Gumala News - Spring 2010 Members Edition

SPRING 2010 

GUMALA NEWS 

COVER STORY 

Gumala’s participation in the 9th World 

Indigenous Women and Wellness Conference 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 

Focus on Women 

PLUS 

• AGM date change 

• Foundation restructuring meetings 

• Indigenous Philanthropy Conference 

• MSU Update 

• Lore Camp Upgrades 

... and much more 

GUMALA Aboriginal Corporation 

ICN 2744 

Disclaimer: When reading this publication and sharing it with family and friends, please be 

mindful that it may contain images and/or names of people who have since passed away.

GUMALA NEWS SPRING 2010 

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

date moves to March 2011 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation ICN 2744 (GAC) wishes to advise all Members that our 

next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held during the weekend of the 26th & 

27th of March 2011 in Port Hedland. 

The AGM was originally scheduled to take place in November 2010. However, at the 

GAC Board meeting held in September, it was determined that the date of the AGM 

would have to be changed to the weekend of March 26–27, 2011. 

All Members will be informed of further details closer to the meeting date. 

Meetings 

DATES AND LOCATIONS 

underway 

OF CONSULTATIONS 

regarding 

WITH 

General 

ANDREW COLLETT AND MARK SIMPSON 

Gumala Foundation re-structuring 

DATE LOCATION MEETING VENUE MEETING TIME 

Meetings Monday with Gumala Broome Aboriginal Mangrove The reviews Resort were Hotel conducted 1:00 pm by 

Corporation 

20 September 

(GAC) 

2010 

Members 

High Tides room 

Parakeelya (2008), the Office of the 

Wednesday Tom Price Sports Pavilion 10:00 am 

have 22 September kicked off 2010 in relation to the Registrar of Indigenous 6:30Corporations 

pm 

proposed Thursday re-structuring Wakathuni of the Office (2009) and Fred Chaney/Paul 

2:00 pm 

General 23 September Gumala 2010Foundation. 

Lennon (2009). 

The Indigenous Directors Bellaryof GAC; Community 

4:00pm 

Andrew Collett, an Adelaide 

Gumala Investments Pty Ltd 

Paraburdoo Lesser barrister, Hall (Shire has hall been appointed 6:30pm 

(GIPL); and representatives from next to to work library) with the IWG and to 

Rio Friday Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO) Paraburdoo have Lesser Hall (Shire hall 7:00am 

24 September 2010 

next coordinate to library) the implementation of 

formed an Implementation Working 

the recommendations of these three 

Group (IWG) to implement Perth the Dome reports. Cafe – Perth 2:00pm 

recommendations of three reviews Airport 

Tuesday 

Perth Mercure Hotel 9:00am 

completed in the last two years The IWG met with Mr Collett 


All day 

which Wednesday have looked into Geraldton various Africa in August Reef Hotel and September 9:00am 

aspects 29 September of the 2010 performance and and have approved a draft 

structure Wednesday of GAC, GIPL Carnarvon and GEPL. Fascine implementation Lodge plan 3:00pm for 27 of the 


34 David Brand Drive 

Wednesday 

13 October 2010 

Thursday 


Friday 


Monday 


Wednesday 


Newman 

Youngaleena 

Dampier 

Karratha 

Roebourne 

Wickham 

Newman Recreation 

Centre – Gregory Ave. 

Community Hall 

Millers Well Pavillion 

Millers Well Pavillion 

Community (50c) Hall 

Community Centre 

9:00am 

1:00pm 

10:00am 

1:00pm 

9:00am 

1:00pm 

5 Mile 

5 Mile Community 4:00pm 

Onslow Shire Hall 11:00am 

Port Hedland 

Karlka Nyiapali Office 

Pundulmurra College 

Large Conference room 

09:00 

12:00pm 

2:00pm 

30 recommendations of the three 

reports. 

As part of the implementation plan, 

Andrew Collett and Mark Simpson 

(RTIO) want to consult with as 

many interested Gumala Traditional 

Owners as possible about the future 

of the General Gumala Foundation 

and a proposed new structure for 

the trust. 

Between 20 September and 27 

October 2010, Andrew and Mark 

will be travelling to places where 

Gumala Traditional Owners live to 

have discussions. 

Your views about the future of 

the General Gumala Foundation 

are invited. Your views are very 

important to the future of the 

General Gumala Foundation. 

If you wish to consult with Andrew 

Collett and Mark Simpson simply 

come to any October meeting listed 

which is convenient to you. 

Please feel free to call Mark Simpson 

on 0438290115 if you require 

further details or to advise him if 

you are coming. 

Please note that there will be no 

travel allowance or sitting fees 

payable for these meetings. 


GEPL signs joint venture agreement 

with Georgiou Group 

Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd 

(GEPL) has secured a joint venture 

agreement with Georgiou Group 

with a view to targeting projects in 

the Pilbara region. 

The two companies have formalised 

their relationship with the signing of 

a memorandum of understanding, 

which is currently being progressed 

to a formal joint venture agreement. 

GEPL believes that the Georgiou 

Group, with its 30-year history, 

broad experience and expertise in 

the engineering, construction and 

project management fields, and 

commitment to giving back to the 

community, is an excellent fit for 

it in moving forward and further 

developing its business. 

The partnership will allow GEPL to 

expand its operations and grow its 

expertise, train, employ and develop 

additional Indigenous workers, and 

generate further benefits for the 

Traditional Owners. 

Georgiou has been seeking to 

form a long term partnership with 

an Indigenous organisation in the 

Pilbara and has been specifically 

seeking an organisation with an 

open and progressive culture and a 

strong local capability in undertaking 

construction work. 

COMBINED STRENGTH 

Georgiou believes that GEPL is that 

organisation and that the combined 

strength of the two companies 

will offer a unique proposition to 

Pilbara clients and will further bolster 

GEPL’s internal capabilities and 

capacity. 

The first major project that the two 

companies expect to be tendering 

on as a joint venture is the Bulk 

Earthworks and Underground 

Services contract for the Hope 

Downs camp extension. 

