legislation and policy
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Report on the NSW Government's Implementation of the Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody


Appendix B


NSW Ministry for the Arts
Contact :Susan Donnelly 9228 4878

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Cultural Grants Program$844,000 allocated to 47 organisations as 63 grants for activities in 1998;
$751,620 offered to 29 organisations 39 grants in initial round for activities in 1999;
Further funds will be provided by June 1999.
1997-98
1998-99
These grants do not include funds to mainstream arts organisations whose range of activities also benefit Indigenous communities-Total figure for 1998-99 to be finalised July 1999
Indigenous Arts Fund
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
To provide rapid response one-off assistance outside of the Ministry’s annual grants rounds for projects over the full range of art forms;
Grants are assessed by members of the Indigenous Arts Reference Group of the NSW Arts Advisory Council;
Part of Ministry’s Cultural Grants Program.
Establish-ed in 1996-97 year$50,000 a year for three years- 
Indigenous Arts Fellowship
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
Established in partnership with the Sydney City Council as a biennial grant of $15,000;
Part of Ministry’s programs of assistance to individuals.
Established in 1996$7,500 in 1998Sydney City Council contributes $7,500 per awardSecond award presented in 1998
Indigenous History Fellowship
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
Part of Ministry’s programs of assistance to individuals;
Established as biennial $20,000 grant.
Established in 1997-98$20,000 every two years Inaugural winner announced late 1998
Indigenous Arts Reference GroupEstablished to promote effective relations between non-Aboriginal artists, Aboriginal artists and the Government and advise the NSW Arts Advisory Council;
Indigenous Arts Protocol: a guide developed to provide principles and guidelines for arts workers and organisations to nurture Indigenous cultural expression in NSW.
Establish-ed in 1996
Guide released in March 1998
Administered by Ministry for the Arts 9 members
Available by contact Ms Margaret Minatel on (02) 9228 4838
In the Interest of BennelongSorry Day exhibition which Aboriginal people speak about the forced-separation policies on their lives.May to June 1998 at Govern-ment House and July to August 1998 at Museum of Sydney$4,000 through Cultural Grants Program fundsJoint project with a range of organisations including Historic Houses Trust and NSW Community Arts Association 
Regional Indigenous Cultural Officer
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
To assist Indigenous arts workers, artists and regional communities in project planning.Commenced September 1997$50,000 per year for 3 yearsBased at the NSW Community Arts AssociationCo-curated Sorry Day exhibition – In the Interest of Bennelong displayed at Government House and Museum of Sydney
Return of Indigenous cultural remains
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
To implement the February 1998 decision of the Cultural Ministers Council.From 1998-99$125,000 a year for a four-year programContributions from all CommonwealthStates and TerritoriesAwaiting further advice of Cultural Ministers Council


Art Gallery of NSW
Contact : Ms Trish Kernahan 9225 1852

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Employment of Aboriginal staffCurator, Aboriginal Education Officer and Gallery Service Officer employed in Yiribana Gallery.Since 1995$121,000 per year included in $1.4 m annual expenditure on Yiribana Gallery ongoing
Yiribana exhibitionRetrospective of work by Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Alhalkere – Paintings from Utopia.15/5/98 to 16/7/98 This show was a Queensland Art Gallery travelling exhibitionProvided the people of NSW with an opportun-ity to view a major retrospect-ive of this important Aboriginal artists career.
ExhibitionFestival of the Dreaming: Portraits of Oceania – This is the first exhibition by an Australian art museum which looks at the nature of photographic portraiture of some of the Indigenous peoples of the Oceania during the first fifty years of photography.This exhibition will be touring Australian Galleries and Museums from March 1998 into the 1999 year.$59,506Some photographs on loan from the NSW State Library.
A fully illustrated catalogue was published for this exhibition with the assistance ($9,000) of the Australian Foundation for Culture and the Humanities.
 
