Deputy Mayor Cr Wendy Harrison addresses the community and staff of Lake Macquarie

Transcription

1 Welcome to the Spring edition No. 24 of the Koori Grapevine. Please be advised September - November 2017 images and/or names of people passed over could appear in this publication. Deputy Mayor Cr Wendy Harrison addresses the community and staff of Lake Macquarie NAIDOC Week review The most recognised and celebrated week in the national Indigenous calendar of significant dates is by far NAIDOC Week, and this year was no exception with events happening all over the City. Lake Macquarie City Council held their annual flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday 4 July, with Aboriginal cultural linguist, Tony Ridgeway, as the guest speaker on this year s theme, Our Languages Matter. It was a special ceremony, with members of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery s Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) part of this year s celebrations featuring a traditional bark canoe on display in Council s foyer. The canoe was constructed on the Gallery s grounds in January, under sweltering conditions by some members of the ARG, under the direction of Worimi man, Luke Russell. Members of the ARG, also spoke about the formation of the group, established 15 years ago, and the Gallery s commitment to exhibiting cultural displays. In Newcastle, Awabakal Ltd. kicked off NAIDOC Week with a location change to Gregson Park, Hamilton, for a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a community march along Tudor, Beaumont and Donald streets to Smith Park for the day of cultural celebrations, information and entertainment. The two main Lake Macquarie events were full of family fun and festivities, and once again held on opposite sides of the lake, with Westlakes holding a community march down The Boulevard to Toronto Foreshore on Tuesday 4 July, and the Eastlakes community celebrating the significant week at Pelican Foreshore on Friday 14 July. The Westlakes Elders put on their annual Koorioke at Club Macquarie, Argenton, and by all accounts was another fun evening bringing community together to show off their vocal talents. Council is proud to support these great events and other smaller NAIDOC activities in Lake Macquarie through the NAIDOC Week grants program, which this year totalled more than $12,500 in funds and in kind support to 24 not-for-profit organisations and schools.

2 37 adorable babies welcomed to the Elders and community Images by Kira Shubert Awabakal Baby Welcome Ceremony Awabakal Mums and Bubs hosted the third Annual Baby Welcoming Ceremony at Newcastle s Fort Scratchley on Wednesday 2 August. The local Elders, who gently dabbed ochre on each bub s forehead, embraced the 37 adorable babies and welcomed them into the Awabakal community. Inside each baby s gift bag was a beautiful handmade possum skin wristband with the baby s name scorched into the inside of the pelts. Uncle Bill Smith conducted a traditional Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony, which the Mums and Bubs participated in. The annual event is held in conjunction with, and to celebrate, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children s Day, (4 August annually), and this year s theme, Value our Rights, Respect our Culture, Bring us Home, reflected on the 20-year anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report. If you are interested in accessing the Mums and Bubs program, you can contact Awabakal on Kristy with newborn Rehanni after her welcoming to the community For this new bub sleep was more important

3 Swansea Awabakal - Our People Happy 40th anniversary Awabakal 40 years respecting the past, leading the future, the legacy lives on! This year marks 40 years since Awabakal Ltd. was established and to commemorate this milestone they hosted an anniversary dinner at Wests New Lambton on Friday 7 July. Casey Donovan was the highlight act of the evening, entertaining Awabakal members and guests at the celebration of community culture. Congratulations to all the people who have played a role in the founding and development of such a caring community organisation. Casey Donovan performs at the Awabakal 40 year anniversary celebrations A first for Lake Macquarie City, SEEN@Swansea, or the South East Exhibition Network space, is a new initiative to provide a professional exhibition space for the presentation of our unique history, art, ideas and touring exhibitions. This newly fitted-out exhibition space will host a program of exhibitions that explore Lake Macquarie s history, community stories and treasures, as well as special shows on themes ranging from dinosaurs to recycled sculpture. Join us for the launch of this new space with an exhibition that explores stories related to the original Aboriginal People and the people who have joined them here since the early 1800s from cultures and countries all over the world. The exhibition showcases history, memory and how culture intersect with contemporary art and artists to convey a broader picture of Lake Macquarie. The exhibition continues at the Swansea Centre until November Lake Macquarie: Living Cultures (working watercraft) This exhibition is a Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery initiative featuring a bark canoe and photographs by the local Aboriginal community, images and objects from local historical societies, photographs from Lake Macquarie Community History Library, together conveying a broader picture of Lake Macquarie. Held until November on the first floor mezzanine (opposite the Swansea Library in the Swansea Centre), open seven days, 11am-3pm. SEEN@Swansea volunteers As part of this new initiative, Council is seeking people interested in volunteering at the space and becoming our inaugural cultural ambassadors. The volunteer program will provide residents on the eastern side of the Lake with a great opportunity to meet other people who live in their area, help promote the story of our City and learn about its vibrant heritage. To find out more or register your interest please call or council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.

