Be Counted Edition 5

Monday, June 7, 2010 edition 5 Cost: $1.00

BE COUNTEDissn: 1837-9176

Photos and story by soLua MiddLeton

CENTRELINK staff from Palm Beach gathered at its office with members from the Indigenous community last week in the name of reconciliation.About 20 people attended the morning tea

celebrating Reconciliation Week.The nationally recognised week is held

annually between May 27, the day which marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum in which more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to remove clauses which discriminated against Indigenous Australians, and June 3 the date of the Mabo decision which quashed the myth of terra nullius.Centrelink’s Indigenous Services Officer Vicki

Wilkinson welcomed everyone to the morning

tea.Manager for Palm Beach office, Lisa Mills, was

moved by the occasion.“This is a really important week, and I am proud

to be part of reconciliation and bringing people together,” she said.“It’s about all generations coming together

and working to make it better and to move forward.”Several members from the Aboriginal

community commented on how times have changed.They said there was once a time when

Aboriginal people feared Government agencies, but now there are services which supported Indigenous people.

● For more photos see page 7.

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

INSIDE

Healthy Me winner loses

17kg. P4

Banora High student

prepares for Kokoda trail.

P8

James Brown talks World

Cup. P11

Indigenous staff members from Centrelink celebrate Reconciliation Week. From left Wanetta Nielsen, Tina Waddy, Jill Silvey, Vicki Wilkinson all pictured with the Palm

Beach Centrelink Manager Lisa Mills.

Be Counted still needs your contributions of all kinds, including photos and stories covering community news, events, sport, letters, announcements, poetry, youth, employment, health, education, profiles and more. You or your organisation can now take advantage of listing your event in the monthly calendar. Send all contributions to [email protected]

BE COUNTED2 Monday June 7, 2010

CONTENTSSTOry: HEalTHy mE rEvEalS wiNNErS ................ P4

STOry: PaTryCE NONa wiNS SCHOlarSHiP .......... P5

CENTrEliNk CElEbraTES rECONCiliaTiON ............. P7

STOry: kOkOda CHallENgE, yOuTH SPaCE, ....... P8

bOOkS, EdiTOrial, HiNT ................................... P9

PrOfilE: mElba TOwNSENd........................... P10

SPOrT: baCk Of THE NET wiTH JamES brOwN ... P11

This paper acknowledges the traditional owners of the areas of distribution.

DISCLAIMER: All material is printed at the discretion of the publishers, but does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers.

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

EDITOR: Solua Middleton

PUBLISHER: Solua Middleton

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Be Counted would like to thank this edition : Gold Coast United, James Brown.

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Kalwun launches ATSI choir project

Some of the Kalwun Health Workers with QAIHC officers with singing group the Zillmere Warriors.

By soLua MiddLeton

KALWUN Health Service are still on the hunt for those wanting to become a part of the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander choir.

So far 18 people have expressed their interest in the choir which will look at the connection between singing and socialising, and mental wellbeing.Project coordinator Ken Slater from

Kalwun says people can still join.“The more the merrier,” he said.“We also have Ruth Gurner from the

Gold Coast City Choir who will be doing the conductions.”

Kalwun will deliver the project initiated by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) and Griffith University.Kalwun Health Service and QAIHC

launched the project last month with Brisbane based group the Zillmere Warriors singing a number of songs from Bob Marley’s Stir It Up to a traditional Torres Strait Islander hymn, Baba Waiyar.The choir will meet for the first time this

week.

● For more information about the choir contact Ken Slater at Kalwun Health service on (07) 5526 1112.

ABOVE: Zillmere Warriors put on a performance of popular music and Torres Strait Islander songs to entice fellow choristers.

