GLaWAC News - gunaikurnai.org · GLaWAC News, Issue 29 Yalaban (Autumn) 2019 3 . We Need You… GLaWAC has been working really hard on your . behalf to consolidate your corporation

ISSUE 29 YALABAN (AUTUMN) EDITION 2019

GLaWAC NewsHIGHLIGHTS OF ISSUE 29:• Board subcommittees – help

determine our future• Community success stories• Woorara Wanik Waring:

Mountain pathway to the sea• Fingerboards Mine Proposal• Ninde Yan Yarning

(Our Water Talking)• Introducing our new Board

member and staff

Front cover image - Cherry Tree Day Visitor Area, Lake Tyers State Park

2 GLaWAC News, Issue 29 Yalaban (Autumn) 2019

ELDERS’ COUNCILThe Elders’ Council comprises Elders who are members of GLaWAC and appointed by the descendants of each identified Apical Ancestor¹. The Elders’ Council come together twice a year and provide critical cultural leadership to the organisation. GLaWAC acknowledges the contribution of thecurrent and our past Elders’ Council.

The current Elders’ Council members are:Aunty Gwen Atkinson, Aunty Beryl Booth, Deanna Campbell, Aunty Margaret Donnelly, Aunty Shirley Foster, Aunty Maria Harrison, Aunty Gwen McGregor, Aunty Julie Mongta, Aunty Lena Morris, Aunty Rachel Mullett, Aunty Madge Siely, Charmaine Singleton, Aunty Glenis Solomon, Aunty Olive Stevens, Aunty Glenys Watts and Aunty Fay Voss.

Photos of the other Elders’ Council members will appear in future issues of GLaWAC News.

GLAWAC BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe Board is responsible for overseeing the running of GLaWAC on behalf of all members and make decisions about the running of the corporation. There is a minimum of six and maximum of ten Directors on the Board at any given time, with up to two independent or specialist non-member Directors appointed alongside Directors who are members of the corporation.

The current GLaWAC Board of Directors are:Brian Stevens (Chair), Dr Doris Paton (Vice-Chair), Glenys Watts, Troy McDonald, Paula Morgan, Libby Dummett and Ewan Waller (Independent Directors).

Who’s who at GLaWAC?WHO’S WHO AT GLAWAC?

Elders’ Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2GLaWAC Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

JOINT UPDATE FROM THE GLAWAC BOARD CHAIR AND CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

BOARD SUBCOMMITTEES – HELP DETERMINE OUR FUTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

OUR COMMUNITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Community Success Stories Young basketballer’s dream comes true . . . . 5

Recognition and Settlement Agreement Review Key Steps in the RSA Package Review . . . . . . . . 6

OUR CULTURERAP Program update Round Head, Boole Poole Erosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

More training goals kicked by

GLaWAC staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Cultural Heritage work undertaken. . . . . . . . . . . 7

Woorara Wanik Waring: Mountain pathway to the sea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

OUR COUNTRYTimber Release Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Fingerboards Mine Proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Interim Position Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

High Court awards compensation to Timber Creek native title holders . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Partnership with WGCMA continues . . . . . . . 9

Ninde Yan Yarning (Our Water Talking) . . . . . 9

Gathering on Country at Lake Tyers State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Counting Pelicans and connecting with Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Whose track is that? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

OUR ORGANISATIONGLaWAC membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Introducing our new Board member and staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Paula Morgan, Board Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Marc Higgins, Chief Operating Officer . . . . . 12

Ray Thomas, Cultural Business Development Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cathy Thomas, Casual RAP Team Member. . 13

Mahlciem Morgan, RAP Cultural Heritage Site Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

OUR ECONOMY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Partnership with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bush Café trial a huge success! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

This Issue

Aunty Margaret Donnelly

Aunty Olive Stevens

Aunty Fay Voss

Aunty Lena Morris

Charmaine Singleton

Aunty Gwen McGregor

Aunty Maria Harrison

Deanna Campbell

Aunty Julie Mongta

Aunty Glenys Watts

Aunty Beryl Booth

¹There are 25 Gunaikurnai Apical Ancestors registered in the Native Title Consent Determination.