Education ProgramThe Art Gallery has developed and distributed (free of charge) over 10,000 Yiribana Education Kits to provide teachers with information concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural issues.ongoingThe Gallery spent $10,000 to develop and publish the kits.
The Gallery spends approximately $5,000 per year maintaining and distributing the kits.
The Gallery’s Aboriginal Education Officer and Curators are involved in research, development, implementa-tion and maintenance of the kits.Development has commenced on a second Yiribana Education Kit.
Education ProgramThe Gallery is developing links with Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative College to promote use of the gallery by ATSI students.ongoingN/AThe Gallery’s Aboriginal Art Department and Education Officer have continued developing links. Development of links with Eora College now also underway.
AcquisitionsThe Art Gallery is continuing to acquire, exhibit and conserve Aboriginal art in line with its commitment to make the collection accessible to the widest possible audience.ongoingIn 1997-98 the Gallery acquired
24 works valued at $208,085.
Several private donors made gifts of works of art under the Commonwealth Government’s Cultural Bequest Scheme, which offers a tax incentive to donors.The Gallery’s collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works of art is enhanced and expanded in line with curatorial policy to be benefit of the people of NSW and their visitors.
Artist-in-residence programThe Gallery conducts Indigenous performances and storytelling under the artist-in-residence program.ongoing$45,000 per year included in $1.4 m annual expenditure on Yiribana Gallery-Approximately 50,000 visitors each year experience Aboriginal dance, music and storytelling presented by ATSI performers.
MerchandisingThe Gallery promotes Aboriginal publications, textiles and paper products to all visitors through the Aboriginal Art Product Range, available at the Gallery Shop.ongoingSelf-funding commercial operation.-The Yiribana Book continues to be one of the Gallery most popular selling stock items.


Australian Museum
Contact: Mr Roger Muller 9320 6230
Departmental contact: Mr Phil Gordon 9320 6192

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
 The Museum has implemented a comprehensive public program relating to the Indigenous Australians Gallery.1997-98 and ongoing.
Performances
demonstra-tions
NAIDOC celebrations
staffed interpretation
$35,000.00 and staff salary-Complet-ed 1997-98 and ongoing.
 Changing displays in the Indigenous Australian Gallery;
Barddi”wanga: From the String;
Eora exhibition;
Stolen Lives;
Illawarra South Coast Artists;
Warrali Burrul.
1998
1998
1998
1998
1999
  ongoing
Indigenous Australian touring exhibition
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
As part of Museum-on-the-Road. The exhibition explores spirituality, cultural heritage, family, land, social justice, health and the future. $170,000 exhibition and staff salaries Will tour South Coast venues in 1998 and the Northern Tablelands and Western NSW during 1999
Repatriation of cultural remains
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
The Museum is working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council to repatriate significant artefacts and human remains to Aboriginal Communities. Within existing resources-ongoing
LoansThe Museum loans Aboriginal artefacts to various Aboriginal communities.ongoing$40,000 salaries and facilities-15 community loans and ongoing
Museum-in-a-Box programThe Museum tours materials relating to Aboriginal studies to school students throughout the State who cannot easily visit the Museum.ongoing$17,000 management costs-ongoing
Schools Programs in Indigenous StudiesThe Museum undertakes a range of programs for schools, including visits to the Indigenous Australians exhibition, preparation of teacher/student material, hands-on sessions, senior students talks, theatre programs, teacher staff development days etc. These programs reach 60,000 students pa.ongoingTotal schools program (including Indigenous programs) $40,000 plus staffing ongoing
Aboriginal Outreach ProgramThe program provides training, support and advice on the establishment and maintenance of cultural centres and keeping places to Aboriginal community groups in NSW ongoing$100,000 salaries and resourcesIncludes $60,000 from ATSICongoing
Indigenous PolicyThe Museum is reviewing its policies relating to Indigenous Australians and the Division of Anthropology/Aboriginal Heritage Unit.1998-99Within existing resources-ongoing
PublicationsFar North West NSW catalogue;
Care of Collections Conservation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Keeping Places and Cultural Centres Edited by Karen Coote;
Far West NSW catalogue.
1997-98
1998
1998-99
$29,810 salary and resources-Completed
Completed
Community Access Programs in partnership with Indigenous groups or community groups with Indigenous peoplesForbidden Love, Bold Passion;
Peepshow Kinetica;
Twang;
Images of Mambesak.
1998
1998
1998
1998
Annual Community Access Programs budget ($37,000) and staff salary
$80,000
All programs additionally funded from other sources including NSW Ministry for the Arts, Carnivale, local councils and grants from Arts organisationsCommun-ity Access Program ongoing


