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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 EDITION 10 COST: $1.00 BE COUNTED ISSN: 1837-9176 SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE: EMAIL [email protected] FOR A FORM INSIDE Education Conference P5 Indigenous Choir P7 Youth Camp P11 Fish painting takes main prize Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and Design Overall Winner Anthony Walker with his painting ‘Mallakarra’. Photo by Solua Middleton. By SOLUA MIDDLETON THE Gold Coast City Council’s Indigenous Art and Design Award exposed a plethora of talent from the region. There were 40 entries in this year’s awards which was won by Anthony Walker for his painting ‘Mallakarra’. Mr Walker said his painting was about the barramundi and how they swim up the estuary to where men would throw rocks into a waterhole and call out the name of where they wanted the barra to go to. “We believe by giving good feelings towards the fish it helps create more fish,” he said. “It was a phenomenal feeling, I didn’t think I was going to win ... I was deeply touched.” One of the judges, Associate Curator for Indigenous Australian Art at the Queensland Art Gallery, Bruce McLean, described the artwork as simply a brilliant piece of design. “It shows some expert use of positive and negative space. Joining Bruce on the judging panel for this year was visual artist Vernon Ah Kee, and established photographer and anthropologist Michael Aird. Other winners were: Best 2D artwork: Bruce Borey, ‘Mugi’ Best 3D artwork: Janelle McQueen, ‘Kangaroo Dreaming’ Best new media: Alfred Summers, ‘Journey’ Youth Category (artists aged between 16 and 21): Merinda McQueen, ‘Goanna Tracks’ Highly Commended: Madeline Hodge, ‘Crab Cove’; Jai Walker, ‘Bunya’; Narelle Urquhart, ‘Wattle Hill’; Noel Caldwell, ‘Walkabout’ and Irene Nain, ‘Ghost Bat’. The judges described Janelle McQueen’s ceramic vase as “strong in its simplicity”. Bruce Borey’s monoprint, ‘Mugi, was described as a “refreshing choice of media in an Aboriginal award, with connections to country”. In “Journey” Alfred Summer’s demonstrated a “clever use of source material and a good representation of the Gold Coast”. First held in 2006, the biennial competition is open to Indigenous artists who can demonstrate a cultural or historical connection to the Gold Coast. Chair of Community Services and Cultural Development, Cr Bob La Castra, said: “It’s evident this competition sparked some creativity among our local Indigenous artists,” ● More photos on p8-9.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander News from the Gold Coast and Tweed.

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Page 1: Be Counted Edition 10

Monday, noVEMBER 1, 2010 Edition 10 Cost: $1.00

BE COUNTEDissn: 1837-9176

SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE: EMAIL [email protected] FOR A FORM

INSIDE

Education Conference

P5

Indigenous Choir

P7

Youth Camp P11

Fish painting takes main prize

Gold Coast aboriginal and torres strait islander art and design overall Winner anthony Walker with his painting ‘Mallakarra’. Photo by Solua Middleton.

By soLUa MiddLEton

THE Gold Coast City Council’s Indigenous Art and Design Award exposed a plethora of talent from the region.

There were 40 entries in this year’s awards which was won by Anthony Walker for his painting ‘Mallakarra’.Mr Walker said his painting

was about the barramundi and how they swim up the estuary to where men would throw rocks into a waterhole and call out the name of where they wanted the barra to go to.“We believe by giving good

feelings towards the fish it helps create more fish,” he said.“It was a phenomenal feeling,

I didn’t think I was going to win ... I was deeply touched.”One of the judges, Associate

Curator for Indigenous Australian Art at the

Queensland Art Gallery, Bruce McLean, described the artwork as simply a brilliant piece of design.“It shows some expert use of

positive and negative space.Joining Bruce on the judging

panel for this year was visual artist Vernon Ah Kee, and established photographer and anthropologist Michael Aird.Other winners were: ● Best 2D artwork: Bruce

Borey, ‘Mugi’● Best 3D artwork: Janelle

McQueen, ‘Kangaroo Dreaming’● Best new media: Alfred

Summers, ‘Journey’ ● Youth Category (artists aged

between 16 and 21): Merinda McQueen, ‘Goanna Tracks’● Highly Commended:

Madeline Hodge, ‘Crab Cove’; Jai Walker, ‘Bunya’; Narelle Urquhart, ‘Wattle Hill’; Noel Caldwell, ‘Walkabout’ and Irene