GLaWAC News, Issue 29 Yalaban (Autumn) 2019 3

We Need You…GLaWAC has been working really hard on your behalf to consolidate your corporation and map out a way forward that is focused on supporting members and families to connect back to Country and culture and seek an independent business future. This journey was made possible by your Elders and community who fought so hard for Native Title and Agreement rights. These wins are wonderful steps along your journey line. GLaWAC is continuously pushing for a strength-based position for our Mob and friends, and we need your involvement.

Language, getting back on Country and healing old issues are critical for everyone to keep moving forward and as well as leading the way for your kids. Our collective challenge is supporting and assisting Elders and younger people to directly get involved in the corporation’s future.

We need more men back on our Elders Council as well as people interested in being mentored into senior leadership

roles either on our Board or management team. We have also set up a number of subcommittees of the Board.

We need to determine consensus policy positions on a range of important matters such as managing Country, forestry, mining, water and fire. To do this, we have to make sure there is strong community involvement in the decision-making process, and we can provide financial support to members who are willing to step up and be involved. This work, along with community events and support our growing employment success for the Mob, is our priority. GLaWAC will also continue to support cultural events (such as our recent Art Show), education scholarships, employment and business start-ups.

We congratulate our health and welfare sector partners - GEGAC, Ramahyuck, Moogji Aboriginal Council, Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association and Lake Tyers Health and Children’s Service - who work hard for the community. We continue to partner where we can to achieve real benefits for the community and to strive for a collective voice that represents all aspirations of Aboriginal people in Gippsland.

We hope this edition of GLaWAC News provides you with a clear update of our work on your behalf.

BRIAN STEVENS, Chair Board of Directors and ROGER FENWICK, CEO

Joint update from the GLaWAC Board Chair and CEO

THE Board subcommittees would benefit greatly from having community as members.

Subcommittees operate as advisory bodies only; providing advice, recommendations and assistance to the Board and only making decisions on behalf of the Board if expressly delegated and directed by the Board to do so in relation to specified matters.

Subcommittee membership may include a Board Director, GLaWAC business representative, business experts, Community member/s and administrative support. The subcommittees meet up to five times each year. A meeting generally goes for 2 hours and is a collaborative discussion taking on directives from the Board and providing recommendations to the Board.

GLaWAC currently has four active subcommittees in place:

NATIVE TITLE CULTURAL HERITAGESupport the Board in a timely manner with recommendations and/or resolutions for Native Title and Cultural Heritage matters.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTAdvise the board on policy and procedures of economic developments.

AUDIT RISK & FINANCESupport the Board and management in the development, planning and implementation of financial and risk audits, policies and procedures.

OUR COUNTRYAdvise the board for on Country/environmental policy development. (Note the GKTOLM Board deals with Joint Management matters.)

If you would like to be a member of one of GLaWAC’s subcommittees, please contact Kyla Di Fiore by emailing [email protected] or phoning (03) 5152 5100.

Board subcommittees – help determine our future


Calendar of EventsGLaWAC is organising and/or supporting events during the year. Note these dates in your diary and keep checking out the website – www.gunaikurnai.org – for further details. We’ve also included dates for other key national Aboriginal events.

EVENT LOCATION - FURTHER INFORMATION DATE

National Reconciliation Week May 27 - June 3

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria elections - candidate nominations open for general seats

Nomination forms are available at GLaWAC. May 27

Corringle Community Event The EGCMA, in partnership with GLaWAC and Parks Victoria, are hosting a free cultural walk, talk and paddle tour at the Corringle Foreshore Reserve. Bookings required by 15/5/19 via www.egcma.com.au

May 30

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria elections - candidate nominations close for general seats

June – date TBC

Mabo Day June 3

Booderee cultural exchange www.parksaustralia.gov.au/booderee June 4 - 7

National Indigenous Fire Workshop on Dhungala

www.firesticks.org.au/dhungala-2019

GLaWAC staff are participating.