BE COUNTED 3 Monday June 7, 2010

HEALTH outcomes for Indigenous women during pregnancy and birth could be set to improve with Indigenous students accounting for more than 10 per cent of students enrolled in Southern Cross University’s new Bachelor of Midwifery.Six of the 50 students enrolled in the

new Bachelor of Midwifery at SCU Lakeside in Tweed Heads are Aboriginal, with one student relocating from Yass near Canberra to undertake the course and others commuting from as far afield as Kempsey and Broken Hill to complete intensive units of study.Associate Professor of Midwifery

Heather Hancock, who recently spent four years in the Northern Territory involved in perinatal primary health in Indigenous communities, said she was delighted with the response to the course.“We believe this is the largest

percentage of Aboriginal students ever seen for any Bachelor of Midwifery course in Australia,” said Professor Hancock.“This is of great significance because

for the last 20 years Aboriginal peri-natal mortality has been well above the average and has not improved. “One critical way to address this, is

to educate more Aboriginal women as midwives because research shows that problems are picked up more quickly when women are able to develop close relationships with a midwife they feel they can trust and who understands them.

“They have a greater level of satisfaction with the care they receive, are more likely to keep their appointments and take responsibility for their health and wellbeing, and there is a greater likelihood of improved outcomes for both mother and baby.”Would-be midwives previously had to

complete a nursing qualification before studying midwifery, but courses like the Bachelor of Midwifery have made it possible to enter the midwifery profession directly.Indigenous student Tanya Bonner

said the cultural needs of Aboriginal women were very different to other women. “There is a distrust of the mainstream

hospital system because many Aboriginal women have a fear of prejudice and of being judged so they choose not to go,” said Tanya.“Traditionally Aboriginal women gave

birth ‘on country’ with other women around them, and there are important ceremonies that take place outside on country that welcome the child into the world. “Now, in isolated communities the

women are flown to a regional hospital at 36 weeks into their pregnancy and have to stay in accommodation in town without their extended family until they give birth in the nearby hospital. “The women feel they have no choice,

and if babies aren’t born on country they lose some of their link to the land. I hope

that if I train as a midwife I will be able to help these women and maybe even be situated in their community so they could have their babies on country if they choose. “I want to help Aboriginal women to be

fully informed, educated and empowered during their pregnancies.”Aboriginal student Tamara Jones,

who travels from Broken Hill with her four-month-old son Lachlan to attend intensive units of study, said she had tried the traditional pathway of studying to be a nurse first. “I studied to be a nurse for a year, but

I gave up because I wasn’t interested in studying to be a nurse - I always wanted to be a midwife and now I have realised that I can achieve this goal,” said Tamara.“Maternal peri-natal rates are two to five

times higher for Aboriginal women and I see these as deaths that I could help prevent.“In many rural and remote areas

Aboriginal women haven’t had access to antenatal care and education so they will do things like feed their babies powdered milk if they find breast feeding difficult because it’s cheaper and they don’t understand the risks.“There are higher rates of STIs, low birth

weight and later in life it leads to higher rates of preventable chronic diseases. I hope that by making a difference from birth, at the beginning of life, I can also have a roll-on impact for the future health of the whole family.”

Indigenous midwifery students set to redress the balanceTanya Bonner (far right) and Tamara Jones (front) with baby

Lachlan and their fellow Indigenous students studying midwifery at Southern Cross University.


By soLua MiddLeton

PARTICIPANTS of the ‘Healthy Me Program’ were showing off their new bodies last month.

Their new shapely figures can be attributed to a new outlook on healthy eating and undertaking regular exercise.The community run program was

intended to facilitate health changes in Indigenous clients who were highly overweight and obese, through the use of a multi-modal approach. The project’s coordinator Clinton

Schultz said change had definitely been achieved.“The approach focused on

maladaptive eating behaviours, low physical activity, motivation and unhealthy lifestyle habits,” he said.“The group achieved an overall weight

loss of almost four per cent and an astonishing 7.5cm waist line reduction over the 12 weeks of the program.“It was evident that participants’ self

esteem and general levels of fitness had also greatly increased.”A panel of judges consisting of a board

member from Kalwun, board member from Krurungal and a GP came together to decide who they believed had made the greatest overall healthy lifestyle change and ultimately winning the competition side of the program. While they were all winners, the panel

decided it was Pauline Jensen’s massive loss of 17 kilos and commitment to a healthy lifestyle that saw her crowned the winner.“I worked hard it’s really changed my

