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GLaWAC NEWS

Issue 21

Jalandook (summer)

Edition 2016/2017

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Elders’ Council, Board Members and StaffElders’ CouncilAunty Gwen Atkinson –Chair

Aunty Lena Morris- Vice Chair

Aunty Deanna Campbell

Aunty Betty Solomon

Uncle Colin Thomas

Aunty Gwen McGregor

Aunty Rachel Mullett

Uncle Mitchell Booth

Aunty Margaret Donnelly

Aunty Shirley Foster

Aunty Glenis Solomon

Aunty Fay Voss

Aunty Maria Harrison

Board MembersA Special Administrator, Mr Peter McQuoid, has been appointed for a six month period.

Administration StaffJoanne Brunt- Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Joanne Brunt- General Manager- On Country Operations

Grattan Mullett- Cultural Hub Manager

Mardi Orlando- Human Resources Manager

Ruth Fitzclarence- Marketing and Communications

Maureen Penwill- Finance

Vikki Eldridge- Senior Administration

Hollie Johnson- Intern

Lynette Farnham- Receptionist

RAP Casual Site MonitorsPaul Harrison

Alfie Hudson

Tim Paton

Mal Siely

Max Solomon

Doug Harrison

Steven Hood

Nicky Moffat

On Country TeamGrattan Mullett Snr- Cultural Hub Manager

Robbie Farnham- Supervisor On-Country

Mick Farnham

Bradley Hood

Grattan Mullett Jnr

Nigel Pearce

Patrick Mullett

Corey Jack

Richard Thomas

John Neilson

Dylan Davies-Hood

Shay Terrick

Kobi Cook

Bronson Ritchie

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This Issue• CEO Report 4-5

• Victorian Honour Roll 2016 6-7

• Joint Management (JM) Rangers Report 8-9

• Natural Resource Management (NRM) Report 10-11

• Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) Report 12-13

• Cultural Hub Report 14-15

• Yarning With 16

• Language 17

• Partnerships 18-19

• Community Connections 20-21

• Annual General Meeting notice 22

• GunaiKurnai Traditional Owners Land Management Board 23

• Disclaimer 24• Photos below- Top L-R, Corey Jack and Richard Thomas -NRM Staff members, eradicating African

Lovegrass at Cobblers Creek, Max Solomon and Mal Siely- RAP Site Monitors with Russell Mullett - Aboriginal Victoria, walking the site of Jack Smith Lake, Bottom L-R Janaya Hood- RAAF Indigenous Youth Camp Participant, Whole-of-Country Plans- GLaWAC’s strategic direction.

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CEO’s MessageActing Chief Executive Officer Report

Welcome to the Jalandook (Summer) edition 2016/2017 of the GLaWAC News.

Since my previous report there has been some major changes at the Corporation. The most significant one being the appointment of the Special Administrator. GLaWAC was placed under special administration on 7 November 2016 by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Peter McQuoid of PDM Consultancy was appointed as the special administrator. The former directors positions became vacant at the time of the commencement of the special administration.

During this time I have been assisting Peter in finalising the budgets and securing the necessary funding with our stakeholders. The processes and procedures we have implemented will ensure the Corporation has the necessary tools to move forward.

There were three main reasons the Registrar decided to place GLaWAC under special administration:

1. In 2015–16 GLaWAC recorded a loss of $418,722. It needed a strong plan to prevent further losses, and that plan was not in place.

2. The former directors were having difficulty agreeing on how best to govern and manage GLaWAC.

3. The former directors asked the Registrar to place the corporation under special administration so that GLaWAC could get help from a qualified person

The purpose of the special administration is primarily to implement improved governance frameworks. The corporation was solvent at the time of the special administration.

The special administration has been proceeding in accordance with the planned timetable and will finish with the corporation being handed back to member control on 8 May 2017.

On an operational note, it has been a busy time for our On Country teams with the appointment of new team members, various training and skill development workshops and the increased work schedule.

GLaWAC and the Gippsland Environment agency signatories are developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that meet our respective goals. We understand that to achieve the shared objectives we will walk together to share strengths, build opportunity and develop a close working relationship that benefits all partners. One of these objectives is to support economic development opportunities and that includes reviewing the tendering and contract clauses to promote inclusion and training of Gunaikurnai people. These outcomes will become real through committed actions and conversations. All signatories will commit to an annual planning cycle and an individual partner action plan, with regular review and open communications. This will ensure that our actions are working towards the agreed objectives. Senior managers and CEO’s will sign-off the partner action plan annually.

We welcome the new staff that have commenced in the NRM Teams and also the JM Ranger teams. We still have a vacancy in the JM Ranger team and it is anticipated that this position will be advertised in the near future and be based at the Tarra Bulga National Park. The Position Descriptions of all staff have been finalised together with Performance Reviews, this is an exciting opportunity for the teams as they can identify training needs and skills and career progression.