June 4 - 7

GLaWAC Workshop – Board Meeting, Elders Council, Staff

Wattle Point, Gippsland Lakes June 17 -21

NAIDOC Week This year’s theme is: Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future. Visit www.naidoc.org.au

July 3 – 9

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria elections – voting opens

The Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission have advised that there will be polling booths across Victoria as well as the opportunity to vote via post and online. Visit www.victreatyadvancement.org.au or phone 1800 TREATY (1800 873 289) for updates.

July 8

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria elections – voting closes

July 21

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria elections – voting results released

August – date TBC

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Visit www.aboriginalchildrensday.com.au August 4

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

Visit www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday August 9


Our CommunityCommunity Success Stories

Tanarly Hood proudly holding the Aboriginal flag

GK representatives on their way to the 3rd National Social & Emotional Wellbeing Forum in Cairns, March 2019 thanks to a GLaWAC sponsorship

L-R: Alice Pepper, Rodney Harrison, Shannice Pearce, William Dowd, Casey Ritchie and Rhiannon Hayes

GLaWAC manages a COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND that provides financial support to a wide range of organisations, members and individuals in the form of sponsorship, donations and one-off payments. There are strict assessment criteria for requests and depending on the amount sought, require approval of the CEO or Board. All requests must be made in writing by completing a Community Benefit Fund Request Form that can be obtained by contacting Kyla Di Fiore by emailing [email protected] or phoning (03) 5152 5100.

Young basketballer’s dream comes trueGLaWAC sponsored Tanarly Hood to attend the 2019 International Indigenous & Cultural Basketball Tournament held in Wellington, New Zealand in March. Tanarly is one of the many young Gunaikurnai people who have received a sponsorship from GLaWAC.

“Without your support I wouldn’t have been able to have the most amazing experience of my life.

Over the 10 days we were faced with many obstacles in our path, with a young and inexperienced team, but we remained undefeated throughout the tournament. We moved into the championship game and were to play against a very experienced Hawaiian team. It was a hard-fought battle, heading into not one but two overtime periods. Fortunately, we came out on top and came away with the gold medal and cup.

The tournament provided me with more learnings about my people and culture and more about cultures around the world such as, Hawaii, New Zealand and Mexico. It also provided me with an opportunity to highlight just how important good role models are to our young indigenous kids and to show them that no matter what our people face we can always come through the other side.

I thank you again, for providing me with an experience I could have only dreamed of.”


Recognition and Settlement Agreement Review

Inform the Gunaikurnai of the review via GLaWAC AGM and GLaWAC News (completed)

Terms of Reference & Independent Reviewers for review agreed (completed)

Independent Reviewer appointed (June)

Set up Advisory Panel - GLaWAC and Department of Justice and Regulation (March - June)

Conduct review with the Gunaikurnai and the State (June - October)

Report to GLaWAC Board with recommendations (November - December)

Keep members informed via regular GLaWAC communications (ongoing)

Approved Report presented to the Victorian Attorney-General (December)

Possible negotiations with State about changes to RSA Package

KEY STEPS IN THE RSA PACKAGE REVIEW

We have made good progress on the review of Recognition and Settlement Agreement Package.


Our Culture

Was it a success? The answer is a resounding Yes!The exhibition celebrated our cultural heritage and our Country and is set to become an annual event for GLaWAC.

Grattan Mullett, GM Culture said that the Art Exhibition was a huge success in terms of visitation and sales, and a great event to support and showcase the diversity and talent of Gunaikurnai artists across Gippsland.

GLaWAC acknowledges the invaluable support of our partners East Gippsland Art Gallery and the Mont Hotham Resort Management Board that sponsored a special category celebrating ‘The true spirit of Alpine Australia.’

Highlights:• 102 artworks displayed throughout Forestec• Over 590 visitors to Forestec over March- April, including 100

people attending the opening night• 23 artworks sold• A fantastic Children’s category that showcased the creative talents

of our kids. • Winner of the Mount Hotham sponsored category, Alice Pepper’s

possum skin Message Cloak, ‘High-Country, Low-Country’ purchased by Gippsland Art Gallery and set to become part of the permanent collection of Aboriginal works.