life,” Pauline said.“I have had to buy new clothes.“I have left the junk food behind and

now I don’t even have it in the house to tempt me.“I am feeling so much better, I don’t get

puffed from dancing. I have joined the gym now and I have a personal trainer.”Pauline aims to continue her weight

loss journey.“My mantra now is to lose weight and

have a better lifestyle and be healthy,”

she said. Andrew Browne, Melanie and Jewel

French were all named runners-up.The HMP was a partnership between

Kalwun Health Service and Krurungal, facilitated the program, with Kalwun as the lead agent.The program began in February and

ran for 12 weeks. Clients engaged in the program were

taking part in activities totalling about five hours a week.Just some of the activities undertaken

by participants in the program included aquarobics, tennis, gym classes and boot camp style beach exercises, nutrition classes and healthy cooking demonstrations, surf lessons at Currumbin Alley, and touch football with members of the Gold Coast Titans.A number of Gold Coast Titans players

attended program’s activities on two occasions providing mentoring and support to all of the participants.“The Titans players were more than

happy to have photographs taken with participants and sign autographs,” Mr Schultz said.On the final day of the program,

participants engaged in a Healthy Me cook-up.“Dishes produced by participants

ranged from cakes and slices to curries, dips and pizzas,” Mr Schultz said.“All food produced was low fat, quick

and easy to prepare and low cost.”

Pauline on way to a ‘healthier me’

Cooking up

Each edition of Be Counted will showcase one our reader’s recipes. Send in your recipe and a photo of your culinary delight, with your full name and contact details to email [email protected]

Old fashioned Bread and Butter Pudding

Ingredients

● 4 slices bread● Butter (enough to butter slices of bread)● 3 eggs● 400ml of milk● 2 tablespoon sugar● Vanilla essence● Cinnamon● Jam (optional)

Cooking directions

Cut crusts off bread. Butter (and jam) bread and

slice into four pieces.Mix eggs together with milk

and add sugar until sugar dissolves.Add couple drops vanillaPour egg mixture into

baking dish.

Place bread on top. Sprinkle lightly with

cinnamon.Put into oven 180º C.Bake until brown on top.

Serves: 6Rating: EasyTime: 15 minsServe with icecream or custard.

From the kitchen of Aunty Val Smith

Jade Lewis, Melanie French, Pauline Jensen, Jewel French, Andrew Browne

and Clinton Schultz.


Bond girl Patryce

PATRYCE Nona from the Gold Coast begins her studies at Bond University in May, after being named as the inaugural recipient of the Indigenous Land Corporation Tourism Scholarship. The scholarship, worth more than $115,000 over three years

and jointly funded by the ILC and Bond University, will cover the full tuition fees of Patryce’s Bachelor of International Hotel and Resort Management and will also provide her with the opportunity to undertake an internship at an Indigenous tourism business operated by the ILC.The 17-year-old, grew up in Innisfail, North Queensland,

before moving with her family to the Gold Coast in 2004 in search of better educational and employment opportunities.Patryce enrolled at Benowa State High School, where she

studied hospitality and became part of a select group of Indigenous students in South East Queensland to complete a Certificate Ill in Hospitality (Operations) through the Sea World Resort and Water Park.“It was during this time that I discovered my drive and passion

to further my career in the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Patryce.Having graduated from high school last year, Patryce says

winning the ILC Tourism Scholarship to study at Bond University has given her the opportunity to pursue her dream of working in the tourism industry.“This scholarship is a unique opportunity for Indigenous people

like myself to study at an elite university and become role models for other Indigenous students who are interested in the tourism industry,” said Patryce. “My goal is to build on my existing knowledge and gain a

recognised qualification that will allow me to travel and work in

hotels around the world. “I am confident that the combination of what I will learn

throughout my degree, together with Bond University’s reputation and international network of contacts, will ensure my success.”Patryce’s scholarship is the first of three to be provided by

the ILC in partnership with Bond University, with two more scholarships available to students wishing to commence in 2011.Indigenous Land Corporation General Manager David Galvin

said it was the first time the ILC had joined with a university to offer scholarships. “We are excited about the opportunity this will provide to

