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NINGKUWUM-NGAMAYUWU HALLS CREEK CHILDREN & FAMILY CENTRE

NEWSLETTER

Issue 16 July 2015

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR NAIDOC SPONSORS The success of NAIDOC (5-12

th July) celebrations organised by

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu depends partly on our sponsors who donate vouchers, food and toys as prizes. The generosity of our sponsors has been so heartwarming this year. There was no hesitation by any of them to donate to our NAIDOC events. We take this opportunity to thank our wonderful sponsors.

Delia from Baz Motors, Halls Creek

Brett and the girls from Home Entertainment, Halls Creek

Emma from IGA, Halls Creek

Jamie from Halls Creek Meat Supply

Kaylene and Lee from Halls Creek Bakery

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BIG THANK YOU TO OUR NAIDOC SPONSORS

Marshall from Urban Rampage, Halls Creek

NAIDOC BABY COMPETITION We had 21 children from 0-4 years old enter the NAIDOC Baby Photo Competition this year. Congratulations to our winners: 0 years: Aaron Griffiths 1 years: Lorna Calwyn 2 years: Bethany (DCP Hostel) 3 years: Kiara Calwyn 4 years: Arizona Bedford

0 years winner: Aaron Griffiths

Chona and Eduard from Shell Halls Creek

BIG THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES We have the most beautiful children in Halls Creek and this makes our job hard when we have to pick winners for our NAIDOC baby photo competition. We always hand ball this task out to wonderful tourists who are visiting Halls Creek on the day. This year Geoff and Bernice from Park Orchards, Victoria took on the mammoth task. Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu sends out a big thank you to both.

"Right from our early beginnings we were taught of the sanctity of the total life around us… The Aboriginal way is that everything is created equal and sacred: that the soil, the clay, the rocks are all sacred; and that all have a personality…I had the strength of knowing that my creator is not above me somewhere, but is always with me; that, whatever the substance around me, that creation flows to me, through me, within me; that the universe is part of me, as I am part of it… there is complete belonging, and life and death is just a constant flowing… a continual renewing. "

- Kevin Gilbert, The Search for Meaning Collection, Caroline Jones

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NAIDOC FAMILY DAY The NAIDOC Family Day at Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu was a big success (71 – 42 children & 29 adults) on Wednesday 8

th July

thanks to our partnership with Doug Dolby (Yura Yungi Men’s Circle Facilitator), Jake and the team from Shire Youth Services and most importantly the Halls Creek community. Our regular playgroup was held before the Family Day lunch started and was attended by 18 children and 7 mums. The children all played so well together inside and out.

Playgroup morning tea The Family Day provided an opportunity for Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu to announce our NAIDOC Baby Competition winners and to present them with their prizes.

4 years winner: Arizona Bedford

"When we paint, whether it is on our bodies for ceremony or on bark or canvas for the market, we're not just painting for fun or profit, we're painting as we always have done to demonstrate our continuing link with our country and the rights and responsibilities we have to it." - Galarrwuy Yunupingu

The family day included activities such as egg and spoon race.

Tug-of-war

3 years winner: Kiara Calwyn Big thank you to our sponsors: Baz Motors, IGA Halls Creek and Shell Halls Creek.

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NAIDOC YOUTH BALL Another successful NAIDOC Youth Ball held on Thursday 9

th July

at the Shire Rec Hall. The event was organised by Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu in partnership with Jodie Bedford from the Halls Creek NAIDOC Committee/KTI, Simone Taplin from Halls Creek Police, Jake Hay and his team from Shire Youth Service and the Halls Creek community. There must have been around 70 children and 30 parents there. The winners:

- NAIDOC Princess: Witney Birrell - NAIDOC Prince: Hafiz Pickett - Runner up NAIDOC Princess: Latoya Lawford - Runner up NAIDOC Prince: Conrad Williams

Big thank you to our judges (Shire Youth Services team)

The quiz night was also an opportunity for one of our staff members to raise funds for her daughter’s trip to Melbourne in October. Big thank you to our sponsor Jamie from Halls Creek Meat Supply for the two vouchers presented to the winners and the third place getters (second place received a box of chocolates).

The children all looked so beautiful on the night and had so much fun dancing the night away. Youth Services organised the dance competitions and gave out prizes throughout the night. Big thank you to our sponsors: Baz Motors, Home Entertainment, Halls Creek Bakery, Urban Rampage, IGA and Shell Halls Creek.