• Alan Solomon’s mixed medium work, People’s Mountain, purchased by Mount Hotham Resort Management Board for display in the boardroom.

• Eight Gunaikurnai hospitality trainees, under the guidance of Head Chef Warren, prepared and served delicious canapes for 100 people who attended the opening night.

RAP Program updateROUND HEAD, BOOLE POOLE EROSION THIS important Aboriginal Place was purchased by the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative (GEGAC) thanks to funding from the Aboriginal Lands Corporation. Over the last five years, there has been at least three Ancestral Remains found lying at the base of a high dune that has been eroding.

GLAWAC and GEGAC have agreed to work together and develop a works program to reduce the current erosion by using beach renourishment, installing barrier guards and revegetation planting.

MORE TRAINING GOALS KICKED BY GLAWAC STAFFGLaWAC staff recently undertook training for Rail Industry Worker Cards and White Cards, both national qualifications. This means that qualified staff can now work on the proposed rail projects for the Morwell to Warragul and Traralgon to Bairnsdale lines, and work safely in the construction industry thanks to their White Card qualification.

CULTURAL HERITAGE WORK UNDERTAKENThe RAP Cultural Heritage Team has been busy over recent months making sure that GLaWAC’s legislative responsibilities under the Aboriginal Heritage Act are fulfilled. Work undertaken as part of the Cultural Heritage assessment work includes:

• compliance monitoring for Parks Victoria in Nyerimilang Park and for the Southern Rural Water’s Macalister Irrigation upgrade

• site inductions for contractors working for the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

• surveying and monitoring sites for Cultural Heritage at the subdivision on Mount Lookout Road

• due diligence assessment at the West Sale Airport

• two complex assessments for Kalimna Motel redevelopment and East Gippsland Water upgrade.

Erosion at Round Head, Boole Poole 2011 (above) and 1988 – still more work to be done

Woorara Wanik Waring: Mountain pathway to the sea

Alice Pepper - The Message Cloak, High-Country Low Country, 1st Prize Mount Hotham Sponsored Category

Alan Solomon - People’s Mountain, 3rd Prize Mount Hotham Sponsored Category

Ronan Hudson - 1st Prize Children’s Category Years 13-18

Logan Hudson - 1st Prize Children’s Category Years 0-12


On CountryTimber Release PlanVicForests, the State-owned business responsible for the harvest, commercial sale and re-growing of timber across Victoria, has released its current Timber Release Plan (TRP). The TRP details the location of areas that may be sustainably harvested and regenerated. For full details on the plan and to view an interactive online map visit the Timber Release Plan page on the VicForests website at www.vicforests.com.au

The release of the TRP followed the Victorian Government’s announcement on 24 April that 550 hectares of crown land close to Maryvale and Yallourn North in the Latrobe Valley will be planted with native Blue Gum. VicForests will lead the early stages of a new plantation program to establish and manage multiple sites in Gippsland from this winter. An updated Allocation Order was also announced and reduces the overall area available for timber harvesting by 5,000 hectares.

GLaWAC has been invited to participate in the Regional Forest Agreement process and will be seeking community involvement to help our Board negotiate strong outcomes for us through Natural Resource agreements and Land Management Plans. Our starting point for these discussions is the principles outlined in our Whole-of-Country Plan.

Fingerboards Mine ProposalBACKGROUNDGLaWAC has been aware of the possibility of mining on private land in the area west of Lindenow for several years and that some of the proposal may involve public land that the Gunaikurnai have Native Title rights over.

A previous GLaWAC Board approved an exploration licence under the provisions of the Native Title Act several years ago. This approval didn’t, and was never intended to, provide a position statement from GLaWAC or the Gunaikurnai on its’ policy view regarding the proposed mining. An exploration licence is one step along a long road of approvals process and should not be construed as GLaWAC approving mining.

The proposal from Kalbar Resources in relation to the Fingerboards Mine was moved to a more formal approval process, following State Government

WE HAVE CULTURAL OBLIGATIONSIt is our inherent responsibility to look after Country – to heal the damage of the past and protect it for future generations.

