the newsletter here

ISSUE
14
A p ri l 2 0 1 2
Yawuru PBC Newsletter
Mo n t h l y N e w sl e t t e r
Ngaji Gurrjin
April Issue
Common Roots, Common Futures P.1
Affordable Housing Workshop P.2
Yawuru and Buru Energy Relationship P.3
Yawuru Rangers Update P.4
Education and Scholarship Fund P.5
Upcoming Events P.6
Nyamba Buru Yawuru Ltd
Phone: 08-9192 5155
FAX: 08-91925166
Email:
yawuru@yawuru.org.au
Office Address:
6A Coghlan St, Broome
Postal Address:
PO Box 425, Broome WA
Upcoming
Events
Northwest Expo
5th & 6th May
at the
BRAC Centre
Cable Beach Rd East
Community BBQ
Wednesday
23rd May
Common Roots, Common Futures:
Different Paths to Self Determination –
An International Conversation
NBY Staff - Dean Matthews and Nini Mills travelled to Tucson, Arizona in February 2012 to attend the
Common Roots, Common Futures: Different Paths to Self Determination Conference. The conference
was a Harvard University Australian Studies Initiative, in partnership with the National Centre for
Indigenous Studies of the Australian National University and the Native Nations Institute of the
University of Arizona.
The three key themes of the Conference were Self Determination, Governance and Economic
Development. The conference was attended by approximately 30 Indigenous delegates from
Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America.
Day One of the Conference was opened by Prof Mick Dodson who provided the overall focus of the
Conference. A keynote address was then provided by a representative from each country following
presentations from relevant panel delegates who provided short statements about examples of
innovative local strategies and initiatives relating to the conference themes.
On Day Two of the conference, delegates attended a day trip
to the Tohono O’odham Nation. The Tohono O’odham
people are the federally recognised tribe located in
South-western and Central Arizona. There are approximately
30,000 members of the Tohono O’odham Nation and they
own 2.8 million acres of reservation lands which is divided
into 11 Districts.
Housing on Reservation Lands
The conference delegates visited the largest district within the reservation named ‘Sells’ where they
visited the Nation’s Legislative Branch. They then visited the Tohono O’odham Cultural Centre which
was a highlight for all. A conference dinner was held concluding the field trip in which delegates had
the privilege to hear from Prof. James Anaya (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of
Indigenous peoples).
Day Three of the conference commenced with a report summarising the presentations and
Gimme Club, Goolarri discussions from Day One. Following on from this presentation, conference delegates were
separated into smaller break out groups to explore the common challenges and to share innovative
breakthroughs that maximise self determined outcomes. Finally the
Day 3 –Conference Delegates Presentations
delegates were tasked with exploring the next steps in this conversation
across the four countries.
One of the recommendations from delegates was that an online
website be established to provide the opportunity to network, discuss
challenges and to share best practice, success, strategies and local
initiatives. A website under the name ‘International Indigenous
Governance Alliance’ has since been established. The other
recommendation from delegates was that the conference be held
annually.
→
Nini and Dean’s experience and learning’s from the conference:
The highlight of the experience for us was networking and meeting so many
inspiring Indigenous leaders from other countries. Being in the presence of these
leaders was extremely uplifting. It was also pleasing to learn that the motivation
for these leaders to invest in sustainable development within their communities
was primarily for the benefit of their youth and future generations.
Based on our observations from the conference we think that the key challenges
for Indigenous communities is to develop practical strategies relating to four key
areas of development which include Cultural, Economic, Social and
Environmental. Upon reflecting on information shared at the conference it
became quite clear that some Indigenous communities and nations were
Mick Dodson, Nini Mills & Dean Mathews investing extensive amounts of time, resources and planning into increasing one area of development
without fully considering the others. For example, some Indigenous communities have created
extensive amounts of Economic Development opportunities although they were not successfully able
to use this to advance Social Development or to create ‘wealth’ within their community.
