Item 9.1 - Attachment 1 |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Advisory Committee Minutes 22 March 2011 |
MINUTES OF THE ABORIGINAL
AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN GROUND FLOOR
MEETING ROOMS 1 AND 2, COUNCIL CHAMBER, PARRAMATTA ON TUESDAY, 22 MARCH 2011 AT
6:17PM
______________________________________________________________
PRESENT
IN ATTENDANCE
Jillian
Comber (Archaeologist/Heritage Consultant – retired 6.39pm),
1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS THE DHARUG PEOPLE
2 WELCOME AND
INTRODUCTIONS
The
Committee welcomed
3 APOLOGIES
An apology was received and
accepted for the absence of Phil Bradley, Shalini Kumari, Annie Nielsen, John
Robertson and Greg Stonham.
4 CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
There were no conflicts of interest at this meeting.
5 GUEST SPEAKER - JILLIAN COMBER –
ARCHAEOLOGIST/HERITAGE CONSULTANT – UPDATE ON DIGS AROUND
Ms
Comber presented to the Committee on the archaeological dig recently carried
out at
Ms
Comber noted that an invite had previously been extended to members of the
Committee to visit the dig; however, this had not occurred due to the discovery
of acid sulphate in the soil on site. In addition, asbestos had been removed
from the top 2 metres of the site.
The
dig process was outlined including advice on the grid setup, excavation in one
metre squares at levels of 5cm at a time and the use of the sieve.
Findings
during the dig included:-
· An unexpected well at a depth of 5 metres;
· A sako badge. A quite rare artefact from the 1790s. Only the 2nd
similar badge to have been found in Parramatta;
· Various Aboriginal artefacts including tool making and cutting
implements;
· The sand terrace on the western side of the site.
Aboriginal
artefacts discovered would be forwarded to the
Ms
Comber noted that the completion of the archaeology report would take some time
due to the 3000 artefacts found but added a copy of the report would be
provided to the Committee, the library and local schools when completed.
Mr
Desjardines noted that a well had been discovered behind the old army barracks
and suggested that the wells may be connected.
In
response to further questions, Ms Comber advised that standard notification
procedures were undertaken of local residents in relation to the discovery of
asbestos.
Ms
Comber further added that interpretation signage will be erected on the wall of
the new substation, when completed.
The Committee thanked Ms Comber for
her attendance.
Ms
Comber indicated that she would like to attend a future Committee Meeting when
more research on the findings had been undertaken and also to speak on
archaeology in
Ms
Stonham suggested that such a presentation would be welcomed and other
interested persons could be invited to attend the meeting.
Note
1. Anne Stonham and Doug Wilson arrived at
the meeting at 6.28pm during the presentation.
2. Ms Comber retired from the meeting at
6.39pm following the presentation.
GUEST SPEAKER – PAUL KENNEDY – REVIEW
OF COUNCIL’S HERITAGE LISTINGS
· A major heritage review was undertaken between 1990 and 1993 by Meredith
Walker and associates in conjunction with Terry Kass and Carol Liston. The
review led to the listing of some 1000 items that reflected the various themes
of Parramatta’s history;
· Council has been undertaking a further review over the past 18 months
with a view to validating the existing listings. Some items may be removed (some
due to poor condition or previous demolition) and a few may be added.
· A major part of the study is to advise on whether items of State
significance in the planning instruments should be added to the State Heritage
Register. An example of interest to the Committee may be Lake Parramatta. Lake
Parramatta is identified in the current Parramatta Heritage LEP as being of
State significance but is not on the State Heritage Register.
· Presently, there are 3 levels of significance; local, State significance
and items on the State Heritage Register. Council had recently been informed by
the Department of Planning that LEPs could only provide for 2 classes of
significance being local and State Heritage register. The subject is still not
clear, however, with the reintroduction of a category called State nominated
significance.
· The primary consideration on whether an item should be added to the
State Heritage register is whether the item is of significance to the whole
state. Proposed listings should be supported by a strong case. It should be noted
that Aboriginal Heritage is one of four current themes for listing;
· Suggestions for adding or removal of items will be assessed by Council’s
Heritage Advisor. The recommendations will be presented to a Council workshop
in the middle of the year which may result in further consultation. A report to
Council will then follow recommending exhibition, at which time further
representations by interested parties could be made.
Mr
Desjardines noted that the Committee strongly supported the listing of Lake
Parramatta Reserve on the State Heritage Register on the grounds of culture and
community and due to its significance to Aboriginal persons.
Mr
Kennedy commented that the significance of the site to the whole state, just
not the local area, must be addressed, including the provision of reasons and
rationale.
Mr
Gale advised that the Committee was significant to the entire state.