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTEDAll of our Country is linked. There is no separation between our landscapes, waterways, coasts and oceans, and natural and cultural resources. All are linked and bound to our people, law and custom.

EVERY BIT MATTERSWe understand the need to prioritise limited resources to where important values are under threat, but every part of our Country remains important to us.Our values exist even when you can’t see them – whether they are under water, deep inside caves, covered with vegetation, they are still important to us.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT HAS GONEWhen you lose a site, it’s gone forever. We need to act now to prevent any further loss of environmental or cultural values.

LOOK AT WHAT WAS THERE BEFOREWhen we are healing and restoring degraded landscapes, we should try to put back the plants and animals that used to be there.

SUSTAINABLE USEOur approach to managing Country is to balance resource use with conservation – they are all part of the same. Take only what you need – leave some for others.

SEEK COLLECTIVE BENEFITS We use our resources for the benefit of our mob rather than seek individual gain.

WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE ON OUR COUNTRYTraditional Owners should not be restricted in accessing our traditional Country. At the same time,we should have the right to restrict access to others who disrespect and damage our sensitive areas.

OUR TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IS VALUABLEOur traditional practices and approaches sustained the land for thousands of years. Our Country should be managed in harmony with our traditional ways. We need to take the time to understand what natural and cultural heritage exists out on Country. It can’t be managed properly if we don’t know what is there.

Whole-of-Country principles that GLaWAC upholds and uses for its decision-making

direction. This occurred leading up to and during the period of Special Administration of GLaWAC in 2016.

GLaWAC is not represented on the Technical Reference group that will make recommendations to the State Government under the Environmental Impact Statement process. Therefore, GLaWAC is now ensuring our position is well understood.

The new GLaWAC Board and Executive have since mid-2018 ensured they are fully aware of the process and the information being communicated by Kalbar Resources and its contractors. GlaWAC recently supported a community fact-gathering exercise supported by GEGAC and Kalbar Resources .

All information gathered during this session is available online at www.gunaikurnai.org/fingerboards-mine-proposal-details-available-here

INTERIM POSITION STATEMENTGLaWAC respects the right of any development proponent to progress ideas related to developing land for economic development.

GLaWAC is opposed to any development that conflicts with the principles of our Whole-of-Country Plan and Elders’ advice.

Gunaikurnai Country has long been altered and modified to suit the colonization process and while we acknowledge the world has moved on, we believe it is time for us to assert more vigorously the rights of the Traditional Owners and their families and friends.

The rights and views of the Traditional Owners of Gunaikurnai Country must be respected and understood. Aboriginal people are part of their Country and they have a deep spiritual connection and responsibility to care for Country.

The proposed mining operation will disturb and hurt the cultural connection of the Traditional Owners to the land, air and water that is part of the development area.

Any government decision regarding the site must not disrespect or undermine this connection.

GLaWAC will remain at the table and insist on direct, ongoing and meaningful government and proponent consultation. Whilst the Native Title Act provides limited procedural rights in respect of future acts on Gunaikurnai Country, we reserve our rights on behalf of the Gunaikurnai community to object to the Fingerboards Mine proposal and be included in any negotiations that take place as a result of subsequent government decisions.


On Country

Partnership with WGCMA continuesGLaWAC and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) have been working in partnership for over a decade. Last month, the third Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organisations at a ceremony attended by members of the Elders’ Council, the GLaWAC and WGCMA Boards and staff. A poem written by Aunty Margaret Donnelly was read out and Aunty Lena Morris signed the MoU on behalf of GLaWAC.

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between the partnersGunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the West Gippsland Management Authority commit

to work in partnership to implement this document.This partnership being the protection, enhancement and recognition of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Natural Resources within the region.