The GLaWAC team has been providing advice and sharing resources with other Traditional Owner groups, in regards to building a sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM) business. Securing new contracts and reinstating existing ones has kept me busy over the past few months. and I am happy to report that the GLaWAC NRM arm of the Corporation has a viable future. The positive relationships with key stakeholders will lead to creating further employment opportunities, skill sharing and capacity building for our mob to work together in the caring for country projects.

The GKTOLMB Priority Project Control Group (PCG) has been formed. This group will oversee the work of the PV Project Coordinator (Gunaikurnai), Matt Holland. The group will consist of the follow people; GKTOLMB – Damian Britnell, GLaWAC – Jo Brunt, Parks Victoria – Will McCutcheon and Parks Victoria Project Coordinator – Matt Holland. Initiation briefs have been drafted for the four identified GKTOLMB priority projects; Cultural Mapping, Lake Tyers Camping and Access Strategy, New Guinea II Site

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Assessment and excavated material repatriation and the Joint Managed Parks Signage Strategy/Manual.

The On Country team will be the first to provide feedback on the final draft of the Joint Management Plan. The plan is an important document and will provide direction for our JM Rangers. Once the On Country team have been consulted we will begin the second stage of consultations with the wider community.

Over the next few months we will continue to concentrate on finalising the framework for the Cultural Education Hub Tourism plan. This will involve working closely with Local Councils and various stakeholders to ensure we have the necessary input. The framework will feed into the economic development plan and the strategic plan over the next five years.

The Knob Reserve Committee of Management have been meeting regularly and are working on a marketing and communication strategy. The strategy will assist us with transparent and open communications with all of the stakeholders of the reserve. The Committee are currently implementing the ethnobotanist and cultural heritage plan, which is a necessary part of the future sustainability of the reserve.

The Traditional Fire Burning Visit that was conducted over two days in December 2016 was a great success with Politicians, DELWP, Parks and GLaWAC staff members in attendance. The GLaWAC On Country team was able to gain valuable knowledge about the benefits of Traditional burning and how to implement it. The first day was a practical day and was conducted at the Knob Reserve and the second day was held at Forestec.

The summer season is always a busy period for our teams and 2016 was no exception. Several team members completed annual medical examinations, Fitness tests and 4WD training, which supports their roles of being fire crew members.

The DELWP Forest Fire Management Victoria and GLaWAC have been working together and conducted a workshop to move forward on the fire the operational arrangements for the coming bushfire season and subsequent autumn planned burning. Rostering of GLaWAC fire teams to match the DELWP crew system which includes a weekly rotation of people for three crews. The expanded use of the GLaWAC on Country Teams to work closely with staff from the DELWP Lindenow Road depot in Bairnsdale to work on planned burns and emergency fire response. Crews from both agencies participating in activities to allow crew members to share skills and familiarise themselves with each other ahead of deployment to fire and emergency response.

In 2017 there will be a strong focus of upskilling in building the capacity and skills of the On Country crew staff by providing the remaining modules accredited in Cert III Conservation and Land Management. We will continue to build on the cultural knowledge, providing strong mentoring and work experiences to ensure our workforce have the confidence and capacity to deliver high quality, professional environment management services.

I hope everyone makes the most of the warm summer season and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Joanne Brunt Acting CEO

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Victorian Honour Roll 2016- Aunty Gwen Atkinson (Thorpe)

Gwen Atkinson (Thorpe) Born 1932A determined Elder and dedicated community leader.Gwen Atkinson, a Gunaikurnai Elder, believed from a young age that anything was possible and set a plan for the type of life she wanted. Gwen found this life with her late husband, Sandy, sharing a life journey of 63 years which sadly ended on 13 April 2016.

Not one to be deterred by obstacles, Gwen has been a quiet achiever, helping to establish health services for her community and achieve native title recognition for the Gunaikurnai people.

The early yearsBorn at Lake Tyers, Gwen was the second youngest of 5 children born to Reg and Marjorie Thorpe (nee Green). Sadly, her mother passed away when Gwen was 2 years old. Gwen’s grandmothers helped Reg care for the children until his second marriage to Alice Pepper. Gwen has fond memories of the close community at Lake Tyers in the 1930s, where she gained a good educational foundation in her early years at the Lake Tyers School.

Gwen’s family moved to Melbourne during World War II. They lived in Collingwood and Reg worked at the Carlton and United Brewery. After the war, the family moved back to Gippsland, and Reg worked cutting sleepers. The family settled in Newmerella, 10 miles from Orbost. Although Reg encouraged Gwen to complete her schooling, she had other ideas. Gwen left school just before she reached the legal school leaving age of 14. She worked alongside her step-mother Alice picking peas and beans to supplement the family’s income.