Introducing our newly appointed 

Board Member, Melanie Condon 

Name Melanie Condon 

Job Title GAC Director 

Language Group Innawonga 

Date appointed to the Board July 2010 

Background 

Melanie grew up in Onslow and was 

born in Port Hedland, which is where 

she lives. 

Melanie brings to Gumala a great depth 

of knowledge on Indigenous issues, 

with vast employment experience at 

the Aboriginal Medical Service and the 

Pilbara Indigenous Women’s Aboriginal 

Corporation. 

Page 2 Gumala Aboriginal Corporation Gumala Aboriginal Corporation Page 3



The power of Indigenous women shines through at the 9th World 

Indigenous Women and Wellness Conference 

The following extracts have been taken from a conference report written by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) Member 

Julie Walker and GAC Directors May Byrne, Karen Tommy and Natalie Parker. In late August they attended the 9th World 

Indigenous Women and Wellness Conference in Darwin. Also representing Gumala at the conference were two of the GAC 

Management team, Jenny Viviers and Linda McCarthy. 

INTRODUCTION 

The conference report captures 

the essence of the theme “For 

Generations to Come” which was 

part of the messages shared by 

presenters throughout the gathering, 

and during the events at the 

conference. 

The conference was a gathering of 

over 500 Indigenous women and 

peoples from other countries whose 

positive energies contributed to 

the collective healing force of the 

gathering. 

The three-day event was an 

opportunity for community leaders, 

community educators, health 

care providers, women’s shelters, 

Indigenous leaders, Elders, policy 

makers, police/justice workers, 

researchers and others interested 

in the field of Indigenous health to 

share information, resources and 

strategies that promote healing 

and wellness in communities. It 

was also a time for networking, 

laughter, visiting, ceremony and 

entertainment. 

CONFERENCE FORMAT 

The conference was held at the 

Darwin Convention centre. Jenny 

and Linda did a fine job setting up 

the Gumala display and talking to 

the various visitors to the site on the 

many services and benefits offered to 

our Traditional Owners. 

WELCOME TO COUNTRY 

Kathy Williams – Browne 

Chairperson Larrakia Nation 

Aboriginal Corporation. 

As in traditional storytelling style, 

many of the conference’s keynote 

and special guest speakers used their 

talks as opportunities to highlight 

significant personal and historical 

experiences of dealing with changing 

the landscape as to how Indigenous 

peoples are viewed today; in terms 

of policy and political issues. 

Following the welcome we were 

blessed with the music, song and 

dance of elderly traditional women 

from the Tiwi islanders. This was a 

very moving experience of healing 

that brought the magic of Aboriginal 

kindness and love. 

CONFERENCE THEME AND 

OBJECTIVES 

Theme 1: Healthy communities, 

managing alcohol/drugs, housing 

for health and wellbeing, caring 

for country, arts and culture, 

homelessness, overcoming trauma. 

Theme 2: Strong families, 

community connections, engaging 

youth, positive parenting. The role 

of contemporary Indigenous men, 

woman and Elders, respecting Elders, 

violence and relationships, leadership 

community concepts. 

Theme 3: Traditional healing, health 

traditional healers and bush tukka, 

belief systems, the role of western 

medicine, mental health. 

Theme 4: Law and justice, sovereign 

rights, political rights and self 

determination, traditional and 

mainstream law working together, 

incarceration and recidivism, human 

rights, displacement and migration, 

interventions. 

Theme 5: Education, training and 

enterprise education mainstream, 

bilingual learning, economic 

independence, good education, >> 

>> working for family/community. 

CONFERENCE KEYNOTE 

SPEAKERS 

There was a range of speakers. The 

speakers we found most interesting 

were: 

• Dr Cindy Blackstock – Director 

First Nations Child & Family Caring 

society, Canada 

• Dr Hannah McGlade – Aboriginal 

human rights lawyer, social justice 

activist and adjunct researcher with 

the Curtin University Centre for 

Human Rights. 

• Susan Rona (Hungarian – 

Canadian ) international education 

consultant. 

CONFERENCE PARTICIPANT 

VOICES 

Participants to the conference were 

provided with several opportunities 

to share their voices. 

These opportunities occurred in the 

concurrent workshop sessions, during 

round table discussions, at the forum 

and panel discussion, at the various 

cultural events and activities. 

Participants were also able to 

approach staff at the registration 

desk and any one of the Host 

Volunteers/Staff to have their 

inquiries addressed. 

In addition, Elders were present 

throughout the three-days to sit with 

those who wanted to visit or needed 

time with an Elder. 

While there were several concurrent 

workshops at the same time, 

participants were required to 

prioritise their area(s) of interest and 

make their selections. Workshops 

attended: 

• Transcendental mediation 

• Mums with drums 

• Leader in indigenous women’s 

health programs and resources 

• Discrimination of the NT 

sex industry and indigenous 

discrimination 

• Mining issues, impacts and 

sovereignty 

REFLECTIONS ON THE 

CONFERENCE 

We really enjoyed the workshops. 

As women and mothers and 

grandmothers, we definitely need 

more workshops like this. We 

enjoyed the presentations as well. 

We felt at home with the people 

who looked after registration and 

the whole conference. We would go 

again if we could. 

For us, what “for generations to 

come” means is to be able to come 

together as one and work towards 

building a strong sustainable future 

for our kids and family through the 

power of women. 

With the support of a WA 

delegation the Noongar Sea and 

Land Council, represented by Carol 

Innes, put in a successful bid to host 

the 10th conference in Western 

Australia. 

At the ceremony Carol was 

entrusted with a sacred object to 

bring back to WA Noongar country. 

The sacred object is to be buried 

under a certain tree in a special place 

on Noongar land. 

Following the tradition of this 

object at the 9th World Conference 

Indigenous Women’s Conference 

in Darwin, Tanya Williams handed 

over the sacred object to the WA 

representatives for the “10th World 

Indigenous Women and Wellness 

Conference” to be held in 2012. 

