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LinkUp (Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

NEWSLETTERVolume 3 September/October 2012

Welcome to Dubbo

CEO's Message

Link-Up Christmas Message

Reunion back to Country Cape York

Link-Up Board Update

Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama

The Deadly Awards

New Staff at Link-Up

Open Invitation to al l ex Domo boys

Mornington Island Visit

Carl Edwards - a reflection by John Ansey

ACPA Launches New Premises

Doomadgee Trip

Commonwealth Games - 30 years on

Up the Ladder

Admin and Finance Update

What you'll find inside this issue:

Indigenous Family and Child Support Service (IFACSS) is

currently running a recruitment drive with regards to the Foster

and Kinship Program. Their aim is to try and recruit more foster

or kinship carers for our children in care.

Bronco’s winger, Jharal Yow Yeh, an Ambassador for IFACSS,

participated in a photo shoot at our Link-Up (Qld) Brisbane

office with our staff. He also interviewed staff on the work we do

for our communities as part of their promotional material .

This visit wil l form part of IFACSS’s community awareness and

community engagement throughout the Brisbane area. The

photo shoots from the different organisations and services wil l

be collated and placed onto a banner and/or posters for our

community to showcase unity and strength around Child

Protection.

The end result of this promotion is: “CHILD PROTECTION ISEVERYONE’S BUSINESS.”

(IFACSS)

Jharal pays a visit toLink-Up (Qld)

Brisbane Link-Up staff, Henrietta Hunter and Ruthie Link meet Broncoswinger, Jharal Yow Yeh


This is an adventure that was a long awaited connection to my family,so let’s not delay and start on our journey.

I t began with the lovely Aunty Margaret and Aunty Ruthie along with my

husband, Jason finding out very quickly my terror of flying in a plane,

regardless of how smooth the trip was, but before we knew it we had

touched down and jumped into a car for the rest of the five hour hike to

Dubbo.

Through the glorious range of the Blue Mountains, with plenty of laughs

and stories past Lithgow, through Mudgee and Gulgong reaching

Dunedoo, we saw beautiful fields of green with plenty of sheep, cows

and horses. The gorgeous fields of yel low where the canola grew was

amazing, as was the sensational site of al l the wineries along the last

leg to Dubbo.

We final ly made it! ! Soooo very excited.

by Emma Olssen, Link Up (Qld) client

Once settled in we headed to meet the family. We were warmly welcomed by Aunty Queenie, Uncle John and most of

the family, not to mention the gorgeous grandchildren. We enjoyed a fantastic BBQ and a catch up of who was who, it

was a wonderful experience to receive such knowledge and understanding, and warming to the heart to feel the

connection.

I final ly felt connected. The trip home was one of reflection and thankful thoughts of what was a wonderful experience.

I t would have never been possible if it wasn’t for the wonderful Aunty Margaret and Aunty Ruthy and their wonderful

support, kind words, caring approach and our laughs. I cannot thank all of the fantastic team at Link-Up enough for the

opportunity that would not have happened if it weren’t for them all .

Not only was I blessed with reconnecting with my beautiful extended family, I was also blessed in finding and feeling

welcomed by the Link-Up family, who wil l always be another extended part of my family. They wil l always hold a very

special place in my heart.

The next day was warm, caring and again as always, welcoming. Uncle

John and Aunty Queenie invited us on a trip around the sites of Dubbo. I t

felt l ike we had always known them. They took Jason and myself to The Old

Dubbo Goal. We had a fantastic time, lots of laughs and fun. We then

retired back to Uncle John’s and Aunty Queenie's place, where we really

connected and talked about the entire family on both our sides. The stories

of my grandparents, great uncles and aunties and extended family was one

I always wanted to know about. I t was a wonderful experience. Dinner that

night was just as amazing as I met more family. The food was divine and

the company even better.

Final ly, it was time to say our goodbyes. I did not want to go; it was such a

warm heat-felt experience.Aunty Queenie Skinner is given flowers by hergreat niece, Emma

Link-Up client, Emma Olssen, with her husband,Jason


CEO's Message

Link Up (Qld)Membership

The benefits are many:

• Belonging to and having ownership within the

Link-Up organisation

• Abil ity to uti l ise your own skil ls, talents and

expertise as a Volunteer

• Receiving updates and bi-monthly newsletters

• Being part of the solution in terms of righting some

of the past wrongs / being able to put individual

energies and input into activities and events

• Voting at general elections

• Having your say in the way Link-Up (Qld) operates

To become a member, complete the application form

on the back page, tear it off and return it to us.

Link-Up (Qld) has had some wonderful responses to the

last edition of our newsletter, and we welcome your

comments which can be addressed to:

The Editor,

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation,

PO Box 3229 South Brisbane Q 41 01

Our first volume was a small run and only targeted internal

and local stakeholders. Volume 2 has been sent out al l over

Queensland and also electronical ly through email networks

to a wider audience.

I f you would l ike to join our newsletter mail ing l ist, please

send your detai ls to the above address or send an email to:

contact@qld. l ink-up.org.au

Feedback

Welcome to the final newsletter for 201 2. I t's been a busy year and a busy

couple of months since our last newsletter.

