yurrampi community
news
news for local people by local
people.
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welcome
Welcome to the monthly Yurrampi
Community News. You'll find helpful information, relevant news and
goings on with community events, organisations and people. Our aim
is to keep everyone in our community connected to each other, and
informed on things that affect
them. We hope you enjoy
reading yurrampi community
news. Please let us know what you think, and what you want
to read about in future editions.
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The sweet chemical smell of new bitumen
Resealing
roads in the community
In
the last few weeks, you have probably noticed the sticky shiny
black surface on our roads. Smelt the wet asphalt or bitumen in the
air? Central Desert Shire contractors have been resealing our
roads. Grant Steele from Central Desert Shire explains that the
job of resealing requires first, a
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Resealing machines
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running of the machine on the road with a layer of melted hot
bitumen, followed by rolling to make sure the gravel in the bitumen
adheres or sticks together. This leaves new smooth black
roadways.
However
the job remains incomplete, despite three attempts at it this
year. Bad weather interrupted the Shire's efforts, disappointingly
'letting us down', Grant said. Grant has been in the Territory for
a long time, and has 'never known a more unseasonal' year of
'inclement weather'. The rains dust and wind have made it
impossible to maintain roads. In the last two or three weeks
however, the weather has held off long enough for the centre part
of the roads to be resealed.
To successfully
reseal roads, they have to be very clean, and have time enough to
dry solid. If they are dirty before the resealing happens, the
bitumen doesn't stick properly to the existing road. If it rains
too soon, pieces of new road get washed away. The Shire needs to
prepare the roads to be near perfect for the contractors to work
on, by filling up pot holes and so on.
This year's bad weather has meant the resealing job
has been left unfinished. Grant explains how the sides of the roads
have not been worked on. Workers have not been able to add gravel
on the sides, to raise the edges of roadway up to the existing
bitumen, so as to have a 'nice roll off'. Having a roll off means
that tyres don't catch on the hard right angle side of the
roads.
Finishing the edges also minimises the dust rising up from cars.
Grant said the shire is looking at completing unsealed road ways
and edges, with the purpose of 'reducing dust' in the community for
health and safety reasons. Dust stirred up by cars can be a cause
asthma, and other chronic respiratory
illnesses.
Road resealing by the Shire has finished up for the year, as the
rainy season approaches. Next year road maintenance will start
again. However, Grant Steele
says if you find any holes or lifting of bitumen, please notify the
Shire, and they will take immediate action to fix the
problem.
There
are some downsides to having sealed roads in the community. Long
time resident Frank Baarda, whilst recognising the importance of
dust abatement for health reasons, points out that a significant
number of people in Yuendumu prefer to walk in bare feet, and are
not exactly overjoyed by the road sealing. Our
roads may be smoother for vehicles, but not for feet.
MARCELLA
BRASSETT
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Op
Shop opening
Women's
Centre op shop
The last second hand store in Yuendumu closed its doors around
10 years ago. The new Women's Centre is about to open an exciting
new op shop, supplying the community with second hand clothing for
the whole family, furniture, and household goods.
Located at the Women's Centre, and currently employing two young
women, the Yuendumu Op Shop will open for 2 days a week, four hours
a day. Opening in the late afternoon will allow people to get there
to do their shopping after work, if they need to. And these limited
hours will expand, as interest grows in the community, and more
women are attracted to work there. Not having enough staff is the
number one obstacle to the shop opening sooner, CEO Erin Gordon
told Yurrampi News.
The shop currently is stocked with a lot of clothes, but needs more
household goods and furniture, Erin said. Stock has come from a
few sources: community members, their families and friends bringing
things when they visit, and goods transported by freight from the
bigger cities. Erin thinks when the store opens, the staff will be
able to 'get a feel for what people want' so they can decide what
stock is in demand.
Erin has organised supply connections with St Vincent De Paul in
Melbourne, which has already supplied two pallets of freight. A
rather smart arrangement has been made with the Yuendumu dog
program for the transportation of goods from Sydney. Puppy cages
taking adopted dogs to Sydney get sent back 'stuffed full' of
second hand clothes.
