Item 10.4 - Attachment 1

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minutes 23 April 2012

 

MINUTES OF THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN GROUND FLOOR MEETING ROOMS 1 AND 2, COUNCIL CHAMBER BUILDING, CIVIC PLACE, PARRAMATTA ON TUESDAY, 23 APRIL 2012 AT 6:15PM

______________________________________________________________

 

PRESENT

 

John Robertson in the Chair, Donna – Lee Astill, Phillip Bradley, Marcia Donovan (arrived 6.20 pm), Auntie Kerrie Kenton (arrived 6.30 pm), Lyn Leerson, Gai Marheine, Linda McDonald (arrived 6.20 pm), Christine Nobilia, Phil Russo (retired 8.09 pm), Gilson Saunders (retired 7.37 pm), Anne Stonham and Uncle Gordon Workman (arrived 6.30 pm).

 

IN ATTENDANCE

 

Grant Davies (Minute Clerk), Paul Goddard (arrived 6.30 pm), Lauren Hiller (Major Events – departed 7.37 pm), Maggie Kyle (Community Capacity Building Officer) and George Mannix (Major Events – departed 7.37pm).

 

 

1          ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS THE DHARUG PEOPLE

 

John Robertson made an Acknowledgement to the Traditional Owners, recognising that the land upon which the meeting was being held is Burramattagal and paid respect to Elders past and present.

 

 

2          WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

 

Mr Robertson welcomed all to the meeting and specifically the recently appointed members, Auntie Kerrie Kenton, Christina Nobilia, Gai Marheine and Uncle Gordon Workman.

 

 

3          APOLOGIES

 

An apology was received and accepted for the absence of Bruce Astill, Bruce Gale, Shalini Kumari, Annie Nielsen, Jay Palmer, Steven Ross (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Capacity Building Officer).

 

4          CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

 

There were no conflicts of interest at this meeting.

 

 

5          CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

A copy of the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting held on 27 March 2012 had previously been forwarded to each member.

 

RECOMMENDATION                     (Russo/Donna Lee Astill)

 

That the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting held on 27 March 2012 be taken as a true record of the meeting.

 

 

6          BUSINESS ARISING

 

 

6.1       “Our Generation”

 

Mr Bradley advised that the screening of “Our Generation” had been a raging success and again thanked Council for its support.

 

 

7          NAIDOC PLANNING

 

Mr Mannix provided an update on recent developments relating to NAIDOC Planning which included:-

·    Following last meeting’s discussion in relation to the appointment of a consultant to assist in the programme for NAIDOC, details of the position had been forwarded to interested persons and through Council’s various networks. Responses had been assessed and the 3 prime contenders discussed. Subsequently, Mr Luke Pearson had been appointed.

·    NAIDOC Celebrations and Burramatta Family Fun Day would be generally in accordance with the previous circulated report entitled “Renewal of NAIDOC Celebrations and Events” (copy available upon request and on Council’s website). Input from members of the Advisory Committee was still welcomed.

·    It is likely that an outline of the proposed Burramatta Family Day will be available for presentation and feedback at the May Advisory Committee meeting.

·    Input from members was particularly sought on stage content, engagement of stallholders and workshop activities (preferably focussing on children).

·    Library program outlined which will feed into Burramatta Family Fun Day.

·    Proposal for opening of NAIDOC Week to be presented next meeting.

 

 

Note

1.   Marcia Donovan and Linda McDonald arrived at the meeting at 6.20 pm during consideration of this matter.

2.   Paul Goddard, Auntie Kerrie Kenton and Uncle Doug Workman arrived at the meeting at 6.30 pm during consideration of this matter.

 

 

A general discussion was held where issues/suggestions raised included:-

·    Approach Aboriginal catering companies – taste testing experience.

·    Listen to the needs of the youth especially in relation to music. Possible forum? Approach local schools? Committee members to provide suggestions. Circulate information to AECG. Schools to be provided with an Aboriginal Flag.

·    Approach ICE to perform recently produced storey telling video. Hip Hop Boot Camp. Payment of small fee?

·    Possibility of moving from Prince Alfred Park back to Parramatta Park discussed.

·    Possibility of retaining slippery dip and possible costs raised.

·    Any chance of approaching Deerubbin Land Council and NSW Land Council for sponsorship?

·    Inclusion of Aboriginal Art Classes especially for youngsters.

·    Boomerang throwing and rock painting.

·    Possible tours from Prince Alfred Park to River. Investigate possibility of shuttle from Prince Alfred Park to Lake Parramatta to view items of significant interest and/or bush tucker/cultural walk.