Nain, ‘Ghost Bat’. The judges described Janelle

McQueen’s ceramic vase as “strong in its simplicity”. Bruce Borey’s monoprint,

‘Mugi, was described as a “refreshing choice of media in an Aboriginal award, with connections to country”.In “Journey” Alfred Summer’s

demonstrated a “clever use of source material and a good representation of the Gold Coast”. First held in 2006, the

biennial competition is open to Indigenous artists who can demonstrate a cultural or historical connection to the Gold Coast. Chair of Community Services

and Cultural Development, Cr Bob La Castra, said: “It’s evident this competition sparked some creativity among our local Indigenous artists,” ● More photos on p8-9.

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BE COUNTED2 Monday November 1, 2010

CONTENTSLETTEr, CLOSE ThE Gap wiTh CLiNTON SChuLTz .. P4

EduCaTiON CONfErENCE ................................... p5

uNiTEd ChOirS ............................................. p8-9

GCCC iNdiGENOuS arT aNd dESiGN awardS .. p8-9

JamES BrOwN ............................................... p11

LEadErShip Camp........................................... p12

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: All letters must be signed (name will be withheld on request) profanity is unacceptable. All letters are subject to editing for clarity by the editor. The publisher or editor of Be Counted reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Be Counted or its staff, nor does it take any responsibility of the views stated by those who write to the editor.

COPYRIGHT: All material in Be Counted is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission of the publisher. © Be Counted 2010

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LOCAL Aboriginal performer Dhinawan is among those who’ve been shortlisted among to appear of the Oprah Winfrey show when she comes down under later this year.In an episode of Oprah, she revealed to more

than 250 guests that she would be taking them around Australia for a week and film her show here.Dhinawan is no stranger at performing for

international audiences.He’s appear on the BBC, and stared in a

French TV series, as well as performing and holding workshops around the world and Australia.

Powderfinger fly for charityAUSTRALIAN rock band Powderfinger took to the skies in the name of charity.

The Brisbane group made one final stop on the Gold Coast before they wrap up their farewell Sunsets tour.The mid-air performance raised over

$150,000 collectively for Powderfinger and Jetstar’s chosen charities, each supporting disadvantaged children - Yalari and World Vision through the StarKids Program. Frontman Bernard Fanning said: “We

all wanted to get involved because we all thought think that education is one of the key components, for us, we think it is important for Indigenous kids to get the chance to have the advantages that

other people do,” he said.“That’s why

we got Yalari involved and really happy to work with these guys ‘cause they have great ideas.”Yalari’s

Founding Director Waverly Stanley (pictured centre) said it was a surreal experience watching Powderfinger 30,000 ft in the air. “This support means for Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities will get access to quality education,” he said.“This money is about bringing about a

positive change for our future just giving children access to great schooling and they deserve it no matter where they come from.●Yalari Foundation www.yalari.org

aboriginal performer dhinawan

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BE COUNTED 3 Monday November 1, 2010

Apprentices land real jobs

some of the apprentices who have landed jobs.

EIGHT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices have landed work at the new Gold Coast Hospital site thanks to a training project organised between the Queensland Government, unions, contractors and training organisations.

Resource and support officer Tracey Castle said: “I was grateful to be a part of this project and to be working beside people moving towards life changing opportunities.”“I was very proud

of the fellas and lady throughout the project.”Treasurer and Minister

for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said: “Getting started in the construction industry as an apprentice or trainee on this major project will give participants valuable experience and launch their careers,” Mr Fraser said.“The State Government is committed

to lifting employment rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland and supported the development of the Indigenous Apprenticeship/Traineeship Placement Program in a number of ways.“The participants first completed a

Certificate I in Construction, other job preparation training and two weeks on-site work placement to get them ready for entry level work.“Through the State Government’s

Skiling Queenslanders for Work initiative $157,500 has been committed to fund $10,000 wage subsidies to contractors

who employ a participant for 12 months on an apprenticeship or traineeship.“There is also an Indigenous

Employment and Training Support Officer based on the Gold Coast that an apprentice or trainee, their employer, or their trainer can turn to for cultural advice or other guidance to give each participant the best chance to earn their qualification and secure their future.”Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said

employers across the Gold Coast should think about how they recruit staff because many different groups face a hard time breaking out of unemployment.“The Queensland Government is

committed to breaking down these barriers and these eight jobs are a great example of the variety of support the

State Government has on offer to assist employers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are looking for work,” Mr Lawlor said.“This project has been

developed to meet the needs of all parties and highlights how we can open up new job opportunities for individuals, which will help close the gap in unemployment between

Indigenous Queenslanders and the rest of the community.” Seven of the eight participants

are taking on Certificate III level qualifications, with two in carpentry, two in steel-fixing and one each in air-conditioning and refrigeration, concreting and formwork. The eighth participant has taken on a

traineeship studying a Certificate II in Civil Construction Labouring.