Link-Up (Qld) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 201 2 on 1 9th

November with Sam Watson being returned unopposed for another 1 2 months

as Board Chairperson. A copy of the Annual Report wil l be sent to members

shortly.

Link-Up (Qld) partnered the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA)

in the production of ‘Stolen’, which was directed by Leah Purcell . Link-Up

(Qld) Staff attended the 1 8th Deadly Awards at the Sydney Opera House on

the 25th September, 201 2 after being nominated for two Deadly Awards:

Outstanding Contribution to the Stolen Generations, and OutstandingAchievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education for AssociateProfessor Norman Sheehan . Having already won the Premier’s Reconcil iation

Award, Link-Up (Qld) unfortunately came away empty-handed from TheDeadly's, although a great night was had by those in attendance.

Recently, Link-Up (Qld) has been involved in trips to Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama Aboriginal Communities,

Mornington Island and Doomadgee, whilst a Healing Camp was held for Aboriginal Elders in Mareeba at the end of

November. Look out for a ful l report on the Healing Camp in our first edition of the newsletter for 201 3 due out

early next year. All of these events provided great opportunities to further strengthen existing partnerships, whilst

developing new relationships along the way. They're also a great way of raising awareness about the great work

being done by Link-Up (Qld) counsellors reuniting family members with loved-ones throughout Queensland.

Final ly, I would l ike to take this opportunity to thank all of our stakeholders, partners, members, friends, Board

Members and our wonderful Link-Up (Qld) staff for the contributions they have made and support they have given

throughout 201 2. I wish you a safe and happy holiday, and I look forward to seeing you again in 201 3.

Sheryl Sandy, CEO Link-Up (Qld)

Sheryl Sandy, CEO Link-Up (Qld)


Reunion back to Country Cape York

I organised a 'Back to Country' reunion in a remote part of Cape York, North

Queensland for my clients Trevor, Diana, Carol, Cathy and Clifford Prior in

October 201 2, in remembrance of their mother. The four day reunion back to

Kaanju Country entai led Batavia Downs station, Morton Telegraph Station and

the Wenlock River, the birthplace of their dear mother. The family members

travelled from Townsvil le, Ingham and Cairns to Morton Telegraph Station Cape

York. The 1 4 hour drive to the country was an emotional and joyous occasion.

The impact of this reunion showed a silent reflection of their mother’s pain, from

forceful ly being removed as a young girl from the Cape and being sent to Palm

Island girls dormitory. The journey back for this family brought closure, giving them

an inner feeling of contentment and peace, knowing that they had final ly returned

to their mother’s homeland. Endurance, strength and love, along with the stories

are the memories they hold and wil l never be forgotten.

For Trevor, Diana, Carol, Cathy and Clifford Prior this is their empowerment with

their closure. I am sure these memories wil l be handed down to their chi ldren and

grandchildren.

The Prior family sit in reflection by the Wenlock River, birthplace of their mother, Trixie

Trixie Prior

The Prior family (left to right) Trevor, Cathy, Carol, Cl iffordand Diana

The Wenlock River was the location of the 'Back to Country' reunion

by Jasmine Brady,Caseworker, Cairns


MMEERRRRYY CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASSAANNDD AAHHAAPPPPYY NNEEWW YYEEAARR

On behalf of the Boardand Staff of Link -Up (Qld)

We would like to wish you all avery Merry Christmas and

a prosperous New Year

Link-Up (Qld) Brisbane and Townsville offices will be closed fromMonday 24th December 201 2 until Monday 7th January 201 3

The Cairns office does not re-open until Monday 21 st January 201 3


Link-Up (Qld) Board Update

As well as slashing thousands of jobs in the Public

Service Sector, Campbell Newman's LNP (Liberal

National Party) has announced major cuts to Indigneous

funding across Queensland .

The newly elected State Government's first Budget,

released in Parl iament on September 11 , wil l axe the Murri

Court* and yank mil l ions from Indigenous cultural projects

and health programs, al l whilst funding the recruitment of

another 11 00 police.

Respected Aboriginal community Leader, Sam Watson,

claims getting rid of the Murri Court system is a big

mistake. "This has caused a great deal of concern," said

Mr Watson, a Birri Gubba and Bundjalung Elder. "I t'l l

mean Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wil l lose

a very effective and very important support mechanism."

In closing the Murri Court system, the State Government

expects to save mil l ions. However, many predict the

number of Indigenous people ending up in prison wil l

skyrocket as a result. Through its programs, the Murri

Court has successful ly rehabil itated hundreds of

Indigenous offenders. Instead of being sent to jai l , they

are integrated back into the community.

Aboriginal Elder Bradley Henaway believes the

government wil l have to "build bigger jai ls" if the Murri

Court goes. "I t's something that's working," he said. "Why

would they want to cut it?"

State Minister for Justice, Jarrod Blei j ie said the decision

to cease funding for this program was made because it

was not working effectively. "The Murri Court is not

del ivering consistent results and does not justify the

amount being spent to keep it operating," said Mr Blei j ie.