The shop will provide a valuable service to the community, while
allowing the Women's Centre to become more self sufficient in
running its projects. Money made from sales will go directly back
into creating more employment for women, and to pay for freight to
bring in more furniture and heavy goods from Alice Springs,
Adelaide and Melbourne.
As for community interest in the project, Erin said the women are
really excited, and want it to be open 'yesterday'. Erin is glad
there has been some interest from the men, who have come by
'wanting to have a look'. Senior men are feeling comfortable there,
and are happy to use a side entrance, Erin said. Its 'looking
positive' 'across the board with both genders'.
The shop will be open within the next one or two weeks, depending
on staff availability.
MARCELLA
BRASSETT
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Ngurlu kalu nyurru pay mani nyampurla Mining Company-rla
Yuendumu Mining
Company is buying seeds.
Since
1980, Yuendumu Mining Company (Mining) has been buying seeds from
Warlpiri people and then reselling seed (or Ngurlu in Warlpiri) to
communities for bush tucker, and for mine rehabilitation. People
bring in seeds they have collected to Mining. The seeds are weighed
and payment is made depending on the type of seed, and weight.
Prices are set by Mining. Communities who supply the seeds are
Yuendumu, Nyrripi, Napperby, Yuelamu and Laramba.
Acacia and Red River Gum, and other seeds are bought and re-sold
through an agent in Alice Springs. The main market is plants, grown
from the seeds, for de-desertification and mine rehabilitation.
Since 1980, Yuendumu Mining Company has bought 14 tonnes of Acacia
and Red River Gum seeds.
The most popular Bush Tucker bought and sold by Mining is
Yakajirri, or Bush Raisins. Over the years the company has traded
four and a half tonnes of the tucker. Buyers include food
wholesalers, and of course people in communities. Mining used to
sell Yakajirri to Lajamanu, where this traditional Warlpiri food
doesn't grow.
Ngurlu is used in a variety of ways in Warlpiri life. Senior
Warlpiri women are skilled in winnowing or yandying Ngurlu with a
Paraja, or 'baby carrier'. The book 'Bush Fires and Bush
Tucker' by Peter Latz points to the importance of women's
knowledge of 'the Yandying process' used to prepare seeds and other
foods, in the diet of Central Desert people. This diet is extensive
and varied, and governed by Knowledge of the desert's
seasons.
Yandying is a difficult and highly skilled method of separating out
edible grain. It is vital in times of drought, where grain found
under grasses and wattles, becomes mixed up with sand, twigs and
leaves. Latz wrote that this method is more efficient than 'any
complicated method modern technology has been able to develop'. In
the past, Ngurlu,
once prepared, was ground into flour, by women on grinding
stones.
Geologist, and Manager Frank Baarda says seed 'supply is variable
because of the erratic rainfall in the desert, many seasons don't
yield rich crops that make seed collecting worth the effort. At the
moment we are looking forward to the first bumper crop in a
decade'. Another factor affecting the Company's Ngurlu trade, has
been the boom in Aboriginal Art. Painting is more lucrative than
seed harvesting. All the same, Knowledge
of Ngurlu harvesting and preparation is still kept by the
traditional custodians: senior Warlpiri women.
MARCELLA
BRASSETT
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Ngalia karnta dance camp
Senior
women teaching young women culture through dance
The second
Southern Ngalia Karnta dance camp took place at Waylilinypa
country outstation, over three days, last month.Traditional Owners
Thomas Jangala Rice, Mathew and Anthony Jampijinpa Egan gave
permission to hold the camp on their land.
Forty five senior and young Warlpiri Ladies from
Yuendumu and Nyirrpi attended, to dance and sing Jukurrpa. Funded
by Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation, the camp is organised through a
collaboration between the senior women of Yuendumu, Mt Theo and
InCite Arts.
