the alternative Services Workforce Council Inc, facilitated care program) leaves Karu with no ongoing the meeting. Participants attended from: To find out more about AbSec’s funding and threatens the continued ü Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s submission to the Inquiry, and the concerns viability of the agency. Services (MACS) from Palm Island, being raised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait "at Karu lost its Link-Up funding Cherbourg, and Woorabinda Islander children’s welfare services in New in a competitive tender process to another ü Inclusion Support Agencies (ISAs) South Wales, contact: Aboriginal organisation is of concern ü Indigenous Professional Support Unit Bill Pritchard, Executive Officer, AbSec to SNAICC – not because of which (IPSU) Tel: (02) 9264 0088 organisation was successful, but because ü Professional Support Coordinator or Freecall: 1800 888 698 (for NSW the consequence of Karu not winning the callers) tender may mean the closure of a significant (PSC) website: http://absec.org.au Aboriginal organisation. ü Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait

18 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 National Roundup continued… VICTORIA

SNAICC Executive member Islander Children’s Services Advisory ü Yarning circle (sharing stories, honoured in Victorian Women’s Group knowledge), communication honour roll ü Acceptance, respect, encouraging a sense Very informative and inspiring sessions eraldine Atkinson, Deputy were facilitated by: of belonging and self worth, positive GChairperson (Early Childhood) ü Roslyn Von Senden, on ‘Within attitude, open minded, nurturing and of SNAICC, has been inducted into the ourselves’, about our journeys, identifying strengths, support Victorian Honour Roll of Women this connections and learnings, and about ü Confidence, inspiration, motivation, year in recognition of her achievements and centering ourselves. advocacy leadership in early childhood education in ü Karen Martin, on ‘Keeping your feet ü Performance measurement tool, her community in Victoria. Ms Atkinson is President of Victorian on the ground – If you don’t stand for commitment, accountability Aboriginal Education Association Inc. something … you’ll fall for anything’, ü Resources, “environment” resources, equipment, funds (VAEAI) and General Manager of Batdja and ‘Merging cultural, personal and Preschool in Shepperton, Victoria. professional identities’ (Aboriginal ways A number of things were identified to take About 25 years ago, Ms Atkinson of teaching-learning, living and working); forward from this workshop: helped set up an Aboriginal child care and ü Future of OUR children centre, Lidje, in Mooroopna, Victoria. She ü Tara Lee Franks, on ‘What are people ü Advocacy told !e Age newspaper, “We needed a currently doing to build cultural ü Continuing to build strong relationships child care centre that would lead into good competence or Indigenous inclusion and connections education pathways, so students would within children’s services across ü Mentoring from a professional & cultural complete year 12 and go into further study or employment.” Queensland?’ From this question, perspective “Back then, Aboriginal kids believed distinct themes emerged: ü Documenting practice to assist inclusion. they didn’t really count for much so we ü One voice wanted to develop their self-worth. We ü Identity For more information: believed that by learning about their culture, ü Unified vision Tara Lee Franks it would reinforce their cultural identity "e themes were gathered from these Child Care Skills Formation Strategy/ and if they had that, they’d complete their practice ideas: Professional Support Coordinator education and have more choices in life.” ü Past, present and future – linking Queensland (PSCQ) “I really believe we’re developing leaders ü Unity, together, community involvement, Health & Community Services Workforce for the future,” Ms Atkinson said. empowerment, mentoring, relationships Council Inc "e Victorian Women’s Honour ü Teaching Australia’s true history to Phone: 07 3234 0434 Roll this year recognised and honoured children, awareness and listening, sharing or: 1800 112 585 (freecall) 30 women from all walks of life, whose Fax: 07 3237 1497 achievements, leadership and contributions knowledge, understanding and knowing, to their community have made a difference. services cultural understanding Contributed by: Veronica Johns (SNAICC) "e inductees for 2008 were announced and Tara Lee Franks (PSCQ); photos kindly on 7 March, in time for International provided by Tara Lee Franks Women’s Day on 8 March 2008.

For more information: The Victorian Honour Roll of Women www.women.vic.gov.au/ CA256EAE0012F311/Womens%20Policy/ Women+as+leadersVictorian+Honour+Roll

Participants at the ‘Building Cultural Compentence’ Victorian Aboriginal Education workshop in Brisbane last January. Photographs kindly Association Inc. (VAEAI): provided by Tara Lee Franks www.vaeai.org.au

Sources: VAEAI and ‘A Vote of Thanks’, The Age, 8 March 2008

Contributions welcome What’s happening in your state/territory or organisation? Share your news, reports and issues in our next newsletter. Send contributions for our National Roundup to Mark at SNAICC. Email: [email protected]

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 19 SNAICC RESOURCE SERVICE (SRS) Update