A long partnershipGwen moved to Melbourne as a teenager, working for a while in the Eagley Mills in Collingwood. At 19, while working at St Andrews Hospital, she decided to travel to Shepparton to pick fruit. In Shepparton Gwen met John (Sandy) Atkinson (2012 Honour

Roll inductee). Gwen and Sandy were married within 5 weeks. It was the beginning of a long successful partnership.

Gwen worked as a shearer’s cook at a sheep station at Wakool, NSW, while Sandy was a station hand. During their 9 years at Wakool, Gwen and Sandy’s 5 children were born. The family relocated to Swan Hill when Sandy had a job shearing at Moulamein station. During the week Gwen and the children stayed at Pental Island, on the Little Murray River. With no electricity or running water, Gwen used the river for washing purposes.

Gwen and Sandy moved to Mooroopna in 1963 and then, in 1965, settled in Tatura in a house that would remain the family’s permanent home. They soon became active in the local community, though Gwen’s first priority for 20 years was her children. Aware of her own limited access to secondary education, Gwen wanted to ensure her own children could easily get to school. Gwen joined the mothers’ club and did her share of canteen duty.

Establishment of the Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Health ServiceIn 1975 as momentum gathered for community-directed Aboriginal health services, Gwen and Sandy played a part in establishing the Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Health Service and an Aboriginal housing and welfare corporation. Together with Frances Mathyssen, Gwen was enlisted to do a pilot program to demonstrate that an Aboriginal Health Service in the Shepparton-Mooroopna district was necessary and workable. With few guidelines available, they did what was needed to get the health service underway. They visited Aboriginal families in the area to assess their needs and to encourage them to access health services. Gwen ferried community members to medical

appointments, many of them in Melbourne. When Frances became unwell Gwen continued on without pay for 3 months.

In 1978 the health and housing organisations amalgamated to become the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative and Health Service. Gwen continued on as the Health Service administrator for the

“Never be afraid to be what you want to be”- Aunty Gwen Atkinson (Thorpe)

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Victorian Honour Roll 2016- Aunty Gwen Atkinson (Thorpe)next 13 years. Her early reports on the service were used as examples for other regional Aboriginal health services. A study of Aboriginal children aged up to 5 in Shepparton, conducted with help from Rumbalara, led to the establishment in 1980 of the Victorian Working Party on Aboriginal Health, with Gwen and Sandy as Rumbalara representatives.

Gwen watched the health service grow as it built trust in community members and expanded its services. After retiring from active employment at Rumbalara, she continued as a Director for many years. Gwen was also on the Goulburn Valley Hospital Taskforce, which established the Minyah Barmah room for the use of community members who had family in hospital. Gwen has been a signatory to 4 consecutive agreements between Goulburn Valley Base Hospital and Rumbalara Aboriginal Health Cooperative to improve Aboriginal health in the region.

Enduring community serviceGwen served on the Tatura Hospital Auxiliary Committee for many years and also worked at the Aborigines Advancement League’s Maloga Aged Care Hostel and Nursing Home in Nathalia, completing Certificates 3 and 4 in Aged Care. For three years she was a Councillor for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

Committed to giving back to her own Gunaikurnai people, Gwen was invited to become involved in the campaign to achieve native title over their country in Gippsland. Gwen remained dedicated to the campaign over 15 years, seeing the achievement of a Native Title Settlement in 2010 as the outcome of a group effort, rather than the work of 1 or 2 individuals. Gwen believes the Native Title Settlement provides opportunities to help current and future generations of Gunaikurnai. A signatory to the historic agreement as a Gunaikurnai Elder, Gwen continues to serve as Chair of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Elders’ Council.

In recent years Gwen has used the legacy of her grandfather, Corporal Henry (Harry) Thorpe, to inspire the wider Aboriginal community. Henry was a decorated World War I soldier whose story can be read in the 2014 Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll booklet, available online. With Gwen’s permission, Henry’s gravestone was moved from France to the Australian War Memorial’s First World War gallery in 2015. His story also features in an exhibition about Aboriginal soldiers who have served Australia since Federation.

From her family Gwen has learnt to never lose sight of the bigger picture. She maintains a positive approach to life, believing that, despite whatever hardships are thrown in your path, you should never be afraid to be what you want to be.

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On country Team Update-JM Rangers

Joint Management (JM)The partnership of the State and Gunaikurnai to jointly manage the 10 parks, at both strategic and operational levels, continues to strengthen. We welcome three new JM Rangers to the team at GLaWAC. Dylan Davies-Hood, Shay Terrick and Kobi Cook.

Joint Management partners GLaWAC JMP Rangers and Craig Campbell from Parks VIC (PV) Ranger worked together on restoring the Tarra Valley walking tracks. It was a hard couple of days work wheel barrowing and laying 9 metres of crushed rock but the results are rewarding. We are half-way through completing this task, there is another 18 metres of track remaining to be restored.