Big thank you to our DJs (Halls Creek Police)

NAIDOC QUIZ NIGHT Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu held its first NAIDOC Quiz Night on Tuesday 7

th July in partnership with Jodie Bedford from Halls Creek

NAIDOC Committee/KTI. The night was such a big success that we have been asked to hold another. The winners…..

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MOBILE PLAYGROUP Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu held its first mobile playgroup out at Yardgee on Tuesday 14

th July. This took place after consulting

with Yardgee Community who were in support of this project and suggested we use the park in the middle of the community. We hope to visit at least one of the different communities around Halls Creek every Tuesday with our mobile playgroup so keep an eye out for our flyer and the Wunan troopie in your area.

Seqoiah (our volunteer) reading to the children at Yardgee

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu staff organised activities such as painting, an obstactle course and book reading. The children then sat and had morning tea together.

The purpose of the mobile playgroup is to give our children an opportunity to play and learn on their community. It is also for the community to meet our staff and to see what our centre can offer their children.

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COMMUNITY GATHERING Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu held its monthly community gathering on Wednesday 15

th July.

Attendees: Larissa Malay, Sharon Carter, Yallana Malay, Joan Malay, Raymika Malay, Millie Hills, Erin Hills, Angeline Bedford, Virginia Edwards, Peter Ayoub, Daralyn Bedford, Kelly Wilma, Sophie Nilsson, Sandrah Darcy and Maria Lovison (Minute Taker).

Maria opened the meeting by explaining the purpose of the meeting – a community forum for people to raise concerns about the centre; make suggestions about events at the centre and to raise community issues. Maria also explained a CFC Cultural Advisory Group was created at the first gathering and its role is to provide guidance and advice on cultural and community members to Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu staff. Discussion: - Daralyn suggested a Trash & Treasure Day on Friday 24

th from

12noon onwards (after the meeting Millie suggested this be held on Wed 22/7 same time as the cook up). Others suggested balloons be hung outside, a notice be placed at the entrance and Indigenous music be played to attract passers-by.

- Peter advised he is an air-con specialist. He can be contacted on 0447892351 for further information.

MONEY MANAGEMENT On Tuesday 7

th July Kaz from the Jungarni Money Management

team visited Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu and talked about the money management course for those who wanted to sign up. They also presented on “saving and planning”, “writing a shopping list” and “saving enough for Christmas celebrations”. Everyone who completes the course will also be rewarded with a gift in the end. It is not too late to join so please come along to the next workshop held every Tuesday. For further information about Jungarni and its services, ring 9168 6168.

- Virginia informed members of the Shire Planning & Strategic meeting at the Rec Centre on Thursday night at 5pm. The meeting will also discuss the alcohol restrictions. It is open to the community to attend and participate in the discussions.

- Joan stated there is nothing for the youth in Halls Creek. Shire

Youth Services should service all youths not just the ones who get into trouble.

- Sandrah queried the cost to hire the basketball courts in the rec

hall especially where there is no profit to be made and the purpose is to encourage the Halls Creek community to get fit and healthy. Virginia suggested she contact the shire office and speak to Heather Perkins on how to seek a waiver of the cost before the next shire council meeting on 23 July.

- Joan asked members on how to engage young mums more. Millie

suggested a cook up and art/painting session at the centre. Millie to arrange for the canvas and paints and wwill facilitate the event on Wednesday 22/7.

- Darralyn suggested a women’s camp 21-22 August on the

Springvale Road. Millie to organise with the Station. - Bullying at the school was raised by various members. Millie

informed members she is the Chair of the School Council and any issues with the school can be raised with her.

- Joan commented the children need counselling for their issues. It

was suggested that PHAMS may be able to assist. Millie to discuss this matter with Yura Yungi Board and will raise the matter with the school council at their next meeting.

- Members suggested CFC staff use Facebook to advertise events.

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu will look into this. Feedback on the gathering: - “Good session to catch up and to hear and raise new stuff”. Millie - “Coming today gave me the confidence to talk.” Joan

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OUR GENEROUS DONORS When Nadja Mack was seconded to Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu in June we got talking about sourcing books and DVDs (for our upcoming movie nights!!) via donations to use at the centre and to distribute to families. On Nadja’s return to cold cold Melbourne she got onto Facebook and put her feelers out. We were both surprised by the generous response. Many people invited Nadja to come to their place and pick up bags and boxes full of DVDs and picture books. They are currently sitting at Nadja’s place while is sources transport.