Indigenous students, like Patryce, who are wanting to study tourism,” Mr Galvin said. “The Indigenous Land Corporation Board strongly believes that

tourism offers long-term and sustainable benefits for Indigenous communities particularly in relation to training and employment opportunities.“The Indigenous Tourism Scholarship partnership with Bond

University was a natural progression of the ILC’s aim to get Indigenous people involved at senior levels within the tourism industry and we congratulate Patryce as our inaugural winner.”Bond University Head of School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism

Management Professor Elizabeth Roberts said partnering with the ILC was a long-term vision for the future of the tourism industry. “This is a partnership never before seen in Australian tertiary

institutions. Indigenous tourism is a growth industry that needs resources behind it if it is to flourish,” said Professor Roberts.

Patryce with Professor Elizabeth Roberts, Head of School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management

By STEPHEN GONDA from FIRST SUN eMPLoyMent

JOB Services Australia provider, First Sun Employment located in Tweed Heads and Lismore in Northern NSW, recently celebrated a special success story with one of their Indigenous clients. Luke Singleton first came in to our office

in October 2009. He presented with numerous barriers

to employment and from the moment he connected with our office he worked hand in hand with our staff to overcome these obstacles.Luke, by his own admission, was a bit of

a handful as a young teenager.He completed an apprenticeship in

Wollongong as a moulder. He moved to Newcastle – became redundant, and picked up some bad habits – then moved with his partner and young child to Tweed Heads in late 2009 for a new start.However, life was not rosy for this young

family when they arrived in their new town. They had no family support or friends,

did not know the area, there was no demand for Luke’s previous work skills, he had no mobile phone, no driving licence or transport and pretty soon it became apparent that Luke was really

losing his confidence and slipping in to the depths of despair.Once Luke started disclosing these

barriers to his employment consultant Patti Jacobson, she worked with him to overcome these barriers one by one. At all times Luke was eager to participate in any activity that was suggested by Patti.The strategies adopted to overcome his

barriers were:● The purchase of a mobile phone with the stipulation that he was always to be contactable by his employment services provider and employers.● Driving lessons organised.● Participation in one of our self esteem courses.

● Work clothing, boots and tools were organised.● Enrolling him in an Access Apprenticeship Program – Introduction to Trades course.● Encouraging him to cold canvas a major building company in the area.Luke came in to our office to obtain

a copy of his resume to head to the builder’s office, only to be told by the Receptionist that there ‘were no positions available, but we will keep your resume on file’. Luke reported back to his EC that there were no positions available. We reassured him that reception staff didn’t always know if there were jobs available and not to lose faith. On the following Monday Luke received a call to come in for an interview. He was successful at his interview and obtaining his Carpentry apprenticeship and is working full time.On the day that Luke started work he

also obtained his driving licence, and not only that, his step dad organised a second hand ute for him to get to his new job. Luke is now almost unrecognisable

from the young man that first came in to our office. He has a smile from ear to ear, a spring in his step. And life is looking pretty good for this young family.

Getting back on track to employment

www.firstsun.com.auTWEED OFFICE - (07) 5599 5166Office 22 level 2, Wharf Central Building, 75 Wharf St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485.

LISMORE OFFICE - (02) 6621 683392 Woodlark street, Lismore NSW 2480.

Good Jobs Waiting For You

• First Resume • First Interview • First Real Job

We are a preferred Indigenous employment provider and 100% Aboriginal owned.

Looking for the right job for you? Then make First Sun Employment your first stop.

If you’re searching for work, or seeking to improve your work situation our experienced staff can help with training, advice and matching you with

employers in need of your skills

LUKE SINGLETON


Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Business forumINDIGENOUS businesses and industry stakeholders gathered in Brisbane last month for the Queensland Reconciliation Business Forum.The forum brought in the Masterchef

model to the workshops.Its aim was to bring together a number

of influential and key community, government and business figures to learn, be challenged and focus on best business practices and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland.