Therefore it is important to view the developmental
areas holistically as they are interlinked (you can’t
develop or maintain one area, without factoring the
affects or benefits on the other areas). The vital factor
is to ‘strike a balance’ between all areas when
developing strategies that aim to achieve goals,
produce ‘REAL’ outcomes and create ‘WEALTH’ within
Indigenous communities.
Arizona Desert
Governance is the foundation to deliver sustainable
outcomes. The importance of creating good
governance structures and systems is a great challenge
to Indigenous communities throughout the world.
What was highlighted for us at the Tucson conference was the importance of investing in people’s
capacity building, specifically relating to Youth/Leadership Development, Education and Training and
Succession Planning. It is also evident that success in governance
comes from the ability to work in collaboration and partnership with
one another. The development of Yawuru community capacity must
involve an inclusive and creative community engagement.
Conference Delegates from Australia,
New Zealand, Canada and USA
Yawuru’s Native Title Determination is central to Yawuru people
achieving Self-Determination. What was emphasised at the Tucson
conference is that Self-Determination is a continuing process that
Indigenous people must commit themselves to in a collective
community sense on a daily basis. We as Yawuru people must defend
our native title rights by practicing and nurturing our birth right; our
culture and language which is our identity as Yawuru people. Our
commitment to Self Determination requires good governance
structures, investment in Community Capacity Building and ‘holistic’
planning and development.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKSHOPS
Nyamba Buru Yawuru is developing an Affordable Housing Strategy that is based on the information
from the Yawuru household survey, in addition to the Affordable Housing Evaluation questionnaire
targeted at a priority group of Homes West ‘Over Income’ tenants and private rental tenants.
Frank Sebastain & Maxine Charlie
Nyamba Buru Yawuru has conducted three Affordable Housing Workshops during February and
March 2012. The workshops engaged the community in discussions on the Affordable Housing Policy
options that are currently being considered by the Nyamba Buru Yawuru Board. They also provided
the opportunity for those who attended, to raise questions and discuss their concerns regarding
financial assistance and prospective housing alternatives.
The outcomes of the workshops are helping develop Nyamba Buru Yawuru’s Affordable Housing
Policy, which will include rental and home ownership opportunities.
Mary Drummond & Linda Dean
In the next newsletter we expect to announce details of the Board’s first action plan on Affordable
Housing. In the meantime, Nyamba Buru Yawuru staff is assisting Yawuru families manage urgent
housing issues. For further information, please call John, Nini or Lily on 9192 5155.
Page 2 - Yawuru PBC Newsletter Issue 14
April 2012
Yawuru and Buru Energy Relationship
Noreen Edgar and Grandson
Yawuru Chairman Patrick Dodson made it clear to Buru Energy on 4 th April that Yawuru
people are opposed to fraccing on Yawuru country. This opposition will remain until Yawuru
are satisfied that any fraccing activity is safe beyond any doubt. Buru Energy is currently not
fraccing in their drilling operations although the company has previously undertaken one
fraccing trial on Yawuru country at its Yulleroo well in October 2010 and notified the Yawuru
PBC before it began the trial.
Buru Energy has yet to decide on whether it will use fraccing in the future although the
company has advised Yawuru that fraccing is “an important tool in the tool box.”
Buru Energy has agreed to Yawuru’s request for an independent drilling geologist or engineer
to be commissioned to report on casing and cementing operations of Buru’s wells prior to
any fraccing. A report by Dr Tina Hunter entitled “Regulation of Shale, Coal Seam and Tight
Gas Activities in Western Australia” was the basis for a discussion between NBY staff and Dr
Hunter. From this came further communication with Buru Energy about how to ensure the
“well-being of the well” in the course of drilling or the use of fraccing. There is an open
dialogue going on with Buru Energy.
Buru Energy has also said that the company will make available engineering data to an agreed
independent expert who will be in a position to report to Yawuru about the safety standards
of casing and cementing operations. There are high operating and environmental standards
set and regulated by Government for oil and gas companies. Over and above these standards
Buru has helped to develop a Code for fraccing which exceeds the operating and
environmental standards set by Government and is applying this Code voluntarily – which
highlights the seriousness Buru places on a safe and environmentally responsible approach of
its operations in general and fraccing in particular.
