Media Releases

Jeanette Powell, the Member for Shepparton and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, will tonight address the Koori Employment Enterprises Graduation Dinner in Shepparton.

“The Coalition Government understands that education and training are keys for opening up employment opportunities and the range of benefits having a job brings,” says Mrs Powell.

“I am particularly pleased to be invited to celebrate the achievements of the 12 local Indigenous Victorians who have successfully completed a Certificate III level qualification in Aged Care/Home and Community Care and Disability and Asset Management.

“I understand 8 of today’s graduates have already secured employment with Rumbalara Elder Care Facility which is great news.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that the students have all shown in getting to this point of graduation.

“Aged carers and carers for people with special needs are professionals that provide a valuable and important service to the community and willingly tackle what is a challenging role.

“The Certificate III that the graduates have successfully completed offers more than technical learning. It offers practical experience within the community in the form of a 3 week placement – an important component of the 6 month course that provides real life experience in the field.

“Lowering the entrenched high rates of Indigenous unemployment is an important focus of Victorian Government policy.

“The Victorian Government has adopted a 1% Indigenous employment target for the Victorian public service and is hopeful of improved rates of Indigenous participation in the private sector.

“Reconciliation Week starts on Sunday and it’s important to acknowledge that increasing employment opportunities for Indigenous Victorians is part of process of bringing our community closer together,” Mrs Powell said.

Two new pieces of artwork, Seedtime 2012 and Harvest 2012, by award winning artist Bindi Cole were at the heart of a ceremony to recognise National Sorry Day at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Parkville today.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell unveiled the two works and congratulated the Royal Women’s Hospital for its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the sensitive way in which it approached its work.

“I commend the Royal Women’s Hospital for providing a culturally welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and its ongoing recognition of National Sorry Day,” Mrs Powell said.

“For the past 10 years the Royal Women’s Hospital has marked National Sorry Day by reflecting upon reconciliation and setting priorities for the year ahead.

“The observance of National Sorry Day, which falls tomorrow, is a time for us all to reflect upon the past injustices suffered by Indigenous people, specifically the Stolen Generations.

“I congratulate Bindi on the two panels, Seedtime 2012 and Harvest 2012, which represent the journey of reconciliation.

“Having talked to a number of Aboriginal artists in the past, I know that their art portrays their own life journey, and that this resonates with the experiences of Indigenous people throughout Australia.

“It is important that we acknowledge our past so that we move into the future with thoughtfulness and respect.

“It is also significant that today’s ceremony coincides with the launch of Koolin Balit: The Victorian Government’s strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012 – 2022.

“Koolin Balit recognises that achieving better health outcomes for Aboriginal people requires attention to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community.

“Bindi Cole’s artwork at the Royal Women’s Hospital both speaks to that understanding and helps fulfil the objective,” Mrs Powell said.

The artwork was made possible through funding from the Sidney Myer Fund and Manfrotto.

Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell has addressed the Victorian Parliament about just how important the Indigenous Round of AFL football has become.

Last Saturday the Minister joined the Long Walk from Federation Square to the MCG before attending the Dreamtime at the G Richmond Essendon match to help foster reconciliation in Victoria.

“I was honoured to walk alongside Michael Long and Indigenous actor Aaron Pedersen and be part of the wonderful atmosphere of support and recognition of Indigenous people,” Mrs Powell said.

“The AFL’s record of embracing and celebrating Indigenous players and their culture provides a positive example for all Australians.

“With Indigenous players making up 11 per cent of AFL lists, the AFL has led by example when it comes to creating opportunities for Indigenous players to achieve at the highest level of competition in the country.

“The annual match between Essendon and Richmond is tremendously popular with a crowd of almost 81,000 attending the match on Saturday night.

“The match was very exciting with Essendon beating Richmond by 19 points and Victorian Indigenous player Nathan Lovett-Murray scoring a crucial goal in the last quarter.

“Melbourne comes alive with Indigenous festivities to mark the AFL’s Indigenous Round and Dreamtime at the G – it is a real opportunity for the community to learn more about and show their support for Indigenous culture.

“It is eight years since AFL and Essendon legend Michael Long started the Long Walk – walking from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness of the issues of his people with the Federal government.

“By joining in these celebrations and re-enacting the walk, thousands of Victorians demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation,” Mrs Powell said.

Twenty young Aboriginal achievers were recognised today at the 16th annual Ricci Marks Awards ceremony at the Korin Gamadji Institute in Richmond.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell announced Verhonda Smith from Preston and Benson Saulo from Prahran as the recipients of the 2012 Ricci Marks Award in recognition of young Aboriginal achievers.

“The Victorian Government is committed to advancing the development of Indigenous youth,” Mrs Powell said.