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ExPANDING the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce.Presently the percentage of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed with in primary and allied health services in Australia is less than one per cent of the total health workforce. It goes without saying that this is

not sufficient. To enable further choice in terms

of culturally appropriate services for our people and to battle inequality we need to drastically increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people we have working in the health fields at all levels.It is obvious that our community

controlled organisations require more funding and support to be able to increase their staff, to allow them to widen their services and better service our communities.However as many of our mob

choose to utilise other services outside of the community controlled sector.It is also obvious that we need

more Indigenous professionals working in the mainstream health sector. In a perfect world our people

would be able to access the same quality of care and respect for culture at any service. In a small but important

step towards such parity the governments of Australia have committed to increasing the

Indigenous Health work force over the coming few years. Positions such as mine within

the mainstream health sector have been created and a variety of other positions are being created and introduced throughout the country some of these positions are for Outreach Workers, Care Coordinators, Healthy life style Mentors and Stop Smoke workers. GPGC recently was informed

that it would receive support to employ an Indigenous Outreach Worker. It is envisaged that this position

will provide practical assistance to identified Indigenous Australians living on the Gold Coast to attend appointments for any health service including follow-up care, specialist services, and community pharmacies. This position will also

work to further strengthen the communications and relationships between the community, community controlled organisations and mainstream health. The Outreach worker position

may be a great opportunity for someone wishing to undertake a career in health to get in and have a taste.For further details on this

position please refer to the employment page of the GPGC website or feel free to contact me at: [email protected] or phone (07) 5507 7777.

Close the Gap with Clinton Schultz

Sponsored Column

SEND YOUR STORIES TO [email protected]

IN response to your call-out in Edition 9 of Be Counted, “I’d like to hear from you about what you do, no matter how small or big, to make a reconcilable difference”... I’d like to share my bit ...I am not an Aboriginal woman myself, but one of my

closest aunties (by marriage) is a Wiradjuri woman, and I have grown up hearing and loving her stories. My little sister (bless her) even identified herself

as an Aboriginal Australian when she was younger, because she felt (and still feels) so connected through our auntie.A few years back, I was at an Invasion Day rally

outside of Brisbane Parliament House. I was a uni student doing my journalism prac with

one of the commercial TV stations in Brissy, and I was very overwhelmed and impacted by a lot of the things people had to say that day.Since then, I have had a great opportunity to work

on The Drumley Walk, an annual cultural walk from Beaudesert to Southport run in conjunction with the Yugambeh Museum (who I have also worked for). This project has finished for the year, but through

it I have been introduced to a whole new world. In this world, most of my colleagues and friends are Aboriginal, with ties to all different country (Wiradjuri like my auntie, Yugambeh, Gamillaroi etc) and I have learned so much. Sometimes I feel envious of my mates’ rich cultural

heritage.I feel sad for the past, but so happy that I am part of

the real Australia, the way I think it should be. In Yugambeh language, “Kulgun Boobooie - a way

forward.”Thanks for putting out that question in Be Counted. It felt really good for me to realise that I am, in my

own little way, part of something good.

susie CunninghamQLd.

Letter

YOUTH SPACE

KEELiaH FRost

YOUTH Space is taking a break this month.Joining us next

month as our newest columnist will be Keeliah Frost.Keeliah is from

Pottsville and is currently completing Year 10 at Kingscliff State High School.She was recently

awarded the Young People Supporting Indigenous Youth at the Kids in Community Award.

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BE COUNTED 5 Monday November 1, 2010

1. Michael Connolly, Vanessa Kirk and Bill.2. sisters narelle Urquhart, Janelle McQueen showcasing their art.

3. aunty anne Chapman and aunty Rosmund Graham.4. Karen Buzzacott, Maryanne scrutton, Janis Koolmatrie, sonelia Goldsmith and suzanne Bell.