WHERE CAN WE GO FROM 

HERE : RECOMMENDATIONS 

Whilst we supported the 14 

recommendations from the 

conference host, we put forward 

three addtional proposals of our 

own for the Gumala Aboriginal 

Corporation Board of Directors to 

consider at their next meeting. 




Asten shows the way with a 

uni studies and motherhood 

balancing act 

Gumala Member Asten Condon 

knows all too well that balancing 

university studies and motherhood 

is not always easy, but she is certain 

that the hard work is well and truly 

worth it. 20-year-old Asten is about 

to complete the first year of a 

Bachelor of Nursing degree at Curtin 

University in Perth. She is also a 

single mum. 

She wants other Members to know 

that combining motherhood and 

studies is possible, and being a single 

mother need not be a barrier to 

getting an education and pursuing 

a career. She has had to work very 

hard at the parent–student balancing 

act, but says it’s all worth it. 

Wherever possible she uses whatever 

support she has at her disposal. 

Before classes, for example, she 

drops off her two-year-old daughter 

Willow at the day care centre at 

Curtin University. This year she 

has had the support of her brother, 

whose house she has shared in Perth. 

Gumala helps out where it can, 

supporting Asten with education 

funding. However all this would 

count for nothing if Asten wasn’t 

determined to succeed in her choice 

of studies and career path. 

“I have always wanted to be a 

health professional. I probably get 

that from my mum (Julie Walker),” 

Asten said. 

“The good thing is that you can take 

a registered nursing qualification 

anywhere. It’s a universal need. 

“After I finish studying I plan to 

go back to the Pilbara and work up 

there. I’d like to specialise in child 

health and adolescence. 

Nursing career is opening doors 

wide open for Kasey 

Kasey Byrne is another Gumala 

Member who is thriving 

academically. 

The 21-year-old Curtin University 

nursing student recently told Gumala 

News that she is focused on the 

ultimate prize – returning to the 

Pilbara as a registered nurse. 

Kasey grew up in Roebourne, 

and also spent time living in New 

Zealand, before coming to Perth 

to complete Year 12 and then 

beginning her nursing studies. 

Although Kasey knows that she 

could potentially live and work 

anywhere in the world once she has 

completed her nursing degree, she 

wants to return to the Pilbara to 

work for her people. 

“I would like to go travelling 

one day. I could work in a New 

Zealand hospital and stay with my 

grandmother, who lives in NZ,” 

Kasey said. 

“I also wouldn’t mind working 

in Perth’s Royal Perth Hospital 

because many Aboriginal people are 

admitted there. 

“I really don’t mind where I work 

when I finish my studies, but I 

I want to work for my people and help my people. They 

‘‘ will have someone they know and trust to help them. 

,, 

“At first the transition was hard, 

making the move to Perth and uni. 

But it gets better with time.” 

Asten said that other young Gumala 

Members thinking of moving to 

Perth and studying should take the 

chance. 

“It’s tough at the start, but it gets 

easier, and it will be worthwhile, not 

only for yourself, but also for your 

people,” she added. 

really want to work back home in 

Roebourne.” 

“It’s important to work for my own 

people. They know me, I know 

them, and we relate better. I know I 

will provide quality of care for them. 

“Some of them are very shy and 

don’t like to ask for anything. But 

with me, it’s easier for them to ask 

because they know me. 

“I want to work for my people and 

help my people. They will have 

someone they know and trust to 

help them.” 

Kasey already holds a qualification 

in Enrolled Nursing (EN), which 

she gained from Marr Mooditj (an 

Aboriginal Health Training College 

in Perth). 

She is now completing a two–year 

EN–RN (Enrolled Nurse–Registered 

Nurse) Conversion Course at Curtin 

University. Once she has completed 

the course, she will be a qualified 

Registered Nurse. 

“Uni is going well. There’s is a lot 

of theory and a lot of studying 

and going to lectures, but it’s a bit 

easier because I’ve already studied 

(Enrolled Nursing) before,” she said. 

Kasey receives financial assistance 

from Gumala via our education 

funding program. 




Traineeship 

Opportunity 

Trainee Member 

Services Officer 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation has a position available for a Gumala member to become a 

trainee in the Member Services Team Unit. This is a permanent position (Monday to Friday). 

As a trainee with Gumala you will be required to undertake study courses through the TAFE 

in Tom Price which relate to the Member Service position. You will be taught skills in Data 

Entry and Customer Service. 

You will need to have the following skills to apply for this role: 

• Be Enthusiastic and want to work in a busy office environment 

• Ability to talk to a variety of people 

• Able to handle stressful situations 

• Good computer skills (including MS Office) 

• Have common sense and strong initiative 

• Be Punctual 

This position is based in Tom Price and includes house-shared accommodation. 

Applications close on October 29, 2010. 

Please email an application letter and resume to Linda McCarthy (linda.mccarthy@gumala. 

com.au). Alternatively, hand deliver your application marked ‘”strictly confidential” to Gumala 

Aboriginal Corporation, Stadium Rd, Tom Price Attention Linda McCarthy or you can 

contact Linda on 1800 486 252 if you require more information regarding this opportunity. 

Wakathuni residents take up 

training opportunities 

At least ten Wakathuni residents have successfully completed recognised training courses between July and 

September, including Health Worker Training, Horticulture training (with ESS Gumala), Work Start and 

Hospitality training. 

Wakathuni resident Joyce Drummond said it has been somewhat of a snowball effect in Wakathuni. She said 

that once some residents see others go thought the training programs and see the job opportunities that it can 

lead to, other residents follow suit and take up similar training. 

Joyce added that during recent months some Wakathuni residents have also been involved in assisting with 

land survey work. 

In Profile Julie Walker 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation 

(GAC) Member and Innawonga 

Traditional Owner Julie Walker is a 

tireless campaigner on the rights of 

Aboriginal people and has continued 

to make a difference on various 

projects. 

