C A L E N DA
1
1
R
20
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
DEADLY PEOPLE
AND THEIR STORIES
Angelina Doolan Artist
Angelina Doolan is 17 years old and studying at Worawa Aboriginal College in
Healesville. Angelina is Eastern Arrernte and is from Amoonguna, an Aboriginal
community of around 250 residents situated around 17 kilometers from Alice Springs.
Angelina is passionate about art and her goal is to be a practising artist. During her
time at Worawa, Angelina has been learning about arts management and hopes to one
day be involved in arts management in her home community.
James Henry Photographer
James first got his passion for photography at high school working in the darkroom.
Since then, James has worked in various fields including music, acting, radio and
events. As a photographer, James focuses on events, live music and portraiture, and
has a particular interest in the Aboriginal community. James also has been facilitating
photography workshops for youth and Elders, passing on his knowledge and passion.
“It was an honour to be trusted to shoot the special unsung heroes of the Aboriginal
community featured in the calendar. People working for community often do it for
the reward of seeing the benefits for other people and not for the accolades or the
spotlight. I think it is important now and then to highlight these people so that they
might inspire the next generation. To be able to do this with my
passion for photography was a blessing for me.”
Reanna Bono Graphic Designer at Deadly Design
Deadly Design started in 2004 as a graphic design, printing and promotional products
company. The company was formed to meet the ever-increasing demand for culturally
appropriate design solutions for a diverse range of clients. Reanna Bono was the
designer for this project. Reanna is a Wiradjuri and Wemba Wemba woman from
Echuca in northern Victoria. She moved to Melbourne to begin her career in graphic
design by studying a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) at Swinburne
University. Having completed her studies, Reanna enjoys focusing on creating
innovative, culturally appropriate designs for the Indigenous community.
About this calendar
The ‘Deadly People’ calendar is a joint project of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and
the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. We wanted to create a collection of
stories from ‘unsung heroes’ of the community – people who work tirelessly for their families and
communities, but who may not be recognised for their achievements. This collection of stories
is a way to celebrate these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working
to better their communities.
We heard some amazing stories from these people, from Elders to youth and every age in between!
Community members are working in different ways in a variety of fields to ensure our community
stays strong. One of the themes that ran throughout every story in the calendar was a real sense
of pride in culture and community leaders who have gone before us. The stories also highlight the
importance of self-determination and the strength that comes in knowing your rights. The stories
are all inspiring and we felt very lucky to hear them first hand. Thank you to all the
participants who shared their stories – we are very grateful.
To read the full stories, visit the Commission’s website:
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/deadlypeople
Apart from the deadly stories you will read, the calendar is special because it provides information
about VALS and the Commission – two important services available to the community. We have
also included days of significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We hope you find the Deadly People calendar interesting and useful!
We wanted to keep the calendar Aboriginal-produced, so we have used artwork from
Angelina Doolan, an emerging young artist and student at Worawa Aboriginal College.
Aboriginal photographer, James Henry, took the amazing portraits of the people in the
calendar, and Reanna Bono at Deadly Designs did the layout and design of the calendar.
We are very proud and happy to present this calendar to the community, and we hope
you enjoy reading about some of the deadly people we have in our community.
Discrimination is against the law
The rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are protected by law
Have you ever …
• had comments made about your race at a job interview?
• been knocked back by a real estate agent or property owner because you are Aboriginal?
• been subjected to racist comments, slogans or pictures in public places?
• experienced sexual harassment at work, at a school, when renting or going shopping?
You have a right to equal treatment
Everyone has the right to a fair go. In Victoria, equal opportunity and vilification laws protect your
right to a fair go.
Discrimination, sexual harassment, and racial and religious vilification are against the law.
Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities protects 20 fundamental human rights, such as the
right to privacy and reputation, protection of families and children, the right to join groups and meet
freely, and the right to enjoy your culture.
Under the Charter, the Victorian Government, public servants, local councils, Victoria Police and other
public authorities must consider human rights when they make laws, develop policies and provide
their day-to-day services.
How can the Commission help?
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission helps people resolve complaints of
discrimination, sexual harassment and racial and religious vilification by offering a conciliation service
that is confidential, impartial, free and simple. We also provide training to help people understand
their responsibilities under the law.
You can sign up for regular updates and our monthly eBulletin to keep you up-to-date on the
Commission’s news, training and events. Visit our website for details.
Know your rights
Call the Commission’s Enquiry Line or visit our website for information on discrimination and human
rights. If you believe that you have been discriminated against, sexually harassed or vilified because
of your race or religion, you can make a complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human
Rights Commission. Complaints can be made by individuals, representatives or organisations. You
don’t need a lawyer to make a complaint to the Commission.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended as a guide only. It is not a substitute for legal advice.
Enquiry Line: 1300 292 153
TTY: 1300 289 621
Email: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities is empowering
About the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative Limited
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative Limited (VALS) was established as a community
controlled Aboriginal organisation in 1973. VALS is a statewide organisation directed by an Aboriginal
board of management. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can become members of VALS and
attend the annual general meeting to have your say, vote for board members and receive and hear
about VALS’ Annual Report.
How can VALS help?
VALS’ purpose is to cater specifically for the legal needs of the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community. VALS was originally established to address the over-representation of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system. VALS plays an important role in
providing legal advice, assistance and representation. VALS has 11 criminal lawyers, three family
lawyers and one civil lawyer.
A special feature of VALS is that it employs 11 Aboriginal Client Service Officers (CSOs). CSOs provide a
link between the client, lawyer and legal system. A CSO is based in each of VALS’ seven regional offices
and there are four CSOs in the Melbourne head office. VALS is actively involved in community legal
education, research and advocacy advising law reform and policy development.
WHAT?
Areas of law
• criminal law (summary and indictable offences)
• family law (family matters – not property matters; Department of Human Services disputes and
intervention orders
– applicant or respondent)
• civil law (police complaints, wills, discrimination, victims of crime assistance,
traffic – accidents, coroners inquests, debt and prisoner rights)
Type of assistance (you can drop in or make an appointment)
• referral assistance
• free legal advice
• legal representation (conditions apply)
There is a difference between legal advice and legal representation. Legal advice involves a solicitor
suggesting the best course of action based on your situation. Legal advice is free. Legal representation
involves a solicitor appearing on your behalf in court (i.e. as your advocate). Legal representation is not
automatically free. It is necessary to pass the means test before receiving free legal representation.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Phone: 03 9419 3888 (24hrs)
Toll free: 1800 064 865
vals.org.au
WHERE?
