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MINUTES OF THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN GROUND FLOOR MEETING ROOMS, COUNCIL
CHAMBER BUILDING, CIVIC PLACE, PARRAMATTA ON TUESDAY, 27 JUNE 2006 AT
6.02 PM
___________________________________________________________________
PRESENT
Bruce Gale in the Chair, Mr Phillip Bradley, Ms Anne Castles, Mr Murray Castles, Mr Doug
Desjardines, Ms Marcia Donovan, Ms Sandra Kitching, Ms Lyn Leerson, Ms June Magrath.
Mr Allan Merriman, Ms Linda McDonald and Ms Annie Neilson,.
IN ATTENDANCE
Herb Smith – Northern Sydney Region Aboriginal Community Facilitator, Lisa Giacomelli –
Service Manager Community Capacity Building, Mr Kevin Thorne – Aboriginal Family Support
Officer, Ms Sue Pinckham – ATSI Services & Capacity Building Project Officer, Stephen
Leslie - Committee Secretary and Councillor Paul Barber
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS THE DHARUG PEOPLE
The Chairperson, Bruce Gale made reference to the fact that the land upon which the
meeting was being held was previously occupied by the Dharug Aboriginal Community
and asked that this acknowledgment be recorded.
APOLOGIES
An apology was received and accepted for the absence of Phil Russo, Jade Kelly, Vikki King
– Manager Social & Community Services, Kevin Brennan – Community Capacity Building
Officer and Councillor Maureen Walsh.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
The Chairperson Bruce Gale welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for
attending and everyone present introduced themselves and provided details of their
involvement with the Aboriginal Community.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS
There were no declarations made regarding Conflict of Interest at this meeting.
PRESENTATION – HERB SMITH
ABORIGINAL CHILD, YOUTH & FAMILY STRATEGY – COMMUNITY FACILITATOR PROJECT
Herb Smith advised that he is located at Hornsby Shire Council and was appointed 12 months
ago with the aim to identify significant Aboriginal issues in the area and has developed
networks with Aboriginal Communities.
He also explained regarding community events that he is involved with from North Sydney to
Palm Beach and mentioned Ryde City Council’s Christmas in the Bush with a black Santa
Claus. The Stolen Generation issue was also raised during discussions. Attachment 1
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MINUTES
64/06
A copy of the report of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
held on Tuesday 23 May 2006 had been forwarded with the agenda prior to this
meeting.
Recommendation – (June Magrath/Annie Neilson)
Minutes of the Meeting of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory
Committee held on 23 May 2006 be taken as read and confirmed as a true
record of the Meeting.
BUSINESS ARISING
65/06 Dedication of a Tree at Lake Parramatta in Memory of The Late Peter Castles
Sue Pinckham advised that this matter was now finalised. Murray Castles, on behalf of
his mother Anne Castles, thanked everyone involved with bringing this matter to fruition
and arranging a new plaque. Refer Attachment 2 to the Agenda.
66/06 Preservation and Protection of Heritage Items at Lake Parramatta
At the February meeting Senior Natural Resources Officer, Phil Murphy advised that
the track had been relocated. Mention was also made of the cave with the kangaroo
drawing and the canoe tree.
The preservation and protection of the Canoe Tree, in particular was discussed. It was
agreed that the Department of Environment be contacted for funding to preserve and
protect the Canoe Tree at Lake Parramatta. It was also mentioned that Council Grant
funds may be used for the above purpose and the maximum Grant to any one group is
$2,000. Further PCC Annual Grants close 28 April 2006 and Sandy Kitching is the
ATSI Representative on the Heritage Grants Committee.
The overall concern of preserving heritage items in the Parramatta LGA / Dharug
Aboriginal Land Council Area was discussed and a copy of the Aboriginal Reference
Heritage Study, which lists all the known heritage items, has been provided for all
Members of the Executive Committee.
Sue Pinckham had previously advised that an Arborist had been engaged to report on
the condition of the Canoe Tree and she added that upon inspection of the tree that it
appeared to be in good health and not dead or dying as had been indicated previously.
She had also advised that graffiti had been placed on the hands in the cave at Lake
Parramatta and she was currently in the process of preparing an application for a
Protecting Our Places grant for the heritage items at Lake Parramatta.
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham
(a)
That Council engage an Arborist to investigate the condition and
preservation of the canoe tree and that Sue Pinckham attend with the
Arborist when the inspection takes place.
(b)
Further, that this matter be listed on the Agenda for consideration at the
next meeting.
67/06 Naming of West End Meeting Room, Level 2, Library Building with an Aboriginal Name.
This matter was previously discussed and it was agreed that the meeting room be
named the Dharug Room and on the notice room board also include the Dharug word
for meeting and be displayed underneath Dharug Room.