The
Council had subsequently resolved not to make any decision on the issue until
the Plan of Management for
Mr
Desjardines noted that Council previously had a representative on the Heritage
Advisory Committee but the person had long since resigned.
Maggie
added that the Committee could nominate another member if it desired.
The
Committee noted the significance of
· Importance of site to former residents of Burnside Homes;
· Gathering site for Cumberland Women’s Health Centre;
· Possible input from Sue Pinckham.
Maggie
added that any representations on the issue could be made through
The
Committee thanked Mr Kennedy for his attendance.
Note
Mr
6 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
A copy of the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting held on 22 February 2011 had previously
been forwarded to each member.
RECOMMENDATION (Russo/Donovan)
That the
minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting
held on 22 February 2011 10 be taken as a true record of the meeting.
7 BUSINESS
ARISING
7.1 Works
at
Ms
Kyle referred to Item 8.5 of the previous meeting and advised that Council’s
Natural Resource Officer had sought permission for works in
RECOMMENDATION (Russo/Gale)
The Committee raised no objection to
the proposed works.
7.2 Cross
Cultural Training
Ms
Kyle referred to Item 7.4 of the previous meeting and advised that Council’s
new Manager Human Resources,
Ms
Kyle will continue to hold discussions with Ms Dickson and report back to future
meetings.
Mr
Desjardines noted the success of the cross cultural training recently provided
by Mr Cliff Daylight for the Attorney General’s Department and provided contact
details to Ms Kyle.
7.3 President
of the Local Government and Shires Association
Ms
Kyle advised that a letter would be forwarded in the near future to Councillor
Keith Rhodes congratulating him on his appointment as the President of the
Local Government and Shires Association.
7.4 Burramatta
Walk Leaflet
Ms
Kyle referred to Item 7.6 of the previous meeting and advised that no official launch
of the subject leaflet would be held as the leaflet had been provided to the
Local Government Aboriginal Network prior to its official release.
7.5 Foundation
Acknowledgement
Ms
Kyle referred to Item 8.1 of the previous meeting and provided a copy of the
full Foundation Acknowledgement as adopted by Council on 18 October 2010.
Mr
Russo noted that clause (e) of the resolution required consultation with the
community, however, the Advisory Committee nor any member of the Committee had
been consulted. He restated that he felt the acknowledgement was an insult to
Aboriginals.
Ms
Kyle understood that the Lord Mayor’s Office had undertaken consultation with
certain organisations.
Ms
Stonham commented that this issue was one that may have been avoided with
appropriate cross cultural training.
RECOMMENDATION (Russo/Stonham)
That the Aboriginal and
7.6
Ms
Kyle referred to Item 8.4 of the previous meeting and advised that the
placement of a suitable plaque at
7.7 Reorganisation
of
Ms
Kyle referred to Item 8.14 of the previous meeting and advised that discussions
had been held with the head librarian on the importance of speaking to the
Committee in relation to any issues associated with Aboriginal Resources held
by the library.
8. MEETING
SCHEDULE
Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month
from February through to November except for the April meeting which, due to
the scheduled date being a public holiday, will be held on 3 May 2011
(following discussions with Mr Gale).
The dates are: 22
March; 3 May (26 April is a Public Holiday); 24 May, 28 June, 26 July, 23
August, 27 September, 25 October and 22 November 2011.
Venue: All meetings will be in Ground Floor Meeting Room
of Council Chambers except for meetings of 3 May and 25 October which will be
held in Dan Mahoney, Level 2 Council Chambers.
9. GENERAL
BUSINESS
9.1 Former
Member - Gil Saunders
Mr
Russo sought information on the whereabouts of former member, Gil Saunders. He
commented that the Aboriginal content of the Committee must be maintained.
Ms
Kyle noted that Mr Saunders had not reapplied for membership to the Committee.
Mr
Gale advised that he had invited Mr Saunders to attend a recent meeting. He
added that he would again contact Mr Saunders.
9.2 Aboriginal
Prisoner held for Decade without being Convicted.
Mr
Desjardines tabled an article from the Sydney Morning Herald dated 19 March
2011 which reported on an intellectually disabled Aboriginal man who had been
held in prisons in
Ms
Desjardines advised that such an incarceration was a disgrace.
Ms
Astill advised of her recent appointment as an Advocate and Case Worker for
prisoners by the Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service and commented that such
issues were close to her heart as there was limited support in place for
prisoners.
RECOMMENDATION (Desjardines/Russo)
That:-
(a) The
(b) The Committee’s concerns in relation to
this issue be forwarded to the Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service.
9.3 Support
for Prison Inmates
Mr
Desjardines noted that the Committee had previously requested that
correspondence be forwarded in relation to the intolerable conditions in jails.