CEO of GLaWACRoger Fenwick

Chair of GLaWAC Elders CouncilAunty Lena Morris

Chair of GLaWAC BoardBrian Stevens

CEO of WGCMAMartin Fuller

Chair of WGCMA BoardPeter Jennings, OAM

Date: 16 April 2019This partnership will be celebrated every five years.Top: Aunty Lena Morrissigning GLaWAC’s third MoU with the WGCMA

Right: Signed copy of MoU

High Court awards compensation to Timber Creek native title holdersIn March, the High Court ruled native title holders from the remote Northern Territory town of Timber Creek will receive $2.5 million in compensation for loss of their rights, including spiritual connection to the land. The test case — described as one of the biggest since Mabo — brought the High Court to the Northern Territory last September for the first time in its history. It was the first time the High Court had examined the Native Title Act’s compensation provisions, including how to put a price on intangible harm caused by disconnection with Country.

Key points:• The dispute has been about how to calculate compensation for

the extinguishment of native title rights.

• The Timber Creek claimants will get $2.5 million, down from the $3.3 million originally awarded.

• The High Court rejected claims that $1.3 million for “spiritual harm” is excessive.

• Community member, Marjorie Thorpe and GLaWAC CEO, Roger Fenwick were interviewed on ABC Gippsland radio as part of the conversation of what this decision means for other Traditional Owners.

Ninde Yan Yarning (Our Water Talking)Uncle Lloyd Hood and Tim Paton, GLaWAC’s Water Team want to hear your stories about your cultural connection to water. The Gunaikurnai Aboriginal Water Project is about preserving and maintaining culture, connection and the wellbeing of the waterways. There are 43 rivers and 729 creeks within the Native Title settlement area.

Gunaikurnai people have a strong spiritual connection and generational knowledge that can help keep the waterways healthy, now and in the future. By sharing stories about your cultural connection to water, you can help protect Aboriginal places and determine cultural and environmental water allocations across traditional lands. The focus of the water project in its first year will be on Central and West Gippsland.

To find out more and how you can get involved contact GLaWAC’s Reception on (03) 5152 5100.

Healthy waterways create a healthy mob

Lake Tyers State Park


On Country

Community members at Cherry Tree Day Visitor area, Lake Tyers State Park

Last month, close to 40 Gunaikurnai community members and Elders from Bairnsdale, Sale and Morwell gathered on Country to discuss the Draft Lake Tyers State Park Camping and Access Strategy. Excellent feedback was received regarding the proposed changes outlined in the Draft Strategy. These changes are vital to protect cultural heritage and important sites within the park.The next step in the engagement process is that the broader Victorian community will be invited to comment on the Draft Strategy via the government’s online engagement platform, Engage Victoria. GLaWAC will keep everyone informed when all feedback has been received and the Draft Strategy is finalised.

Gathering on Country at Lake Tyers State Park


On Country

Above: L-R Rory Booth, Asher Taylor and Levi Hilli on the lookout for Pelicans with their binoculars.

Right: L-R Eunice O’Dwyer, Ella Harrison, Gavin O’Dwyer enjoying the boat trip.

Counting Pelicans and connecting with CountryOn a lovely Autumn day last month, 26 adults and children from the Gunaikurnai community as well as other interested locals hopped on board the Lady Jodie at Lakes Entrance and went looking for Pelicans as part of the Great Pelican Count organised by Birdlife Australia. The count is an annual event to help gain a better understanding of Pelican numbers around the Gippsland Lakes and their movements.

Uncle Ray Thomas gave the Welcome to Country and told the story of Tuk, the Musk Duck and Boran, the Pelican and how they created the Gunaikurnai people. Desley O’Dwyer, Gunaikurnai community member said it was a perfect day, sharing Language, story and caring for Country.

The Lady Jodie was also used to take members of the Culture Connect dance troupe to the Gippsland Lakes Outer Barrier along with Martin Potts from Greening Australia and two ethno- botanists, Alison Oates and Doug Frood. This was a great opportunity to for the dance troupe to connect with and dance on Country, learn about the traditional use of plants and try out their tracking skills. This event was part of the work being undertaken by the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee (GLCC) and funded by the Victorian State Government for the Gippsland Lakes.

The answer will be in the next issue of GLaWAC News.