Head office – Fitzroy
6 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
PO Box 218, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: 03 9419 3888 – Toll Free 1800 064 865
Fax: 03 9419 6024
Email: vals@vals.org.au
vals.org.au
Regional offices (see last page for more details)
Bairnsdale: 03 5153 0445
Ballarat: 03 5331 3211
Heywood: 03 5527 2281
Mildura: 03 5021 5122
Morwell: 03 5133 9853
Shepparton: 03 5831 5840
Swan Hill: 03 5033 0295
Check the VALS website for the most up-to-date
contact details for our offices.
WHEN?
•
•
Office hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday;
Telephone hours: 24 hours a day/seven days
a week.
The after-hours service is provided by an on call
CSO and an on call solicitor.
The most important thing is …
to go back to culture – because this is
what is missing for our young ones.
Aunty Shirley Firebrace
I was born in Echuca and lived
in Moama. I am one of seven
children. I was part of all the
families of the Yorta Yorta, but I
would also go up to Wadi Wadi
country, of the wise people.
I have six children and six grandchildren.
I have lots of good memories from there:
of rivers flooding, and all the fish and
Murray cray, and the smell of the river. It
was all beautiful. I lived a very happy, free
life.
I have worked in the Aboriginal community
for over 30 years. I started working in
Aboriginal education in 1980. They were
wonderful years because I used to go
out helping young Aboriginal students in
secondary and primary schools.
From there I went on to after-care
programs, helping young children in
Mackay, Queensland. I worked at the
Margaret Tucker Hostel, looking after young
women.
I have worked at the Department of Human
Services, helping Allied Health Home
and Community Care Services with our
health service. I also worked at Darebin
Community Health for eight years, looking
after our beautiful people there.
I started up the famous Kookaburra
Club, which has now been going for 10
years, and the Emu Strutters Exercise
Program. A lot of our Elders are getting
a lot of happiness and joy through this.
The Kookaburra Club provided social and
cultural exchange, BBQs, trips, bingo,
health and justice info sessions and access
to allied health.
I was a co-founder of the Darebin
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Council. My other areas of work included
education and health in Shepparton,
Melbourne and Mackay, over a number
of years. l was also part of the ALP Policy
Committee in 1985.
SATURDAY
2
SUNDAY
3
MONDAY
4
TUESDAY
5
WEDNESDAY
6
THURSDAY
7
FRIDAY
8
SATURDAY
9
SUNDAY
10
MONDAY
11
TUESDAY
12
WEDNESDAY
13
THURSDAY
14
FRIDAY
15
SATURDAY
16
SUNDAY
17
MONDAY
18
TUESDAY
19
WEDNESDAY
20
THURSDAY
21
FRIDAY
22
SATURDAY
23
SUNDAY
24
MONDAY
IS VALS A LEGAL SERVICE
FOR MEN ONLY?
25
TUESDAY
26
WEDNESDAY
NO
27
THURSDAY
VALS is a service for the Victorian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community and can help men, women
and children with legal matters. If there
is a conflict of interest, a referral will
be made to another legal agency.
28
FRIDAY
29
SATURDAY
30
SUNDAY
31
MONDAY
We have to concentrate on our children
and families, and on our connection to o
our
language and our practices, because wit
within
our language is also the order of where
you are within your family.
There are a lot of good things happening
for our men, and things have been
happening for youth, but we are missing
the key of the woman – because the
woman is the central figure.
What enriched me with my mob was
sitting with the Elders, hearing the stories,
being with them. I sat there for years
just listening; they taught diplomacy,
they taught control, but they also taught
discipline.
I have worked on issues with the
Department of Justice for a year or so to
help build better relationships between our
people and local police in police stations
such as Reservoir, Preston and Northcote. I
was a coordinator for the women’s healing
program at Maya. It was around prevention
of family violence, but also culture.
Of all the things I have learnt in my
days the most important thing is that
it has to go back to culture. We have to
go back to the practice of what we always
practised; like things around social
business, language, family,
story-telling and our art and our
music, because this is what is
missing for our young ones.
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
JANUARY 2011
Aunty Shirley Firebrace
1
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day holiday
Survival Day
No matter who you are, what race …
sex … or sexual preference you are,
you’re loved by the community.
Bert Williams
I was born in Shepparton in
1988. My mum’s father is from
the Wiradjuri tribe and my
grandmother is from the Yorta
Yorta tribe. I was named after my
Uncle Bert who is the founder of
the Bert Williams Hostel.
Pink Sugar was created in 2003 just for
fun. Me and a couple of mates thought it
would be fun to get dressed up in drag. I
asked one of my mate’s sisters if she had
any perfume I could wear just for a bit
of a laugh. She gave me a bottle called
‘Pink Sugar’, and it smelled exactly like
fairy floss, so that’s where I got my
name from.
I grew up on the
h east coast off N
New
South Wales and Victoria until I was
about 10; then I moved to Queensland
to live with my father, but he put me in
foster care after two years. I moved out
of my foster parents’ place when I was
16 and got my own apartment.
When I moved down to Melbourne,
I didn’t really come out about doing
drag until I met up with Uncle Ronnie
(Johnson). When I did get up on stage in
January last year during the Midsumma
OutBlack show, it felt right.
I came out of the closet to most of my
friends when I was 16, and to my mum
at the age of 17 while I was engaged to
a girl. I told my dad a week after I ended
my engagement with my fiancée.
My mother inspires me. She’s a
stay-at-home grandmother now.
Even though she’s never worked in
her life, she worked to keep a roof over
me and my two full brothers when we
were younger.
My greatest achievement would have to
be my son. Another one would be where
my life is at right now. I’m confident and
calm with my life and I’m happy with the
path that my life is on.
Mum’s always been the one to tell us:
“If I haven’t tried it, I won’t tell you to
stop it.” She loves the fact that Pink
Sugar’s done all this. Mum just thinks
it is the funniest thing on earth, and to
this day she’ll still sit there and laugh
about it. She tells everybody about it
’cos she’s just so proud.
Because I’m half Aboriginal and half
Sicilian, I’ve got to have an open mind
with what I feel, what I know and what
I believe. Not many young, Aboriginal,
gay men will actually come out of the
closet, but I’ve helped a few because
I know what to expect.
When I moved here, my mum was so
happy that I was back, she was telling
everybody that she has a gay son. It
helped a few other people realise that
no matter who you are, what race you
are, what sex you are, what sexual
preference you are, you’re loved
by the community, no matter what.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
CAN VALS ACT IF THERE IS A
CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
NO
Know your rights
We can give you information
1300 292 153
about human rights and
discrimination.