-Photos and story by Matilda Middleton

QIECC Annual forum

4.

QUEENSLAND Indigenous Education Consultative Committee’s (QIECC) 2010 Annual Forum was held recently at Surfers Paradise.It was well attended by education

representatives from all over Australia including a large contingent of local representatives and interested parties. Welcome to Country was given by Uncle

Graham Dillon, a local Kombumerri Elder.Keynote Speaker for the event was Bill

Lowah and Dr Chelsea Bond.

QIECC is the advisory committee to the State and Commonwealth Minister for Education.The theme for the 2020 Forum as Little

Feet Big Steps – From Zero to Hero and over the two days numerous issues were covered relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children within the education system.On the first part of the day groups

attended different panel discussions of their choice with guest speakers including

government representatives.The afternoons were set aside for group

workshops. Entertaining the attendees were dancers

from Wakka Wakka Jegera Jarjum Dancers and MaluKiai Mura Buai Torres Strait Island Dance Group.The first day was followed by a forum

dinner with entertainment provided by Georgie Corowa with her back-up singers, and after dinner the DJ had the people cutting loose on the dance floor.

1. 2.

3.

4.

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BE COUNTED6 Monday November 1, 2010

1. Georgie Corowa with her band.2. Vincent, Peggy, Wally tallis and Betty McGrady.

3. delegate viewing a presentation.4. Boni Robertson and Uncle Graham dillon.

5. Jeffery aniba from Bamaga.6. aunty Pat Leavy, Harold Holt and aunty Lauris Williams.

7. dana Grogan and terry Green.8. Hayley Upkett (Rockhampton), sophie yasso (Brisbane) and

Cheryl Grant (Brisbane).9. stephen Corporal, Will davis and Milly Phillips.

1. 2.

5. 4.

3.

9.

6.

8.

7.

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Indigenous singing groups raise awareness for mental healthPiCtUREs By KiERan CHiLCott

FIVE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander singing groups united in Brisbane recently to deliver a unique singing experience at the Queen Street Mall.The singing groups are all part of Voices United for

Harmony, an innovative program, jointly managed by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) and Griffith University, aimed at improving the mental and physical health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South East Queensland.The project has established five singing groups in five

different Aboriginal medical services in the region; the Kalwun Health Service (Gold Coast), Kambu Medical Service Centre Pty Ltd. (Ipswich), the Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Warwick VUFH Singing Group (Warwick) and Goolburri Health Advancement (Toowoomba).Each group were allocated about five minutes to perform to

crowds at the Brisbane shopping centre.Also making a special appearance was Aboriginal country

singer Roger Knox.The choral concert was finished with a performance by from

all choirs led by Roger Knox singing ‘I am Australian’.Ann-Maree Woodcock from the Gold Coast’s Coastal

Singers said she’d really enjoyed being in the choir over the past few months.“The performance was fantastic, all of us were really happy,”

she said.“It’s really turned us into monsters we really want to keep

singing now.“I’ve taken away a sense of happiness, I’m singing and

being with the girls it’s been a laugh ... and knowing I can sing if I really want to.“With Ruth’s training she has given us the training to get up

there and be able to sing infront of people, by the time she had finished with us, we knew we could get up there and sing those songs.”Coastal Singers Choir Teacher Ruth Gurner said the choir

has grown.“It’s been quite amazing really, we started off with a few and

it’s grown,” she said.“The energy level has been fantastic, and I really think the

camaraderie between the girls has really helped enormously.“I’ve been delighted with how they responded to the work on

the voices and on the technical side so we can actually make a unified sound.And I feel that they are getting better and that is the

important thing is that they enjoy themselves while we improve.”QAIHC’s Health Promotion Manager Lindsay Johnson

said there was strong research evidence pointing to a much greater burden of mental illness amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than other Australians.“Decades of discrimination, dispossession, removal of

children and other Government policies have left many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in distress,” said Lindsay Johnson. “An historic lack of mental health services for Aboriginal and

Islander peoples has left a legacy of depression, trauma and anxiety in our communities.”He said addressing mental health issues in the Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander community is an increasing priority for the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector and the Voices United for Harmony project is a critical component of these efforts.The Voices United project will be evaluated by Griffith

University Senior Lecturer, Dr Jing Sun, to determine the benefits of choral singing on the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the five communities participating.Dr Jing Sun said evaluating the project was critical in developing

effective programs dealing with mental health. “Our aim is to investigate whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people’s participation in the singing groups will improve their quality of life and mental health through promotion of sense of resilience and social participation,” she said.“Singing can release stress and increase social interaction and

this in turn is very beneficial in preventing mental illness or reducing the severity of symptoms of those already suffering from a mental illness.”The program will be expanded into Central, North and far North

Queensland early next year.