The track shown in Issue 28 of the newsletter was of a Crow (right).

Did you know that a group of Crows is called a murder? Crows are black birds known for their intelligence and adaptability, and for their loud, harsh “caw.” In Aboriginal mythology, the Crow is a trickster, cultural hero and ancestral being.

Whose track is that?

Culture Connect dance troupe on board the Lady Jodie


Our OrganisationGLaWAC membership As a member, you are eligible to nominate for a Board or Subcommittee role and provide direction and guidance to the Management Team. To become a member of GLaWAC you need to complete a Membership Form and provide details of your Apical Ancestry. There are 25 Gunaikurnai Apical Ancestors registered in the Native Title Consent Determination.

You can also apply for a Gunaikurnai Identity Card that you should carry with you on Country. Under the Indigenous Land Use Agreement, Gunaikurnai people are not required to obtain a permit or licence or pay a fee for fishing, taking game or fauna, gathering firewood or camping on land and waters where the Gunaikurnai hold native title.

It’s important to remember that non-Gunaikurnai spouses and partners are still required to have a permit or licence and pay the relevant fees.

For further information contact GLaWAC’s Reception on (03) 5152 5100.

Introducing our new Board member and staff

I am the proud grand-daughter of Merle Thorpe, making me a proud Gunnai woman.

Early in my life, I saw many of my family members suffer due to ill health at young ages, so I studied nursing. I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 25 years with most of my nursing being in the Aboriginal health sector. I have spent time nursing in the Northern Territory and Western Australian Aboriginal communities - an experience that is very close to my heart today.

I have spent the last 15 years at Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA), initially working as a community nurse and in the later years, as the Chief Executive Officer. I love working with my community – allowing them to help drive

the changes we require to improve health and wellbeing within the local Aboriginal community. My Elders are my strength and the reason I continue to work hard for these changes.

I applied to join the GLaWAC Board late last year, as I believe I can contribute from a community voice aspect. I am also able to bring a health lens to the table, with my belief that health, community and Country are at the forefront of GLaWAC and its journey. I am honoured to be on the Board for my people and will ensure I share their voices at all opportunities that come my way.

Left: Paula with her daughter Taylah

I’m a Wiradjuri man from Western New South Wales. I have diverse senior executive experience gained in not-for-profit and corporate companies, both in Australia and overseas. I’ve worked in industries ranging from agribusiness, arts, tourism, finance and IT.

When not working, I enjoy fishing for flatties, attempting to play the perfect game of golf, or just hanging around home with my wife Helen, four

daughters and the Higgins Family hound, Lucy.

I am sincerely enjoying my time at GLaWAC. The diversity of the business is unlike anything I’ve experienced. The environment, the people; it’s caught me off guard. The drive and the passion I’ve seen by those working around is outstanding, I am loving it. A highlight for me so far has been conversations with Uncle Robbie pictured here with Marc.

MARC HIGGINS, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

PAULA MORGAN, BOARD MEMBER

RAY THOMAS, CULTURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORRay belongs to the Brabralung clan group of the Gunai nation. He has a deep passion for Gunaikurnai art and culture and has conveyed this through his arts practice through exhibitions and teaching over the past 35 years. Maintaining Cultural Integrity - Cultural Identity throughout his art career has been an important driver over this time. Ray has worked in the various community organisations including AAL, VAHS, GEGAC – Keeping Place, Bunjiwarra – Koorie Youth Rehab in Hastings and The Torch – Arts Officer in Community. He has also been involved in community and large-scale public art projects for the City of Melbourne plus regional and interstate.

In his role at GLaWAC, Ray feels we can create ‘our own wealth and become economically empowered’ through being very strategic with our business planning into the future. Staying true and keeping focused on the aspirations of our mob.

Above: Ray with his painting titled Poisoned Flour. The work depicts one of the methods used by early settlers and pastoralists to kill off the Aboriginal people in order to steal their lands.