Serious concerns have been raised by some Yawuru people about possible contamination of
water at the Ungani site. Buru obtained an independent analysis of water samples taken from
the Ungani sump. This analysis has confirmed that water within the sump is within the limits
set by the Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council Guidelines for
Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) for water consumption by livestock, other than for
salinity. It also confirms that the water contains no BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,
and xylenes) chemicals. Buru has also agreed to obtain an independent analysis of soil
samples taken from the Ungani sump.
This will be undertaken by an
independent sampler Kimberley Soils Laboratory. We will report on the results of the soil
analysis in the next Yawuru newsletter.
Greg & Jub Clerc with daughter
Mahleana
Yawuru and Buru Energy are currently discussing a proposal to establish a consultative or
focused group made up of senior representatives from Buru and Yawuru which would meet
regularly to deal with concerns and issues associated with Buru’s activities. This forum would
be able to look at contentious issues such as fraccing and to prepare agreed terms of
reference for an independent investigation if required. This proposal will be considered at
the next meeting of the Yawuru PBC. In the meantime look at www.buruenergy.com
Winners of the 6
bikes
The Yawuru Easter Hunt was held at Minyirr Park on
Tuesday 3rd April. Minyirr Park was the perfect spot for
the Easter Hunt. 58 children took part of the hunt and it
was all over in a matter of minutes. The Kids seemed
to be very happy with their basket of goodies. Each
child was given a lucky door ticket to win one of 6
bikes that were kindly donated to NBY by the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association who were in
Broome late last year for their annual conference.
Noreen Edgar & Grandson
Page 3 - Yawuru PBC Newsletter Issue 14 April
2012
Yawuru Ranger Jason Fong during last
year’s holiday program
Easter Holiday Fun
The Yawuru Joint management team at DEC has been busy organising events for the
upcoming April school holidays. There are some fun and interesting activities planned for
children and adults alike. The first of three events planned will be held on Friday 13 th April.
This being the main highlight, is a Community Tree planting Day at Minyirr Park. Community
members are invited to join the Yawuru Rangers in an important rehabilitation project and
play a role in attempting to convert a portion of Minyirr Park back to its natural state.
The area to be rehabilitated was previously used by race horse trainers as stables and for
training horses. Yawuru Ranger Jason Fong, has played a significant role in spearheading the
project as part of his ongoing training to attain Conservation and Land Management
qualifications.
Yawuru Rangers Jason Fong,
Dominic Matsumoto and
Preston Manado, Coastal Parks
Coordinator Darren Stevens
at the new walk way
near Crab Creek.
Children looking to learn something about marine parks can make a booking to attend the
“Create your own Marine Park” activity to be held at the gazebo near the Broome Surf Club
on Tuesday the 17 April. Children get to choose what animals they want to showcase in their
marine park and create them using origami with the help of the Yawuru Rangers. The aim of
this activity is to educate young people about why marine parks are needed and how they
can play a role in protecting the marine environment. For their efforts they will receive a
Marine Park Protector Certificate.
Concluding the holiday activities will be a walking tour with the Yawuru Rangers through
Minyirr Park which will start and finish at Base camp. Upon completing the walk tour children
are invited to capture what they have seen in a painting. An opportunity to learn some
Yawuru language will also be on offer. For bookings and further information on all events
please contact Jason Richardson on 9195 5500.
Yawuru Rangers Build Walkway
Some people reading this may have seen the new walkway installed at the end of Crab Creek
road. This was installed by the Yawuru Rangers as part of some preliminary works funded
through Rangelands NRM . The installation of the walkway is to provide safe access from the
car parking area to the beach with the aim of controlling pedestrian traffic to protect the
integrity of the dunes and prevent erosion and loss of
natural flora.
Other works completed in the area include, installation of
bollards and brushing to block off unnecessary vehicle
tracks along the track to Crab Creek and the weeding of
coffee bush in the area. While undertaking works the
Yawuru Rangers gain new skills and knowledge as required
in their Conservation and Land Management training. Keep
an eye out for further works to be completed by the
Rangers as the Joint Management Plan takes shape in the
future.