4 Wungkun Nubalan (Young women learning together) Belmont High dancers welcomed the girls at Glenrock Scout Camp The girls and NSW Police met with the Mayor and members of Council s Youth Council Ten young Aboriginal women were recently reunited at Glenrock Scout Camp after first meeting one another out west earlier this year. Following on from the success of the young Aboriginal men s Tunbilliko (Exchange) program, which is now in its third year, the inaugural young Aboriginal women s program Wungkun Nubalan (Young women learning together) was established this year. Lake Macquarie Local Area Command Superintendent Brett Greentree, initiated the program in 2015 and Lake Macquarie City Council is proud to have been involved since the program s inception. Belmont Rotary were also on board again, volunteering to feed the hungry teens. Five male and five female students from Lake Macquarie and Bourke/ Brewarrina high schools were nominated by their school to participate in the program and travel to each other s towns to experience a variety of activities on different Country. The visitors were welcomed to Glenrock Scout Camp with traditional Aboriginal dancing from the students of Belmont High School. Highlights from the coastal trip to Lake Macquarie included sailing out of Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, a tour of Belmont Police Station and water police boat ride, a visit to the University of Newcastle s Wollotuka Institute, hairdressing and beauty therapy skills by Penny Lee from Alinga Hair and Hunter TAFE s Aboriginal Learning Circle, shopping and a movie at Charlestown Square, a guided girl s only cultural tour through beautiful Glenrock State Conservation area, followed by art skills with Saretta Fielding, PCYC activities, a trip to the Knights training session, a talk from two young female members of the Lake Mac Youth Advisory Council in the Council Chambers, which was followed by afternoon tea with Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, before the girls set off for bowling. Police and PCYC staff from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command and Darling River Local Area Command facilitate the programs and activities in their own regions and chaperone the students during the busy week. One of the aims of the program is to offer these young people some insight into opportunities for their future and give them the chance to learn more about the world outside their own backyard and hometown culture. Lifelong friendships are often formed and perhaps our Country s future leaders may stem from such a unique program.

5 Culturally significant dates *Denotes events occur on the same date each year 6 September Indigenous Literacy Day Indigenous Literacy Day aims to raise funds to improve literacy and the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Australians living in remote and isolated regions. indigenousliteracyfoundation.org. au/indigenous-literacy-day 8 September Neville Bonner first Aboriginal Senator Maiden Speech Neville Bonner was the first Aboriginal person to sit in Federal Parliament as a Senator for Queensland from 1971 until naa.gov.au/collection/fact-sheets/ fs231.aspx 13 September United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/ documents/drips_en.pdf NAIDOC celebrations Community connections Name and nickname: Jeanette Suttie. People always call me Mrs Suttie even though I am happy to be called Jeanette. Where are you from: Toronto. Your organisation and role: My organisation is Westlakes Youth Action Committee or more commonly known as Toronto West Youth Group and my role is the Coordinator. How long have you been there? The organisation was established 35 years ago by myself, the first youth and welfare officer at Lake Macquarie City Council, the social worker from the Westlakes Community Health Centre and various other people within the community. What services can your organisation provide to Aboriginal people in Lake Macquarie? Toronto West Youth Group provide a safe environment for young people where they are respected for their own worth and where information, guidance and support is available. Our work is extended to high schools and primary schools, support for youth and families within the legal system and general wider community support as required. Who is in your family? My immediate family is a loving, warm and caring rock for me and includes my sister and nieces and nephews. However, I have worked and lived within the Toronto community for such a long time that I feel as though the community are like my extended family also. I feel especially blessed by the warmth always extended to me by the local Aboriginal community and have great joy and pleasure in being a part of it. Who is your hero? My Parents Favourite food: I like so many things I find it hard to choose a favourite. Favourite sport: My favourite sport to watch is cricket although I do enjoy watching other sports as well. Favourite movie: Again like the food I have so many favourites it is hard to choose just one. Ambitions in life: My ambition in life is to be as good a person as I can be, to help others as needed and to be a positive and worth while person within the community.