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
There are strict rules about when
a lawyer can act for someone:
• VALS cannot act in a conflict
of interest situation.
• Koorie v Koorie is not a conflict of
interest situation necessarily; each
case is looked at individually.
FEBRUARY 2011
Bert Williams
1
TUESDAY
2
WEDNESDAY
3
THURSDAY
4
FRIDAY
5
SATURDAY
6
SUNDAY
7
MONDAY
8
TUESDAY
9
WEDNESDAY
10
THURSDAY
11
FRIDAY
12
SATURDAY
13
SUNDAY
14
MONDAY
15
TUESDAY
16
WEDNESDAY
17
THURSDAY
18
FRIDAY
19
SATURDAY
20
SUNDAY
21
MONDAY
22
TUESDAY
23
WEDNESDAY
24
THURSDAY
25
FRIDAY
26
SATURDAY
27
SUNDAY
28
MONDAY
Term 1 starts
National Apology Day
Reunions have really opened
my eyes to how past government
policies and practices still affect
Indigenous people today.
Samara Ahmat
I’m a 24 year old Torres Strait
Islander originally from Mackay
in Queensland. We travelled
around before eventually moving
to Shepparton, where I grew up
and spent most of my primary
and high school years.
I had just finished
finished at the Academy of
Sport Health and Education when I
decided I wanted to move to Melbourne.
There was an opportunity to work for the
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency,
and I started in Family Support then
moved into Corporate Services, then I
moved into the Link-Up program about
a year ago. Link-Up Victoria assists
Indigenous people over the age of 18
who were adopted, placed in foster care,
institutionalised or forcibly removed, to
trace and be reunited with their families.
We also support our clients on ‘Back to
Country’ and graveside reunions.
My dad (Ray Ahmat) is probably my
biggest inspiration. We’re pretty close,
so whenever I need advice I usually
turn to him. Dad’s the manager of
Woongi, which is a social, emotional
and wellbeing program. It covers drug
and alcohol, mental health, ‘Bringing
Them Home’ workers and grief and
trauma counselling. Woongi have
received funding to build a healing
centre at Rumba (Rumbalara Aboriginal
Cooperative), which will help families
with crisis needs in a culturally
appropriate way.
I also have a strong circle of family and
friends I can turn to for support and
guidance. I come from a big family with
seven brothers and sisters along with
many nieces and nephews. We have a lot
of cousins and some who I’m especially
close with; even though they live in
Queensland and Shepparton, we still
manage to keep in touch.
Since starting at Link-Up, I have
commenced a Diploma of Narrative
Approaches for Aboriginal People
(Counselling) in Adelaide. It goes for two
years and I’m nearly at the end of my
first year. I’ve really enjoyed studying
this diploma and look forward to
completing it next year.
Working for Link-Up has been a great
achievement for me. It’s been a great
I’v
learning curve, and the experiences I’ve
had with reunions have really opened
my eyes to how past government
policies and practices still affect
Indigenous people today. I work in a
suppor
great team and I’ve always felt supported
by Link-Up, which has made my job
more enjoyable.
I’ve had the opportunity to go to places I
never would have been to if it wasn’t for
my work and I’ve met many inspirational
people along the way. I’m very proud
of the work that all Link-Ups nationwide
do, as it’s a job that involves a lot of hard
work, time and dedication.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
DOES VALS ONLY DEAL WITH
CRIMINAL MATTERS?
NO
VALS has qualified solicitors
specialising in:
• criminal matters
• family matters
• civil matters.
MARCH 2011
Samara Ahmat
1
TUESDAY
2
WEDNESDAY
3
THURSDAY
4
FRIDAY
5
SATURDAY
6
SUNDAY
7
MONDAY
8
TUESDAY
9
WEDNESDAY
10
THURSDAY
11
FRIDAY
12
SATURDAY
13
SUNDAY
14
MONDAY
15
TUESDAY
16
WEDNESDAY
17
THURSDAY
18
FRIDAY
19
SATURDAY
20
SUNDAY
21
MONDAY
22
TUESDAY
23
WEDNESDAY
24
THURSDAY
25
FRIDAY
26
SATURDAY
27
SUNDAY
28
MONDAY
29
TUESDAY
30
WEDNESDAY
31
THURSDAY
International Women’s Day
Labor Day
Cultural Diversity Week starts
Harmony Day – International day for
the elimination of racial discrimination
National Close the Gap Day
Cultural Diversity Week ends
I see my pop as a role model
– he’s done everything.
Brock Smith
I’m hoping people will realise the
importance of … grandfathers and
fathers to their boys and girls.
Uncle Daryl Smith
FRIDAY
2
SATURDAY
3
SUNDAY
4
MONDAY
5
TUESDAY
6
WEDNESDAY
7
THURSDAY
8
FRIDAY
9
SATURDAY
10
SUNDAY
11
MONDAY
12
TUESDAY
13
WEDNESDAY
14
THURSDAY
15
FRIDAY
16
SATURDAY
17
SUNDAY
18
MONDAY
19
TUESDAY
20
WEDNESDAY
21
THURSDAY
22
FRIDAY
23
SATURDAY
IS FREE LEGAL ADVICE
DIFFERENT TO FREE COURT
REPRESENTATION?
24
SUNDAY
Easter Day
25
MONDAY
Easter Monday
ANZAC Day
YES
26
TUESDAY
ANZAC Day holiday
You can ring VALS and ask for free
legal advice from a solicitor. If you want
a solicitor to appear in court for you
(i.e. represent you) and you’re a
new client, then you need to
pass the means test.
27
WEDNESDAY
28
THURSDAY
29
FRIDAY
30
SATURDAY
Uncle Daryl Smith Brock Smith
My parents lived at Cummeragunja. Mum was a
Yorta Yorta woman born in Echuca. Dad was from
the Wiradjuri people, and was born in a place called
Dandaloo, New South Wales.
I’ve be
been
een with Nan and Pop for nearly 12 years. I’ve
been w
with them for most of my life
life.
I was born in Mooroopna and we lived on Daish’s Paddock for
a while
while. We moved to Preston in 1956,
1956 which is where I grew
up. Preston was just all paddocks then – big cows going up and
down the streets. I went to school and worked around the area,
played sports, married the girl down the road and had three lovely
children. My children’s names are Jason, Daryl (Snowy) and Cathy.
Back in 2
2005, I didn’t really care about footy, I was just into TV.
M
l got me on board to play just one year of footy and I
My uncles
ended up winning the best and fairest. That’s probably my biggest
achievement.