“One of the principles guiding the Victorian Government’s approach to Aboriginal Affairs is that of aspiration, believing that every Victorian should have the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential.

“The Ricci Marks Award is one part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to recognise, support and celebrate young Aboriginal achievers,” Mrs Powell said.

Student of Indigenous Studies and History at Melbourne University, Verhonda (Bonnie) Smith excels in netball and was the captain of the National Indigenous Schoolgirl’s Netball team for two years. Bonnie’s
fundraising efforts for the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program led her to the Kokoda Track and remote Kimberley. Bonnie is motivated to promote healthy living and unite the community through sport.

Benson Saulo is the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed as the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations and has inspired many young people throughout Australia. Benson is passionate about
Indigenous youth leadership and presently holds the position of a National Director of the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy.

A $500 Encouragement Award was presented to Edward (Eddie) Bryant, a young Yorta Yorta man from Shepparton. Eddie was the first Aboriginal student at his primary school to become a school captain, and excels in sport and the performing arts. Eddie has learned Auslan so that he may communicate with
friends and family. Eddie aspires to be a strong Indigenous leader and a role model for his community.

“I was delighted to watch Eddie perform in Pekan Summer, written by famed Aboriginal soprano and actor Debra Cheetham,” Mrs Powell said.

The 20 nominees for the 2012 Ricci Marks Award came from around Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, Shepparton and the Wodonga/Albury region.

The award is named after the late Ricci Marks, who in 2000 received what was then the Aboriginal Young Achiever Award. The award title was changed to honour Ricci Marks following his death in 2004 at the age of 21. Each award recipient receives a $5,000 bursary to support their future learning and development.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell today released an Issues and Options Paper, seeking community comment, input and feedback as part of the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

The Issues and Options Paper addresses the key issues raised through the first round of
consultations.

Over 80 written submissions were received from Aboriginal groups, industry, local and state government authorities, cultural heritage advisors, and members of the public as part of the first round of consultations.

“Following the second round of submissions and consultations, the findings of the review will be provided to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the establishment and effectiveness of Registered Aboriginal Parties, which is due to report in September 2012.

“I wish to thank everyone who personally and on behalf of a range of organisations took the time to write submissions and participate in the first round of consultation for the review of the Act.

“I encourage those with an interest in the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria to consider the Issues and Options Paper and to provide feedback before 24 May 2012,” Mrs Powell said.

For additional information please visit www.dpcd.vic.go.au/indigenous

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell tabled the Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 (VGIAR) in State Parliament today.

“The VGIAR delivers on the Premier’s commitment to accountability and transparency in delivering on the Victorian Government’s bi-partisan commitment for closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in Victoria,” Mrs Powell said.

“Understanding where progress is being made, or where it is at a standstill or going backwards, is critical to the design of policy and programs to tackle Indigenous disadvantage.

“The Report indicates mixed progress, and illustrates that closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians requires a long-term commitment and a strong and productive partnership between the Government, Indigenous communities and the wider Victorian community.

“VGIAR 2010-11 indicates that the vital area of early childhood education is showing significantly improved outcomes.

“The number of Indigenous three-year-olds enrolled in kindergarten more than trebled between 2008 and 2011 while the number of four- year-olds enrolled increased from 525 to 742 in the same period.

“The increases participation in early childhood education should result in greater school completion rates and improved literacy and numeracy outcomes,” Mrs Powell said.

The Report identifies three areas of major concern, with Victoria falling behind the national averages for Indigenous Australians in smoking rates, school retention rates to Year 10 and the over-representation of Indigenous kids in the child protection system.

The Victorian Coalition Government has established the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, launched Wayaperri – a leadership and training initiative for young Indigenous Victorians, invested an additional $2.2 million for governance training, reinstated funding to Reconciliation Victoria and established Australia’s first Indigenous Honour Roll to help tackle entrenched disadvantage.

“The Victorian Government is committed to Closing the Gap,” Mrs Powell said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell has reaffirmed the Victorian Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.

“Almost a year ago the Premier, Deputy Premier, myself and our Opposition counterparts re-committed the Victorian Government to the Closing the Gap agenda by collectively signing the Closing the Gap Statement of Intent,” Mrs Powell said.

“Since coming to office the Victorian Coalition Government has driven a whole of government and bi-partisan approach to Closing the Gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.

“The Coalition Government has initiated the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, launched Wayaperri, a leadership and training initiative for young Indigenous Victorians, invested an additional $2.2
million for governance training, reinstated funding to Reconciliation Victoria and established Australia’s first Indigenous Honour Roll.

“Importantly we have also taken time to listen and to learn from the Aboriginal community in Victoria.