GLaWAC JMP rangers will begin to be involved with the GLTOLMB priority projects, as time permits, within the annual works program. The four identified projects are; Cultural mapping, Lake Tyers Camping and Access Strategy, New Guinea II Site Assessment and the JM Parks Signage Strategy.

Parks VIC (PV) Seasonal Rangers are organising for the GLaWAC Rangers to participate in Interpretation and Education activities over the summer holiday period. The GLaWAC Rangers have been asked to attend and shadow PV Rangers at The Lakes National Park and Corringle Foreshore Reserve.

The CHMP for Sperm Whale Head was submitted to Aboriginal Victoria (AV) during the first week of December 2016. Joanna Freslov has offered to come out on site to mark-out the requirements of the plan at the site when undertaking works. A lot of work has been done of at the point Wilson site. The project plan is still moving along well with Grattan Mullett Jnr and Robbie Farnham still meeting with Jen Coles on a weekly basis. The shelter area and toilet block restoration has been finished. We are now waiting for AV to approve the installation of 5 information signage posts.

Parks Victoria held the regional Kookaburra Awards at Heyfield on Sunday 4th December 2016. The awards recognised the contribution

that volunteers make in our parks/reserves. Uncle Colin Thomas provided a Welcome to Country ceremony.

All works within our 10 Parks for 2016 have been finished to a very professional standard. We have completed maintenance and clearing works to the camping grounds and day visiting area in preparation for the holidays. A working bee day at Corringle foreshore reserve was held on Friday 16th December 2016 to prepare the site for the busy summer holiday season.

The process of a creating a cultural walking track for Buchan Caves Reserve has begun with the GLaWAC team meeting with Tim Davidson.

Raymond Island –The Koala health check and count was a great success. After only three years of being involved with the program, the knowledge of our JM Rangers is now at the level of being able to assist new volunteers. This is an achievement to be proud of.

Different types of training have been undertaken over the past 4 months. Leadership Training (Robbie Farnham), GPS Mapping, Project Planning with Matt Holland (Cultural Mapping, Camping access strategy L.T.S.P, Interps Strategy, etc.), Sperm Whale Head mentoring by Jen Coles (Parks Vic Project Officer) which includes; project management and contractor engagement and procurement skills and Plant Identification at the Knob Reserve.

The aim of Joint Management continues to be recognising, valuing and incorporating Gunaikurnai cultural knowledge and world views into the management of cultural sites, cultural awareness and mutual respect. GLaWAC JM Rangers will increase their presence on country, at events, in signage, at Welcome to Country functions/openings and in the media/publicity.

Robbie Farnham- JM Ranger Supervisor

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On country Team Update- JM RangersPhotos Top L-R Grattan Mullett Jnr and Parks VIC Staff erecting signage at the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, the New Works Crane sign.Second row GLaWAC JM Rangers, Parks VIC and East Gippsland CMA at Corringle, GLaWAC JM Rangers on-site at Tarra Valley, Third row L-R Grattan Mullett Jnr-GLaWAC and Adam Cadd-Parks VIC at Raymond Island Koala Health Check, Bradley Hood- GLaWAC on-site at Lake Tyers State Park, Bottom L-R Patrick Mullett-GLaWAC holding a koala, Dylan Davies-Hood-GLaWAC working on the Tarra Bulga track, Kobi Cook- GLaWAC

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On country Team Update- Natural Resource Management (NRM)The NRM team welcomes Bronson Ritchie, our newest team member. Bronson comes with a wealth of skills and knowledge in Natural Resource Management.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome back to Nigel Pearce, a NRM Team member for almost 4 years. Nigel has only returned to work in the past three months after a serious injury on the football field. Nigel is currently responsible for the asset management of all our equipment and encouraging the teams to adhere to OHS standards by wearing the correct protective gear. Nigel’s recovery is continuing to improve with physiotherapy and we are glad to have his happy face back at work.

It is a very busy time for the NRM team due to contracts with the various agencies we work for. In the warmer weather much of our works involve pest plant control, pest animal baiting and a Rainforest assessment project with Parks Victoria. The capacity of the team is building every day.

The summer fire season is upon us and there are 5 NRM team members and 3 JM Rangers fire ready for the upcoming season. All fire personnel had to pass a rigorous physical fitness test and for the people new to fire, a fire fit medical test also. For the team unfamiliar with fire duties an intensive one week fire behaviour training course was held at Licola. This course taught the team about Fire behaviour, fire-fighting techniques and the use of the equipment needed to fight fires.

Similarly, there was an intensive course in 4X4 driving held at Gelantipy. Subjects like Vehicle maintenance, river crossings, driving near fire and steep hill access were covered. The skills learned help the team to stay safe in vehicles whilst conducting fire duties and also with the day-to-day tasks. We are now ready to fight wildfires and partake in ecological burns later in the season.