In contrast, Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin and Greens

Senate candidate Adam Stone have praised the program

for generating positive results.

QLD Law Society President, Dr John de Groot says the

move may end up costing Queenslanders far more than

the government's expected savings. "Diversionary courts

l ike the Murri Court play an important role in rehabil itating

offenders, reducing the rate of crime and creating

considerable long-term cost savings for the community,"

said Mr de Groot. "Dollars aside, this move by the

government also raises serious justice issues.

*The Murri Court sentences Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander offenders who plead guilty to an offence whichfalls within the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court. Itprovides a forum where Elders, respected persons,community justice groups and the offender's family can beinvolved in the sentencing process.

The $3.9 mil l ion original ly al located to fund the

development of an Aboriginal Cultural Centre in

Brisbane's Musgrave Park has also been cut.

"In ripping money from the Musgrave Park Cultural Centre

as well as the Cairns Cultural Precinct, Mr Newman was

very shortsighted, contradicting his supposed commitment

to reducing unemployment," said Mr Watson "One of the

highest employers of Indigenous people in Queensland is

the Arts Sector."

According to Nunukul Yuggera man Shannon Ruska, this

move by the LNP confirms the construction of the Centre

wil l never happen. "I t's a sad case of affairs," said Mr

Ruska.

Newman slashes Indigenous funding statewide

Murri community leader and Link-Up (Qld)Board Chairperson Sam Watson - "Throughthe entire process of cuts and budget trimming,there has been no engagement with theIndigenous community, no consultation and noattempt to meet and talk with the Indigenouscommunity in a meaningful way."


Reprinted with the kind permission of the BrisbaneBlacks Monthly.

A second round of cuts announced on September 24

targeted several Indigneous health organisations. The

Gindaja Treatment and Healing Centre (hostel in North

QLD catering for both men and women with drug and

alcohol related problems) wil l no longer receive

government funding. Various other initiatives such as

nutrition promotion and sexual health programs wil l also

suffer.

One of the few Indigenous projects not touched by the

cuts was the Cape York Institute for Policy and

Leadership, headed by founder Noel Pearson.

Mr Watson labelled this as just another example of

government putting their "pet leaders" on a pedestal.

"Pearson and his Institute favour those 1 9th century

concepts of paternalism, of the noble savage needed to

be guided and managed," he said.

BASE (Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy) joined

with Queensland Uncut* in their September 22 ral lyagainst the Newman LNP Government, leading the

protest march through the streets of Brisbane City.

*Queensland Uncut is a community coalition of groups,organisations and individuals opposed to the LNPsbudget cuts.

BMA and CQUniversity join forces to help 'close the gap'in Indigenous education

CQUniversity Austral ia and BHP Bil l i ton Mitsubishi All iance (BMA) have

affirmed their joint commitment to ‘closing the gap’ in Indigenous education

and opportunity, with the announcement of a new senior leadership role at

CQUniversity, as well as 1 5 new scholarships for students from all

backgrounds, representing a $1 .8 mil l ion commitment from BMA.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks wil l take up the role of CQUniversity Pro Vice-

Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous

Engagement from this month. The jointly funded position wil l support

outreach activities between the University and the Central Queensland

region’s numerous Indigenous communities.

According to CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Scott

Bowman, the position has been a long time in the planning and wil l form a

vital part of CQUniversity’s senior leadership team. “CQUniversity is at the

forefront of Indigenous tertiary education in Austral ia, with an Indigenous

student population that is already double the level of national targets, ”

Professor Bowman said.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Link-Up(Qld) Board Member, CQUniversity ProVice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement)and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement

“Professor Fredericks has an exemplary track record in academic leadership and, with her strong ties to Central

Queensland, is the perfect person to take on this vital role. I am very much looking forward to embarking on this

exciting journey of improved Indigenous engagement with her at the helm."

Professor Fredericks said she was honoured to be taking up the challenging but exciting new role of Pro Vice-

Chancellor and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement. “I am looking forward to working with Indigenous

communities to identify ways to build their capacity in education, employment and general equality of opportunity,

and then helping bring this to fruition,” Professor Fredericks said.

"I wil l work to advance CQUniversity’s Indigenous engagement agenda and endeavour to improve educational

outcomes for CQUniversity’s Indigenous student cohort past, present and future. I also intend to build on the

excellent platform already established by the University’s Nulloo Yumbah Centre for Indigenous Learning, Spiritual ity

and Research."


Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama

than 400 - 600 people. There are two traditional owners

here who are proficient in their language groups. Tipitch is

central to both Wik Munkan and Thyore sides.

The community has a thriving Cultural Art Centre with the

creative art taking the form of ghost netting - kangaroos,

pigs, crocs, fish - al l l ife sized.

There is a vibrant radio station in operation, schools, a

community health centre, aged care and respite centre, and

a guest house for service people who fly in. There are also

service homes for the l ive-in workers. A very good retai l

store is managed by non-Indigenous people, but employs

local Indigenous community people. There are also small

cemeteries for the separate Traditional Owners.