I got into a little bit of trouble when I was a kid, but when I
was around 16, I saw the light. I took up boxing and became a
professional boxer. I got to number one in Victoria and used to
fight on TV – Ringside and Channel 0. After my marriage broke up,
I decided to try ballroom dancing. I became very good at it and
ended up entering a few competitions and won a few medals.
I’ve always worked. I’ve been an upholsterer, a tradesman and I
worked at The Age newspaper for about 20 years. Then I got a job
at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and I’ve been here about
five years now. I work with Koori kids as an outreach worker.
I go to T
The Lakes South Morang high school and I’m in year 9.
When I was
w in grade 5, I achieved my black belt in tae kwon do.
I was playing with North Heidelberg and then went up to South
Morang. The year I got in I ended up taking home the best and
fairest in the number one division as well. That’s another one of my
achievements that I’m proud of.
Living with my Nan and Pop has changed my life. If I went any
other way, I probably wouldn’t be as successful as I am
today. I see my Pop as a big role model – he’s
done everything. I was thinking about
maybe doing a trade, but I’ve got to
find out more information
on that first.
After work I’m a soldier with the Preston Salvation Army, which I
really like. I’ve also been trained up as a fire-fighter with the local
CFA – South Morang. I’ve also recently gone back to ballroom
dancing and I’m really enjoying myself.
I’ve got 10 grandchildren and Brock lives with us. A lot of kids I
come across don’t know their dads or don’t have anything to do
with their dad. What I’m hoping will come out of this is people will
see it – I’m kind of like Brock’s father and grandfather – and they
will realise the importance of the connection of grandfathers and
fathers to interact with their boys and girls.
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
APRIL 2011
1
National Youth Week starts
World Health Day
Term 1 finishes
National Youth Week ends
20th anniversary of Royal Commission
into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody
Good Friday
Term 2 starts
As I got older I decided …
no-one was going to put me down.
Aunty Gloria Norrey (Davis)
I was born in Swan Hill. My
father was Edward Davis (from
Healesville) and my mother
was Ada Davis (Moore) from
Balranald. We lived under a
peppercorn tree for a while then
moved to the river called Wemba
Wemba. The government then
decided to put us with the wider
community.
I left Swan Hill in my early teens and
moved to Melbourne where l lived on the
streets. Life was hard for me and l had
regular run-ins with the police. As l got
older, l decided to turn my life around
because no-one was going to put me
down.
I felt l wasn’t capable or didn’t have
the knowledge to work, as l had left
school when I was young, but l was
given an opportunity at the (Aborigines
Advancement) League. Its aim is to
provide programs that improve the social,
economic and cultural circumstances
of Aboriginal people. l was given the
opportunity to work as a health and
community care worker. Although l had
been to hell and back, this was a new
beginning for me in my life.
I enjoyed working with the community
and helping. I later worked at the Victorian
Aboriginal Health Service as a mentor in
the prisons, visiting the female prisoners
and supporting and listening to them.
I worked at Enmaraleek Association,
helping the Aboriginal community in
Broadmeadows and surrounding northern
suburbs
suburbs. Around 2003
2003, l helped start up
Wandarra for the Koori community in the
northern suburbs, where people can come
and have lunch and a yarn every Monday.
It is held at the UnitingCare centre in
Broadmeadows.
SUNDAY
2
MONDAY
3
TUESDAY
4
WEDNESDAY
5
THURSDAY
6
FRIDAY
7
SATURDAY
8
SUNDAY
9
MONDAY
10
TUESDAY
11
WEDNESDAY
12
THURSDAY
13
FRIDAY
14
SATURDAY
15
SUNDAY
16
MONDAY
17
TUESDAY International Day Against Homophobia
18
WEDNESDAY
19
THURSDAY
20
FRIDAY
21
SATURDAY
IS THE MEANS TEST
FORM EASY TO FILL OUT?
22
SUNDAY
23
MONDAY
YES
24
TUESDAY
You will need to fill out a form (Form A)
about your income. If you answer ‘yes’ to
any of these questions, you’ll be eligible
for free legal court representation:
• Is your gross income under
$46,000 per annum?
• Are you a Centrelink payment recipient?
• Are you under 18 years of age?
If you answer ‘no’ to all of these questions,
you’ll need to fill out Form B, with more
details about your financial circumstances.
25
WEDNESDAY
26
THURSDAY
27
FRIDAY
28
SATURDAY
29
SUNDAY
30
MONDAY
31
TUESDAY
I have been asked to speak at different
events, which l am proud to do as l am
a proud, black woman. My hope for the
future is that our young people will stand
up and be proud of their culture and
believe in themselves, and that this will
help create more positive awareness in tthe
wider community.
Wandarra has now grown and provides
assistance to the community from agencies
that can help with health, housing, legal
and Centrelink issues. There are Wandarra
football and netball clubs and we are now
looking at organising a community garden
which will allow people from all cultures to
mix together.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
MAY 2011
Aunty Gloria Norrey (Davis)
1
Mother’s Day
National Families Week starts
National Families Week ends
National Sorry Day
National Reconciliation Week starts
We need our younger ones
listening and learning.
Uncle Rob Lowe
What inspires me is local, grassroots people.
Lowell Hunter
Lowell Hunter
My mob stems from Tasmania through my
grandmother’s side.
I’m
m a Bardi man from One Arm Point, which is
located
loc
cated 200 kilometres north of Broome. I spent
my first six years growing up around Broome,
One Arm Point and Beagle Bay. I then moved to
Warrnambool to live with my father.
My great grandfather is a Chaapwuurong man and my great
grandmother is a Kirrae Whurrong woman. My grandfather is Peek
Whurrong and my grandmother is Yorta Yorta. We have a fairly big
bloodline around Victoria.
I was reared on the Mission close to Warrnambool, better known
as Framlingham Aboriginal Settlement. I prefer to call it ‘the Mish’.
I was taught from day one about my culture: how to hunt, track
and fish. Growing up there was probably the happiest part of my
life. When we first moved into town, back in 1967, we started to
experience a lot of the racism that Aboriginal people faced through
the 60s. But we went through all that, we got jobs, we faced our
hardships, and we learned to survive by facing those hardships.
The thing that makes me proud is what we achieved through our
culture. We go into schools and talk to the younger generation and
to non-Indigenous kids about our culture.
Last year, we decided to prove to the non-Indigenous people in the
area that we know where our traditional boundary is, so we walked
the boundaries. It took us seven days to walk it – probably close
to 300 kilometres. We walked past a campsite, massacre sites,
spiritual sites and burial sites. The only way we knew where these
sites were was because our old people told us. It was up to us to
pass that on, and we pointed out all these areas to the young ones
that walked with us.