Camp coordinator, Enid Nangala Gallagher and, fellow
camp organiser Peggy Nampijinpa Brown, both felt 'at home' on this
country, as it also belonged to Enid's father and Peggy's family,
both having lived there, for a time with their families. Enid felt
'It was good for us and the girls to see where [our] fathers and
grandfathers, our ancestors used to live.'
Enid Nangala feels passionate about passing on cultural skills to
the younger generation, in authentic ways. She said 'when we sing
we don't look at musical notes, or go into a band to practice, we
learn from our elders singing'. Enid learned Jukurrpa songs from
her big sisters, Pamela and Nelly Nangala, who learned from their
big sisters.
The young women were enthusiastic about learning. Enid
heard one young lady asking to learn more of the senior women's
songs. Enid also heard Peggy say teaching the 'girls helps them to
keep getting stronger and stronger with their culture.' Enid said
this is 'so they can learn to keep it in their minds and in their
hearts'.
Tali Low of Mt Theo said the idea behind the project
was to create a space for older women to teach, and pass on culture
to younger women. Working at the camp, Tali felt it was 'amazing
and special to provide this essential and important opportunity;
something beautiful and hopeful' amidst 'the recent sad times in
the community'
Camps will be held at Easter, the middle and the end of 2011, with
the next one being at Bean Tree. Enid Nangala wants to get Willowra
community, and more Warlpiri women involved. Enid and the Senior
Ladies want young Warlpiri women to become stronger in culture by
attending the camps.
When the young ladies feel confident in dancing, there are plans
for them to travel to NAISDA Dance College, Desert Harmony
Festival, and Victoria University, where Natalie and Gretel from
InCite Arts are researchers. '[This will] show how we are teaching
our younger generation through music and dance, through Jukurrpa',
and to see what others do with dance and culture, Enid Nangala
said.
MARCELLA BRASSETT
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Festival and award time for PAW staff
Sydney Animation Festival
Jason
Japaljarri Woods and David Slowo were at the Sydney International
Animation Festival in September. Jason was 'happy' to see PAW
Media's My Name is Danny animation screened on the opening night.
David said 'it got a good response from the audience, with people
laughing and enjoying it'. Both were invited to be part of a panel
discussion, on the place of indigenous animation content within the
wider animation industry.
SBS's Living Black program covered the festival. The directors of
Wadu Matyidi animation, said on the program 'there is very little
animation created in language'. Jason Japaljarri thinks his
Warlpiri language series called Animating Jukurrpa, including an
animation of the children's song Kinki Kinki, proves them
wrong.
David explained the process of making of the animations to Living
Black. Animators speak with older community members and record
Jukurrpa stories and memories from early days. Animation is then
used to support the telling of these stories on video. The process
offers animation training and work opportunities to young people in
communities.
Canadian
first nations animator, Dennis Jackson chatted to both. Jason
thinks Dennis' work is very different to his own work, as Dennis'
work is in English, and about contemporary life. Jason's animations
are in language, and are a mix of oral history, contemporary life
and culture. The most important aim of Jason's work is to animate
in Warlpiri Language.
12th
Annual Remote Indigenous Media Festival Thursday
Island
PAW
Media's Chair Francis Jupurrurla Kelly, Deputy Chair Elizabeth
Napaljarri Katakarinja, and Archive officer Simon Japangardi
Fisher, along with Radio broadcasters, Noel Heenan and Dennis
Charles from Yuelamu, Shane White and Maxwell Tasman from Lajamanu,
and PAW Media's Video Producer David Slowo all journeyed to
Thursday Island for the 12th Annual Remote Indigenous Media
Festival. Their long journey was well rewarded with wonderful
hosptiality, a beautiful location, great local food and awards for
PAW Media's work in 2009 and 2010!
PAW
Media received a number of awards. 'A lot of people were asking
about [the videos] and found [the animation Marjardi] really fun,'
Elizabeth told Yurrampi News. 'Of course we also learned a lot',
said Elizabeth, 'seeing what all the other remote media
organisations were doing, and sharing PAW's work too'. David
thought the video screenings were a highlight. 'It was inspiring to
see all the great work and remote indigenous community content
produced over the year', he said.