Julie was born in Roebourne, grew 

up in Onslow and went to high 

school in Port Hedland, where she 

now lives. A long-time Gumala 

Member, Julie’s mother was an 

original signatory to the historic 

Yandi Land Use Agreement. 

Julie is also a qualified social worker, 

current Director of the Pilbara 

Indigenous Women’s Corporation 

(PIWAC) and former Regional 

Coordinator at PIWAC. That means 

she is at the cutting edge of efforts 

to empower Aboriginal women, 

create stronger families and promote 

and preserve language, heritage and 

culture. 

PIWAC acts as an advocate for 

women’s issues, provides information 

to women about Indigenous policies 

programs and services, and assists 

women to participate in training 

programs and forums. 

PIWAC also supports activities 

that will: assist in advising and 

advocating for changes in policy 

and service delivery in relation to 

women’s issues; recognise, develop 

and promote Indigenous women’s 

perspectives; and promote the 

positive role of Indigenous women 

and support them in developing 

leadership and management 

capacities. 

Three projects that PIWAC is 

currently engaged in and which 

could also possibly involve GAC are 

the renal (dialysis) health project, 

the Onslow young mum’s project 

and the women’s gatherings project. 

RENAL HEALTH 

Initiated by Julie, PIWAC is working 

with the WA Country Health 

Service (WACHS) on improving 

renal health services in the Pilbara. 

WACHS is currently developing a 

Renal Dialysis Plan, which covers 

the Pilbara region. The plan includes 

satellite services, satellite outreach 

services and expanding (community 

supported) home dialysis. 

Julie told Gumala News that renal 

health is already a major issue of 

concern in the Pilbara. On top of 

that, there is projected to be a big 

increase in dialysis patients over the 

coming years. 

Through our Renal Health Project, 

GAC is committed to an overall 

goal of creating a comprehensive 

renal mobile/satellite health clinic 

that serves the membership living in 

the Pilbara region. We will therefore 

continue to work with WACHS and 

PIWAC in order to achieve this goal. 

YOUNG MUMS PROJECT 

Julie is also involved in the Onslow 

Young Mums Project, and with 

GAC and the Thalunyji Traditional 

owner group PIWAC is very keen to 

become involved in this innovative 

initiative. The project is designed to 

build stronger relationships between 

Indigenous mothers, children and 

grandchildren. 

“PIWAC has received a Lotterywest 

grant of $17,000 to employ a 

local mum to work in Onslow to 

help re-engage young mums in 

doing activities with their children,” 

Julie said. “We are now looking 

to collaborate with another 

organisation, possibly Gumala, to 

further develop this program. 

“The plan is to pilot an expanded 

program which is interactive and 

engaging. It will include physical 

activities like basketball, as well as 

simply sitting down together and 

having a chat. 

“We want to encourage young 

mums to spend time interacting with 

other mums and grandmums, rather 

than passive activities like watching 

TV at home. We want to help 

change that behaviour through this 

project.” 

WOMEN’S GATHERINGS 

PROJECT 

Julie is also a key organiser of the 

Annual Women’s Gathering Day. 

The inaugural Annual Women’s 

Gathering Day was held in May of 

this year at Auski Roadhouse. 

“It’s a truly unique event. We have 

complete unity, while at the same 

time maintaining our diversity,” Julie 

said. 

“This year we focused on family 

violence and the importance of 

family bonds. There were three 

keynote speakers, and overall it was 

a very successful day. 

“We are currently planning next 

year’s event, and we also have the 

funding to do strategic workshops in 

the various Pilbara Shires.” 




Our Staff In Profile 

Name Joyce Gust 

Job Title Indigenous Mentor 

Background Joyce has spent many 

years living and working in the North 

West of Western Australia, including 

7 years in Karratha and 7 years in 

Carnarvon. 

As part of her role as a Mentor for 

Gumala’s Indigenous Trainees, Joyce 

is passing on her knowledge and 

experience to our youth, building 

up their confidence, nurturing and 

Name Sharon Morley 

Job Title Secretarial Support Officer 

Name Rebecca Harkin 

Job Title Projects Officer – 

Community Projects 

Background Rebecca joined Gumala 

in February 2010 as a casual 

Members’ Services Officer in the 

MSU, before being promoted to the 

key position of Projects Officer – 

Community Projects. 

Rebecca has previously worked for 

other Indigenous organizations, as 

well as operating her own family 

guiding them and helping them reach 

their potential. 

Joyce is a Gumala Member and 

believes it is vital that training and 

education be at the forefront of our 

young people’s minds as they strive 

for better employment outcomes 

and better standards of living. 

Joyce is a proud mother and 

grandmother. Her husband is Laurie 

Gust, who, like Joyce, is well known 

in the local community. 

Background Sharon has substantial 

experience in management support 

roles, and was previously employed 

for 7 years as the PA to the 

Headmaster at Hamilton Boys’ High 

School in New Zealand. 

Sharon has settled in Tom Price with 

her family – she is married to Chris 

Morley (who works for Rio Tinto 

Iron Ore) and has 3 children. Her 

two daughters live and work in Tom 

Price and her son has remained in 

NZ. 

She believes that the strong 

community spirit within local 

communities in the Pilbara ensures 

that everyone who makes the Pilbara 

business for 12 years. 

Born in Perth, which is where she 

spent her childhood, Rebecca lived 

and worked in the Goldfields for 15 

years before moving to Tom Price 

in 2009. She is married with three 

children. 

Rebecca’s goal is to provide the best 

possible assistance and services to 

Gumala’s Members via Gumala’s 

expanding projects portfolio. 

their home is made to feel welcome. 

Her role as Secretarial Support 

Officer involves secretarial work 

for the Finance and Administration 

Manager and the General Manager 

plus working closely with GAC’s 

Directors. 

Working with the Directors is a part 

of the position that Sharon really 

enjoys as it gives her a wonderful 

opportunity to meet and make 

friends with some of Australia’s 

traditional land owners. 

Through this role, Sharon is keen 

to continue making lasting and 

rewarding contributions at Gumala. 