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Sue Pinckham provided an update and advised that Aboriginal Artwork will be on the
plaque together with the Dharug word for ‘meeting’. It was also agreed that Kevin
Thorne arrange for a competition at primary / secondary schools in the LGA in respect
to the plaque and artwork.
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham/Kevin Thorne
(a) That appropriate action be taken to have a notice room board displayed with
Dharug Room.
(b) That a competition at primary / secondary schools in the LGA be organised in
respect to the plaque and artwork.
(c) Further, that this matter be listed on the Agenda for consideration at the next
meeting.
68/06 Bush Garden at Lake Parramatta – Stage 2
Sue Pinckham advised that this is a bigger area than Stage 1 and there needs to be a
reassessment of the plant species as Stage 1 is in a poor state and shrubs are dying
and the area is not in a very good condition. Therefore the bush garden concept needs
to be reconsidered and better watering arrangements are needed.
A sub-committee for planning purposes was formed at the last meeting and the
following indicated their availability – Sue Pinckham, Phil Murphy, Robin Anderson,
Anne Castles, Annie Neilson, Phil Bradley, Doug Desjardines, John Robertson, Gil
Saunders and David Williams.
Sue Pinckham is to meet with Phil Murphy regarding this matter. The use of native
plants and the need to engage a botanist to identify early plants/grasses grown in the
Parramatta area was suggested. Other suggestions were put forward by members and
Sue Pinckham will follow these up.
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham
That arrangements be made as soon as possible to progress Stage 2 of the bush
garden and the matter be listed on the Agenda for consideration at the next
meeting.
69/06 Black Deaths in Custody (Refer 59/06 of 23/05/06)
Committee Member Doug Desjardines handed out a newspaper article in respect to
this matter at the last meeting.
At that meeting it was agreed that a letter be drafted for the attention of the Prime
Minister, NSW Premier and Secretary United Nations regarding this matter
requesting an explanation as to what their intentions are to prevent a further
occurrence of such a disturbing matter.
It was also decided that the Koori Unit at Parramatta Police be contacted and, if
necessary, the Ombudsman and Department of Corrective Services in an effort
to obtain assurances in respect to this matter.
Discussion regarding the gaol at Mt Penang – Kariong Juvenile Detention Centre
where young offenders are detained at the centre which however is essentially
an adult gaol.
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham
That Trevor or Grant Christian be invited to explain the new Aboriginal Legal
Services structure and also provide assistance regarding the proposed letters
for Deaths in Custody.
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70/06 Bid to Host 2008 Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference
This matter had previously been discussed at the last meeting and it was agreed that
a bid should be made to Host the 2008 Conference in Parramatta at the Gunnedah
Conference to be held during September 2006.
Tentative attendees for the 2006 Conference are Linda McDonald, Gil Saunders, Allan
Merriman, June Magrath, Doug Desjardines, John Robertson and Bruce Gale.
It was agreed that Sue Pinckham co-ordinate this matter and confirm attendees
and costs associated with attending the Conference.
Further, it was agreed that a report should be forwarded to Council with
Conference Agenda and Registration and Program details to allow Councillors to
consider representation from Council and to seek their support and involvement.
It was also suggested that assistance be sought from Holroyd/Fairfield Councils
and that support was confirmed by David Williams who also suggested that
Blacktown City Council also be contacted. Dates for the 2006 Conference are yet
to be confirmed. Approximate costs are as follows: Conference Registration
$700, accommodation $200, travelling $NIL (Council motor vehicle). Estimated
cost per person $1,000.
Lisa Giacomelli advised that the estimated cost to host a conference is $170,000 with
some of the costs able to be recovered. Sue Pinckham advised that she had
contacted Connie Chatfield at the Local Government and Shires Associations
regarding previous conferences and she had also made contact with Gunnedah and
Wagga Wagga. Conference facilitators are usually appointed for such conferences
and for Parramatta a suitable venue could be an issue. Partnerships with other
Western Sydney Councils particularly Blacktown and Baulkham Hills was also
discussed.
It was agreed that a meeting be arranged to scope a bid for the 2009 Conference
and the information already obtained be utilised.
Attendees at the 2009 Conference in Gunnedah was raised and there were five
nominees – Linda McDonald, Bruce Gale, June Magrath, Doug Desjardines and
Allan Merriman. Lisa Giacomelli as the returning officer conducted an election
by secret ballot. Following voting by members only present at the meeting
Bruce Gale and Doug Desjardines were declared duly elected with June Magrath
and Allan Merriman as alternate delegates.
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham
(a) That Parramatta City Council mount a bid to host the 2009 Aboriginal Network
Conference in conjunction with Blacktown City and Baulkham Hills Shire
Councils.
(b) Further, that following an election by secret ballot that Bruce Gale and Doug
Desjardines be this committee’s delegates at the 2008 Conference in
Gunnedah with June Magrath and Allan Merriman the alternate delegates.