We have too many older people sitting at the table dictating terms,
and not allowing the younger generation to sit at the same table.
That is sad because we need young ones listening and learning, so
they can pass it on to the generation after us.
2
THURSDAY
3
FRIDAY
4
SATURDAY
5
SUNDAY
6
MONDAY
7
TUESDAY
8
WEDNESDAY
9
THURSDAY
10
FRIDAY
11
SATURDAY
12
SUNDAY
13
MONDAY
14
TUESDAY
15
WEDNESDAY
16
THURSDAY
17
FRIDAY
18
SATURDAY
19
SUNDAY
20
MONDAY
21
TUESDAY
22
WEDNESDAY
23
THURSDAY
24
FRIDAY
If you are using VALS for the first time, a
confirmation of Aboriginality form needs
to be filled out and approved by your local
cooperative or Aboriginal organisation.
The forms need to be filled out completely
and be stamped with the common seal.
25
SATURDAY
26
SUNDAY
27
MONDAY
28
TUESDAY
• You only need to provide confirmation of
Aboriginality once, no matter how many
times you use VALS’ services.
29
WEDNESDAY
30
THURSDAY
I see a lot of young people who look up to Aboriginal AFL players
or high profile sport stars, but what inspires me most is local,
grassroots people who put a lot into their community. That is
why I am here with Uncle Rob today.
I look upon Elders and what they have gone
through, and that is why I continue to
strive forward, to better myself –
maybe I can be an inspiration
to someone and they will better
themselves. It’s like a ripple
effect. It is about
empowering the next
generation, and
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
making sure we are
confident and proud
in ourselves, so
our children will
follow in our
DO I NEED TO FILL OUT
footsteps.
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
WEDNESDAY
When I was young, I struggled a lot with my identity. I am proud
of my culture now that I know a lot more about it. I’m proud of
Aboriginal people and Elders who have walked before us, because
they have put up with more than what this younger generation has
had to (although the younger generation is feeling the effects of
trans-generational trauma).
Know your rights
JUNE 2011
Uncle Rob Lowe
1
A CONFIRMATION OF
ABORIGINALITY FORM?
YES
National Reconciliation Week ends
Mabo Day
World Environment Day
Queen’s Birthday
Drug Action Week starts
Drug Action Week ends
We need a succession plan.
Uncle Larry Kanoa
There needs to be a bit more of
that cultural awareness.
Jon Kanoa
My father’s from the Northern Territory and
my mum is a Gunditjmara woman from
south-west Victoria.
I was born in Heywood in 1982. I lived there for a
couple of years before we made the trip to Ballarat
– I’ve been here ever since.
I was born in Mooroopna and spent most of my life growing up
in and around Heywood. There were six of us in the family, four
boys, two girls
boys
girls, and a very big extended family
family, and we all grew up
together as one.
After finishing school in 2000, I ended up going to Heywood and
doing a tourism and hospitality course at Lake Condah Mission.
My working life began as a hard working labourer in meatworks
and on the railways before getting a job as a Koori educator at
Heywood Consolidated School. Following this, I moved to Ballarat
as a field officer with the Aboriginal Legal Service, covering the
whole western district, making sure our mob had representation
when they went to court.
From there, I went into Koori education for about 10 years,
starting off as a cross-sectoral coordinator. I then became a Koori
education development officer and developed Koori curriculum
for schools and assisted parents and students in the state school
system.
I went on to the Department of Sustainability and Environment as
the Indigenous partnership facilitator. I developed partnerships
between the community and the department, and I created
employment opportunities within the department.
Working in justice, education, community development and
employment has given me an insight into the issues that affect our
communities. Developing and implementing programs in all those
areas has gone some way to addressing some of those problems,
but until we can get the funding agencies and policy makers to
address the underlying issues facing our mob, then it becomes
problematical as to the health and wellbeing of the mob.
I eventually got into VALS as a client services officer to help the
mob that had to go to court and basically be that person in the
community who people can ring up and ask questions about legal
rights. It was a fantastic job and it got me up and running.
I am now the acting executive officer for the Grampians Regional
Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee. I promote the Aboriginal
Justice Agreement and facilitate and organise a regional action
plan for the Grampians region. I’ve done a fair bit in the last 10
years of work – which is good.
A couple of months ago we had the Koori job
fair in Ballarat. Around 50 kids were there,
and we asked them where they were
from and a bit of background stuff.
Fifty per cent didn’t know what
their tribe name was and
where their parents were
from. It goes to show
there needs to be a bit
more of that cultural
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
awareness stuff
going on around
DO I NEED TO CONTACT
this area, as it’s
starting to fade
VALS IF I NEED COURT
away a little bit.
REPRESENTATION?
YES
If you have been arrested, you will receive
a letter from VALS asking you to contact
us if you want VALS to represent you. If you
don’t contact VALS, then it is assumed that
you have another solicitor to represent you.
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
BUT if you are at court and you haven’t
arranged for a solicitor you can:
• ask to adjourn your matter and then
contact VALS, or
• speak to a VALS solicitor if one is
appearing for other people at court that day.
JULY 2011
Uncle Larry Kanoa Jon Kanoa
1
FRIDAY
2
SATURDAY
3
SUNDAY
4
MONDAY
5
TUESDAY
6
WEDNESDAY
7
THURSDAY
8
FRIDAY
9
SATURDAY
10
SUNDAY
11
MONDAY
12
TUESDAY
13
WEDNESDAY
14
THURSDAY
15
FRIDAY
16
SATURDAY
17
SUNDAY
18
MONDAY
19
TUESDAY
20
WEDNESDAY
21
THURSDAY
22
FRIDAY
23
SATURDAY
24
SUNDAY
25
MONDAY
26
TUESDAY
27
WEDNESDAY
28
THURSDAY
29
FRIDAY
30
SATURDAY
31
SUNDAY
Term 2 finishes
NAIDOC Week starts
NAIDOC Week ends
Term 3 starts
I come from a long line of very strong women.
Aunty Lois Peeler
I’m a Yorta Yorta woman.
I grew up in Shepparton in
the Goulburn Valley.
My parents were very active in Aboriginal
affairs. They worked with Uncle Doug
(Pastor Sir Douglas Nichols) to improve
the circumstances of our people. I can
remember them going to meetings and
having meetings at our house
house, so I grew up
with that around me.
I come from a family of eight girls and
one boy, so I guess it’s no surprise that
all of my sisters have been involved in
Aboriginal community affairs at various
levels.