Website upgrade provides more features 

and more information for Members 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation has 

upgraded its website. New features 

of the website Members will find 

useful include: 

• Latest News and Videos (including 

two short films made by Gumala 

Members); 

• a Members Notices page, 

including items such us the Gumala 

bus timetable; official GAC notices, 

community announcements and 

a useful employment and training 

opportunities link; 

• A Photo Gallery; and 

• An Indigenous Resources 

Library, which contains a wealth of 

Successful Gumala Traineeship leads to big 

career move for young Gumala Member 

One of Gumala Aboriginal 

Corporation’s most successful 

Trainees is moving on to greener 

pastures, securing a lucrative new job 

in Perth. 

The success story of the young 

Trainee – Gumala Member and 

Traditional Owner Teeharnee 

Robinson – demonstrates that 

Gumala’s Traineeships represent real 

opportunities to receive extensive 

training and employment experience 

that subsequently becomes a 

platform from which Trainees can 

later progress to higher level job 

opportunities. 

Whether our Trainees eventually 

obtain more advanced roles within 

Gumala or move on to another 

organisation, Gumala is equally 

proud of them. 

Teeharnee began her Traineeship 

at Gumala in late 2008. Along the 

way her job title has progressed from 

information including: Aboriginal 

people of the Pilbara, Lore and 

Culture, Aboriginal Languages, 

Aboriginal Art, Aboriginal Icons, 

Indigenous Support Services, and 

Reference Books. 

Members can download application 

forms via the Downloads page or 

now also via the Members Services 

page. 

There has never been so much useful 

information and resources available 

on our website, which is continually 

being updated for the benefit of our 

Members. 

Members are encouraged not only 

to use our website wherever possible 

Office Administration to Business 

Administration, and she has achieved 

the following: 

• Completed Certificate III in 

Business Administration at TAFE 

• NAIDOC nomination – 

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year 

• Short courses in: MYOB; Senior 

First Aid; Adobe Photoshop; Digital 

Video Production. 

Teeharnee is currently completing 

GAC has upgraded its website: 

visit www.gumala.com.au 

to download application forms and 

obtain a variety of information, but 

they can also give us their feedback 

via the Feedback link. 

Certificate IV in Business 

Administration. As with her 

other training, Gumala Aboriginal 

Corporation has committed to 

continue funding her Certificate IV 

studies. 

During her time at Gumala, 

Teeharnee also used her graphic 

design (Photoshop) skills to create 

the new Tom Price Enrichment 

Centre signage. 

Teeharnee said she is very grateful 

for all of the support Gumala has 

given her, and she is very thankful 

for the door of opportunity that 

opened for her at Gumala. 

She added that it was a difficult 

decision to leave the Gumala family. 

She said the new role that she has 

accepted at Ngaanyatjarra in Perth 

represents a big stepping stone in her 

career and it would not have been 

made possible without Gumala. 



Education opportunity helps forge 

a bright future for young Kale 

Kale suited up on his Graduation Ball night 

Kale Robinson might be a long way from home in Halls Creek, but 

the young Kija/Banyjima man is doing outstandingly well as a Year 

11 student at Wesley College in Perth. 

Wesley’s Indigenous Student Support Teacher Lynn Webber told 

Gumala News that Kale came to Wesley in Year 10 and during 

the last two years he has proven to be the most committed and 

respected Moorditj Mob member. 

“He has been involved in the Cultural programme on offer, learning 

the didgeridoo, Indigenous dance, painting as well as supporting the 

other boys as mentor and leader,” Lynn said. 

“Kale is currently completing his Certificate in Construction 

and was the first Indigenous Trainee to be employed by Parsons 

Brinckerhoff.” 

Parsons Brinckerhoff is one of the world’s leading planning, 

environment and infrastructure firms. Kale and another Year 11 

Indigenous boy are employed at Parsons Brinckerhoff at various 

construction sites one day a week as part of the Aboriginal School 

Based Traineeship. 

Kale said his goal is to complete his Certificate in Construction after 

graduation and be employed by Parsons Brinckerhoff. He would like 

to work in their nine remote communities constructing houses. 

As the child of a Gumala Member, Kale is eligible for funding under 

GAC’s education funding program. As such, he has subsequently 

received funding assistance. 


Indigenous Philanthropy was the key 

conference focus for GAC Directors 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation’s 

Directors that attended the recent 

Philanthropy Australia Conference 

in Melbourne took away a great 

deal of knowledge that will benefit 

our organisation thanks to their big 

picture conversations with fellow 

delegates and invaluable insights 

gained by listening to the many 

keynote speeches over the two days. 

GAC Directors Stephen Peterson, 

Archie Tucker and Churchill Jones 

attended the Philanthropy Australia 

Conference 2010, which was held 

in Melbourne from August 31 to 

September 1. 

The conference was designed to 

bring together a variety of people 

from the many diverse parts of 

the philanthropic field, including 

Indigenous organisations such as 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation. 

The conference was considered 

a great success, with Indigenous 

Philanthropy being a key highlight 

of the two day event. Ray Martin 

Ray Martin was the Moderator during the Indigenous Philanthropy session. 

acted as the Moderator during the 

Indigenous Philanthropy session. 

The candid discussions were 

facilitated by Ray Martin, with 

panelists Neil Balnaves, Tanya 

Hosch, Roger Allen and Jill 

Reichstein, all of whom have a long 

term commitment to Indigenous 

philanthropy. 

The session frankly examined 

the lessons learned as well as 

how those learned lessons can be 

applied to realise better Indigenous 

philanthropy outcomes. 

GAC’s Directors were honoured 

to personally meet Ray Martin 

and discuss with him Indigenous 

Philanthropy issues in greater depth. 

Apart from being well known for 

his lifetime in journalism, Ray is 

also Chairman of the Australian 

Indigenous Education Foundation 

(AIEF). An original member 

of the Council for Aboriginal 

Reconciliation, he was also Chairman 

of the Fred Hollows Foundation, 

before becoming Chairman of AIEF 

in 2008. 