INDIGENOUS PARENT FACTOR (IPF) WORKSHOP On Wednesday the 15

th July Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu held its

weekly IPF workshop. We covered topis such as “Our beliefs about parenting”, “Parents experience of reading”, “Why do we read?”, “How do people read?”. We shared ideas and personal experience on parenting and the importance of reading to our children. The next few weeks will focus on children's reading and how we as parents/carers can help and encourage our children with their reading and learning. IPF workshops will be held every Thursday morning starting at 10am. If you require transport ring us on 91685122. We are always happy to transport families to and from the centre.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

– Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Hopefully Nadja will find people who are travelling from Melbourne to Halls Creek and are happy to bring some of the donations with them or she find businesses willing to lend their support in transporting them to Halls Creek. Other people offered to send their donations directly to Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu Halls Creek Children and Family Centre. Our first parcel of books and the lovely card below arrived yesterday from Ruth Boerger Weinekoetter and her family of Yarraville in Victoria.

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu will keep a few books and distribute the rest to Halls Creek families with small children. Thanks to the Boerger Weinekoetter family for their generosity.

“For it is in giving that we receive.”

― Francis of Assisi

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HEALTH WORKSHOP On Monday 27

th July Georgina from Yura Yungi was able to

present on her role as an Aboriginal Health Worker and gave information about scabies, diabetes and STIs. Her message: Exercise, eat healthy, be positive, don’t be judgemental of others and don’t punish yourself (we can only do so much for others).

Elise Tucker from Community Health talked to us about:

Leprosy (Hansen disease): new cases in the Kimberey; it is treatable; no need to isolate people like in the olden days – people can be home but must take their medication; looks like ringworm- difference is it cannot be treated by anti-fungal cream; it effects your nervous system.

TB (Tuberculosis): persistent coughing; night sweats; treatable if caught early; 6 months of multi-drug therapy.

Screening for Leprosy and TB will take place starting 10th

August in Halls Creek. Contact Elise for more information.

Mumps: on the rise in the Kimberley; swollen glands/face/throat, fever; 12 day incubation period; contagious; treatment is close observation, red rest and fluids.

Elise also took this opportunity to tell everyone about the sausage sizzle planned on Saturday at the community garden in KTI grounds. All welcome.

PAEDEATRIC NUTRITIONIST VISIT It was a slow week in the centre week of 20

th July (too cold

apparently). So when Tobi visited the centre to facilitate her monthly nutrition workshop on Thursday 23

rd July pawbulla, no one

attended. We decided to try something different and set up outside IGA - “If Mohamad won’t come to the mountain, then the mountain will come to Mohamad.” This turned out to be a fruitful day. We had around 8 children attend the table and try out the apple core twister on the table as well as around 10 adults listen to Tobi’s health messages. It was such a success, we decided to make this a regular addition to Tobi’s visit to Halls Creek. If you see Tobi outside IGA say hello and take home some healthy food hints for you and your family.

Tobi’s visit also included an interview on PRK Radio Friday morning. We talked about healthy eating – more vegies and fruit and less sugary drinks/food. It went so well we are thinking of making this a monthly event.

“Health is a relationship between you and your body.”

- Terri Guillemets

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MOBILE PLAYGROUP Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu staff held their second mobile playgroup at Yardgee on Tuesday 28

th July. The staff took

equipment such as skipping ropes and balls that the children played with. Staff also read a book and talked to the children about teeth hygiene and gave each child a bag with a tooth brush and toothpaste provided by the Dental Health Team.

After much play, the Yardgee children sat down and shared a plate of morning tea consisting of fruit and cruskit biscuits.

OUR GENEROUS DONORS continues DVDs continue to arrive from kindhearted Australians who just want to do their bit in bringing joy to others. On 23

rd July

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu received six children DVDs (Dinotopia; James and the Giant Peach; ET; Transformers; Jumanji; Cloudy Meatballs) from Dolores of Ascot Vale, Melbourne. We send a big thank you to Dolores.

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EARLY YEARS NETWORK MEETING On Monday 20

th July we held our monthly EYN meeting at

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu. Attendees: Sophie Nilsson (minute taker/Program Coordinator, CFC), Angela Studer (Senior Speech Pathologist, Kimberley Population Health Unit), Maria Lonie (School Nurse, Community Health), Robyn Long (Community Navigator, Kimberley Population Health Unit), Jodie Bradshaw (Education advocate CFC), Daralyn Bedford (Education advocate CFC), Hannah Camp, (Physio, Kimberley Population Health Unit) and Casey Mc Robb (OT, for Kimberley Population Health Unit). Matters discussed • Open day in August. We decided the purpose would be to

promote Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu and hopefully find some new families that would like to attend playgroup. We agreed to hold it in the park outside the pool area.