I suppose that my values, my experience,
my passion, my direction has been shaped
by my family experiences. I come from a
long line of very strong women. Both my
grandmothers were very strong in their
own right.
My mother, Geraldine Briggs, was very
much involved in the campaigns to bring
about improvement in the living conditions
of our people – she was politically
motivated by harsh conditions on
Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve, which
caused families to flee the mission in the
Cummeragunja Walk Off in 1938. The battle
for survival kept her active in Aboriginal
affairs.
Her sister, Aunty Marg (Aunty Margaret
Tucker) had her story recorded in the film
Lousy Little Sixpence
e and her book
If Everyone Cared,
d which told the story of
the three girls (mum’s sisters) being taken
away by the authorities while my Nan was
off working, and put into Cootamundra
Girls Home. My mother was 95 when she
passed, but she never forgot what that did
to the family. She worked all her life to
improve things for our people.
My mother and sisters, Hyllus and
Margaret, were actively involved in the
Federal Council for the Advancement of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
(FCAATSI), which was instrumental in
gaining the 1967 Referendum results. The
women members of FCAATSI proposed
the formation of a women’s group to deal
with issues such as health and housing.
This saw the formation of the National
Council of Aboriginal and Islander Women
in 1969. My mother and my sister, Margaret
Wirrpanda, and Aunty Merle Jackomos
formed the executive. It was the Aboriginal
women’s movement that was instrumental
in establishing the Health Service and
Aboriginal Legal Service way back then.
My sister, Hyllus, started Worawa
College because she had the experience
of trying to get an education at a public
school where the Aboriginal kids
weren’t welcome, weren’t catered for
and were ostracised. So I think it became
her mission to have a place where the
kids could celebrate Aboriginal culture,
where the curriculum was relevant and
they were educated in a loving and carin
caring
environment. And that’s what we have
today.
At Worawa, we focus on academic
achievement, through an integrated
education
education, culture and wellbeing model
– but we are not miracle workers. A lot
of the kids that come here have had
very negative education experiences,
so our task is to nurture each child
to live positively, develop self-confidence
and pride, and to equip them with social
skills for a meaningful, satisfying and
productive life.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
DOES VALS APPEAL
CASES?
YES
VALS can act in appeal cases where
the appeal has a reasonable
chance of success.
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
DOES VALS ACT IN ‘NOT GUILTY’
(contested matters) PLEAS?
YES
VALS can act in contested matters if there
is a reasonable chance of success.
Your solicitor can help you decide the
best way to run your case.
AUGUST 2011
Aunty Lois Peeler
1
MONDAY National Homeless Person’s Week starts
2
TUESDAY
3
WEDNESDAY
4
THURSDAY
5
FRIDAY
6
SATURDAY
7
SUNDAY National Homeless Person’s Week ends
8
MONDAY
9
TUESDAY International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
10
WEDNESDAY
11
THURSDAY
12
FRIDAY
13
SATURDAY
14
SUNDAY
15
MONDAY
16
TUESDAY
17
WEDNESDAY
18
THURSDAY
19
FRIDAY
20
SATURDAY
21
SUNDAY
22
MONDAY
23
TUESDAY
24
WEDNESDAY
25
THURSDAY
26
FRIDAY
27
SATURDAY
28
SUNDAY
29
MONDAY
30
TUESDAY
31
WEDNESDAY
National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day
International Youth Day
We are working very hard…
to get our people skilled up.
Uncle Patrick Farrant
I’m a Mutti Mutti, Wadi Wadi
and Tati Tati person, born in
New South Wales. I come from
a family of nine children, four
boys and five girls, and I’m
the second eldest.
I was raised on a mission in Balranald and
moved around a fair bit in my younger
days – going to a Catholic school in
Balranald then moving to Deniliquin to
finish my schooling.
At the age of 14, I went out to work to help
support the rest of the family, although
l didn’t really want to leave school. I’ve
done a lot of manual jobs on my journey
– working on bridges, railways lines,
concreting – all very had yakka.
I moved to Shepparton and got married.
Later on I got involved at Rumbalara and
with the Rumba Football Club when they
first started up, so I’ve done a lot of work
around justice and setting up programs
for kids.
I am a member of the Regional Aboriginal
Justice Advisory Committee for the
southern region, which is doing a lot
of good things for the community and
moving forward justice issues. l like to
get involved with programs for our young
people to help them to look forward to a
better life, and for their families to become
part of their achievements.
I’ve had a lot of people helping me through
life in the past 30 years. When l came to
Melbourne, people like Alf Bamblett and
Uncle Kevin Coombs and lots of Elders
supported me and have been my mentors
and helped me on the way.
I’m 63 now. I still enjoy my work and
talking to people and being on committee
committees
to help the Aboriginal community. I try to
do whatever l can for the community in
Dandenong and surrounding areas, but
also for all of the Aboriginal communities
where l have travelled.
I would like to think that someone might
take something from my story about my
journey and learn from it, and hope it helps
hel
somebody to better their life and look after
their community as well.
There are a lot of things happening in
Victoria – we are working very hard to set
up programs in health, education and work
to get our people skilled up and better
educated to make things a bit easier for
them and generations to come after us. If
we can get one or two people out of 10 to
benefit from what we do and pass that on
to someone, that’s good, because there’s a
lot of people with a lot of ability that could
go places.
This led me to work at VALS in Fitzroy as
a client service officer. I worked there for
about three and a half years before moving
to Dandenong to work at Bunurong Co-op
in the mental health and wellbeing area.
I’m still working here, 11 years later.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
DOES VALS GET NOTIFIED IF A
KOORIE HAS BEEN ARRESTED?
Know your rights
YES
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
VALS has a long standing arrangement
with Victoria Police that whenever an
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
person is taken into custody,
VALS is notified.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
SEPTEMBER 2011
Uncle Patrick Farrant
1
THURSDAY
2
FRIDAY
3
SATURDAY
4
SUNDAY
5
MONDAY
6
TUESDAY
7
WEDNESDAY
8
THURSDAY
9
FRIDAY
10
SATURDAY
11
SUNDAY
12
MONDAY
13
TUESDAY
14
WEDNESDAY
15
THURSDAY
16
FRIDAY
17
SATURDAY
18
SUNDAY
19
MONDAY
20
TUESDAY
21
WEDNESDAY
22
THURSDAY
23
FRIDAY
24
SATURDAY
25
SUNDAY
26
MONDAY
27
TUESDAY
28
WEDNESDAY
29
THURSDAY
30
FRIDAY
Father’s Day
Indigenous Literacy Day
International Day of Peace
Term 3 finishes
I am inspired by people
with a pure heart who
work hard.