The Cultural Art Centre in Pormpuraaw

Sheryl Sandy, Link-Up (Qld) CEO, and John Ansey, Link-Up Caseworker Townsvil le land a big one

Located on the West Coast of Cape York, Pormpuraaw has the Aboriginal meaning of "place of many humpies." This

beautiful l i ttle town is one of the friendl iest communities in the Cape / Gulf. The population is estimated at no more

Pormpuraaw Art Centre Mural 2009


Cathy I l l in interviewed on local radio in Pormpuraaw

Traditional images in Pormpuraaw

Kowanyama has the Aboriginal meaning for “place

of many waters" and is situated on the West Coast

of Cape York. With a population of approximately

1 200 people, Kowanyama was original ly set up as

the Mitchell River Mission in 1 91 6. Language

groups include Yir Yoront, Thangalkl Koko Bera,

Uw Oykangand, and Olkola. In 1 987, a Deed of

Grant In Trust was given to the Kowanyama

community over the lands of the Mitchell River

Delta.

Kowanyama has a number of community facil ities

l ike the RFDS, Primary Health Centre, Women’s

Centre, Aboriginal Justice Group, Cultural and

Recreation Centre, Primary School, Guest House,

Trade and Training Centre, and a retai l store.

Although Kowanyama has an Alcohol Management Plan in place to curb alcoholism, domestic violence, low school

attendance, and sly grog, there is no community canteen that sel ls alcohol to the community.

Link-Up Staff met with Michael Abbott – Integration Officer, Department of Communities to discuss what Link-Up can

offer for the local community. Michael relayed that the Lands Office run by Viv Sinnomen has most of the genealogy of

the community and recommended this agency as a good place to start any future field trips. The RFDS has access to

Counsellors and has the SEWB position sitting in its organisation.

Discussions wil l be taking place between Link-Up and the RFDS in the near future.

Both Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama Aboriginal Communities are extremely remote and are almost 1 00% populated by

Aboriginal people. There is low local employment and fees are extravagant to fly out of the communities. For

example, a one way trip to Cairns by plane is $500 and most people are welfare dependant. In the early 1 900s there

were huge numbers of women and children removed from these communities who ended up in places l ike Palm

Island, Woorabinda and Cherbourg. The removed people walked or were transported on Bullocky Drays and their

journey took weeks and months to complete.

Even though Pormpuraaw has a canteen, it was far quieter than Kowanyama, which had no canteen. Pormpuraaw

has retained one of the old buildings, a corrugated tin building which once serviced the community as the local

Butcher Shop. This building would have been operational during the days when the community was known as Edward

River and in the early days of Pormpuraaw.

For al l travel to these remote communities, it is advisable

to organise a vehicle to get around to the agencies.

Pormpuraaw Community has a car hire service available to

visitors but the bigger community of Kowanyama has no

car hire service. I t is therefore recommended that staff

either drive from Mt Isa or organise an agency to

lend/lease one of their vehicles. We felt comfortable in

Pormpuraaw maybe because we had a vehicle and were

free to carry out business at our own pace and at the

community’s own pace.

The bell attached to the church in Kowanyama

Sorry Business is a definite ‘no business’ day and for staff to abide by their

Cultural Protocols around their traditional funeral processes. For instance,

when we were at Pormpuraaw, there was a road blocked off in respect for a

person who had passed away a fortnight before we got there. This blocked

off road was a link to that person’s Country and out of respect the community

made it a ‘no-go’ zone for a short period of time.

We landed in Kowanyama the day before a funeral. For the Kowanyama

community, it is common practise for the family of the deceased person to

perform their own ceremony before the ceremony at the Church. This

process from the Viewing to the Family Ceremony to the Church Service can

take all day. That means for most people business is not carried out – the

two stores in town were also closed out of respect for the deceased person.


The Aboriginal Land and Natural Resources Management Officein Kowanyama

The Deadly AwardsLink-Up (Qld) Staff attended the 1 8th Deadly Awards at the Sydney Opera House on the 25th September, 201 2 after

being nominated for two Deadly Awards:

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE STOLEN GENERATIONS

Stolen – Link-Up Queensland and the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EDUCATION

Link Up (QLD) and Associate Professor Norman Sheehan

Unfortunately Link-Up (Qld) did not win a 'Deadly' but had the pleasure of mingl ing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Celebrities Jessica Mauboy, Troy Cassar-Daley, Ben Barber, Gail Mabo, Florence Onus, The Sapphires and

Maggie Walsh. Winners on the night in our nominated categories were: ABSEC - NSW, and NAPRANUM Parents and

Learning Group (PAL).

The evening was hosted by Luke Carrol l and Casey Donovan with Deadly Hip Hop singing, Dancing, Modell ing and

Opera.

Lots of unsung heroes where recognised on the night and it was wonderful to see so many Aboriginal and Torres

Islander people looking so beautiful and healthy. Cairns Link-Up (Qld) Counsellor Aunty Cathy I l l in did a great job at

being ‘Papparazzi’ for the evening, as you can see by our deadly photographs.

A special congratulations to Aunty Lorraine Peeters for receiving her Deadly Award for her l ifetime contribution to

healing the Stolen Generations.