“Yesterday I hosted a roundtable lunch with Indigenous women in Melbourne to seek their understanding of the complex issues that have led to the very high over representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system.

“Today I met with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students at the La Trobe University campus in Shepparton to discuss their collective response to Closing the Gap,” Mrs Powell said.

Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge today addressed the Aboriginal Youth Forum, which oversees a partnership between the government and the Aboriginal community to improve justice outcomes for Victorian Aboriginal people.

Also today the Minister for Health David Davis launched the - Health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians: Victorian Population Health Survey 2008 Supplementary Report.

“The information in this report reinforces the Victorian Government’s determination to adopt a whole-of-government approach with a focus on services that work, value for money and engagement with Aboriginal people and communities,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Victorian Government understands that generations of Indigenous disadvantage has created the gap in our society and closing it will require a sustained, informed and rigorous policy commitment from the whole of government.”

The Victorian Government will release a strengthened Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework, an Indigenous health strategy and an Indigenous Economic Development and Participation Strategy later this year.

Three services in the Goulburn Valley will deliver the Victorian Coalition Government’s new Cradle to Kinder service, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.

‘Cradle to Kinder’ is a new intensive parenting support program for vulnerable young mothers and their children, and will receive State Government funding of more than $16 million over four years.

Goulburn Valley Family Care Inc and The Bridge Youth Service will partner together to deliver the service, and Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative will provide an additional Aboriginal-specific service.

“I am pleased this new, valuable service for young mothers and their children will be operating in Greater Shepparton,” Mrs Powell said.

“There are a large number of mothers aged under 25 in this area and those who need assistance with their baby’s welfare can access about 700 hours of support from pregnancy until the child is four years old.”

“The program can also put parents and their children in touch with other local service providers to ensure all their needs are being met.”

Community Services Minister Mary Woolridge said the program would help vulnerable children get the best start in life by improving their health, safety and development, strengthening the parent-child bond and assisting parents to build their confidence and skills in parenting their children.

Minister for Aboriginal affairs Jeanette Powell has called for nominations for the Ricci Marks Award 2012 to acknowledge outstanding achievements of young Indigenous people in Victoria.

Each year the Ricci Marks Award, a $5,000 bursary, is presented to two young Indigenous people to support further development in their chosen field.

“The Ricci Marks Award recognises individual achievements of young Indigenous people in a number of fields including education, arts, sport, culture and community leadership,” Mrs Powell said.

“It is very important we publicly recognise and encourage the efforts of young Indigenous Victorians who in turn act as positive role models for their peers and the wider community.

“The award is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to fostering and celebrating achievement and success among Indigenous Victorians.

“The recently launched Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll is another example of recognising and promoting the achievements of significant Indigenous Victorians.

“The Ricci Marks award shines a well deserved light on our young achievers and future leaders which is particularly important as more than half of Victoria’s Indigenous population is less than 25 years of age,” Mrs Powell said.

To be eligible for the Ricci Marks Award, nominees must be a resident of Victoria and between 16 and 25 years of age as of 1 January 2012.

The award is named after the late Ricci Marks, who was a recipient of what was then the Aboriginal Young Achiever Award in 2000. The award title was changed to honour Ricci Marks following his death in 2003 at the age of 21.

Nominations are to be submitted to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and will be accepted until 13 March 2012.

Nomination forms are available online at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/Indigenous or by contacting Aboriginal Affairs Victoria on (03) 9208 3255 or via email petr.svoboda@dpcd.vic.gov.au

Recipients of the 2012 Ricci Marks Award will be announced at a presentation to be held in Melbourne on 23 April 2012.

A $900,000 funding commitment from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program will assist the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative build a new community centre at the Harris St Reserve in Warrnambool.

This funding will supplement $1.1 million from the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Corporation to finance the $2 million project.

The Cooperative’s offices were partly destroyed by fire in 2010 and it has been operating out of temporary facilities since that time.

“The Victorian Government is pleased to support the Warrnambool community by contributing these funds for stage 1 of the Cooperative’s project to ensure the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative will have a proper facility to serve its members and the greater community,” Mrs Powell said.

The Guditjamara Aboriginal Cooperative helps deliver health related services, cultural and education activities, housing and accommodation; aged and child care, employment, training and education and juvenile justice programs to the Aboriginal community of Warrnambool.

“The Victorian Government recognises the importance of providing culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal communities,” Mrs Powell said.

“The new facility will double as an administrative and program delivery centre for the Cooperative.

“The Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program is one of the Victorian Government’s programs to help Close the Gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in Victoria,” Mrs Powell said.

Since 1991, Victoria’s Indigenous Community Infrastructure Program has supported Indigenous organisations to purchase, upgrade or redevelop more than 90 properties across Victoria.