From cover story. ABOVE: Aunty Lana Boondi Williams, Julie Powell, and Aunty Isabelle Kent. BELOW LEFT: Kerry Bekue with Lisa Mills. BELOW RIGHT: L-R Gene Slockee, Courtney Garrett, Vicki Wilkinson and Ben Holten.

AUNTY VALDA COOLWELL

STEVE RENOUF


Banora teen trains for Kokoda trek

YOUTH SPACEBe Counted is really wanting to focus on youth and share their voice with the wider community. Youth Space is dedicated to young people sharing their voices, the issues that impact you as young Indigenous people, whether they are triumphs or tragedies or just a good laugh. Be Counted’s aim for Youth Space is to see it become a place of empowerment and inspiration not only for the young people, but for the

older generations. Send your letters, pictures, poems or if you are interested in being a columnist email [email protected]

Keep safe on Facebook THERE’S been lots of stories in the news lately about young girls talking to people who they think they know, but really turn out to be some creeps pretending to be someone who they are really not. Make sure you know the people

before you add them and don’t add people you don’t know, even if they say you know them or they know someone you know.I’ve heard about these girls who are

adding people that want to meet up with them but when they see the person they are not who they thought it was and some of the girls have been murdered, which is terrible that we have people like this out there. Don’t put your personal details on

Facebook, things like your phone numbers, your school, your address and photos you don’t want other people to

see. I notice some friends join a lot of groups, many involve swearing and that should not be allowed on there, as lots of really young people go on Facebook. One of my friends put all of her details

on Facebook and lots of photos. Some creep added her, then copied the

photos and sent it to her in the mail.She got really freaked out and told her

parents.Parents should know what their kids

are talking about on Facebook and make sure the kids know about giving out personal information to random strangers. You should not meet up with anyone

you have added on Facebook that you don’t know. If you think that a person is suspicious on Facebook you should report them and tell your parents. Happy and safe Facebooking…

others to take part in the Kokoda Youth Challenge Program during November of this year.“I don’t really know what to expect but I really want to see how

far I can push myself,” she said.“I am part of the Tweed team and we will have to learn to all

work together.”All participants in the Youth Challenge including Gemma will

undertake 20 weeks of training and work themselves up to a 96 kilometres walk while wearing a 40 kilogram backpack.There is a choice of two different experiences walking the

Kokoda Trek or staying in a village and seeing their school and hospital systems, and way of life first hand.Gemma has opted for the village experiences and hopes to

immerse herself completely during her stay.“I really want to interact with the people,” she said.Gemma is a member of the Student Council Representative at

Banora High, skills that seem to be coming in handy.She says there has been a limited number of Indigenous

people who have been a part of the challenge.“I hope to promote it to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander kids and get them to think about applying for the Kokoda Youth Challenge Program in the future,” she said.Gemma also attends TAFE once a week where she is studying

to become a veterinary nurse.

● To learn more visit www.kokodachallenge.com/kcyp

GEMMA STEVENS

By soLua MiddLeton

THIS 18 year-old from Banora Point High School is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of her life.

Gemma Stevens is preparing to trek across Papua New Guinea’s treacherous terrain this September.The Year 12 student has been selected among a number of

PIETA WHARTON


I HAVE to give a shout out to local girl Samantha Harris for not only being one of the faces of Australian Fashion Week, but also landing the cover of Vogue.I know this has been a long journey for

Sam having interviewed her for Koori Mail when she was just 14. But she first graced their pages when

she was just five for taking to the shopping mall catwalks, now here she is on the cover of Vogue.This stunning young woman wanted to

be Australia’s first Aboriginal supermodel.It sure looks like she is on the way to

that dream after landing the glossy cover of what’s hailed the fashion bible.I say well done to you girl and it’s just

proof if you chase your dreams you can achieve.Whether it be losing weight and living

a healthier life like Pauline Jensen (p4), or wanting to bring essential skills back to your community so that Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander women can have their children on country like the midwifery students at Southern Cross University (p3), or getting back into the workforce to support your family like Luke Singleton (p6), it’s important to have dreams no matter how big or small.I believe if you work hard and

stay focused you can achieve your aspirations. But support is also a huge factor too.Having my own paper has always been

a dream of mine but without the support of my family and my partner Duncan, it may not have ever become a reality. So when those wildest dreams come

true don’t forget to thank the people who have backed you.I’d love to hear about your dreams,

goals and aspirations .... whether you are on your way or have achieved them.Until next time .... as Troy Cassar-Daley

says, ‘Dream out loud’.