New staff at Link-Up

Service Delivery Manager: Shirley Watters has had a career

working with community managed social service organisations in

Queensland, Victoria, NSW and the Northern Territory in lots of

management and project development roles. She is passionate

about working to achieve social justice outcomes and build high

quality cl ient services and brings a wealth of hands on experience

to her role.

Counsellor and Project Officer (Townsville): Maxine Bell has a

long history working in the Department of Communities Townsvil le

including in the Community & Personal Histories Unit for a period.

She is also well connected at the grassroots in the community.

Caseworker (Townsville): John Ansey has worked in the Diversion

Centre and at Murri Watch and is also very well connected with

Townsvil le and Palm Island communities and famil ies.


Open invitation to all ex Domo Boys who lived inthe Boys' Dormitory in CherbourgThe Ration Shed Museum are making a short documentary fi lm about the

history of the Boys' Dormitory in Cherbourg. Fi lming was due to take place

during the weekend of 24 November 201 2 and wil l hopeful ly be ready for a

launch in 201 3.

The aim of the fi lm is to hear the voices of the men who were brought up as

children in the dormitory. The Ration Shed Museum want the fi lm to capture

what l ife was like for those men living in the dorm - in al l of its hardship and

difficulties and also its happier times.

Through their personal stories the fi lm wil l explore the themes of innocence,

loss, survival and strength. Also planned for inclusion are extracts of

interviews fi lmed with Domo Boys who have since passed on, while those

that don't make it into the fi lm wil l be placed on the website.

How Can We Help?LinkUp provides tracing and reunion services to members of theStolen Generations in Queensland. Our Caseworkers and ResearchOfficers research all kinds of records to identify and locate your familymembers. The research process can take anywhere from several monthsto years depending on your individual case.

Throughout the LinkUp journey, our Caseworkers will be in regularcontact, and our counsellors are available whenever you wish to have ayarn.To be eligible for a LinkUp reunion you must be over 18 years old,identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and have been removedas a child into an institution, or fostered or adopted.

Call us on FREECALL: 1800 200 855

The fi lm, which is being made for visitors to the Cherbourg Historical Precinct, wil l be 30 minutes in length and is

being produced by Sandra Morgan and Mark Newman. Other documentaries include the Ration Shed Film and

the Early Days.

For more information on the Cherbourg Ration Shed, visit their website: www.rationshedmuseum.com.au, or

please contact Sandra Morgan on 07 41 69 5753.

Carl Edwards - a reflection by John Ansey


Carl (Carlo) Edwards is an Aboriginal Elder from Pormpuraaw.

I sat in the canteen and he invited me to sit at his table. He

spoke to me about working as a stockman his entire l ife from a

young boy up and down the Queensland coast from

Toowoomba to the cape communities.

I l istened to him speak about the hard work that he did and one

can’t help but think about how his l ife would have been,

working long days, every day for nothing more than the basic

necessities to survive. I could tel l that this hardship has not

made this man bitter. Rather, he remembered these days

fondly and with pride and I couldn’t help but feel proud of this

old man that has seen and experienced so much in his l ife and

has survived.John Ansey, who wrote the reflection, with Carl (Carlo)Edwards, and Maxine Bell

Mornington Island Visit Sheryl Sandy and Donna Ives of Brisbane’s Link-Up (Qld)

along with Cathy I l l in from Cairns Link-Up office and Joseph

Oui, Relationships Austral ia Cairns, boarded a fl ight to

Mornington Island. By the time they had arrived they'd met

up with acquaintances on the plane: Peter Cleary, an ex

manager for the Woomera Mornington Island Dance Group,

and Kerry Tim and Jackie Huggins who were holding

Women’s Leadership Workshops in Mornington Island and

Doomagee.

Once on Mornington Island Sheryl, Donna, Cathy and

Joseph visited the Save the Children’s brand new facil ities

and met a group of wonderful caring staff and community

women who were very excited to be moving into the new

building.

(From left to right) Sheryl, Hannah, Cathy, Budley andJoseph at the Mornington Island Well-being Centre

Joseph and Cathy at Save the Children's brand newbuilding


ACPA Launches New Premises at Kangaroo Point

Link-Up (Qld) staff were invited to the opening of the new Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) premises

at Kangaroo Point. Link-Up (Qld) has had a long association with ACPA being practical ly neighbours in Cordelia

Street West End, supplying data for their production of “Stolen”, and also negotiating shared tenancy at their new

premises.

Guests were greeted at the entrance by a ballerina as they meandered

their way through the newly and purposely designed and built staging

rooms. In the rooms, students were participating in traditional and

contemporary dance, recitals, fi lm productions and oratories. As guests

entered the meeting room, they were amazed by a young student

graceful ly dancing on top of a grand piano being played by one of the

ACPA instructors.

The audience was pleasantly taken aback by an impromptu oratory by

two students fol lowed by the formalities introduced by the CEO for ACPA,

Mr Milos Miladinovic. The Chairman of the ACPA Board and Link-Up (Qld)CEO, Ms Sheryl Sandy also spoke to the gathering along with the Minister

for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts, Ms Ros Bates, and a Welcome to

Country was conducted by ACPA Board member, Aunty Flo Watson.