Historic Houses Trust of NSW
Contact : Caroline Butler-Bowden 9251 5988

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Museum of Sydney
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
The Museum of Sydney holds exhibitions and runs public programs on colonial and contemporary Sydney which include objects, images and new media focusing on Aboriginal culture and history.ongoingThe MOS cost $27m to establish.
MOS employs 10 full-time staff and 4 part-time staff.
Trust
Foundation
Open three years. Museum is developing a niche market concentrating on the debate of contemporary social and architectural/ planning issues.
Edge of the TreesA sculptural installation which was the first major public artwork in Sydney created as a collaboration between a European and an Aboriginal Australian artist. The work interprets the complex mix of Aboriginal and British history on the site.ongoingApproximately $250,000. ongoing maintenance costs approximately $4,000 per annum.NilThe work has received critical local and international acclaim.
Soundscape installationThe Calling to Come A soundscape in the entry cube to the Museum of a conversation between an Eora woman and a European man, based on the records of William Dawes 1792.ongoingNANANA
Exhibition (permanent installation)Eora A showcase containing Eora artefacts, LED screens showing over 200 European images of the Eora by early colonial artists, labelling using Eora language, and a film made by Aboriginal film-maker Michael Riley.ongoingIncluded in cost of whole NilNA
ExhibitionsRedevelopment of Eora showcase, object changeover.May 1998 for twelve months.Exhibition budget
approx $15,000
NilNegotiations ongoing for planning of object changeovers.
Exhibition (permanent installation)Colony A large showcase containing objects grouped as a spatial map representing the activities of Sydney’s work sites in the 1820s. The case also contains the installation Witnesses, two video screens with characters who interact in conversation, speaking from their own experience. The characters include an Eora woman and an Indigenous lawyer. (Eora is the Australian Aboriginal language from the area now occupied by Sydney.)ongoingNANANA
Exhibition (permanent installation)Bond Store This is the storytelling place in MOS with various characters based on historical research telling stories of everyday life in colonial Sydney. The stories include “Why are you weeping?” told by an Aboriginal sailor, and “Tell him things” a young Aboriginal women’s story.ongoingNANANA
ExhibitionsDevelopment of an exhibition Yuendumu Doors from South Australian Museum.Septem-ber – October 1999UnknownUnknownIn planning
EmploymentMuseum guide, Aboriginal.ongoingSalary for Visitor Services Officer (Museum Guide) is $28781- $31808.Nilongoing
EmploymentTargeted Aboriginal position – Assistant Curator, Indigenous Studies.ongoing No funding received.No funding received.Currently vacant. Previously a Curator Grade 1 position was targeted and filled temporarily
Education ProgramWhose Place Is It Anyway?, a program for Years 4-7 exploring the different cultures who have made Sydney home, from the Indigenous people, the Eora, to European settlers and later migrants.ongoing

$10,000Board of StudiesVery successful with students. Bookings increasing markedly every year.
PublicationForthcoming book about MOS MOS Book will include a section on Eora.In develop-ment.UnknownUnknownIn development.
Bush Lives: Bush Futures exhibition catalogueAn essay in the Bush Lives: Bush Futures exhibition catalogue essay titled “Western Lives after Wik: Aboriginal Access, Land Management and Native Title” was written by lawyer and Aboriginal activist Tony McAvoy. He works for the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs as the manager of the policy unit dealing with native title and cultural heritage issues. He was formerly the Registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.The exhibition showed at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum from 12 July – 6 December 1998, and tours to the following venues: Great Cobar Outback Heritage Centre 22 January - 22 March 1999, Inverell Art Gallery 27 March – 3 May 1999, Bishops Lodge – Hay 10 June -
29 August 1999, Dundulimal Dubbo
4 September –
17 October 1999, Orange Regional Gallery February 2000, Canberra Museum and Gallery April – May 2000, Broken Hill City Gallery
12 October –
26 November 2000. Other venues are currently under negotiation.
   