TO create a sweet smelling home.Add one quart of water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and

some orange rinds into a pot and boil on low heat. When the water is gone, your house will be home sweet smelling home!

Do you have any useful information or hints you want to share with other readers?

If so please send your helpful hints into [email protected] with your name and your details.

Helpful Hint

Listening to CountryRos MoriartyAllen and UnwinRRP: $32.99

ROS Moriarty is a white woman married to an Aboriginal man.Listening to Country is her

intimate diary of an eight-day pilgrimage in 2006 to the Northern Territory’s remote Tanami Desert with the matriarchs of her husband’s Aboriginal family to perform ceremony.Her journal opens a rare and

vivid window to the secret and hidden world of her mother-in-law Annie Karrakayn and contemporaries, the Law women from the remote Gulf of Carpentaria.

Ros’s desert diary is interwoven with personal and family stories that stretch from one end of the continent to the other; from Devonport to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Borroloola and Sydney. This is black and white Australia, from the shameful and painful to the ordinary and everyday to the glorious and awe-inspiring illuminating the deep connection humanity shares regardless of race and place.

The Encyclopaedia of Australia’s BattlesChris ClarkAllen & UnwinRRP: $ 35.00

THIS book contains descriptions of all the major battles over the past 200 years that have taken place in Australia or in which Australian have been involved from frontier clashes between Aborigines and Europeans, participation but colonial forces in Britain’s wars in the 19th century, through to the world wars and other conflicts of the 20th century, up to recent and ongoing involvements in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.The book is listed

chronologically and contains over 300 battles.The first entry describes a clash between the Gamaraigal

people and convicts at Port Jackson Sydney in 1789.The battles are based on studies of historical records and

first hand accounts, and illustrated with explanatory maps, contemporary drawings and photographs of the fighting in progress, a concise and readble accunt of the course of the battles and their outcomes are given.

Editorial: Chasing your dreams

Books

Deadlines for Edition 6, July 5th 2010

Editorial: 23 June.Advertising: All content to be booked by 23 June. Material must be received by Monday 28 June.


CalendarUntil 30 June: Our Way - an exhibition

by Torres Strait Islander artist Bruce Rivett.Open 10am-4pm daily at the Red Desert Gallery, 102 Memorial Drive, Eumundi. Free. www.reddesertgallery.com.au 11-14 June: Dreaming Festival.13 June: Curtis Finn Touch Football

Day. 9am. For details or to register a team email Tamra Forde on [email protected] July: Coming of the Light.4-11 July: NAIDOC Week

www.naidoc.org.au11 July: Maralinga: the Anangu story by

Yalata and Oak Valley communities with Christobel Mattingley is featured at the Reading for Reconciliation Book Club. The group focuses on reading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. Local authors often come along to discuss their books with the book club members. Meetings are held at Kuril Dhagun, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane. For details email [email protected] August: Billy Drumley Walk15 August: Yugambeh Corroboree

starts James Overall Park, Brighton Parade, Southport. 10am.22 August: ‘It is no secret’ by Donna

Meehan is featured at the Reading for Reconciliation Book Club. The group focuses on reading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. Local authors often come along to discuss their books with the book club members. Meetings are held at Kuril Dhagun, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane. For details email [email protected] October: Unity Festival at the

Branding Rail - Murwillumbah Showgrounds. An interactive and exciting family event showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Tweed Shire. This year’s line up includes nationally acclaimed ‘Oka’ and ‘Busby Marou’. For more details call (02) 6672 3003 or visit www.unityfestival.com.au3 October: Seven Seasons at Aurukun

by Paula Shaw is featured at the Reading for Reconciliation Book Club. The group focuses on reading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. Local authors often come along to discuss their books with the book club members. Meetings are held at Kuril Dhagun, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane. For details email [email protected] November: Three Warriors Within by

Marcus Pedro is featured at the Reading for Reconciliation Book Club.Meetings are held at Kuril Dhagun,

State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane. For details email [email protected].