GLaWAC NRM recently secured funding from the TSPI funding stream for Littoral Rainforest

restorations at Nyerimilang Heritage Park in Kalimna. The works will compliment ongoing funding and efforts that go towards the preservation of the EPBC (Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) listed Littoral Rainforests of East Gippsland. Parks have also discussed additional works to be done by the GLaWAC NRM team in Rainforests around Lake Bunga and Lake Tyers.

This data is recorded on a digital tablet. A training day was run by Parks to go through the Rapid Rainforest assessments and what to look for when doing the surveys. The GLaWAC NRM and JM Rangers have enjoyed undertaking the assessment and have learned new skills in Plant identification, use of a GPS, setting up photo monitoring points, identifying deer presence and damage and the use of the digital app developed in-house by GLaWAC staff. To date the team has spent 10 days in the Rainforest doing Rapid assessments. This data and photos will be compiled and forwarded on to Parks Vic and used as a benchmark for future Rainforest assessments.

Planning is underway for the Gippsland Lakes Consultative Committee projects for 2017/18. There will be many projects with various agencies ranging from planting, weed control, bird surveys and cultural surveys. Within this, these is scope to apply for another GL3PP project and other project solely managed by GLaWAC.

A project at Mt Baw Baw has been booked in for the New Year. I attended the Peatlands Working Group Committee meeting recently and there are many projects being discussed for Mt Hotham and Dargo that the NRM team will be involved in. Plans are also in place to have a joint GLaWAC / Taungurung project in the Peat Lands that boarder the GLaWAC RAP boundary. Recently we had three crew travel to Swifts Creek to partake in an Alpine Peat land weed identification workshop. The crew really enjoyed the workshop and learnt many new weed species.

GLAWAC are involved in talks with discussing funding for the State-wide Biodiversity project. Plans are to construct a multi-agency project that encompasses Point Hicks to Wilsons Promontory (Cape to Cape).

The State Water Plan has been launched and features two of our staff members, Mick Farnham and Bradley Hood. See photo opposite page-top.

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On country Team Update- Natural Resource Management (NRM)During February the NRM team will undertake training in the use of GPS units to digitally mark locations and enter information about the chosen site. This training will be run by the Gippsland Plains Conservation Management Network.

The NRM and JM Rangers use Digital tablets on a daily basis for JSA’s (Job Safety analysis), Rapid Rainforest assessments, Chemical records data sheets accessing MSDS (Chemical Material Data Safety Sheets) and SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements). We will be continuing training in the use of the tablets for the team in 2017.

Andy Booth -NRM Business Development Coordinator.

Photos Top L-R Bronson Ritchie-GLaWAC and Maurice Burns-Tambo Bluff Landcare, Bronson Ritchie and Mick Farnham- GLaWAC on-site at Dream Island, Middle L-R NRM Team Plant ID training at Knob Reserve, NRM Team at McLaughlins Beach Midden restoration, Bottom L-R, Ethnobotanist training at the Knob Reserve, NRM Team at Knob Reserve.

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On Country- Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) Report

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The Gunaikurnai are the recognised native title holders for the country over GLaWAC’s former RAP area and GLaWAC is the Registered Native Title Body Corporation holding native title rights and interests for the Gunaikurnai over that area. GLaWAC will continue to perform the bulk of the activities outlined in the Agreement for which funding was to be provided. Furthermore, activities for which GLaWAC will not have direct responsibility during the period of revocation, such as evaluations of cultural heritage management plans, will, as I understand it, continue to be referred through GLaWAC for consultation with Traditional Owners.

All the RAP team attended Artefact Training over a 2 day period. The training was hands on exercise of identifying and making artefacts on different materials using different techniques.

Steve Hood and Nicky Moffatt attended a RAP Forum over a 3 day period on behalf of GLaWAC. This was held in Eildon and facilitated by Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.

We have finalised the procedures for RAP policy that will set appropriate guidelines to establish GLaWAC’s participation in the preparation and evaluation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans and Permits. The process will establish consistency across all projects so we are able to ensure best practice on management for our cultural heritage within Gunaikurnai country. The process will also provide sponsors of the CHMPs and Heritage Advisors information about GLaWAC’s expectations for adequate preparation and execution of all CHMPs.

We have also been working closely with DEWLP in relation new procedures and processes for the District Action Plans and Fire Operation Plans. Once this process and procedure is adopted as part of the MOU, the field workers will be busy over the next few months providing the assessments.

A workshop for field workers was held in January, with all staff preparing Heritage Induction kits and developing a Cultural Heritage Education package for sponsors. Staff will also be participating in further training in regards to GPS mapping, compliance training in 2017.

The current project being undertaken by Greening Australia is to revegetate areas within Jack Smith Lake. These areas are high points that have had plantings undertaken in the past (over the last 10 years) thus expanding the tree and coastal vegetation cover.