Ms
Kyle advised that the subject letter had been forwarded some 2 years ago.
Mr
Desjardines then referred to the problem of city inmates being placed in regional
jails and visa versa. Such action prevented visits to the prisoners and
contributed to deaths in custody. He requested that Ms Astill, on visiting
regional prisons in her role as an advocate, attempt to ascertain from where prisoners
had originated.
Ms
Stonham noted the lack of support given to inmates on their release which could
contribute to persons reoffending.
Mr
Desjardines agreed and referred to a comment made by then Minister for Housing,
The Hon. David Borger, indicating that public housing was there to directly
support persons being released from prison.
RECOMMENDATION (Desjardines/Russo)
That Committee notes with concern the
lack of housing, psychological and financial support/care available for Aboriginals
when released from prison.
9.3
Ms
Stonham was delighted to inform the Committee of a recent invite received by Mr
Desjardines to attend
Ms
Stonham added that the teacher involved was particularly interested in
incorporating Aboriginal programs into the school’s curriculum.
RECOMMENDATION (Stonham/Russo)
That:-
(a) Council forward correspondence to the
Principal of Burnside Public School expressing appreciation at the recent
meeting held between 2 members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Advisory Committee and Mrs Date, who had been extremely supportive and
enthusiastic in relation to the introduction of Aboriginal projects and culture
into the curriculum.
(b) The Principal and Mrs Date be invited to
contact the Advisory Committee if any assistance can be provided in the future.
9.4 Aboriginal
and
Mr
Gale asked whether a member could be present when the interviews for the
subject position took place.
Ms
Kyle replied that it was not appropriate for any advisory committee member to
be present on a selection panel. It was likely the interview would be conducted
by 2 or 3 internal officers together with one external Aboriginal person.
RECOMMENDATION (Gale/Russo)
The Committee express its concern that
a member of the Committee will not be permitted to participate in the selection
panel for the appointment of the Aboriginal and
9.5 Indigenous
Person of the Year
Mr
Gale advised that he had nominated former Council employee, Sue Pinckham, for
the Indigenous person of the year and was pleased that out of 11,000
nominations, Ms Pinckham had been selected in the final 100.
Mr
Gale asked whether the Council could acknowledge this achievement and the
importance of Ms Pinckham’s work.
9.6 Assistance
for Attendance at Funerals and Carer Cards
Ms
Astill noted that many Aboriginal families were unable to attend funerals due
to the cost or distance involved.
The
Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service has received advice on funding that is
now available for such a purpose. The information will be tabled at the next
meeting.
Ms
Astill added that details are also available on a Companion Card which will
assist carers in accessing transport and venues for free.
9.7 Congratulations
to Members
The
Committee congratulated Ms Astill on her appointment to the Indigenous
Disability Advocacy Service as an Aboriginal Advocate and expressed best wishes
and support for her future endeavours.
The
Committee further congratulated Ms McDonald on her commitment to study and
subsequent appointment as a first year teacher at
9.8 Council
Website Update
Ms Kyle advised that the Aboriginal content on
Council’s website had been updated over the New Year.
The
wording used on the site had been taken from documents previously approved by
the Committee such as the LGAN bid.
Ms
Kyle requested that members view the website and provide comment at the next
meeting.
9.9 NAIDOC
2011
Ms
Kyle distributed information pertaining to NAIDOC 2011 and advised that the
Committee needed to set a date a for a planning meeting to be held to discuss
the issue.
Ms
Kyle noted that the NAIDOC Budget remained the same as in previous years but
drew the Committee’s attention to the proposed replacement of Burramatta Family
Fun Day with a Fellowships Program. This proposed change had arisen due to
concerns that the Fun Day did not meet the Council’s objectives when holding a
major event.
Maggie
added that the Acting Manager of Major Events would also attend the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
That a special meeting of the Committee
be held on Wednesday 30 March 2011 to discuss NAIDOC 2011.
10 INFORMATION
SHARE
Mr
Desjardines tabled the following information for the advice of members:-
1. “I
Speak My Mind” – David Bitel, President of the Community Justice Coalition will
speak on Sunday 3 April 2011 at 7.30pm at the North Shore Temple Emanuel, 28
Chatswood Ave, Chatswood on recommendations to reform the prison system.
2. Sunnyfield
Parramatta Day Option Program – inviting attendance at the official launch of
‘carmunity’ on 14 April 2011 from 6pm to 8pm at Clarion Hotel on the Park at 18
- 40 Anderson Street, Parramatta. The used car sculpture explores concepts and
ideas around the Sunnyfield Creative Team’s culture, heritage, identity and
being Australian.
The
meeting terminated at 8.01pm.