Bush Futures? ForumA session entitled “saving Bush Heritage: Community perspectives and ideas” included as one of the speakers lawyer and Aboriginal activist Tony McAvoy (as a last minute replacement for the advertised speaker Mark Sutton, Treasurer of Mutawintji Land Council, Mutawintji National Park who was ill) on the subject “Aboriginal owner’s perspectives”. This talk stimulated much discussion, and was referred back to through the remainder of the forum. The forum was successful and it is hoped that it will form a template for similar events to be run by local communities at several of the proposed touring venues (see entry above).7 Novem-ber 1998   
Exhibition at MOSA touring exhibition from the South Australian Museum titled Unhinged! The Yuendumu Doors. In 1983, the Warlpiri people of the Tanami Desert made the historic decision to paint thirty doors of the Yuendumu School. This literal and metaphorical opening of the doors to their culture led to the transfer of their ground paintings to canvas and international recognition of their art. MOS will develop a concentrated series of events to link with NSW schoolchildren to maximise the value of bringing these doors to the Museum. Will also link with the Sydney Koori community.18 Sept-ember –
5 Dec-ember 1999
 Visions of Australia travelling exhibition 
Sorry Day display Museum of SydneyThis display was first shown at Government House (see previous entry) then came to MOS during late July-August 1998. Display included Bennelong, stories of the Stolen Generation and a Sorry Book for the public to sign. The display was organised by ATSIC.July – August 1998   
Education service/Aboriginal Studies Projects Display MOSSelected Year 12 2-unit HSC Aboriginal Studies projects including posters, essays, artworks and other material, were displayed on Level 2 of Museum of Sydney near the Eora display. This was a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Museum of Sydney.August-Septem-ber 1998Exhibition Unit Budget Temporary exhibit, with some works remaining on display.
Education programsAboriginal perspectives: Training of museum staff to deliver focus tours with an Aboriginal perspective, and to provide education service for Aboriginal Studies students.1998-ongoing$500Colin Gale (Pres. Darug Tribal Corporation)Broader range of visitor services to be provided throughout 1999 and beyond.
Education InitiativeMuseum of Sydney: Flag exhibition of 100 best entries into Ausflag competition. Opened by Aboriginal community leaders. Provided opportunity to present Indigenous issues and perspectives.Australia Day 1998Exhibitions budget.AusflagPopular event that extended beyond MOS event.


NSW Film and Television Office
Contact : Jane Smith 9380 5599

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Production Loan$71,500 cash flow loan to Aboriginal Nation for the Dreaming Three Feature Film “Radiance”;
National Indigenous Documentary series 2 (2 Projects).
April 1997- February 1998

February 1998
$200,000


$40,000
Aust Film Commission, SBS Independent, Showtime
ABC – ATSIC
completed

Completed February 1998

In Develop-ment
Script and Project Development Funding of $11,000 for Sacred Boomerang;
Funding for Waterloo Creek;
Funding of $10,250 for Pemulwuy;
Funding of Lyle and Jack.
Septem-ber 1995 to March 1998
Septem-ber 1997 to May 1998
$31,500
$19,450
Nil
Nil
 
Screen Culture SupportEstablishment costs for Metro Television Indigenous Mentorship Scheme.1997/98 financial year$10,000variouscontinuing
Production LiaisonResponding to enquiries regarding filming Aboriginal sites.Current Year,
continu-ing
within existing resources-Research-ing appropriate body to handle requests for informa-tion
Script and Project DevelopmentAboriginal Nations – The Dreaming Series 4 and 5;
Development funding for Fish (Documentary);
Native Title Series of two half hour drama’s – Wind and Saturday Night, Sunday Morning;
Script Development for Black Mary;
Script development for The Last Warrior;
Travel grant for financing documentary, Stolen Generation.
 $1,600,127 (total budget)
$15,537 (FTO) $268,888 (total budget)
$60,000 (FTO) $860, 000 (total budget)
$10,000
$14,700
$3,400
ATSIC and ABC
SBSI, Page Bros., SVT, Music Arts Dance
AFC, SBSI, ABC
Due for completion Jan 1999
production May 98 to Dec 98
May 98 – Feb 99
Nov 98 – Feb 99
May 98 -Feb 99
Nov 98
Script and Project DevelopmentNational Indigenous Documentary Series. $37,000 per project – don”t know at this stage how many projects. Starts mid March
Script and Project DevelopmentNational Indigenous Feature Writing Program. A nation wide initiative for Indigenous writers designed to assist talented Indigenous writers to develop and enhance their writing skills by providing an intensive, feature film writing experience.Beginning March 1999   
Screen CultureGrant for producing The Black Book through the Creative Initiatives fund.Jan. 1998 to end of 1999$5,000  


Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
Contact: tba 9217 0576

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Education programsSpecial tours of Sydney Observatory are provided for ATSI students from Tranby Aboriginal College and Northern Territory high schools.Annual   
Exhibition at Powerhouse MuseumNgaramang Bayumi: an exhibition about Indigenous Australian music and dance at the Powerhouse Museum highlights the value and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and dance;
Ngaramang Bayumi means “music and dance” in Eora language -- the Aboriginal language from the area now occupied by Sydney.
Opened September 1997 as part of Festival of the Dreaming; continuing to February 1999   
Regional: exhibition presenting Indigenous Australian culture.Through Sharing the Wailwan story, photographs from the Museum’s Tyrrell collection were researched by a Museum curator in conjunction with a field officer from the Indigenous Wailwan community and returned to that community in the form of a permanent display installed in the Quambone Public School (220 kms north west of Dubbo).Permanent display at Quambone Public School   
Indigenous advisory committeesThe Museum’s Education and Visitor Services Department established two separate committees to advise on the development of specific Museum projects -- one for Aboriginal culture, one for Torres Strait Islander culture. These committees aim particularly to raise awareness of the differences between these cultures.ongoing   
Community involvementJames Wilson-Miller is President of the Aboriginal Studies Association, Vice-President of the Aboriginal Education Council and a member of the Centenary of Federation Civic Committee.ongoing   
Program for ATSI studentsSpecial tours of Sydney Observatory are provided for ATSI students from Tranby Aboriginal College and Northern Territory high schools.Annual.   
EducationDevelopment of teachers notes for Sharing the Wailwan Story exhibition.1999   
Exhibition – regional tourRegional tour of Sharing the Wailwan Story exhibition. Proposed for the Brewarrina area beginning Reconciliation Week 1999.February 1999   
ExhibitionRenewal of Ngaramang Bayumi exhibition with a view to establishing a permanent Indigenous gallery.February 1999   
EducationSoundhouse Educator Peter Mahoney and Aboriginal Education Officer Steve Miller will present a mobile Soundhouse workshop to the Annual General Meeting of the NSW Aboriginal Consultative Group. The intention is to offer the mobile Soundhouse for use by Aboriginal students in regions that express an interest.25 February 1999   
ExhibitionsSharing the Wailwan story travelled throughout regional New South Wales.1998   
EmploymentThe Museum recruited a full-time Indigenous Project Officer, Steve Miller, to advise on issues relating to ATSI communities.From 24 August 1998$37,000  
ReconciliationNAIDOC Day.30 May 98   
ReportsThe Museum’s two Aboriginal staff, James Wilson Miller and Steve Miller, provided comment and advice on several Government reports, including the Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) report into provision of services for Aboriginal people in NSW and the Australian Bureau of Statistics proposal for gathering information on Indigenous people. Steve Miller also attended a seminar on the latter.1998   
Professional activitiesSocial History Curator Ann Stephen provided an entry for the Oxford Companion to Aboriginal Art on Sharing the Wailwan Story.1998   
Professional activitiesSteve Miller sat on the Boards of the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) and the Tullagulla Aboriginal Cultural Centre.January-December 1998   
Public programs:
Lectures on Koori history
Mr James Wilson-Miller, the Museum’s Curator of Koori History and Culture, delivered the following talks and lectures:
· Battlefields and Conflict in Australia, University of Sydney (Lecture);
· The Stolen Generations, A Family perspective, University of Sydney (lecture);
· Contemporary Fragmentation of the Koori Family, Australian College of Psychology (lecture);
· Koori Astronomy and perceptions of the Southern Night Skies, University if Western Sydney (lecture);
· Koori Studies and storytelling sessions on Koori Astronomy, Youth Action Policy Association (Talk);
· Koori History of Education and Dreamings, Kings Scorss Rotary Club (Talk).
There have been numerous Aboriginal groups visiting the Museum, most of whom are met and shown through Ngaramang Bayumi by James Wilson-Miller and/or Steve Miller, the Aboriginal Education Officer. These included Pjunga Aboriginal Elders and a group of Gifted and Talented students from the Armidale region. Non-Indigenous students, many undertaking Aboriginal Studies, have also been guided through the exhibition.
April 1998
April 1998
April 1998
May 1998
June 1998
June 1998
July-November 1998
   