Dennis
Jupurrurla Charles and Noel Jampinjimpa Heenan went on the TSIMA
radio airwaves to do a couple of shows. They showcased tracks from
PAW's Yapa Beats on their shows. PAW Media hooked into the
broadcasts and retransmitted them over the PAW Radio
Network.
The
actual awards were artfully made from desert wood and beautiful
shells from the Torres Strait. The awards are now displayed at the
PAW Media office. Julie Harvey from Yuendumu Old People's Place
was especially delighted and proud of the award for 'Here at Home'
which won the award for Best Commissioned Video.
Awards
won by PAW were:
* Best Commissioned Video - Here at Home
* Best Animation - Marjirdi
* Best Community Video - PAW TV News series
* Best Emerging Talent - Jason Japaljarri Woods
* Best Health and Safety (Video and Radio) - Stop Domestic Violence
campaign
* Best RIBs website - Hallelujah
(www.gospel.pawmedia.com.au)
Dennis
Jupurrurla Charles was awarded the Emerging Talent (PAW Radio) and
Esau Japanangka Marshall was awarded the PAW Media Best Radio
Broadcaster.
Congratulations
to Shane White of Lajamanu for his award for the Best Music
Video.
These
awards not only recognise the excellence of the work of PAW media
workers but also recognise the generosity of community members in
sharing their stories.
MARCELLA
BRASSETT
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What's
on in Yuendumu in November
Check out the Yuendumu Community Calendar at:
http://www.brownbearsw.com/freecal/YuendumuCalendar
If you are the Manager of an organisation based in Yuendumu contact
PAW Media for information on how to add events to the
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Community
Notices
If
you have a community announcement (from community organisations and
businesses only), please contact us on 8956 4024 with the
information, and we will publish it
here.
Yuendumu School
Culture
Night every second Tuesday. Children go home after lunch,
and return to school at 5pm for activities. Past activities have
included bush tucker night, and a cookout on Yuendumu Hill. Parents
are welcome. Please call School on 8956 4011 for details.
School assembly is every Friday morning at 10:45am. Activities
include different speakers and award presentations to children.
Parents and Community members are welcome.
Yuendumu Safe House
For Prevention
of
domestic and family violence.
If
you and your children feel unsafe, or in danger at anytime,
anywhere, you can come to the safe house. Please call safe house
workers on the 24 hour line 0448
394 790.
Food,
bedding and clothing will be provided.One
family member can come stay with you, and they will be paid to
stay.
Child
Care
Will
be closed for staff training, on Wednesday
15th November and Thursday 16th
November.
Post
Office
All new people who have arrived to live in the
community: please go to the Post Office and give your name and (if
applicable) the organisation you are working for. So that your mail
can be sorted correctly. Thank you
Yuendumu Old People's Place
Our client Christmas party is on the 1st of
December. All our old people (only) are invited.
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Local
business
profile
Yuendumu Mining Company
Yuendumu Mining Company is Aboriginal owned. It has about 400
shareholders, and a Warlpiri Board of Directors. It is managed by
Geologist, and long time resident of Yuendumu, Frank
Baarda.
Set
up around 1964, the Company aims at maximising ownership and local
control of mineral resources. To this end, several million dollars
worth of exploration for gold and other minerals has been carried
out on areas in which the company had an interest.
Despite
some very interesting exploration results, no commercial
discoveries were made. So the Company's main areas of business in
the community are:
-Running
a retail store, selling food, groceries, motor vechicle parts, and
fuel for motor vehicles and air craft.
-Purchasing
Ngurlu or seeds for resale, as bush tucker in communities and to
food wholesalers. Also suppyling the seed market for
de-desertification and mining rehabilitation.
-Small
scale earth moving contracts, including drill site access, and
preparation and rehabilitation for mining exploration companies
operating in the area.
-Accomodation
for people staying in the community. Installation of accomodation
at Mining, is now being finalised.
Mining
has been an integral part of the community in many ways throughout
its history. For example in 1988, it provided a loan to
Warlukurlangu Artists, that enabled the organisation to survive at
the time.