ProfileMelba Townsend from Queensland Aged and

Disability Advocacy Incorporated (QADA)

“I WAS born in Rockhampton in Central Queensland.It’s usually classified as the beef capital,

I have mainly lived in Nambour but I am looking at moving closer to Brisbane for work.My grandfather is from the Wakka

Wakka people and my grandmother is from the Willie Willie people out near Hawkswood. My father was born in Gayngah and

my mother is a South Sea Island woman from Vanuatu. I’m one of 16 children and have one son.”

What is your role at QADA?“I am the new Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander Advocate.My role is assessment for Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people having difficulty with aged care or disability services.We can advocate and work out better

ways to give our clients a better quality of life with aged care services.

What does QADA do?“QADA offers independent, confidential

and free advocacy top residents in

Commonwealth funded Aged Care facilities; people in the community receiving Community aged Care Packages, Extended Care at Home Packages, Home and Community Care Services; people eligible for these services and their carers; and adults with guardianship and administrative matters.

How do you enjoy the work?“I really enjoy it, I get to get out there

and meet people. I do education sessions with a lot

of people to let them know about my role and make contact and establish networks. I am willing to accept challenges that come my way. I am helping Indigenous communities to

understand and exercise their rights and responsibilites in order to improve their quaity of life. My role also includes the cultural aspect

in acting as a link between QADA and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and services.”

● To contact Melba by email [email protected] or call 1800 818 338.

Melba Townsend is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocate or QADA.


Playing at the World Cup is the ultimate honourTHE 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa kicks off this month and it promises to be a fantastic tournament once again, with extra interest for everyone who follows Gold Coast United.Our club has two players in

South Africa who, at the time of writing, are in the middle of their preparations to take on the very best the world game has to offer.Socceroo Jason Culina

and New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz are both top professionals who deserve their chance to shine on the world stage. They demonstrate at every training session just what it takes to make it to the top and we are all wishing them well.Jason has of course been

there and done it before, playing in every match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Finals in Germany. He’s an experienced international footballer and knows exactly what it takes to do well in such a prestigious tournament.For Shane the World Cup

is a new experience and I’m sure he will enjoy every single moment of it. He has already made his intentions clear by scoring a superb goal in New Zealand’s 1-0 win over Serbia in a recent warm-up game.Goal scoring chances

are few and far between in matches at this level and you have to take them when they come along. In Shane, New Zealand have a player who can do exactly that.To get the opportunity to play

in the FIFA World Cup Finals is the ultimate achievement and it’s the goal of every player in the game. To represent your country at the biggest sporting event on the

planet is the highest honour and you only have to think about some of the top players around the world who have never had that chance.Take Manchester United’s

Ryan Giggs for example... he is widely regarded as one of the English Premier League’s best ever players, but his nation, Wales, are always going to struggle to qualify for the World Cup and his chance has most likely passed him by now. In the lead up to the

tournament there’s been a lot of talk about Australia’s chances of progressing through the group stage and after their fantastic performance in Germany there is so much expectation on the team to do well.Of course we all hope the

Socceroos continue to defy the odds but it’s important

to remember just how tough a competition like the FIFA World Cup is. To even win a match at that level is incredibly difficult so if our Socceroo heroes do manage to make it past the group stage it will be an amazing achievement. Whatever happens, they will make us all proud.