State Library of NSW
Contact : Ms Bronwyn Coop 9273 1453

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Oral history strategy
Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People undertaking
An oral history strategy is being developed in collaboration with Link Up, to record the stories of stolen children.ongoingwithin existing resourcesLink Up and other State libraries and the National Library as part of the national oral history projectPlanning underway with Link Up. National and State libraries agreeing to decentralised approach
Aboriginal family and local history resourcesINFOKOORI, an index of information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, issues and events is now available on the Internet through the Library’s website (www.slnsw.gov.au/koori);
It includes an index to articles published in the Koori Mail newspaper (the only national Aboriginal newspaper) and The Dawn, New Dawn, Our AIM and Identity periodicals. Indexes to other relevant resources are being prepared and a digitisation strategy developed;
Identification of manuscript collections relevant to family history research and stolen children. Indexing priorities to be determined;
State Library is a member of the Task Force on Access to Government Records.
ongoing

1997-98 and ongoing
ongoing
funded from current resources- 51,000 website hits on INFOKOORI database between August and December 1998
EmploymentThe Library employs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and trainees;
An informal network of Indigenous staff will be established to facilitate communication and sharing of ideas. This group will also develop the Library’s Indigenous Employment strategy.
ongoing
1998-99
Approx $130,000 pa for Indigenous services librarians
within existing resources
2 trainees funded by ALIA/DEETYA Employment Strategy3 staff in substantive positions. In 1997-98, 6 Aboriginal trainees employed under Aboriginal Traineeship Schemes. 1.4 per cent of Library staff of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background
 Hot Topics are plain language information packages on specific topics in the law, prepared by the Legal Information Access Centre.   Native Title Hot Topic published
Information ServicesAboriginal staff provide a wide range of information services to ATSI clients using the Library’s collections;
An advisory committee on Indigenous services and collections will be established.
ongoing

1998-99
within existing resources- In 1997-98, over 580 people were directly assisted by Indigenous Service Librarians.
Public ProgramsFamily Find-it seminars to assist clients trace their Aboriginal family history using sources in the Library.ongoingwithin existing resources- 100 people attended 96-97
Professional DevelopmentIndigenous staff present talks and conference papers;
Indigenous staff arrange community history seminars and cross-cultural training seminars for staff from public libraries in NSW, the State Library, government and other organisations;
Indigenous staff active in ATSILIRN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resource Network).
ongoing
ongoing
ongoing
within existing resources-12 presentations 1996-97
Over 200 State Library staff attended cross-cultural training workshops in 1996-97. Workshop held for National Parks and Wildlife Service
Attendance and presentations at seminars, meetings and conferences


State Records NSW
Contact : Martyn Killion (02) 9237 0126

Project/
initiative by State Records
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome or current status
Special Preservation ProjectThis is a special project initiated by State Records to preserve the correspondence files of the former Aborigines Welfare Board on microfilm. The files are used by Aboriginal researchers and demand has increased with the release of the report of the HREOC Inquiry. These files constitute the most significant body of records documenting Government policy in relation to Aboriginal people in NSW during the 20th century.This project commen-ced in 1997 and filming and checking was complet-ed in Decem-ber 1998.The special budget allocation of approx. $100 000 was spent over two years (1996-97 and 1997-98). This covered material costs and contributed to staff costs.Special budget allocation $100.000 (approx) Duplication of microfilm reels to be completed by end of February 1999.
PublicationsState Records published a Guide to State archives relating to Aboriginal people. The Guide is a listing of the key record series in our custody relating to Aboriginal people. It includes a listing of the records of the former Aborigines Welfare Board, together with records from other agencies, such as the Colonial Secretary, Police and Education.