Mining
Shop also serves as one of the gathering places in the community,
where families come to shop for their daily groceries, have a
snack, or get an ice cream for the kids. And in the mean time, to
meet and chat with each other under the shade of the shop's
entrance, or the tree outside.
MARCELLA
BRASSETT
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Local community organisation profile
Yuendumu Women's Centre is a not for profit organisation, which
directs all monies earned back into the Centre's projects for women
and families, and the wider community.
YWC
is governed by a Board of Directors made up of 12 women. A circle
of elders act as advisers on cultural matters to the Board. A
number of permanent and casual staff and over 100 members form the
Centre.
The Board's policy decision for a
Centre for 'women no matter your colour' means membership is open
to Yapa and Kardyia women. To join and be listed as a member, a
simple process of signing a form at the office is required.
Members attend open meetings, to
receive news and information, find employment, and stay connected
to the Centre.
The
new Business Plan outlines three new services. A 'strong women,
strong culture, strong babies' program funded by GMAAAC. An Op Shop
and a Laundromat. All three are very close to being
delivered.
Other
areas of work are:
-The
Safe House
-School
Nutrition program
-PACE
program.
-Nguru
Walaja Store, of which it owns 95%
Women
from the Centre founded, and ran Night Patrol, until recently.
This service is now run by the Central Desert Shire.
YWC
employs a total of 19 women. There are 8 permanent staff including
CEO Erin Gordon, and 11 casual staff,across its projects and areas
of work.
The
Women's Centre is a growing organisation, which provides our
community with expanding opportunities and services; as well as
continuing to support, encourage, strengthen and empower the women
of Yuendumu.
MARCELLA
BRASSET
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A
yarn with....
Elizabeth Napaljarri Katakarinja
Elizabeth
Napaljarri is deputy chair person on the PAW Media Board, a video
editor, director, camera person, subtitler and script writer.
Elizabeth also works for Night Patrol, and is a Warlukurlangu
artist.
What is your favorite...
bush tucker: kangaroo & bush banana.
food: fish & chips with salad.
music: reggae & country music .
drink: orange
juice & water
sport: footy.
TV show: AUSTAR
movies & PAW TV
What
do you...
like:going out hunting
dislike: staying
in one community, or at home all the time.
Who do you...
want to meet: Barak
Obama
want to invite to a
camp fire: friends
What do you want
from...
Yapa people: talking together to make community strong, and
better. To leave the bad stuff behind our backs.
the government:
more houses, more funding, and a
fair go.
MARCELLA
BRASSET
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In the news ... snippets from the Koori Mail
Wednesday 6th October
The first Indigenous man, Ken Wyatt, to be elected into the
House of representatives, said in his maiden speech '...I
as an Aboriginal man with Noongar, Yamitji and Wongi heritage stand
before you and the members of the House of Representatives as an
equal'. He was welcomed by Kevin Rudd and Julia Guillard into
Parliament.
The NT government has opposed a uranium mine at
Angela Pamela, due to strong community opposition, and its
proximity to Alice Springs. Federal Resource Minister Martin
Ferguson has refused to back the decision. Dave Sweeney o the ACF
said communities should 'take heart' from this decision, to work
against an expanding uranium industry.
Screen Australia has launched book 'The Black
List' of films since the 1970's with Aboriginal and Torres strait
Islanders playing a key role.
A new TV series called Redfern Now is
being written, and will be directed by Indigenous Australians, and
Black Fella Films. Screen Australia said this is a great
opportunity for Indigenous film makers to develop their skills in
TV drama.
Creative young Indigenous program makers who have
experience as a writer, producer, director, researcher or editor
are invited to apply for ABC TV's 2010 Indigenous Internship. For
info go to www.abc.net.au/careers or call
Frances Green on 03 9626 1574.
Health News
A series of suicides in the NT have happened in
the last month, amongst young people. More early childhood programs
to ensure children grew up in a protected environment, and a strong
sense of identity, are needed, NT Aboriginal Medical Services
Alliance chairwoman Stephanie Bell said.