ACTIONS & WORKPLAN
71/06 The list of Projects and Outstanding Matters – Refer Attachment 2 to the Agenda – was
received, noted and updated.
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NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS FOR 2006
72/06 The 2006 NAIDOC Week Working Party consisted of Mick Darda, Sue McDermott,
Lisa Giacomelli, Sue Pinckham, Doug Desjardines, Bruce Gale, Lyn Leerson,
June Magrath, Allan Merriman and Linda McDonald.
Committee member Allan Merriman thanked Sue Pinckham and Sue McDermott for
their efforts and contribution in arranging events for the Burramatta NAIDOC Family
Day and Flag Raising Ceremony for 2006.
He also provided details of what is
required in respect to hand outs, programs and presence at the gates and requested
that all help will be welcomed.
Sue Pinckham then provided an update and handed out details of the programs,
events and the roles and responsibilities of committee members on Sunday 2 July
2006. NAIDOC posters were distributed/handed out at the meeting. Attachment 2
The proposed Smoking Ceremonies on 1 and 2 July at 10.10am was raised by Sue
Pinckham. Following a lengthy discussion regarding the cultural / protocol of Smoking
Ceremonies it was agreed that the Executive Committee should make a decision as to
whether or not the Smoking Ceremonies should take place as it was suggested that
the ceremonies are a “cleansing and start afresh” events. During discussion it was
agreed that an explanation before each Smoking Ceremony could be displayed and if
the ceremonies are not performed that Uncle Wes be paid as agreed.
The Executive Committee discussed the matter and agreed unanimously that the
Smoking Ceremonies not go ahead and be cancelled due to Aboriginal Cultural
Protocol.
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham
That this matter be listed on the Agenda for consideration at the next meeting.
NATIONAL MOURNING DAY
73/06 This matter was discussed during NAIDOC Week deliberations. National Mourning
Day commenced in 1957 followed by NAIDOC Week (National Sorry Day) in 1967. It
was also revealed that the Aboriginal Advancement League commenced in 1938 and
the names of Phil Ferguson and Will Cooper were mentioned.
GENERAL BUSINESS
74/06 New Aboriginal Legal Services
Bruce Gale advised that the new ALS Structure will commence on 1 July 2006.
75/06 Appointment of New Member
ACTION REQUIRED – Allan Merriman/Doug Desjardines
That Murray Castles be appointed as a member of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait
Islander Advisory Committee.
76/06 Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Program
Doug Desjardines requested that the issue of employment of Aboriginal persons at
Council be put back on the Agenda. Refer Minutes of this Committee November 2001
– 17/01.
It was agreed that this matter be listed on the next Agenda for consideration.
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77/06 Dharug and their Neighbours Book
Jacinta Tobin advised that a new edition of “Dharug and their Neighbours” is being
printed
ACTION REQUIRED – Sue Pinckham
(a) That Council purchase 12 books for the Central & other Libraries and also the
Heritage Centre.
(b) Further, that Council forward a letter to the Department of Education
requesting that they encourage all schools to purchase the above book and
other books including “Mountains to the Sea”.
78/06 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee–Executive Committee Elections
Following elections on 13 June, Bruce Gale was re-elected as Chairperson, Allan
Merriman as Deputy Chairperson and Linda McDonald as Secretary. Attachment 3
INFORMATION SHARING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Arts Facilities & Cultural Framework – Proposal for Parramatta
Colour Brochure & also Copy of Slide Show.
Noted
Yvonne Donovan Memorial Hoedown 8 July 2006
Tregear Community Hall
Noted
Klymax Art Gallery – Art Exhibition
Doug Desjardines advised that there would be an Art Exhibition
On Friday 30 June and Saturday 2 July at Marion St. Harris Park
An invitation flyer was tabled at the meeting.
Holy Family School, Mount Druitt – Upcoming Events
Workshop Thursday 13 July 9am to 3pm – Self Esteem / Bullying at school
Bus Trip to State Forest at Castle Hill – 4 July 2006.
Harris Park Disability Service
Doug Desjardines advised that this service had been running for nine months
but was to close shortly.
One Stop Shop
Sue Pinckham advised that the Federal Government is to develop an Aboriginal
One Stop Shop – details to be provided when available.
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
Attachment 4
Phillip Bradley provided information regarding this matter and also tabled the
guidelines and protocols booklet for NSW Public Schools and TAFE New South
Wales Institutes.
Reconciliation for Western Sydney Flyer
Handed out and distributed at the meeting by Lyn Leerson.
NEXT MEETING
5.30 pm
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
Ground Floor Meeting Rooms
Council Chamber Building
Civic Place, Parramatta
The meeting concluded at 8.25 pm.
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