·    Ensure concert has appropriate entertainment. Act quickly to book name artist ie Col Hardy, Stiff Gins, Nellie Dargan, Leanne Tobin. Consider possible major drawcard such as Jessica Mauboy or Casey Donovan.

·    Seek involvement of Khouri Radio, Aboriginal Help Bus, Didgeridoo artist, Aboriginal Childrens Choir.

·    Aboriginal story telling. Possibilities include Uncle Wes Mann and Chris Burke.

·    Ensure invitations sent to Community Police and other emergency services. Possible display of services provided?

·    Auntie Kerrie Kenton to be involved with Arts/Crafts/Weaving.

·    Ensure brochures are distributed well before event.

·    Purchase and distribution of hats and perhaps Showbags with balloons and/or free ride vouchers?

·    Participation of Geoff McMullen?

·    Coates Hire will need to be provided with a letter seeking involvement asap.

 

Note

 

Lauren Hiller, George Mannix and Gilson Saunders retired from the meeting at 7.37pm following consideration of the above matter.

 

 

8          UPDATE ABORIGINAL CAPACITY BUILDING – REPORT FROM STEVEN ROSS

 

Mr Ross was an apology for this meeting and accordingly this item was deferred to the next meeting.

 

 

9          GENERAL BUSINESS

 

9.1       Attendance at Archaeological Digs

Ms Kyle advised that notifications of pending archaeological digs were often received by Council and advice of such digs was forwarded through staff networks and to Advisory Committee Members.

 

Ms Kyle noted that members attending the digs should not attend as a representative of the Advisory Committee (for legal reasons) but rather as an individual or representative of another organisation.

 

It was commented that digs should be carried out under the auspices of a Traditional Owner rather than by outsiders. 

 

9.2       Reconciliation For Western Sydney

Ms Leerson advised that Reconciliation For Western Sydney had received the following 2 grants:-

1.         To undertake cultural training in Holroyd;

2.         To hold an event regarding constitutional changes. Advice of this event will be emailed to members.

 

9.3       St Patricks Cathedral

Phil Russo advised that he had raised the possibility of placing a plaque on St Patricks Cathedral with Archbishop Anthony Fisher recognising that the Church is on Darug Land.

 

Archbishop Fisher was in agreement with the proposal subject to a formal request being received.

 

Bearing in mind the Church is not on Council land, discussion was held on the most appropriate organisation to submit the request.

 

The matter was left in the hands of the Executive to further consider the issue.

 

9.4         Duck River Plan of Management and Wetlands Plan

Auntie Kerrie Kenton advised that joint works were proceeding by Auburn, Bankstown and Parramatta Councils on the subject without any Aboriginal involvement.

 

The site was of particular cultural significance and it was understood that the deadline for the completion of the works had been brought forward.

 

RECOMMENDATION         (Kenton/Bradley)

 

The Committee seeks advice on any Aboriginal input received in relation to the Duck River Plan of Management and particularly in relation to associated cultural and/or environmental issues.

 

 

9.5       Old Kings Oval and Parramatta Park

Auntie Kerrie Kenton sought advice as to whether Old Kings Oval remained part of Parramatta Park.

 

Phil Russo advised that it was his understanding the Oval had been excised from the Park.

 

RECOMMENDATION         (Kenton/Robertson)

 

That Council staff investigate whether the use of Old Kings Oval would be available for use in NAIDOC Week.

 

9.6       Cootamundra Girls Home

Donna-Lee Astill advised that Cootamundra Girls Home would be hosting an event on Saturday 11 August 2012 at Cootamundra.

 

9.7       Indigenous Disability Advisory Committee

Donna-Lee Astill advised of her membership with the subject Committee.

 

The Committee had become aware of many problems faced by Aboriginal persons when dealing with the Department of Housing and Centrelink.

 

The appropriate Minister has agreed to investigate the issues.

 

9.8       LGAN Conference in Blacktown

Donna-Lee Astill suggested that when the LGAN Conference is held in Blacktown, it would beneficial if more Advisory Committee members were able to attend.

 

It was noted that Blacktown would not hold the Conference until 2013.

 

Note

Phil Russo retired from the meeting at 8.09 pm following consideration of this matter.

 

9.9       Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation

Phil Bradley noted that the subject organisation would be holding its Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2012.

 

9.10    NAIDOC Planning Meeting

Members asked whether the proposed meeting with Mr Mannix in relation to NAIDOC Planning could be brought forward.

 

9.11    Assistance for Persons with a Disability

Donna-Lee Astill advised of her recent attendance at a Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC)  workshop where advice on various packages available for persons with a disability or their carers had been received.

 

Ms Astill added that a rally would be held shortly in Homebush in relation to Aboriginal Health Services.

 

The meeting terminated at 8.17 pm.