Kale (far left) and some of his Wesley College school-mates warming up for an on-stage 

performance of contemporary Indigneous dancing 

We are keen to hear from 

GAC Members or their 

children who have recently 

celebrated a graduation 

ceremony from high school, 

TAFE or university, or have 

received a certificate of 

recognition or award for 

completing a training course. 

Share your proud 

achievements with the rest 

of the Gumala membership 

by sending Gumala News 

your graduation photo, or a 

photo of you holding your 

certificate. 

Photos (jpeg files preferred) 

should be emailed to peter. 

caruso@gumala.com.au. 

GAC’s Directors Churchill Jones, Archie Tucker and Stephen Peterson pictured with Ray Martin. The three Directors had the opportunity 

to talk in great depth with Ray about a range of Indigenous Philanthropy issues. 


June, July and August have continued to be extremely busy with processing of applications and the 


number of telephone calls that we have received over this period. 

Members’ Services Unit 


The graphs below show the number of applications that MSU processed over these three months, 

the number of telephone calls Gumala received and the average time it takes to process each 

application per member. 

Update 

Update 


Update 



Update 

At Gumala June, we July endeavour and August have to deliver continued a to high be extremely standard busy with of customer processing of service to all our members and with 

the high level 

applications 

of applications 

and the number 

that 

of telephone 

we are 

calls 

now 

that we 

receiving 

have received 

on 

over 

a regular 

this period. 

basis, it has been decided that 

The graphs below show the number of applications that MSU processed over these three 

MSU will be split into language groups. All Banyjima applications will be processed from one MSU 

months and the number of telephone calls Gumala received. 

Team while 

At Gumala 

the Nyiyaparli 

we endeavour 

and 

to deliver 

Innawonga 

a high standard 

applications 

of customer service 

will be 

to all 

looked 

our 

after by the other MSU Team. 

This is to members ensure and that with members the high level get of applications consistent that help we are with now receiving their applications a regular and that the MSU teams 

basis, it has been decided that MSU will be split into language groups. 

are delivering a high standard to service to the members on a regular basis. Liz Diver who was the 

All Banyjima applications will be processed from one MSU Team while the Nyiyaparli 

MSU Team and leader Innawonga will applications become will the be looked MSU after Compliance by the other MSU Supervisor. Team. 

This is to ensure that members get consistent help with their applications and that the 

As from November MSU teams are 1, delivering reception a high staff standard will to service no longer to the members give out on information a regular basis. on balances; and all calls in 

Liz Diver who was the MSU Team Leader will become the MSU Compliance Supervisor. 

regards to members accounts will be processed through MSU. 

As from November 1, reception staff will no longer give out information on balances; 

and all calls in regards to members accounts will be processed through MSU. 

We also realise 

We also realise 

that 

that 

there 

there 

have 

have been 

been 

ongoing 

ongoing 

problems 

problems 

with our telephone 

with our 

system 

telephone 

and it 

system and it is not 

always easy is not to always get easy through to get through to us. to We us. are currently investigating and trying to address these 

We are currently investigating and trying to address these problems and do appreciate 

problems and do appreciate thank you for your patience and understanding. 

and thank you for your patience and understanding. 

2000 

1800 

1600 

1400 

1200 

1000 

800 

600 

400 

200 

0 

MSU Statistics 

1760 

1242 

547 

June July August 

No Applications 

Completed 

Applications Applications processed processed in June, in June, July and August 2010 2010 in the in Members the Members Services Unit Services Unit 

3000 

2500 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

0 

1723 

2844 

Reception 

2391 


Calls Received - 1800 

GUMALA 

Calls Received in June, July and August 2010 on our 1800 number (this does not include additional calls 

Calls Received in June, July and August 2010 on our 1800 number (this does not include additional 

received on GAC’s local number) 

calls received on GAC’s local number) 

12 

St John’s Ambulance 

6 

Lore & Culture 

2 

0 

Christmas Bonus 

MSU Statistics 

The relevant forms will be sent to those members eligible to claim for this program at the beginning of 

November. The form needs to be returned to Gumala no later than the 1st December 2010. 

Members need 9.54 to complete the form that was sent out to you at the end of June and return to Gumala 

before 

10the end of October 2010 if you wish to be a Member of St John’s Ambulance program. You 

need to complete this form each year with details of 8.06 each family member. We urge members to join this 

program. 8 If you would like more information 

7.35 

please contact an MSU Officer. 


Avg Processing time per 

application (Mins) 

Members putting a boy through Lore this year will need to provide a birth certificate with their application. 

4 3.24 3.30 

Avg time per phone call 

If you do not have a birth certificate you need to apply for one as soon as possible, Gumala can assist you 

with this. 

2.45 

Applications 

Please remember to send in all relevant paperwork required when making an application e.g. application 

form, invoices, covering letters etc. This will ensure that your application is processed without delay. 

For auditing purposes, we require all application forms to be signed and dated by the member. 

All program forms are also available on the Gumala website at: www.gumala.com.au or at the Gumala 

office. We can fax or email the form through to you if required (please just ask the reception staff to do 

so). 

Average time spent on processing applications in MSU and per phone call for the months of Jun 

July & August 2010 




Remediation works commence 

at Karijini 


in conjunction with the Western 

Australian Department of 

Environment and Conservation 

(DEC) is undertaking a range of 

remediation works at the Karijini Eco 

Retreat in order to meet proposed 

recommendations from DEC relating 

to vehicle circulation, parking 

and site rehabilitation issues that 

were first identified in an external 

sustainability audit and follow-up 

assessment of the site in 2008. 