JAMES BROWN

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

Books: Queenslander!QUEENSLANDER! is an illustrated celebration of Queensland Rugby League in the State of Origin.To mark thirty years of Origin, Brisbane sportswriter Mike

Colman has produced Queenslander! - a blatantly Maroon-biased celebration of the men, matches and moments.It's the story of a humble, one-off game played in front of

33,000 which evolved into the greatest and most enduring rugby league institution the world has seen, thrilling millions along the way.Queenslander! is an enthralling scrapbook of the drama of

Origin - the highlights and lowlights; greatest tries and tackles; controversies and shock selection - all through the eyes of the people who were actually involved. There are profiles of the most influential Maroons and in-depth

recreations of key matches and series. As well, notable Queenslanders from former premier Peter

Beattie to sportsmen, Matt Hayden, John Eales and Kieren Perkins recount their greatest Origin memories.From Brisbane to Bundaberg and out Blackbutt way

Queenslander! will be a slice of Maroon heaven for all those who three times a year stick out their chests with pride and scream, 'Queenslanderrrr...'.

Queenslander!Mike ColemanAllen & UnwinRRP: $35.00

SPORT


AS the FIFA World Cup fever starts to take a hold, celebrations have kicked off in a colourful but cheeky way.Sport Minister Phil Reeves launched the

Paint the Town Green and Gold event in Brisbane recently.“As part of the celebrations, Socceroos

sponsor SOLO is running a ‘lucky undies’ promotion which has been launched by celebrities including Wendell Sailor and Cathy Freeman,” Mr Reeves said.“It encourages Australians to wear

yellow underwear during the Socceroos’ World Cup matches in South Africa.“I would encourage Queenslanders

to get behind the Socceroos as they do battle in the world’s largest single sporting event.“It would be exciting to have the World

Cup on Australian soil and for this reason the Queensland Government is supporting Football Federation Australia’s bid for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup.“Should the bid be successful the

coverage would showcase the three proposed Queensland host cities, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville to a world-wide audience.” He says sport provides a vehicle for

bringing communities together and this is particularly evident with the world game of football.“Everyone can kick a football and enjoy

the great fun and sportsmanship that goes with playing this great game,” Mr Reeves said.

● Read James Brown comment on the FIFA World Cup on page 11.

Got your lucky undies?

GIRLS between the ages of 12 to 18 who like to play footy can take part in the 2010 Girls Rugby League Camp.The camp will be held at Nudgee College from 6-9 July.With 50 girls taking part last year, the ARL Development, QRL

and Nudgee College would love to see the numbers swell to 100 for 2010. Participants will take part in rugby league skills coaching and

games, trivia night, strength and conditioning sessions, as well as getting to watch game three of the State of Origin on a big screen. Cost is $290. Visit website www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2984-0-0-0&sID=175910 to see the camp brochure.

Girls who love their footy

Wendell Sailor will be wearing his lucky undies during the 2010

FIFA World Cup.

Queensland claim round one of the State of OriginThe Queensland

Maroons put round one away of the Harvey Norman State of Origin series with a 26-24 victory over New South Wales at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.There were some

highlights for some of our Indigenous boys.Sam Thaiday and Greg

Inglis put away trys for

the Maroons.It was backed by four

goals from Johnathan Thurston who was also named man of the match. Blues’ Origin debut

Jamal Idris scored his first try.Can Queensland claim

victory five years in a row when they clash against the Blues on the June 16?New South Wales coach

Craig Bellamy told New South Wales Rugby League the opening match for 2010 was a bit like groundhog day.“We all know how good

a team they are, there’s no hiding from that fact, so if we are going to get them, we’re going to have to get better,” he said.“They ain’t going to

come down, they aren’t

going to drop their standards so we need to raise ours.“I thought this was the

most talented team that I’d coached in Origin in honest - we’ve just got to get a bit of grit to that talent.”

● Game two is scheduled for June 16 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

TWEED teenage sensation in the pool, Mariah Jones, claimed first place in 50 metre freestyle swim last month at the New South Wales All Schools Swimming 2010.Maria competed in five events at the Sydney Aquatic Centre

Homebush placing either first or second in the swim events.The 17 year-old swam the 50m in a record breaking time of

26.96 seconds.Mariah also declared victory in the 100m freestyle race

swimming a fast time on 58.62, just 0.01 second off the record.She placed second in the 50m backstroke, 200m freestyle and

50m butterfly. Her butterfly time of 29.39 seconds was enough to break the Far North Coast record by 0.33 of a second.

Another win for Mariah Jones

Documents

Be Counted Edition 5