The students then performed a

traditional Aboriginal song and dance

of welcome “Gari Gynda Narmi” and

walked through the crowd despatching

personal scrol ls as thank you gifts. A

nonet of female students sang their rendition of a traditional Torres Strait

Islander song “Baba Waia” and then posed for photos with the guests. Around

sixty patrons, including Gabba Ward Council lor, Cr. Helen Abrahams, Brisbane

Elders chairperson, Aunty Valda Coolwell and associated Aboriginal organisations

enjoyed the theatrics and formalities of the morning’s activities.

ACPA CEO Milos Miladinovic(foreground) mingles, while a youngstudent dances atop a grand piano

A ballerina greeted guests on their arrival

ACPA students performed thetraditional Torres Strait Islandersong, "Baba Waia"

Aunty Valda Coolwell was among 60guests who attended the launch

ACPA students performed a traditional Aboriginal song of welcome for guests at the opening oftheir new premises in Kangaroo Point


Doomadgee Trip - a reflection by Donna IvesLate in the afternoon, we arrived in Doomagee. As our fel low

passengers dispersed to their pick-up vehicles, we had to wait

as our hire car hadn’t arrived. We found ourselves jumping into 3

separate cars to get to the accommodation. Once there, the

Manager of the lodge contacted the car hire company to bring

the vehicle around. Whilst waiting, we discovered that we had to

purchase food for our meals, so once we had wheels, we took

off looking for the supermarket.

We arrived at the supermarket only to see the manager closing

the doors, because closing time is at 4pm. A local suggested the

Roadhouse, but if it was closed, we would have to drive 2 ½

hours to Gregory Downs Hotel for a meal. We arrived at the

Roadhouse only to see them closing their doors. A local woman

said she would tel l us of another place, but only if we gave her a ride (which we did because we were panicking now).

That place was also closed and no one was home. We dropped off the friendly local and headed back to the lodge

where we caught-up with the Manager who begrudgingly offered to cook us spaghetti , which we grateful ly accepted.

We were tired now, but no longer hungry.

In the morning after waking refreshed, we got in our car but it wouldn't start! We waited around for 20 minutes unti l the

owners arrived and kick started the engine. We headed off real ising that if we want to do anything – “Do No Turn The

Engine Off, ” because the battery wasn’t charging.

We met up with locals and took photographs of the community. We then drove to Gregory Downs, over 200 klms

away. Around half an hour out we heard a noise and the brakes stopped working . . . . . . Steady, steady we drove on to

Gregory Downs hoping (and me praying) that nothing too complicated was wrong with the car.

Once we arrived, we fi l led the car back up with petrol, kick started the car again to get it going, and then drove back to

Doomadgee via Burketown. I t was calming having a male presence in the vehicle (thank you Joseph - pictured below)

who knew a little bit about cars.


The next morning, after after another jump start by the vehicle

owners, we caught up with Kerri Tims and Jackie Huggins with

the women Elders of the community at the PCYC. We

interviewed two of the women and then in the final hour at

Doomagee spent time with an amazing Elder. She knew her

history and the names of distant relatives who were taken away

when she was a young girl .

While interviewing her, a plane flew over and she encouraged us

to get moving, because the plane in Doomadgee waits for no

one. After a l ittle bit more drama with the car, we eventual ly

caught the plane back to Cairns.

(Above) Aunty Apri l Peters with Link-Up (Qld) CEO, Sheryl Sandy

(Below, left to right) Kerry Tim, Link-Up (Qld) Multimedia Manager, Donna Ives,and Jackie Huggins(Left) Doomadgee wildl ife

Commonwealth Games - 30 years on

Gathering in the shade of some big old trees, our original

Warriors from the ’82 protests, included Bob Weatheral l , Tiga

Bayles, Gracelyn Smallwood, Les Malezer, Wayne Wharton,

Pat Leavy, Ross and Lil la Watson, Desmond Dodd, Michael

Mansell , Marshal & Richard Bell , Alana Doolan, Virginia

Wyles, Chris Peacock, Jeannie Bell and many others met and

talked together.

Included were young Indigenous men and women who spoke

up, making a valuable contribution to the conversations. They

covered numerous issues facing our people and looked

towards options for the future.


The gathering at Musgrave Park, Brisbane

Wayne Wharton was amongst thosewho returned 30 years later

Dennis Wharton with Gracelyn Smallwood and twinsNyoka and Kymora (Ives-Rigby)

Aunty Lil la Watson and Michael Mansell addressedthose gathered

The 30th anniversary of the 1 982 Commonwealth Games protests were held on Saturday 6 October in a forum at

Musgrave Park.

Chris Peacock and Jeannie Bell

Strong and unified presence needed at the201 4 G20 Summit (Brisbane) and the 201 8Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast), to stepup onto the world stage once again, to showthe international community what is sti l l

happening to Indigenous people in Austral ia,‘the lucky country’.

Serious concerns regarding the New StolenGeneration , enduring drug/alcohol problems,deaths in custody and high incarceration rates.

Need for increased engagement betweenyouths and elders.