Elke Smirl
We will make things happen,
culturally and spiritually,
in order to turn lives around.
Aunty Helga Lehtinen
I love the name Maude because it is my middle
name and the name of my beautiful grandmother.
She was a strong Kaurna woman. Papa Eddie,
my grandfather, was Narrunga from Point Pearce,
South Australia. He was a man full of wisdom and I
learned a lot from him.
I was born in Adelaide in 1945. My mother Dulcie married a man
from Finland named Urho Armas Lehtinen, so we’ve got the Viking
in us, as well as the Aboriginal side. My grandfather’s mother was
full blood Aboriginal and his father was Chinese. So we’ve got
quite a mixture in us. I have four daughters, Elke, Anja, Markeeta
and Jacynta, and 13 grandchildren – quite a big family.
As my children grew up, I decided to do voluntary work again
with the Dandenong Community Justice Panel, eventually
becoming Chairperson.
I have been in the Children’s Koori Court in Melbourne for the
last five years. The Koori Courts are the best thing that has ever
happened for our communities and our people. When I sit in front
of these children, my heart hurts sometimes, to hear what they
have to say.
I go home after a day’s work with all the children on my mind and I
hope I have been able to make a difference in their lives by talking
to them, hoping that they will see the light and go back to school.
And it does happen. I see them outside in the street sometimes
and they smile at me, knowing that I am always there for them.
My mob hails from South Australia and I am
a descendant of the Narrunga people of Yorke
Peninsula and the Kaurna people of the
Adelaide Plains.
I have three sisters and 11 nieces and nephews. I am a mum of two
teenage daughters. I grew up everywhere really (Adelaide, Ballarat
and Manila), but mostly in Dandenong North, until we moved to
the Dandenong Ranges.
I currently work for Aboriginal Affairs Victoria as a senior project
officer. My work mostly focuses on training our communities in
governance and community development.
I am inspired by people with a pure heart who work hard to make
our lives better, happier, healthier and long lasting. I guess I am
inspired a lot by my mum who has always taught me to reach the
highest star and never be afraid of anything or
anyone. We are two peas in a pod – she’s
there for me and I’m there for her.
Now that I’m getting older, people
say that I even look like her!
At long last!
My passion is to keep
giving the best I can
back to my people in
whatever form that
may be, for as long
as I can.
There’s so much work out there to do for communities in need.
And as long as I’ve got breath in my body and I’m able to sit on
these committees and represent our people, we will make things
happen, culturally and spiritually, in order to help turn
lives around.
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
SATURDAY
2
SUNDAY
3
MONDAY
4
TUESDAY
5
WEDNESDAY
6
THURSDAY
7
FRIDAY
8
SATURDAY
9
SUNDAY
10
MONDAY
11
TUESDAY
12
WEDNESDAY
13
THURSDAY
14
FRIDAY
15
SATURDAY
16
SUNDAY
17
MONDAY
18
TUESDAY
International Day of Older Persons
International Day of Non-violence
19
WEDNESDAY
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
20
THURSDAY
HOW TO HELP YOUR CASE
IN A CRIMINAL MATTER
21
FRIDAY
22
SATURDAY
• See your solicitor before
your court date.
23
SUNDAY
24
MONDAY
25
TUESDAY
26
WEDNESDAY
• Tell your solicitor if you cannot come to
court as they may be able to adjourn it (if you
are on bail and fail to appear, the Magistrate
will order an arrest warrant against you).
27
THURSDAY
28
FRIDAY
29
SATURDAY
• Tell your solicitor if you change your
contact details or if your matter
has been re-listed.
30
SUNDAY
31
MONDAY
• Tell VALS if you adjourned
your own matter.
• Keep any appointments made for you by
your solicitor, such as a doctor’s appointment.
Know your rights
OCTOBER 2011
Aunty Helga Lehtinen Elke Smirl
1
Term 4 starts
World Mental Health Day
National Children’s Week starts
United Nations Day
National Children’s Week ends
It’s never too late to go
after your dreams.
Brad Boon
My Mum is a Kurnai woman
from Gippsland who was born
on Lake Tyers Mission and my
Dad is from Holland. He was
born in a place called Texel and
came out to Australia with his
two brothers and parents in 1952.
I am one of eight kids – three
boys and
b
d five girls,
i l and
dIh
have
a very large extended family
throughout Gippsland.
I love going back home any chance I get to
see my family and having that feeling of
being home – it feels like I have never been
away. That saying about ‘home is where
the heart is’ rings so true for me, and
Gippsland will forever be that place for me,
no matter where I live.
The biggest influences on my life have
been my parents, my family and friends.
I find it difficult to nominate one or two
people that have inspired me, as I have
taken a bit from everyone that is close to
me and used it as a source of inspiration
in building my own success as a father,
brother, cousin, son and partner.
I grew up in Moe, but did all my schooling
in Morwell at Collins Street Primary School
and Kurnai College Morwell. I played
football and soccer as a kid and I made
a lot of friends and have a lot of great
memories from being a part of those two
sports. Sport has played such a huge part
in my life and I am forever grateful to my
parents for allowing me the opportunity
to play week in, week out. They made a
lot of sacrifices
sacrifices financially
financially and socially in
allowing me to play.
I am a dad to a six-year-old boy named
Moroka, who is like a little energiser bunny
and a little sponge that absorbs everything
around him. We currently call Shepparton
home, as this is where my partner of 13
years, Belinda, grew up and it’s where
her family still lives. I enjoy the slower
pace of life, but I still miss the craziness
of Melbourne at times – mostly the good
food, great coffee and live music scene.
Chasing my dream of being a musician
(drummer) is something that I have always
wanted to do and I am finally living my
dream. Hopefully that inspires people to
realise that it’s never too late to go after
your dreams and that you’re the only one
stopping yourself.
Being respected by people in communitie
communities
that I have lived in says that I must be
doing something right. I started out like a
lot of Koori people by working at the loca
local
co-op, then spent three years at Telstra.
For the past 12 years, I have been workin
working
back at Koori organisations (VALS, VAHS
and VACSAL) as a client service officer, an
adult mental health worker and as a proje
project
officer in the Gambling Awareness Servic
Service.
I want communities to be one again,
just like it was when I was growing up.
I remember when we all used to come
together and have fun at things like
NAIDOC Week, cabarets and opening
days. That was when communities felt like
communities and not how it is today.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
WAYS YOU CAN HELP YOUR
CASE IN A FAMILY MATTER
Know your rights
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
• Contact VALS to let your solicitor
know any changes you want
to make in your case.