CHMP Monitoring Works

ESSO Pipeline Replacement Project – Longford to Warragul Section – CHMP 12827

SPS Rising Main Upgrade – Flinns Road and Alexander Parade, East Bairnsdale – CHMP 14263

Nilma Residential Subdivision – CHMP 14292

Bairnsdale Zone Substation Project and Associated Works – Alexander Pde, Bairnsdale – CHMP 14329

Princes Highway Duplication, Traralgon East and Flynn – CHMP 14382

101 Cairnbrook Road Residential Subdivision, Glengarry – CHMP 14406

Loch Car Park Upgrade Works and Turning Lane Construction, Mt Hotham – CHMP 14597

Proposed Sanitary Drainage National park Road to rangers Station, Loch Sport – CHMP 14601

Surf Life ESSO Pipeline Project (Eastern Section) – Ancillary Works – Becks Bridge Road, Tanjil South– CHMP 14610

Saving Club – CHMP 14612

Picnic Point, Bairnsdale – CHMP 14613

Proposed Aged Care Development at 18 Albert St and 1C Haig St, Moe – CHMP 14642

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Sale Headworks Stage 2 – CHMP 14659

Car Sales Area at 36 Foster Street, Sale – CHMP 14683

14684 Loy Yang SWOP Stage, Gifford – CHMP 14684

Permit Applications Processed

McLaughlin’s Beach – Revegetation middens

Painted Line Track – Department Environment Water Land Planning (DEWLP)

Blue Pool – Department Environment Water Land Planning (DEWLP)

Top Right- Gunaikurnai and Australian Cultural Heritage Management field workers searching for Aboriginal artefacts near Sheepwash Creek. Middle L-R Max Solomon and Mal Siely-GLaWAC and Russell Mullett (AV) at Jack Smith Lake, GLaWAC RAP Induction Kit meeting, Bottom- Artefact identification and training

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Cultural Hub ReportThe past few months have been quite busy for GLaWAC with the move from McLeod Street offices to the new location at Forestec. In this time of transition we have been conducting business as usual with our partnering agencies and external stakeholders.

The cultural hub program is a designated space within Forestec to showcase Gunaikurnai history and to promote the relationships and project activities we have with our key partner agencies which forms part of the Joint Management Rangers and Natural Resource Management works programs.

Some of the activities I have undertaken in my role include the following

• Working with the Museum of Victoria to design a suitable layout for the cultural display area to showcase items of cultural significance

• The Knob Reserve Committee of Management

• Cultural talks to local and regional schools

• Working with the Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance to develop the Aboriginal category for the upcoming Art Show in March 2017 at Forestec.

• Attended the launch of Love our Gippsland Lakes project with $10M State funding announced to support projects on the Gippsland Lakes through the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Committee

• Attended and performed a welcome to country at the West Gippsland CMA forum held at Port Albert to showcase the sustainable management of seafood and dairy products produced from Corner Inlet

• Working with local artists from Sale who are producing a sculpture to promote Gunaikurnai culture – the sculpture will be placed at the entrance to the Yarram township

• Conducted a cultural induction for VicRoads contractors working on the extension of the Princes Highway east of Traralgon

• Co-Facilitated the Victorian Indigenous Fire Awareness program delivered to GLaWAC, DELWP, CFA, PV and local community reps with Victor Steffensen from North Queensland. This program is being trialled in Victoria to re-connect traditional custodians with skills and knowledge in traditional fire management practices. Workshops have been completed with other traditional owners groups across Victoria and NSW.

• A number of ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremonies were conducted in a variety of locations as far as Port Albert and Traralgon

The cultural hub is a designated space within Forestec to showcase Gunaikurnai history and to promote the relationships and projects we

have with key partner agencies.

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Cultural Hub Report

GLaWAC staff attended the traditional fire management workshops that were held at the Knob Reserve and at Forestec.

Grattan Mullett- Cultural Hub Manager at GLaWAC and Bruce

Hurley from Lakes Rotary Club are looking forward to the upcoming Art on Show exhibition in March

2017. This is the second year that GLaWAC has partnered with the Lakes Entrance Rotary

Club. The newly added category of ‘Art influenced by Aboriginal Culture’ is sponsored by GLaWAC and is proving to be a very popular

category with over 50 entries received last year.

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Yarning With...Penny HoodMy name’s Charlotte Hood, I got the nickname Penny as a kid.

I grew up in Bruthen, opposite Uncle Albert and Aunty Rae. When we were younger we would spend a lot of time with Uncle Jack’s Family. We would go swimming in the river and rabbiting, those were the good days, we had nothing to worry about. There are five girls and one boy in the family. I’ve got two grannies.

I like my shows, ‘Bold &the Beautiful’, Cop shows and Animals. I barrack for the Tigers. I went to Tweed Heads, which was nice and Canberra to visit Aunty Wilma and I’d catch the bus. The bus driver would know us and we’d know the boys that travel on there too. Aunty Wilma knew all the stories too.