Land rights back on the agenda;self-determination first and foremost (platform

to build upon, providing foundations toapproach social/economic issues)

Next national meeting to be held at CanberraTent Embassy on January 26, 201 3 (InvasionDay) – Elders call on al l First Nations people

to attend.


Bob Weatheral l l istened to others throughout the day

Raquel Lee at Musgrave Park, Brisbane

Geoff Clarke and Karen Fusi

Bob Weatheral l spoke at Musgrave Park

Up the Ladder

Directed by Wesley Enoch and featuring more than 50 Dancers, Singers, Actors

and Musicians from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts. After a sell-out

season of Jane Harrison’s powerful and moving play “Stolen” in 2011 , the

talented students of the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA)

returned with their new production “Up the Ladder” on the 25th October.

Under the guidance of Queensland Theatre Company Artistic Director, renowned

playwright and director Wesley Enoch, the ACPA students performed a dynamic

style of music, dance and acting to Roger Bennett’s animated play “Up the

Ladder”.

An inspiring story of triumph over adversity, "Up the Ladder" evokes the carnival atmosphere, humour and energy of

1 940s and 50s sideshows as we fol low an Aboriginal man’s journey from the humble rough and tumble of post-war

Austral ian boxing tents to a high profi le professional career as a champion boxer.


At the QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre, the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA), celebrated after their premier

performance of “Up The Ladder”. Performers mingled with guests as they attended the “after party”.

Students of ACPA

Wearing two hats: Sheryl Sandy attendedas both the CEO of Link-Up (QLD) andBoard Chair of ACPA

(Left to right) Valda Coolwell with Link-Up (Qld)Board Chair Sam Watson and Sheryl Sandy


COME AND JOIN US AND MAKE YOUR MARK ON THIS PAGE!! !

Admin and Finance Update

Congratulations to Kate Shih who

has been volunteering with us for 1 ½ years.

Thank you so much Kate for your support and dedication.

Introducing:Admin Officer trainee:

Mieragan Coghil l

Mieragan is our new ful l-time Admin

Officer Trainee, and is very excited to

have joined Link-Up after recently

completing her year 1 2 studies.

Admin Volunteer:

Michael Beaver

Michael has come to Link-Up after being

recommended through Career

Employment Austral ia.

Together let us welcome them both.

The admin team

is currently looking for

another VOLUNTEER STAR

to join us. Ful l training provided.

Please call Lyn Walsh :

0424 1 89 645 FOR DETAILS.

Link-Up (Qld) has undergone enormous transition in the last 6

months, including the move to the finance function being

processed in-house. This is a historical moment for Link-Up

(Qld). We have certainly grown so much since 1 984.

We would l ike to take this opportunity to thank Egoli Accounting

Services, and Accountant Mr Ian MacIntosh, for providing an

excellent service to Link-Up (Qld) during the last 1 2 years. Link-

Up (Qld) has been very fortunate. Thank you once again Ian.

VIDEOCONFERENCING IS HERE!

A big thank you to the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Health (OATSIH) for funding our Videoconferencing Equipment.

Link-Up (Qld) Brisbane is now able to interact face-to-face to our Cairns

Office and clients in rural and remote areas via our new

videoconferencing device.

I t is with great pleasure to let you all know that the Link-Up Qld Financial

audit for financial year 2011 -201 2 was completed successful ly.

The Yearly Financial report was presented at the AGM on the 1 9th

November 201 2.

Upcoming Events

I f you would l ike to contribute to the Link-Up e-Newsletter,please email us at: contact@qld-l ink-up.org.au

Link-Up coffee-table book published soon!

In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community contexts, rather than producing data and devising new solutions,

'Respectful Design' works to bring peoples together, establ ish grassroots level engagement and enable the cultural

reconnections that generate resil ient futures. This work is bottom up engagement with populations attempting to recover

from generational trauma conducted in partnership with Link-Up (Qld). Link-Up is dedicated to redressing the cultural,

social and individual harm done to Aboriginal peoples by policies of forced relocation and forced child removal.

In these wounded life spaces 'Respectful Design' attempts to generate a safe place where people can engage freely as

groups through cultural ly affirming and comfortable processes. In this safe place, groups and individuals can publical ly

demonstrate their connections and also privately express their own reconnection and renewal through their images and

the stories they share.

Connective Art, Indigenous Cultural Developmentand Well-being

Link-Up Qld Christmas Break: 21 December - 7January 201 3

Apology Day 5 Year Anniversary Celebration -

includes launch of Link-Up (Qld) 'Respectful Design'

coffee-table book: 1 3 February 201 3


The Link-Up coffee-table book wil l be named:'Respectful Design'

Thank You from MariaSeeds - StudentPlacement

To Link-Up (QLD) staff

I would l ike to thank you all for the wonderful

opportunity that I have enjoyed at Link-Up for the

last 1 8 weeks. Thank you for the guidance, support

and encouragement you have provided me during

my time here at Link-Up. I ’ve learnt alot from you

and I wil l miss you all .

Maria Seeds November 201 2


Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHouseholds get Digital Ready Now!I t is less than six months before people across Brisbane switch to digital-only TV signals.