6 5 minutes with the mob Name: Daniel Jack Where s your mob from: Cuttabri, North Western NSW Your organisation and role? How long have you been there: Aboriginal Learning Circle - TAFE NSW - close to three years. What services can your organisation provide to Aboriginal people in Lake Macquarie? The Aboriginal Learning Circle at TAFE NSW is an Aboriginal team dedicated to positive educational and employment outcomes for our mob. Our team can provide you with the following and more: Help selecting the right course for you. Assistance with your enrolment. Support from a mentor. Assistance to obtain tutorial support. Individual case management. Access to a culturally inclusive student common room at some campuses. Guidance with academic and career aspirations. Help and guidance with issues that may arise while studying. Referral services. Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and events In addition to this, we also offer Aboriginal-specific programs which include Aboriginal units to enhance Aboriginal identity. These programs are designed by Aboriginal staff who work with teaching teams, liaise with industry and Aboriginal communities and collaborate with Aboriginal organisations and other key stakeholders. Within these programs we prepare culturally appropriate resources and strive to engage culturally aware teachers delivering on our programs. Who is in your family? My nan was a Trindall. I have a relatively large family with plenty of siblings. As the joke goes, my parents didn t have a TV. In terms of my own immediate family, I have a fiancé Alisha and two sons named Maliyan and Ngarran. Who is your hero? My hero is my Uncle Paul Gordon. He has taught me that strength in culture and identity are the key ingredients to success and have a massive flow on to other aspects of our lives as Aboriginal people. Favourite bush food: Magpie Geese Favourite sport: Rugby League Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption Ambitions in life: Have an active role in influencing the mainstream population of Australia to place value on Aboriginal culture/history and to be more empathetic and supportive of the Aboriginal cause. This can be achieved in part by helping educate the masses on the real Australian history and not the sugar-coated version that currently exists. With broader support from the mainstream masses meaningful change can be achieved. Community Groups Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC) meets the second Wednesday of each month (13/9, 11/10, 8/11), from 5-7pm in the Councillors Workroom at Council sadministration Centre. These meetings are open to visitors, particularly young people interested in the public life of the City. To RSVP, youthcouncil@lakemac.nsw. gov.au The Lake Macquarie Over 55s program has a focus on health, safety and wellbeing. It consists of information sessions and activities at various locations throughout the City. The program operates between February and November, annually. All events are free for Lake Macquarie residents aged 55 years and over, bookings are essential online or by calling lakemac.com.au/community/ over55s Scott Luschwitz

7 What s on? More events can be found at lakemac.com.au lakemaccity or contact Lake Macquarie: Living Cultures Exhibition on display now until November 2017 on the first floor of the Swansea Centre. The Living Smart Festival Promises to be a fun day out for people to explore how they can adopt sustainable practices in their everyday life. SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 8AM-2PM SPEERS POINT PARK Council year anniversary NSW Aboriginal Land Council FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 6.30PM Tickets available eventbrite.com.au 2017 NSW Rugby League Aboriginal Knockout 29 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER LEICHHARDT OVAL, MARY ST, LILYFIELD redfernallblacks@gmail.com Over 55 s program Bush tucker talk with Parkland Nursery THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 10-11AM Bunnings Belmont Bookings Free movie screening of Freedom Stories a documentary based project with a collection of personal stories from former asylum seekers. Light refreshments included. THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 6.30PM Lake Macquarie Performing Art Centre, Warners Bay. Bookings essentials on ewiggers@lakemac.nsw.gov.au Dining in the dark A unique experience where you are blindfolded whilst eating to experience what it is like living with low vision or blindness and to raise funds for Retina Australia NSW. FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER 6.30PM The Beach Hotel, Merewether Contact Deb Hescott for more info Book at trybooking.com Theme is black! Community picnic Picnic to share some food and games with your local neighbours. BYO food, seating and games! FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER FROM 5.30PM Toronto Foreshore rotunda Children s Week TM in Australia is celebrated during the fourth week in October, this year October OCTOBER Walk a Mile Koori Style Charity Dinner. Silent Auction This fundraiser will assist to purchase shirts for men and boys who walk in this year s event on Friday 1 December. THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 7PM MEREWETHER SURFHOUSE Purchase tickets at stickytickets.com.au Got any news? contributions are welcome medwards@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

8 What s on? More events can be found at lakemac.com.au lakemaccity or contact Children s week reptile show Join in the fun as we celebrate our youngest citizens. Hunter Wetlands on Wheels will present an interactive Reptile show, suitable for all ages. CARDIFF LIBRARY 23 OCTOBER 11AM BELMONT LIBRARY 25 OCTOBER 10.30AM TORONTO LIBRARY 26 OCTOBER 11AM Lake Mac Libraries Bookings essential More information on You re Kidding Me programs lakemac.com.au/community/childrens-programs/youre-kidding-me Reclaim the night Free sausage sizzle, hear Sailors Grave play and join in the march to end sexual violence against women. FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 6PM Warners Bay Rotunda Warners Bay foreshore Koori netball knockout This year marks the 18th anniversary of the annual tournament. FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER & SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 6PM Charlestown Netball Courts sportandrecreation. nsw.gov.au Twilight Festival at Cameron Park Entertainment, activities, food and stalls. SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 7PM Cameron Park Community Centre, 107 Northlakes Drive, Cameron Park Westlakes Domestic Violence White Ribbon morning tea Tickets $12.50, bookings essential via westlakesdvc@ gmail.com MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER 10AM Toronto Workers Club westlakesdvc@gmail.com 16 days of activism Various events raising awareness against family violence SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER TO SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 6PM Walk a Mile Koori Style (WAMKS) Australian version of Walk a Mile in her shoes. It is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male youth led event and men and boys from all nations and cultures are encouraged to participate. FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER FROM 9AM Meet at the exit gates of King Edward Park to walk to Empire Park. More info crisis2@warlgangurra.org.au Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2-9PM Fireworks and main act is Toni Childs and Judah Speers Point Park Council left: Traditional bark canoe built by members of the Aboriginal Reference Group CP /17