Coastal singers

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Gold Coast Indigenous Art and Design Award

Clockwise from top left: 3d Winner Janelle McQueen with her vase ‘Kangaroo dreaming’; Madeline Hodge, ‘Crab Cove’; Kelli-Jo atkinson stands in front of her artwork with her mum and Be Counted’s number one subscriber aunty Bev anderson; Best new media winner alf summers; Molly and Uncle Graham dillion; artwork by Vanessa Fitzgerald.

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Gold Coast Indigenous Art and Design Award

Clockwise from top left: artwork by Jai Walker; (L-R) Bruce McLean (judge), andrew trump

(GCCC), overall Winner anthony Walker, Mariam arcilla (GCCC) and Michael aird (Judge); Mayor

Ron Clarke and Lady Mayoress with youth award Winner, Merinda McQueen; aunty dulcie Ricks;

two of the 40 works submitted for the 2010 indigenous art and design award.

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CalendarUntil 11 november:

Council is accepting nominations from groups of artists and visual arts organisations for exhibitions in the Robina Gallery for the period January to June 2011. For information and to apply visit www.cultural.goldcoast.qld.gov.auUntil 11 november: Entry

is open to the border art prize 2010, a $5000 prize celebrating the diversity and abundance of artists in northern New South Wales and SE Queensland. For information and entry forms phone (02) 6670 2790 or email [email protected] Until 18 november:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander antenatal classes, at the north Gold Coast Early Year Service. Cnr of White and Martin St, Nerang. Chat with other mums-to-be and staff about your pregnancy and becoming a mum. Morning tea provided. 9-11:30am. For details contact Renee

Watts on (07) 5525 5637 or 0432 003 038.6 november: Oztag and

touch fun day at Mallawa Dr Sports Complex, Palm Beach, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Morning tea and lunch provided. For details contact Selwyn Apanui at Krurungal on 07 5536 7911.17 november: The Gold

Coast Youth Service AGM starting at 6pm at the 15 Oak Avenue, Miami.17 november: Community

consultation about pregnancy programs. Lunch provided. Fradgley Hall, Cnr Park Ave and Ocean St, Burleigh Heads (above the library) from 9:30am to 12pm. For details contact Renee Watts on (07)5525 5637 or 0432 003 038.19 november: The

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Advisory Council and Gold Coast community Elders are holding a networking night for people who work closely with Indigenous people. Opportunity to have an input

into the ATSI partnership resources that will be rolled out over the next six months. Event at North Kirra SLSC from 3:30-5:30pm. Features special guest Sean Choolburra. Finger food and drinks included.27 november: Kaiala

festival from 10.30am - 3.30pm at the Helensvale Community Centre, 31 Discovery Drive, Helensvale. Everyone welcome. Dance, song and storytelling floral art demonstrations, kids activities, Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal dance troupe, painting, puppetry, BBQ lunch available. Entry: $10 per person, $15 for a family of 4 or $5 students/concession.26-28 november: 17th

Annual Sports and Cultural Festival. To nominate teams or for more information visit website www.firstcontact.asn.au or email [email protected]

LAST edition I talked about your contributions to reconciliation, this edition I want to talk about how we close the gap. We all want to end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, but what is the way forward? I have seen a subtle emergence of an education versus employment debate, and I want to focus on this. Do we get our people into jobs and earn, or get our people to learn and get an education so they can have better jobs and compete with the mainstream jobs market?There are companies out there

which are pledging to help end disparity with jobs for Indigenous people, and I think that it’s great thing for people wanting to make a conscious step towards improving life for Indigenous people. But as someone who has been

through the education system, I think having a solid education, not necessarily a university one, is also important in shaping your growth in a job. I reckon that both go hand in hand, but I also think we shouldn’t settle for less, just because it is the easy option. If you want to be a hairdresser, doctor, plumber, lawyer, electrician or even a journo remember it’s your choice and you have to take the path that is right for you. What’s your view?