The works, including the installation 

of bollards, and scarifying and 

brushing of areas throughout Karijini 

Eco Retreat, are being carried out 

in order to minimize the impacts 

from movements of vehicles and 

pedestrians, and to encourage 

re-vegetation of some areas. The 

Gumala’s recycling project kicks 

into action 

Gumala has delivered recycling 

trailers to four of our communities 

as part of our aim to provide 

more waste disposal facilities in 

our communities. The four trailers 

have been delivered to Wakathuni, 

Bellary Springs, Youngaleena and 

Wirrilmarra. Once each trailer is 

GAC’s Greg Tucker pictured with one of the recycling trailers 

A recent photo of the Remediation Works being undertaken at the Karijini Eco Retreat 

main objective is to halt and reverse 

site degradation and corresponding 

decline in site amenity owing to 

a range of site development and 

management issues. 

The works are expected to take 

between four to six weeks and are 

scheduled for completion by the end 

of November 2010. 

full, a volunteer residing in each 

of the communities will drive it to 

Tom Price and empty it at the Shire 

of Ashburton’s recyclable waste 

collection facility. The volunteer 

will then return the trailer to the 

community to continue the recycling 

process. 

The recycling trailers are far more 

useful than fixed recycling bins, 

as there is no recyclable waste 

collection service to any of the four 

communities. 

The provision of the recycling 

trailers allows the communities to 

take control of ownership over waste 

management, as it gives them the 

means to do this. The project is 

supported by the Western Australian 

Landfill Levy fund. 

Lore Camp upgrades underway 

at our five communities 

Commencing in October, Gumala 

Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) 

is carrying out upgrades at our 

traditional Lore Camps at Bellary 

Springs, Wakathuni, Youngaleena, 

Wirrilimarra and Cane River. 

The first of the upgrade works that 

start in October will improve the 

Lore Camp facilities at Cane River 

and Wirrilimarra. 

Following these two upgrades, Lore 

Camp upgrades will then begin at 

Bellary Springs, Wakathuni and 

Youngaleena over subsequent 

months. 

The Lore Camp upgrades will 

include improvements to water and 

power facilities, ablution upgrades, 

as well as the installation of water 

filtration facilities, fencing, gates and 

sheds. 

These upgrades are important 

because they will improve various 

safety aspects of the Lore Camps. It 

will also ensure a more comfortable 

environment for our Members and 

their families during Lore Time. 

Because of the great cultural 

significance to our Traditional 

Owners, GAC remains fully 

committed to providing safe and 

comfortable Lore Camp facilities for 

our Members. 

The company Arup Pty Ltd has 

been appointed to project manage 

the upgrade works and some GAC 

Members have been recruited to 

help with these works. This includes 

Daniel Limerick, Scott James, Jamas 

Cox, Tyrone Cook and Kieran 

Smirke. 

Gumala Elders have expressed a 

strong desire for young Traditional 

Owners to work on the Lore Camp 

upgrades due to the importance of 

Lore Camps in helping to pass on 

Lore traditions from one generation 

to the next. 

Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Norm Roe 

carried out the Crew’s Safety 

Gumala Members 

recruited for the 

Lore Camp upgrades 

(Arup Pty Ltd is the 

Project Manager) 

recently underwent 

safety training and 

a special briefing 

(left). The Lore 

Camp upgrades are 

being carried out 

at our communities 

(right) of Bellary 

Springs, Wakathuni, 

Y o u n g a l e e n a , 

Wirrilimarra and 

Cane River. 

Page 16 Gumala Aboriginal Corporation Gumala Aboriginal Corporation Page 17 

Program Timeline 

Training in late September at 

Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation’s 

training room in Tom Price. 

Arup’s Project Manager Ralton Benn 

then briefed the work crew, which 

included a general run-down of the 

work that will be carried out at each 

site. 

Several of these projects have been initiated in some way or another, however, the GAC is willing to 

assume “tabula rasa” (disambiguation) for the benefit of the successful Tenderer. This will ensure 

that the successful Tenderer has sufficient opportunity to gain comprehensive information and


Gumala helps Tom Price Primary 

School celebrate NAIDOC 

For the second year in succession, 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation has 

provided support for Tom Price 

Primary School’s NAIDOC artwork 

competition. 

Incorporating this year’s NAIDOC 

theme (Unsung Heroes - Closing 

the Gap by Leading Their Way), 

the entire school participated in the 

competition, with Gumala Aboriginal 

Corporation and Ashburton 

Aboriginal Corporation providing 

the prizes (children’s books). 

Gumala’s Rebecca Harkin, who 

presented the prizes during the 

school assembly (together with 

AAC’s Michelle Laylan), said the 

standard of all of the children’s 

artwork was extremely high. The 

prize winners were: 

• Year 6 – 7 : Art and Story 

Winner: Ryan Marshall 

Runner Up : Laura Slattery 

• Year 4-5 : Art and Story 

Winner: Alanna Broderick 

Runner Up: Holly Eaglesham 

• Year 1-3 : Art 

Gumala’s Rebecca Harkin presenting the prizes during the NAIDOC Competition Presentation 

at Tom Price Primary School 

Winner: Alexander Winmar 

Runner Up: Daniel Broderick 

• Kindergarden-Pre-Primary : Art 

Winner: Jaece Jones 

Runner Up: Jasper Murphy 

Rebecca commented that the 

impressive range of stories written 

by all of the children were very 

descriptive and entertaining. 

She said the younger kids art work 

was full of bright colours and was 

very beautiful. 

She added that a lot of time and 

effort was put into it by the kids, 

who should all be congratulated on 

their great work. 

Rebecca (representing GAC) and 

Michelle (representing AAC) were 

the judges. Tom Price Primary 

School’s Deputy Principal Kath 

Hart was the chief organiser of the 

competition. 


Letters to the editor 

Travis has been training with the Forrestfield Bulls for one year. In this time I have 

seen Travis progress in boxing skills and life skills. 

Travis shows lots of potential as a boxer and as a skilled sportsman. Travis has 

the full support of his family who enable him to participate in training and 

competitions. 

Gumala have been active in their support of Travis in this his chosen sport and this 

is greatly appreciated. 

He is well liked around the club and treated as a younger brother by the other 

boxers. He loves to keep up with them and do all the same training even though 

he is a good deal younger. 