Two fatalities from Swine Flu have occured in the
NT. Dr Peter Markey from NT Centre for Disease Control is advising
people to get vaccinated against the flu, and if they are sick, to
stay home, wash their hands regularly and to cover their mouth when
coughing and sneezing.
Remote NT communities are at risk from Golden Staph
bacteria. Reserach is underway to find alternative
treatments against this antibiotic resistant strain. Housing
standards need to be improved also, to combat this skin
disease.
300 Health experts from around Australia have
called on the Federal Government to give Aboriginal and Torres
strait Islanders, no less than 2.5% of proposed mineral tax, on
mining to community based essential services.
Menzies School of Health Research has found mental
health and well being for Indigenous people is improved through
connections to Culture, Language, art and craft, and
hunting.
Sports News
Sharrod Wellingham, the only Indigenous player in the AFL 2010
Grand final, made history by becoming the first Collingwood
Indigenous player to win a major premiership.
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Editorial
policy
The
Yurrampi Community News includes content written by Marcella
Brassett of PAW Media from information provided by Yuendumu based
organisations, including information on current activities,
profiles, and upcoming events.
Please contact Marcella if you have a news story you want included
in the next edition, or if you want to follow up a story in any
edition of Yurrampi News.
Disclaimer
PAW Media is not responsible for the accuracy of information
provided to it by community organisations. Should you have any
concerns please contact Marcella Brassett of PAW Media.
Classified information is included in good faith, and no
responsibility is taken by PAW Media for the accuracy of
information provided by individuals or organisations.
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Classifieds
If you want to publish any information in this section, please call
Marcella on 8956 4024, or email
marcella@pawmedia.com.au
Jobs
Wallconis
looking for 10 yapa workers for Newmont mine to work
across departments, to move to a full time permanent job within 18
months. All transport and accommodation provided.
Hours:
2 weeks on, 1 week off. 12 hours a day.
Pay:
min $18 per hour.
Contact: Malcolm Wall
Central
Desert Shire: is
looking for a Work Supervisor/housing.
Hours: Full
time
Pay: $50,000+
Contact: Grant Steele 8956 4071
Mt
Theo has
ongoing jobs with training, for Yapa in:
Diesel mechanic apprentiships for young men.
Pool life guards.
Youth Program
Office work
Cleaning
Please come in to Mt Theo
reception to talk about jobs.
For sale
Gardening Australia magazines $1 each July
2009-December 2009 (never go out of date). Contact
Susan on 8956 4024
Organic Gardener magazines $1 each 5 issues from
2009 (never go out of date). Contact
Susan on 8956 4024
For
swap
Seed savers of Yuendumu?
If
you have collected any seeds from vegetables successfully grown in
Yuendumu that you would like to swapplease
contact Susan on 8956 4024. I
currently have sweet basil, chinese broccoli, fennel, luffa, cos
lettuce, pumpkin (jap), rocket, telephone peas, rockmelon seeds
from last season available.
Wanted to
buy
Tall garden shelf stand,
with holes on the bottom of the shelves for water to drip through,
to put pot plants on. Contact Marcella on 0411 026
142.
Advertisement
Ngurlu Kalu Nyurru Pay Mani Nyampurlu Mining Company
La
We
are after:
Ngurlu
Full drum. Price - Kilo
Fresh
Yakajirri ("Katjarra") $200 $22
must be dry and sweet.
1/2 price for unripe
Warrarka ("Aturrk") $680 $40
("Womens
Wattle")
Manja ("Mulga") $580 $35
Ngalkiri ("Witchetti Bush") $500 $34
Kurrara ("Dead Finish") $300 $30
Ngapirri ("Red River Gum") $22
Yirninti ("Bean Tree")
$22
Yarlupu (Alupa- "prickly wattle") $16
Wakilpirri ("Dog Wood") $150 $16
and more.....
For full list please go to Mining
Shop.
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Contact
Us
PAW
Media and Communications
Yuendumu LPO
via Alice Springs NT, Australia 0872
08 8956 4024
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