So, it is time to make sure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households are

Digital Ready now.

The Austral ian Government understands that some

people may need practical assistance to switch to

digital TV.

The Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) has been

established to help el igible people to have digital

ready equipment instal led in their homes free-of-

charge. The Household Assistance Scheme also

provides in-home aftercare support for 1 2 months.

People who may be eligible have been sent a letter

from the Department of Human Services inviting

them to test their el igibi l i ty. This is the Department

that now delivers Centrel ink payments and services.

To find out if you are eligible and to apply, cal l the

Department of Human Services on

1 800 556443.

Although the Scheme is open unti l one month after

switchover, it is important to apply as soon as

possible so that an instal lation can be completed

before the switchover and you do not lose access to

free-to-air television.

People in the Brisbane metropolitan switchover area are strongly encouraged to apply before 28 December 201 2.

You wil l be able to enjoy the benefits of digital TV as soon as your instal lation is complete.

To find out more about digital switchover, including how to access information about assistance schemes, see the

Digital Ready website at www.digitalready.gov.au or call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1 800 20 1 0 1 3 (Free

call except from mobile phones)

*Some towns may switch off earl ier and wil l be informed of the date. See the website for more information.

I f households are not digital ready by 28 May 201 3*, they wil l no longer have access to free-to-air TV and wil l miss

out on all their favourite TV shows.

Brisbane residents don't need to wait unti l the last minute to convert to digital TV. Converting now wil l ensure access

to al l 1 6 digital television channels, providing more choice and a better quality television viewing experience.

To convert to digital TV, you wil l need a TV that is capable of receiving digital signals. Most importantly, you do not

need to buy a new TV if you don’t want to. Nearly al l analog TVs are able to receive digital TV signals by adding a

digital set-top box or digital TV recorder to each analog TV you wish to convert.


Want to make a Donation to LinkUp (Qld)?

- Sheryl Sandy, CEO Link-Up Queensland

I f you are interested in supporting Link-Up Queensland, al l donations aretax deductible and can be made to:

Account Name: Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal CorporationABN: 360 739 564 96Banking Institution: WestpacAccount Number: 277 709BSB: 034 01 3

Please send all cheques to PO Box 3229, South Brisbane, Queensland 41 01 .

For more information, please call our office on 1 800 200 855.

Become a Link-Up (Qld) Member

I t is being involved with an organisation which provides a cultural ly appropriate and sensitive service to

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I t also presents a voice for our

people in major forums relating to issues and concerns of our cl ients and community in general such as

NAIDOC, National Sorry Day & Reconcil iation and other significant issues and concerns.

Complete the application form on the back page, then tear it off and send it back.

The Link-Up (Qld) Membership Application Form is

on the other side of this page.

I f you are interested in becoming a member, please

complete the form, then remove it and return it to

Link-Up (Qld).


Don't forget...

Link-Up (Qld) Brisbane and Townsville offices will be closed from

Monday 24th December 201 2 until Monday 7th January 201 3.The Cairns office does not re-open until Monday 21 st January 201 3.

Images from 2012

See you in 2013!!!

Link Up (Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

About Link-Up (Qld) - Our Mission

Link-Up Queensland exists to enhance the lives of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by reuniting

those over the age of eighteen years who have

experienced enforced separation from their famil ies and

communities through adoption, fostering, removal and

institutional isation. We wil l provide our service in a

sensitive, confidential and cultural ly appropriate manner

and use all available resources to assist those looking to

find their family of origin.

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Caseworkers and

Counsellors are experienced individuals who can assist

in reuniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander famil ies.

We are able to facil itate workshops, provide information

sessions at Universities, Schools, Conferences,

Government Departments and Community

Organisations. We also provide a referral service to the

appropriate organisation or Government Department.

Got an interesting story to share? Email us at: contact@qld-l ink-up.org.au

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to respect cultural traditions, Indigenous readers areadvised the publication may contain images of people who are deceased.

Quick Facts:

• Link-Up is a free service

• We can assist in locating family members

• We offer support before, during and after yourfamily reunion

• We respect your privacy and treat al linformation confidential ly

• Link-Up runs a range of healing activities:camps, support groups, art and craftworkshops

• We offer cultural renewal activities andsupport return to country

Contact Details:

Still Bringing Them Home

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation

PO Box 3229 South Brisbane Q 41 01

5 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q 41 02

Email : contact@qld. l ink-up.org.au

URL: http: //www. l ink-upqld.org.au

Phone: 07 3034 8444

Fax: 07 321 7 3458

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Cairns

1 8 Scott Street Parramatta Park

Cairns NQ 4870

Phone: 07 4041 7403

Fax: 07 4027 9665

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Townsville

Unit 21 /1 84-1 86

Vickers Road North, Condon Qld 481 5

FREECALL: 1 800 200 855

Fax: (07) 321 7 3458

Documents

LinkUpd284f45nftegze.cloudfront.net/casual/link-upnews-sept-oct-12-web.pdf · LinkUp +>6 ),#!#( & ),*), .#)(Volume September/October 2012 NEWSLETTER 17>5A?7FA G44A )E'7EE397 &;@=