This year another seven GLaWAC staff are undertaking a seven-month training program in conservation and land management, following in the footsteps of the ten staff who completed their certificate last year. Good luck to Robbie Farnham, Max Solomon, Doug Harrison, Damian Hood, Kurt Dodd, Russell Dow (Joint Management Ranger Trainee) and Harley Fine (School-based Trainee)!

Roger Fenwick with Certificate III holders, (sitting) Kobi Cook and Bradley Hood, (standing) Mick Farnham, Shay Terrick Grattan Mullett Jnr, Patrick Mullett, Gina Trotter (Federation Training), Sue Potter (Federation Training), Nigel Pearce, Bianca Baxter and Corey Jack.

Our OrganisationIntroducing our new staff continuedCATHY THOMAS, CASUAL RAP TEAM MEMBER I am a proud Djirringjanj and Tatungalung woman growing up in Bermagui, NSW. In December 2018 I moved to Lakes Entrance with my husband, Simon and son William. I enjoy playing netball and painting.

My experience ranges from Aboriginal Discovery Ranger with National Parks, Aboriginal Community Engagement with Red Cross, public speaking and in my roles at GLaWAC as reception, JM Ranger and casual RAP team member. I love being on Country, teaching and sharing my knowledge. I see myself as a role model for young people and enjoy working with school groups and young people in Community.

I really want to meet my mob here in Victoria.

MAHLCIEM MORGAN, RAP CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE MONITORMahlciem joined the RAP crew in March. Born and raised in Bairnsdale, Mahlciem has family connections in East Gippsland, Warrnambool and Robinvale. He was previously working in traffic management in Melbourne and is keen to learn about Cultural Heritage and is keen to get out and about on Country.

Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management


Partnership with Kinaway Chamber of CommerceGLaWAC is a member of the Kinaway, an Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce based in Melbourne. Kinaway provides policy, advocacy and representation services for Aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs. GLaWAC is establishing a partnership with Kinaway that will deliver financial and practical support to community members who are already in business, or who have a deadly idea for starting a business. Contact Kinaway on (03) 9416 2304 or visitwww.kinaway.com.au for more information.

Bush Café trial a huge success!A brand-new kitchen, a new Chef, a team of new Koorie trainees catering for over 100 people at the opening night of the Woorara Wanik Waring Art Show, what could go wrong... absolutely nothing! The Bush Café’s Head Chef Warren Somerville and his team carried it off with confidence and style! There was lots of fantastic tasting tucker. Menu items served included jirrah (roo) with bush tomato, saltbush lamb sliders and pork belly with apple pearls.

Over the month of April, the Bush Café offered Woorara Wanik Waring Art Show visitors, members of the local community and GLaWAC staff, friends and family, a

selection of light meals featuring bush tucker and local produce. The café operated on a trial basis to provide the trainees with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and employment.

The Herald Sun visited GLaWAC recently and took photos as part of a photo shoot organised by East Gippsland Marketing Inc.

GLaWAC is now seeking Expressions of Interests from members or the community to operate the Bush Café as a business venture. For further information contact Ray Thomas by phoning (03) 5152 5100

Our Economy

Herald Sun photographer with Damien Abbey outside Forestec


16 GLaWAC News, Issue 29 Yalaban (Autumn) 2019 ISSUE 29 YALABAN (AUTUMN) EDITION 2019

GLaWAC News

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and Elders Council, GLaWAC is the Registered Aboriginal Party that represents the Gunaikurnai people and their aspirations for Native Title, cultural heritage, land, water and natural resource management.

GLaWAC News content disclaimerOpinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters 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 that it feels is not in the best interest of the Corporation or its members.

This newsletter has been printed sustainably, using recycled paper, non-toxic inks and 100% solar power.

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal CorporationForestec, 27 Scriveners RoadKalimna West, Victoria, 3909Phone: 03 5152 5100Fax: 03 5152 [email protected]

Culture Connect Dance Troupe at the Outer Barrier, Gippsland Lakes

Documents

GLaWAC News - gunaikurnai.org · GLaWAC News, Issue 29 Yalaban (Autumn) 2019 3 . We Need You… GLaWAC has been working really hard on your . behalf to consolidate your corporation