‘Walking and talking together for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families’ ü !rough Young Black Eyes Handbook 2007 (TYBE); reprinted and updated ü !rough Young Black Eyes (TYBE) i everyone, great to be out here manage and progress these activities Leaders guide, reprinted and updated talking with you again. I hope you and publications working collaboratively ü !rough Young Black Eyes (TYBE) ‘How Hare finding value in the resources together within the SNAICC office to safe is your family’ leaflet; reprinted and and activities that are being developed ensure outcomes are met in providing updated through the SNAICC Resource Service. the resources and activities through the ü Men and Parenting Posters – both local We are very proud to have the new SNAICC Resource Service. and national posters website for the Resource Service now If you are one of the services that is available so please take the opportunity participating in a project and would like ü !e Dreaming – six pack DVD set and where you can to get online, check it out and to have a yarn with us or tell us about how teachers guide put your information on the site. you are going out there we’d really love ü !e Dreaming: Springboard to Learning – SNAICC staff are becoming interactive to hear from you. One of our staff could publication with DVD with the site which will assist in making also put your good practice stories and If there is any information here you would the site more accessible to stakeholders information up on our new website. We like to know more about please contact me: and building stakeholder capacity to find would also particularly like to hear from tel: (03) 9489 8099 value in and utilise information technology. managers and leaders about the Support email: [email protected] Making the time to go online is a whole new and Management (SaM) Online project and way of working. Look at what information the Promising Practices Profiles resource Veronica Johns is available on the SNAICC websites for and how you have used or benefited through Program Manager you to read, download, talk about and learn this resource. SNAICC Resource Service about. Enjoy! Below are some of the projects and activities that we are hoping will continue Early Childhood Communication or be considered for the next SNAICC Online Project “If you are one of the services Resource Service 2008–2012 funding that is participating in a contract and workplan. "is is pending ollowing are some of the findings from confirmation of ongoing funding. Fthe information technology (IT) audit project, we’d really love to that was conducted on approximately 60 hear from you.” ü Child Rearing Practices project children’s services across Australia: ü Support and Management (SaM) Online project ü Basic training is a very high priority for A big ‘thank you’ to the services, ü Clearinghouse all centres visited so far, and to a lesser SNAICC Executive members, partner ü Early Childhood Communication extent advanced training organisations and individuals who Online project (see the report on Phase 1 ü Information Technology is not a high provide us with feedback and input to priority for many of the sites visited. our activities and the work in developing of this project in this section) resource publications that we send out to ü Partners in Action Research Evaluation Services are focussing on the work in our membership, subscribers and other (PARE) project caring for children. interested groups, your shared ideas, ü Most services visited have a reasonable thoughts and actions are invaluable. New resources coming soon! level of hardware. "e staff also do a great job to Be on the look out for new resource ü All sites visited are now connected to the publications coming out this year: internet or have a better connection. ü Backup of data was not done in most of ü Yarnin’ Up strength cards the services. Through Young Black ü Foster their Culture resource book for ü Email and internet policies were not in Eyes: Manual – 2007 non-Indigenous foster carers place for use. edition ü ‘You’re A Dad’ tip sheets The fully edited and "ere is a clear need for: ü !rough Young Black Eyes workshop kit updated 2007 edition ü Connecting Communities – National of the Manual is now Basic training (a high priority for floor and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander available to order room staff at all centres visited so far): children’s services directory Cost: $25 includes gst, ü In the use and operation of PC’s at a very ü National Aboriginal and Islander postage and packaging basic level Children’s Day resources ü In the basic everyday software packages, Information about ordering and order i.e.: Word, Outlook, email, internet use forms is on SNAICC’s website: "e following resources that have been www.snaicc.asn.au/publications developed and distributed continue to be eagerly sought after:

20 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008 SRS Update

Advanced training (for directors and "e Project Working Group and ü Selection of a printer and its administration staff): Indigenous Professional Support Units maintenance ü In the use and operation of PCs, recently met with the SRS Project Officer ü Care and maintenance of PC’s and peripherals and networks and Infoxchange Consultant to discuss peripheral devices ü In everyday software packages, i.e.: recommendations from the preliminary ü Selection of a PC, screen and Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, report of the audit findings. Below are explanation of components two of the recommendations identified Publisher, Power Point, email, internet ü Software requirements and selection for specific information and training and intranet use ü Options available to not-for-profit through workshops for the Indigenous centres in purchasing software Specialist training: Professional Support Units which can then ü "e need for security and keeping of the ü In sector specific software application for be channelled through to the services they software disks and licences the directors and administration staff. work with. ü Internet options, benefits, constraints and implementation Support: 1. To have IPSUs promote and encourage: ü Basic network operation and ü For users in PC operation and ü "e use of the www as a resource maintenance problems ü "e use of email as an effect form of ü Planning and growing a network ü For staff looking after PCs, printers, communication ü Differences between wireless and cable routers and associated equipment ü "e deployment of and use of training networks ü To perform repairs and upgrades, DVDs ü Back up procedures, implementation obtain impartial advice ü "e use of the Intranet as a means of and data recovery ü In administration for designing and sharing resources and tools ü Email and internet policies, the need for, growing their networks, ü "e implementation of policies and development and implementation ü With informed advice around IT procedures for back up and email / ü Other information as appropriate equipment to be purchased and internet use quotations for replacements and repairs that is affordable, cost efficient 2. To develop and distribute in hardcopy Details about SRS projects and resource and takes into account relevant and on any future intranet an IT materials can be found on the recently climates ie humidity, dust. resource guide that explains: re-launched SNAICC website, which also ü Printer differences, options benefits and features the new SRS web features: Promotion and encouragement www.snaicc.asn.au comparisons ü In the use of PCs for the room staff, or “staff on the floor” ü Of the internet and www as a Available in May 2008 resource for knowledge and sharing of information Through Young Black Eyes Workshop Kit ü Email and electronic sharing of A kit to help run workshops about: information between their own and • Family violence and its effect on children outside communities • Child abuse and neglect • Child sexual abuse Education • Creating a child-safe community ü On the importance of policies and guidelines for staff in PC, email and This kit contains: internet use • Facilitators Guide ü On the importance of back ups and safe • Activity and information sheets keeping of and retrieval of data • Short films ü On the importance of maintenance and • An CD version of all the above information – put the CD into your computer and adapt it to suit your needs. looking after IT equipment