It is a pleasure to have Travis at the club and I am sure that you will be hearing 

more about his talents in the future. We are all very proud of his achievements. 

Regards, Peter Scott, Coach, Forrestfield Bulls Boxing Club 

Travis White (pictured) is a recipient of financial support from Gumala Aboriginal Corporation 

through our Sport & Recreation program. Travis’ mum is Gumala Member Margaret White 

My name is Travis White. I live with 

my Nanna, Mother and 4 sisters. 

I am 10 years old and go to 

Forrestfield Primary School in 

Forrestfield WA. 

I like going to school. My favourite 

subjects are maths and sport. 

I play football and like long distance 

running. I also like boxing, my cousins’ 

box as well, but for another club. 

I train with the Forrestfield Bulls 

Boxing club. My coach is Peter, and 

I love going to training, I train for 2 

hours, 4 days a week. At training I 

have to run, do sit ups, push ups and 

skip. 

I have had two exhibition fights, 

against other boys my size. 

This week I met Azuhma Nelson 

and his son Delvin from the Ghana 

Commonwealth Games Boxing Team. 

On the weekends I go bike riding with 

my friend. 

When I am older I would like to be an 

electrician. 

Got a story to tell 

Gumala News? 

Phone GAC’s Communications 

Officer Peter Caruso on (08) 

9361 0522 (he’ll call you back 

to pay for the call), or email him 

on peter.caruso@gumala.com.au 

Kids Gardening project launched, with our 

kids encouraged to join in 

The “Dig It!” Children’s Gardening 

project is kicking off on Wednesday 

Oct 13 at 2.30pm and will then 

continue every Wednesday until 

December 15 at the Karingal 

Neighbourhood Centre in 

Paraburdoo. Gumala is one of the 

sponsors of the project, along with 

the Shire of Ashburton, Rio Tinto 

Iron Ore and Muzzy’s Hardware. 

Sarah Breen, who set up the project, 

said she was thankful for Gumala’s 

donation of gardening tools and 

in-kind assistance, and urged Gumala 

Members to encourage their children 

to participate in the project. 

“The project is aimed at encouraging 

all kids, but particularly kids aged 

between 6 and 12 years old, to 

learn all about gardening and put 

their knowledge into practice,” 

Sarah said. 

“Children in the garden learn new 

skills and have fun, especially when 

they grow an edible garden. Children 

can learn about science, nature and 

the environment from growing their 

own food. Making sure our garden is 

a safe place for children with suitable 

tools, equipment and landscaping. >> 

>> “We will be planting herbs, 

vegetables, fruits and quick-growing 

colourful flowers and plants. 

“Children learn from growing 

things. People of all ages can enjoy 

gardening but children, in particular, 

will have lots of fun and gain special 

benefits. Overall, gardening is great 

for children.” 

Gardening is educational and 

develops new skills including: 

responsibility (from caring for and 

tending plants); understanding (as 

they learn about cause and effect 

(for example, plants die without 

water, weeds compete with plants 

etc); self-confidence (from achieving 

their goals and enjoying the food 

they have grown); love of nature (a 

chance to learn about the outdoor 

environment in a safe and pleasant 

place); reasoning and discovery (as 

they learn about science, botany, 

nutrition and simple construction); 

physical activity (that is fun and 

productive); cooperation (including 

shared play activity and teamwork); 

creativity (finding new and exciting 

ways to grow food); and nutrition 

(learning about sources of fresh 

food). 

Sarah added that the aim is for the 

activities to be a shared experience 

between children and adult parents/ 

carers and families. Supervision is 

preferred during the Dig It! project, 

and it is important that the kids wear 

shoes. 

For more information contact Sarah 

Breen, Program Support Officer 

(Tom Price - Wakathuni - Bellary 

Springs - Paraburdoo), YMCA on 

0488 118 462 or call GAC’s 

Rebecca Harkin on 1800486252. 



Bellary 101.7 FM 

Roebourne 102.9 FM 

Onslow 101.7 FM 

Wakathuni 104.9 FM 

Youngaleena 102.1 FM 

Tom Price 106.5 FM 

Paraburdoo 102.9 FM 

Thunurrdu! Hello listeners. 

Very busy times at Gumala Radio 

lately. There have been a lot of 

outside broadcasts happening, 

including the NAIDOC Week 

outdoor broadcasts, the Tom Price 

High School outdoor broadcast, 

the big Nameless Festival outdoor 

broadcast, as well as the Wakathuni 

broadcasts. 

The two broadcasts out at 

Wakathuni, in August and 

September, seemed to go down very 

well with the local community, and 

we plan to make this a regular thing. 

It’s great for the kids living at 

Wakathuni because it gets them 

engaged, learning, chatting live on 

the radio and participating in a big 

way. 

The Tom Price High School 

broadcast was also a great day, 

with the school having NAIDOC 

celebrations during the broadcast. As 

well as the kids and Elders chatting 

on the radio, a lot of learning took 

place. 

The kids got a lot of Indigenous 

learning (specific to the Pilbara), 

including our traditions of storytelling, 

artefact-making, cooking and 

painting. 

This is what community radio 

is all about – getting the whole 

community involved, learning and 

enjoying. These outside broadcasts 

also make the wider community 

more aware of us and what we do. 

We are also planning some regular 

informative live chats with the local 

council’s environmental officer, as 

well as a few other things that are in 

the pipeline. 

I really want our members to be 

reminded that Gumala Radio is 

YOUR community radio station. 

So if you want to promote a local 

event, or would like an outside 

broadcast in your community, or 

would like to come in and have an 

on-air chat or play some live music, 

my door is always open to you. 

Be safe and take care. Tadam. 


ICN 2744 

Address: 1 Stadium Road 

Tom Price, Western Australia 

Postal Address: PO Box 61 

Tom Price WA 6751 

Phone: 1800 486252 

(1800 GUMALA) 

Fax: (08) 9188 1846 

Email: gac@gumala.com.au 

Website: www.gumala.com.au 

Page 20 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

Gumala News - Spring 2010 Members Edition

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