PaintingsI went to Tafe for 10 years. I learnt how to wood burn by myself. I do acrylic and enjoy oil paint too.

“You know when you start on something you not know how to finish it”.

A lot of my work just pops up or comes to my head, I don’t really remember but I’ve sold heaps of paintings. I use colouring books to get ideas and for references for my art work.I would love to learn how to papier mache and make wombats or birds. I like painting and wood burning turtles and the wrens. About the animals, I liked doing the male and female wrens.

The story of a black cockatoo and a

white cockatoo. How a black cockatoo couldn’t get with another black cockatoo since they could be related. So the one (gubbah) male cockatoo would go after the black female cockatoo. Aunty Wilma

told me that one but we were just gammin’.

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Language Words – Gunaikurnai English Language Spoken Origin

Abalone walkan wel-can

Beach jettah jet-tah

Blowfly ngar-roon nah-roon Brabralung

Camp mia mia mia mia Lake Tyer

Crab krangalang krang-a-lang

Dusty bullagyt bull-a-guit

Pelican borun bore-run Lake Tyers

Sand wathart wath-art Brab

Seagull blithbrung blith-brung Lake Tyers

Shade ngauuk ngaark Brab

Shark torrikaat tor-dare-cut

Sun wurrun/wooran/wurin wore-in Brab

NAIDOC Week 2017The importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages will be the focus of national celebrations marking NAIDOC Week 2017.

The 2017 theme - Our Languages Matter - aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song.

We would like to hear from any community members that have ideas on how to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2017 in Gunaikurnai country. Please phone GLaWAC reception on 51 52 5100 if you are interested in sharing your ideas.

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PartnershipsGIPPSLAND LAKES THREE PEOPLE PROJECT (GL3PP)The GLaWAC NRM team started working on the GL3PP project some time ago. This project was funded by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA). The EGCMA funded three team members for a period of 12 months. The aim of the project was to work with NRM agencies and NRM groups (like Landcare groups) to undertake environmental project within 15 kilometres of the Gippsland Lakes. There has been some great work happening with many agencies. These include-

• Transplanting Phragmites to sites around Jones Bay for EGCMA.

• Removal of old fence at Forge Creek Reserve with East Gippsland Water.

• Tambo River Mouth amenities Maintenance- Lower Tambo Landcare Group.

.

RAINFOREST ON COUNTRY FIELD TRIP WITH East Gippsland Rainforest CMN Recently six GLaWAC staff members took a trip through Rainforest areas of East Gippsland. They visited many Rainforest sites and had many Rainforest experts discuss various aspects of Rainforest function and management.

The team enjoyed the trip and had many opportunities to learn new information that will enhance and support their existing knowledge about Rainforests.

Both the GLaWAC JM Rangers and NRM teams undertake a range of projects in the Rainforests of East Gippsland and are well supported by the EGRCMN. Project recently undertaken by the NRM team are:

• Planting 2000 Rainforest plant in various sites around Lake Tyers

• Constructing 5 trial Deer Proof fence at Lake Tyers

Photo below- GLaWAC NRM and JM Ranger team members on-site with East Gippsland Rainforest CMN staff

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Partnerships

Art 2016

Wyanga Winery

Princes Hwy

Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre

7km West of Lakes Entrance

www.lakesentrancerotaryclub.org.au

ROTARY CLUB OF LAKES ENTRANCE

GIPPSLAND LAKES

MARCH 10th - 13th

2017

Open Other Times10am-5 pm Sat/Sun

10am-1pm Mon Entry $5.00 includes catalogue

Official Opening Friday 10th March 6.30 for 7.00

Entry $25.00 Children Free

GLaWAC

The Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance, in partnership with GLaWAC, and many sponsors and supporters would like to invite you to this wonderful event of Art on Show in March 2017.

The event showcases artists throughout Gippsland who specialise in water colour, gouache, oil and acrylic, dry medium and photography. Along with prizes being offered for Best Art Work, People’s Choice and the newest addition of Best Art Work Influenced by Aboriginal Culture more of the local community and emerging artists are participating for more exposure in their work.

Hard copy application forms are available from GLaWAC

or online at www.lakesentrancerotaryclub.org.au or www.gunaikurnai.org

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Community Connections...“A Story of Bung Yarnda aka Lake Tyers” Story researched and told by Wayne Thorpe.

This book is available for purchase from any of the following providers for $15.00;

Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust (LTAT)

Waterwheel Tavern- Lake Tyers Beach

Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA) -Jemmeson St Lakes Entrance

The HUB- Myers St Lakes Entrance

Visitor Information Centre -Lakes Entrance

Mingling Waters -Nowa Nowa

GLaWAC Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation- Forestec

Providing awareness of why the Sandbar needs to open naturally is part of a book series entitled “A Story of Bung Yarnda aka Lake Tyers”, researched and written by Wayne Thorpe. A Traditional Custodian of the Language of Song Story and Dance, a man of many talents,

who with support from Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust produced this book. These series of books provide the reader with an understanding of the Indigenous reasons for Caring for Country

and the dreaming connection through the Traditional Language of Stories.