The Through Young Black Eyes Workshop Kit will help you run workshops where Each service participating in this project people can share information and stories to move forward and help Aboriginal and will receive information about their specific Torres Strait Islander children be safe and happy. audit findings, IT recommendations for Use the kit to help others make their own commitment towards creating a their service and the equipment and support child-safe community! provided at the time of the audit. "e Visit the SNAICC website to find out more and for information on how to order: Indigenous Professional Support Units http://www.snaicc.asn.au/publications (IPSUs) will also receive a copy of these Orders and inquiries are being accepted from May 2008. reports relevant to their state/territory.

SNAICC News April 2008 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong 21 + SNAICC Publications Have you moved or changed your and Resources

address details? NEW – NOW AVAILABLE in out-of-home care, and promotes strategies Has your organisation to help organisations overcome barriers to Through Young Black delivering services to them. changed its name? Eyes: Manual – 2007 Produced through a collaboration edition between the National Child Protection SNAICC receives a large number of A fully edited and Clearinghouse and the SRS, commissioned returned mail due to incorrect postal details updated 2007 edition by the Department of Families, Community each time a mail-out is done. It would assist of the Manual to Services and Indigenous Affairs on behalf us immensely if you let us know whether help Aboriginal and of the Australian Council of Children and your details have changed or are about to Torres Strait Islander Parenting. change. Please complete this change of communities stop child The series of booklets discussing the address slip and either fax or post it back to abuse and family violence. project’s findings is available for download SNAICC, attention to Angelique Davis. Publisher: SNAICC from the SNAICC website: Cost: $25 (Handbook) incl. GST, postage Booklet 1: Characteristics of promising Send this form to SNAICC at: and handling Indigenous out-of-home care programs PO Box 1445 Order form availabe from our website and services Fitzroy North, VIC 3068 Booklet 2: Assessing, training and recruiting fax: (03) 9489 8044 NOW AVAILABLE Indigenous carers email: [email protected] Booklet 3: Comprehensive support for Indigenous carers and young people Please tick R: Booklet 4: Indigenous responses to child protection issues o Yes, we would like to stay on the To download or order, go to: SNAICC database – please update our www.snaicc.asn.au/publications/ details. OR “Remember Me” – Commemorating the o Please remove us from the SNAICC Tenth Anniversary of database. & the Bringing Them Home Report (2007) Through Young Black Eyes – ISBN: 978-1-921174-11-7 Organisation: Community Leaders’ Guide Publisher: SNAICC 32 page DL full colour booklet Cost: free & SNAICC’s recent Contact person: Keep Your Family Safe – leaflet publication to commemorate the tenth Full colour leaflet anniversary of Bringing Them Home. Order Address: Publisher: SNAICC online from SNAICC’s website. Cost: free The fully updated and edited 2007 editions State: Postcode: of the Through Young Black Eyes resources COMING SOON to assist communties to stop child abuse Phone: and family violence can now be ordered. Foster Their Culture – Caring for Produced by the SRS. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fax: Children in Out-of-Home Care Promising practices in out-of-home Publisher: SNAICC Email: care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Cost: free to foster carers, foster care Islander carers, children and young support groups, out-of-home care services Website: people: profiling promising programs and government departments (2007) A resource to support non-Indigenous carers By Jenny Higgins and Nikki Butler of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Privacy statement: SNAICC collects Publisher: Australian Institute of Family children. Assists them keep children in care this information for our records and Studies connected to their community, culture, activities, including to mail our publications. 4 booklets, PDFs for online download or identity and family. Available mid 2008. "is information is treated with strict print copies for order confidentiality and is covered by our Privacy Cost: free To order or download SNAICC Policy. For details on how we protect your These booklets profile what works well for publications, go to: privacy, see www.snaicc.asn.au/privacy.html Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children www.snaicc.asn.au/publications &

22 SNAICC – 25 years and still going strong SNAICC News April 2008