Editorial:

Cooking up

Send in your scrumptious recipe and photo of your dish with your full name and contact details to email [email protected]

Damper - Felicia Pereoglouingredients

● 2 cups self-rising flour● 1/2 teaspoon salt● 2 teaspoons sugar● 3 tablespoons butter● 1 cup milk

description

Mix the flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl.Cut in the butter until fine

crumbs form. Add milk to make a soft

dough. Knead lightly on floured board until smooth. Shape into loaf tin and bake

at 180 degrees C for 30 to 40 minutes.

serve with favourite spread. Pictured here with Golden syrup.

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BE COUNTED 11 Monday November 1, 2010

Hyundai A-League ladder starting to take shapeTHE 2010/11 Hyundai A-League season is just over a third of the way through and the race for the title is now well underway.

The competition ladder has begun to take shape which now highlights the teams who are performing and those who aren’t doing quite so well. But with the inclusion of

new teams this year the season is now even longer which means there are more points up for grabs and plenty of time for the shape of the ladder to alter over the coming months. A good run of form, or a

bad one for that matter, can see a team shoot upwards or plummet downwards – it’s that type of league. That’s why all sports people

talk about consistency all the time, and how important it is

in professional sport.One of the many traits that

sets the Hyundai A-League apart from other national leagues around the world is the level playing field, which is partly due to the salary cap that applies to our domestic competition. Results both this season

and from previous campaigns prove this with teams on the bottom of the ladder easily capable of outplaying and outperforming teams well situated above them.In only our second year in

the domestic competition Gold Coast United have done well to be sitting joint third on the ladder. We’re only a few points

adrift of the top two, Adelaide and Brisbane, who have both started very well this year.So far this term we’ve

proved to be a tough team to beat, losing only one of our first 11 matches. Our defence has been too

strong for many teams so if we can start putting a few more goals away at the other end we can expect to be thereabouts when it comes to Finals time. At the time of writing we

had just come away from Townsville with an excellent 2-1 away win over North Queensland Fury. I really enjoyed the game

and managed to set up our first goal, which was especially pleasing for me personally. It was a quality team

performance and we thoroughly deserved our win, particularly as we had to play in what were very warm and humid conditions, which saps

all your energy.We have a few big matches

coming up in the next few weeks so if we can continue to be tough to beat and register a few more wins, our title challenge could really start to gather pace.

JaMEs BRoWn

In the back of the net with ... James Brown

More photos from the Nalinah Balin Camp

some more of the activities the 17 youths from around the Gold Coast participated in at the nalinah Balin Camp held at Emu Gully.

Page 12: Be Counted Edition 10

SPORT

BE COUNTED12 Monday November 1, 2010

League program take kids on leadership camp

By soLUa MiddLEton

A GROUP of Indigenous Year 8 and 9 students got to experience fun whilst being challenged and learning about leadership.

Seventeen children headed to Emu Gully as part of the Rugby League schools Nalinah Balin program.It’s the second year that Kalwun and

Krungal teamed up to hold the camp.One of the organisers of the camp and

mentor Alf Summers said the Nalinah Balin project has usually focused on the young men of our community with Rugby League as the vehicle.“When we looked at the camp we

involved the girls as well so they didn’t feel left out,” he said.

“We wanted them to be engaged in the program as well.”The kids took part in a number of

activities based around the ANZACs, like the Kokoda track (50 metres of mud), Rats of Trubrook (boat activities) Western Front and other engagements that Australia has been involved with over the years. “The main aim of the camp is to get the

kids looking at leadership, team work, resolving problems, self-esteem and to not give in so easy when things get a little tough or to spit the dummy when pressure is applied, but most of all to have fun get dirty and make new friends,” Alf said.“The camp was not all hard work they

played volleyball and learnt abseiling,

swam in the dam and the best activity was the flour war between the kids ... it was great,” Mr Summers said.“If we do have camps in the future and

if there is funding available we will be looking at having separate camps for the boys and girls. “It was long days and long nights but

when you see the activities our kids do and see them realise within themselves that they can achieve anything it is worth losing a little sleep over. “From all the staff at Krurungal and

Kalwun Health we would also like to thank the kids if they didn’t get involved then the camp would not be possible. “It was a blast being part of the team that took the kids out to Emu Gully.”● More pictures on page 11.

Flour bomb wars was one of the highlights for the camp.

Left: Kids after the 50m mud challenge. Right: Pass the plank activity.