• Keep any appointments the solicitor
has made for you, such as
a doctors appointment.
• Tell your solicitor if you change
your address or phone number.
NOVEMBER 2011
Brad Boon
1
TUESDAY
Melbourne Cup Day
2
WEDNESDAY
3
THURSDAY
4
FRIDAY
5
SATURDAY
6
SUNDAY
7
MONDAY
8
TUESDAY
9
WEDNESDAY
10
THURSDAY
11
FRIDAY
12
SATURDAY
13
SUNDAY
14
MONDAY
15
TUESDAY
16
WEDNESDAY
17
THURSDAY
18
FRIDAY
19
SATURDAY
20
SUNDAY
21
MONDAY
22
TUESDAY
23
WEDNESDAY
24
THURSDAY
25
FRIDAY
26
SATURDAY
27
SUNDAY
28
MONDAY
29
TUESDAY
30
WEDNESDAY
Remembrance Day
International Men’s Day
Universal Children’s Day
White Ribbon Day – elimination of
violence against women
Our mum … has always been there to encourage us.
Glenys Watts
We’ve got self-determination
now … We can say
“this is our land”.
Aunty Rita Watkins
I was born in Gippsland – Lake Tyers. I’ve got three
children – Glenys, Wayne and Gary. They’re all
grown up now and have lovely families. I’m with
my son, Gary, at the moment, up in Shepparton.
I feel like I’ve done so much in my life – too much to mention.
Over the years at Healesville
Healesville, I’ve done a lot of work
work. I had working
jobs at Fitzroy Medical Centre and the Royal Children’s Hospital,
and then I went into voluntary work, mainly with the community.
Without the support of my family, I just wouldn’t have been
able to do this.
One of the big passions in my life has been ballroom dancing.
I taught ballroom dancing for years when I was younger, and I
used to dance in competitions. I still do a lot of line dancing now
with the Rumbalara line dancers – we do a lot of voluntary
dancing at different organisations.
One of the main things in my life that stood out was at Healesville,
where I was one of the workers on the first program that had come
from America for children with autism.
The other thing that stands out happened just recently at the
Knob Reserve in Stratford, Gippsland. The Hon Justice North of the
Federal Court of Australia made a consent determination order in
the Gunai Kurnai people native title claim. The Gunai Kurnai Land
and Waters Corporation and The Hon Rob Hulls MP were there,
along with about 300 to 400 people.
I was offered the opportunity to do the Welcome to Country. It was
moving. We’ve got self-determination now, the Gunai Kurnai. We
can say “This is our land”. When I got up, I walked up and bowed
to Justice North and he said I was excellent. When it finished,
everybody sang out and I even kissed Judge North when he
came down from the stage! It’s a big thing – we’re the
third one in Victoria to have it done.
2
FRIDAY
3
SATURDAY
4
SUNDAY
5
MONDAY
6
TUESDAY
7
WEDNESDAY
8
THURSDAY
9
FRIDAY
10
SATURDAY
11
SUNDAY
12
MONDAY
13
TUESDAY
14
WEDNESDAY
15
THURSDAY
16
FRIDAY
17
SATURDAY
18
SUNDAY
19
MONDAY
20
TUESDAY
21
WEDNESDAY
CASE IN A CIVIL MATTER
22
THURSDAY
• Keep all legal papers and
documents together in safe place.
23
FRIDAY
24
SATURDAY
Christmas Eve
25
SUNDAY
Christmas Day
I have two brothers and their families, plus three children and their
loved ones and one grandchild. Our lives revolve around our mum.
She has always
alw
been there to encourage us to do what we believe
in and our family cultural values have been instilled in all of us.
I am a qualified hairdresser by trade and after having a family
I worked for the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled
Health Organisation for seven years. I now live on the beautiful
Mornington Peninsula and work for the Shire Council as the team
leader of the Aboriginal support and development team. I facilitate
and coordinate the aspirations of the Aboriginal community
and develop projects, events and policies that work towards
reconciliation.
My Aboriginal culture inspires me. I am proud
of who I am and where I am from. My
mum is also my inspiration. She is
a generous, caring person who
has always worked for our
community in the health
field as a cultural healer.
Mum would help out
anyone in need. I want
to follow in her
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
footsteps
and be led by
WAYS YOU CAN HELP YOUR
her enthusiasm.
We can give you information
about human rights and
discrimination.
1300 292 153
humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au
THURSDAY
I am a G
Gunai woman from Gippsland. My ancestors
are from
m theTambo
the Tambo River and sea area of Metung
Bairnsdale.
and Bair
Know your rights
DECEMBER 2011
Aunty Rita Watkins Glenys Watts
1
• Keep all doctor certificates or other
paperwork that relates to your case
so the solicitor can get copies.
Human Rights Day
International Human Solidarity Day
Term 4 finishes
26
MONDAY
Boxing Day
• Go to the doctors to get photos or x-rays
of your injuries (i.e. from an attack)
and report the crime to the police.
27
TUESDAY
Christmas Day holiday
28
WEDNESDAY
• Tell your solicitor if you want to make
changes in your case or if you have
changed your address or phone number.
29
THURSDAY
30
FRIDAY
• Keep any appointments the
solicitor has made for you.
31
SATURDAY
New Year’s Eve
Notes
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Head office – Fitzroy
6 Alexandra Parade
Fitzroy VIC 3065
PO Box 218
Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: 03 9419 3888
Toll free: 1800 064 865
Fax: 03 9419 6024
Email: vals@vals.org.au
vals.org.au
Bairnsdale
289 Main Street
Bairnsdale VIC 3875
Phone: 03 5153 0445
Fax: 03 5153 0449
Ballarat
Suite 1, 2nd Floor
11 Lydiard Street
Ballarat VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5331 3211
Fax: 03 5331 8792
Mildura
120 Madden Avenue
Mildura VIC 3500
Phone: 03 5021 5122
Fax: 03 5021 5122
Morwell
16 George Street
Morwell VIC 3840
Phone: 03 5133 9853
Fax: 03 5133 9953
Shepparton
215 High Street
Shepparton VIC 3630
Phone: 03 5831 5840
Fax: 03 5831 5839
Swan Hill
70 Nyah Road
Swan Hill VIC 3585
Phone: 03 5033 0295
Fax: 03 5033 0294
Heywood
22 Hunter Street
Heywood VIC 3304
Phone: 03 5527 2281
Fax: 03 5527 2271
Check the VALS website for the most up-to-date
contact details for our offices.