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Community Connections...RAAF Indigenous Youth ProgramOn Monday the 14 of November Indigenous high school students from all over Gippsland came together to attend the first RAAF Indigenous Youth Program held at the East Sale RAAF Base located 5km outside of Sale. With many of the students unsure of what it would entail, hesitation along curiosity was present in the air. Throughout the week the students experienced what life was like within the Air Force, heading to the uniform store to be kitted up to the wide range of occupational options within the Air Force. Fun and interactive activities and skills building that concentrated on leadership, teamwork and communication. The values that are present within this defence and what it takes to be a part of the team. At the end of the week the program was a great success with many of the students being more-open minded and having a better understanding as to what goes on behind those gates. Many are now interested in looking into career options within the Air Force and would love to attend the program next year.

Some quotes from the students!

About the FA-18 aircraft simulator “Great information, amazing

simulator and game set-up. I loved trying on the uniform”

“It is literally so amazing, if I had the chance to stay I would. It is an amazing place with amazing people. I absolutely love it here”

“It was great fun building leadership skills” “Loved it, needed to do this way more, was absolutely incredible”

“Please, oh please do this again next year so I can come again. Absolutely an 11 out

of 10 experience and words cannot really explain how much I loved this”

“It has been really good doing the Program. I wish I could stay for longer; I really liked the Program I would love to do it again, but maybe for a bit longer. The program made me re-think my career

choices and made me decide I would love to join the Air Force one day”

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DATE: Thursday 16 February 2017TIME: 11:30amVENUE: Forestec, 27 Scriveners Road, Kalimna West VIC 3909

MEETING RULES

The rules for the meeting are:• Treat all people with respect- this includes listening to others while they speak

and not interrupting or talking over the top of them• No shouting or aggressive behaviour• All mobile phones are to be turned off or silent• All questions and comments are to be directed through the chair

AGENDA1. Welcome and checking the register of members2. Confirmation of the minutes of the previous general meeting3. Report by the special administrator on the progress of the special administration4. Tabling the annual report and audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 20165. Appointment and remuneration of the auditor6. Questions about: Management of the corporation The special administrationNOTE: Directors will not be appointed at this AGM as the corporation is under special administration

Light refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Special administratorPeter McQuoidPDM ConsultancyPhone: (07) 3289 2596 or 0435 018 879Email: p.mcquoid@pdmconsultancy.com.au

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Traditional Owner Land Management Board (TOLMB) Report

Grattan MullettChairpersonGKTOLM Board

After quite a few months of work the GKTOLMB has developed a timeline and project plan in order to provide the Minister with a proposed date that has been requested for the completion of the Joint Management Plan. This is currently being tested with our project partners. This timeline and plan provides the partners with clear roles and responsibilities they all have to meet in order for us to complete the Joint Management Plan on time. This has been a complex process as it not only has to reflect the legislation requirements for developing park plans but it also has had to include feedback and input from our project partners. With this timeline in place all the project partners will have a clear understanding of their roles and actions required of them and when things will need to be done in order for us to move forward together.

Other activities for the GKTOLMB over the next few months include incorporating the feedback from our partners and stakeholder agencies into the Draft JMP. We aim to have an updated version for review in early 2017.

Another process in the development of the plan has begun by contacting park user groups to gain feedback on their knowledge and use of the parks. We will aim to have meetings with some of these groups early in the new so that we can incorporate any of the views and uses into the plan where appropriate.

We are also looking forward to working with GLaWAC staff on two key issues in early 2017.

One is to provide support and input to the development of the GLaWAC Economic Development Strategy and to ensure it has a focus on how the joint managed parks can provide economic opportunities for GLaWAC and Gunaikurnai people.

The other is to undertake workshops with the On-Country Team to further refine the individual park plans and to gain an insight or ‘vision’ into how the individual parks will be managed from a Gunaikurnai perspective.

We look forward to providing further updates on this work in the near future.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation

(GLaWAC) News contentDisclaimer

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. We do not guarantee the accuracy or accept any responsibility for the statements or comments made by the contributors in articles submitted. GLaWAC reserves the right to amend, alter or delete any items, statements or articles which it feels is not in the best interest of Gunaikurnai Land

and Waters Aboriginal Corporation or its members.

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation

Forestec, 27 Scriveners Road, Kalimna West, Victoria 3909Ph: 03 5152 5100 Fax: 03 51521666Email: reception@glawac.com.au

www.gunaikurnai.org

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation supports the preservation of land, water and environment.

This newsletter has been printed on recycled paper, using non toxic inks and solar power.