Contacting
the Chairman
Future
will
editions
of
contain
a
the
Yawuru
section
newsletter
from
the
Chairman - Patrick Dodson who will provide
an overview of NBY & PBC activities and
achievements.
Anyone wanting to contact the chairman can
do so through his personal assistant
Jane Cunningham on 9193 6651
or email jane.cunningham@yawuru.org.au
Page 4 - Yawuru PBC Newsletter Issue 14 April
2012
Encouraging Excellence’ Education and Scholarship Fund
The Yawuru Strategic Plan identifies Education & Training, Youth Development and
Yawuru Capacity Building as priorities. NBY are committed to implementing strategies
that will enhance Youth and Leadership Development whilst investing in Education and
Training programs.
The objectives of these strategies and programs aim to increase the level of
opportunity available for Yawuru to build their skills and leadership capacity enabling
them to confidently take on long term career and leadership aspirations whilst
providing adequate support which will encourage Yawuru ‘excellence’.
In order to ensure we are developing strategies that will meet these objectives, NBY
are planning to consult with young Yawuru people, as we value the fact that the next
generation of Yawuru leaders should be provided the opportunity to engage in matters
relating to their future. This consultation will take place in late April and early May
through various means of engagement.
Getting ready for Easter Egg
Hunting
Easter Egg Hunting
Nini Mills who recently represented NBY at the International Conference in Arizona will
drive this engagement process and will commit to transferring her newly
developed skills to other young Yawuru members to ensure ongoing community
capacity building. The same drive is evident in Dean Matthews who is working on
strategies to ensure that Cultural components are included in training programs
specifically as they apply to the Yawuru rangers at DEC.
Easter Egg Hunting
To date, NBY currently has the ‘Encouraging Excellence’ Education and Scholarship
Fund available which aims at encouraging and supporting young Yawuru talent and
other Broome Aboriginal Youth to obtain recognised high level education, training
achievement or leadership development opportunities. In this newsletter addition, an
article has been included which provides feedback on how this fund has helped to
support Marlee Hutton (a local Aboriginal girl) to participate in the VESA program. For
more information please contact Nini Mills on 9192 5155 or email
ninielia.mills@yawuru.org.au
Drawing the Lucky Door tickets
NBY Education & Scholarship Fund
“Encouraging Excellence”
Marlee Hutton - Volunteer Fiji trip with VESA 2011
Marlee Hutton is a Bardi girl who grew up in Broome and who is currently in her second year studying
Marine Science at Murdoch University in Perth. Through the support from NBY, Lingiari Foundation
and others, Marlee was able to travel to Nadi, Fiji on December 3 rd 2011 to participate in a volunteer
program for university students called VESA (volunteer echo students abroad).
With this program Marlee was provided with the experience of living with a family in a village called
Komave in a remote part of Fiji along the Coral Coast. She was also able to help teach children English
at St Peter’s Chanel school and work with a large group of other students from all over Australia and
New Zealand to help improve the facilities at the school.
Below is an account of Marlee’s experience in Fiji through the VESA Program:
“I have learnt so many things from the Fijian people, not only about their culture but how to
be a better person. I believe Australians have a lot to learn from Fijian’s as they are the
happiest, kindest and most loving people I will ever meet. I learnt a lot about how giving to
others will help you grow as a person. The smile on the faces of the Fijian families was all
I needed to remind me that anyone can make a difference. Ironically the Fijian people
thought that they had to thank us for helping them where actually it was us who wanted to
thank them a hundred times over for letting us experience the amazing way that they live.”
Marlee Hutton with her
Fijian Families
If you would like to know more about the volunteer programs offered by VESA
head to this website
www.vesabroad.com
Page 5 - Yawuru PBC Newsletter Issue 14 April
2012
Upcoming Yawuru Events
6A Coghlan St , PO Box 425, Broome WA 6725
PH: 08-9192 5155
Email : Yawuru@yawuru.org.au