Publication of the Guide was planned for some years. However, the project was given particular impetus by the HREOC Inquiry, in particular Recommendation 22 which made specific reference to the need for finding aids to the records.
Guide complet-ed in June 1998 Within existing resourcesNilCompleted. Guide launched in August 1998.
Free TalksState Records provides free talks to Aboriginal groups visiting our facilities;
A talk and tour will be offered to Aboriginal people in consultation with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Link-Up during NAIDOC Week 4-11 July 1999;
In addition, State Records participates in workshops on Aboriginal family history co-ordinated by AIATSIS. During 1997/98 workshops were held in Sydney, Canberra, Dubbo and Armidale. Further workshops for the Bathurst and Kembla Warra Aboriginal community are planned for the second half of 1999.
ongoing
ongoing
Within existing resources

As above
Nil

Some financial assistance from AIATSIS.
ongoing

ongoing
MoratoriumOn 18 June 1997 the Premier announced a 12 month moratorium on the destruction of Government records relating to the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. On 18 June 1998 this was extended for a further 12 months.Original term 12 months (extended for a further period of 12 months)Within existing resourcesNilongoing
NSW Government Taskforce established to draw up common access guidelines (Records Access Taskforce)Following the handing down the HREOC report Bringing them Home the Government established the Records Access Taskforce which is convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and with representation from including key NSW Government and non government for example Link-Up, In summary its terms of reference are:
· identify and establish which agencies have records;
· abeles recommendations form the HREOC report which relate to access;
· strategy for access and retention of records;
· assist NSW Govt agencies develop guidelines relevant to their agency an access to the records;
· develop” first stop policy and guide” contact point.
A sub committee has been established to develop common access guidelines for application within the Government sector.
Original term 12 months (extended for 6 months)Within existing resources Common access guidelines to be finalised by June 1999.
Connecting Kin Project operated by the Department of Community ServicesIn 1997, the Department of Community Services established a project to locate the records of those institutions (both government and non-government) responsible for children in State care. The objective of the Project was to produce a guide to the location and accessibility of such records;
State Records participated in the Project by being represented on the Project’s Advisory Committee.
Project complet-ed July 1998.Within existing resourcesN/ACompleted. Guide published in the second half of 1998 by the Department of Community Services.
EventsThe first national Sorry Day was celebrated on 24 May 1998. This was undertaken as a whole-of-government initiative.24 May 1998N/AN/AUnknown
Interdepartmental CommitteeIn November 1997 the NSW Government established an Interdepartmental Steering Committee convened by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to develop a whole-of-Government response to the HREOC report. State Records was represented on the Committee. The report of the Committee was due to be handed down by June 1998. This timeframe was extended to allow for community consultation which has taken place and a draft of the response has been circulated to State Records for comment.Commenced Novem-ber 1997Within existing resourcesNilPending formal response by Govern-ment.


Sydney Opera House
Contact: Ms Jane Johnson 9250 7992

Project/
initiative
DescriptionTime
frame
Estimated expenditure and resourcesContribution from other sourcesOutcome/
current status
Indigenous Forum – Employment and training within the entertainment industryThe HRPandD Dept of the SOH have proposed a two day forum on Indigenous training and employment with the main objective of increasing access for Indigenous people in the entertainment industry.July 1999 – Sept 1999 Funding is being contributed by our Trust and possibly ATSIC and corporate sponsorshipA project team has been established and a project manager appointed (Adrian Wills, Indigenous Trainee) who will co-ordinate this event.
Programming initiatives 1998/99The Sydney Opera House Trust will be presenting a broad range of events on Sundays across 1998/99. A number of Indigenous artists are included in the program content.ongoing from May 1998Programming costs covered by the SOH Programming DepartmentSponsors currently being soughtPlanned to commence in May 1998
Permanent displayPossum Dreaming by Michael Nelson Tjakamarra, which at the time of its creation was the largest authentic Indigenous painting on canvas, is on permanent display in the Northern Foyer of the Opera Theatre.ongoing $30,000 contribution from Cadbury-Schweppes Pty Ltd.ongoing
Indigenous trainee programThe Sydney Opera House has begun implementing an Indigenous trainee program with one position in Marketing and Management and two positions in Arts Administration.Trainee-ship for one year commen-cing March 199820 per cent of wages contributed by SOHT, plus employee benefits.80 per cent of wages funded by Traineeship Program through EnterArts Media who provide orientation and mentor support to trainees, and cross-cultural support to managersTrainees have been interviewed and selected for commencement in March 1998

 

Introduction | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Overview | Preventing Deaths in Custody
Preventing Incarceration | Addressing Underlying Disadvantages | Appendix A | Appendix B
Appendix C | Appendix D

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most recently updated 20 August 1999