• Minna’s (former Yura Yungi nurse located in Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu) replacement was raised. No-one at the meeting was able to shed any light on this matter. We hope to hear some news before the next meeting.

• Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu staff advised the meeting the mobile playgroup will be held on Tuesdays. The Allied health team and Maria Lonie were interested in attending as it was an opportunity to meet new children and parents. Maria also suggested Alan Freshwater who holds the Trachoma screening might want to join in and visit the communities with the mobile playgroup.

• Thursday 20th

August was suggested as a good day to hold the day in the park. To be confirmed by Angela and Sophie closer to the date.

Next meeting Monday 17th

August.

SCHOOL TRANSITION PROGRAM On Wednesday 29

th July Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu started a new

school transition program at Warlawurru (Red Hill) Catholic School. Our children will now join the kindy group every Wednesday from 8.30 to 10am. In collaboration with Jessica the kindy teacher we will hold activities for both pre-school and kindy children to help the lilwuns familiarise themselves with the school environment. Warlawurru Catholic School invites the Halls Creek community to bring their 3 and 4 year olds to visit the kindy group and to join in the activities for every Wednesday. The lilwuns had an interesting day today playing a game about emotions and talking about all the different feelings we can feel on different occasions. They had lots of fun drawing their faces and we also started to teach the lilwuns how to write their names. We finished the day with some physical outdoor play in the playground, a hit with all!

CHARLIE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY On Friday the 24

th July we had another birthday party at

Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu. Charlie Miller was celebrating his 3rd

birthday and had a fantastic party in the gardens of the centre. We played games and ate beautiful treats made by Charlie's family. Charlie and all the kids had so much fun and everyone loved the fish birthday cake. Anyone who has a birthday coming up and would like to host it at the centre is more than welcome to contact us at the CFC on 91685122 and we will book it in for you.

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INDIGENOUS PARENTING FACTOR On Thursday 30

th July Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu staff presented

on the Indigenous Parenting Factor focusing on the importance of reading to our children. We had group discussions on how we can show interest in our children’s reading, how we can encourage or help our children’s reading, how we can give praise to our children for their reading and how we can help our children at reading time. Some suggestions from the group on the discussion:

Ask our children questions about what they are reading;

Talk about the book after they read;

Tell them how deadly they are at reading; and

Give them lots of hugs and kisses.

DRIVER’S LICENCE TEAM HAS MOVED! As there is only two staff in the Wunan Driver’s Licence Team in Halls Creek, it was decided both move from behind the Bakery into Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu. The DL Team provide assistance to residents living in Halls Creek and surrounding communities with obtaining your driver’s licence. These residents must be referred to DLT by the justice system or the Shire Youth Services team. The Driver’s Licence Team can also assist with identifications in order to obtain your licence. If you require further information about the Driver’s Licence Team ring Charlene Foynes or Chris Loesll on 9168 5122 or pop in and see both at Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwum Halls Creek Children and Family Centre.

SPECIAL EVENTS COMING UP AT THE CFC IN AUGUST: National ATSI Children’s Day – Playgroup in the Park – 4th August from 9-12noon AAOM Children’s Convention – 4-7th August from 5-9pm

Community Gathering with Robyn Kinkade, Department of Education – 6th August starting 10:30am Child Psychiatrist – Circle of Security – 11th August starting 9am Community Gathering special guest Child Psychiatrist/SNAICC – 12th August starting 10am SNAICC Journey to Big School workshop – 13th August starting 9am EYN Meeting – 17th August starting 11am FASD Workshop with OVAHS – 21st August starting 9am

For further information please contact: Ningkuwum-Ngamayuwu

Halls Creek Children & Family Centre Lot 571 Thomas Street (Cnr Duncan Rd), Halls Creek

Phone 08 9168 5122 | Fax 08 9168 5122 Email: Maria.Lovison@wunan.org.au

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3 August - Week 1

Times Monday 3rd

Tuesday 4th

Wed 5th

Thursday 6th

Friday 7th

Comments

8:00 Wunan Staff Mtg Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning

8:30 Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up

9:00 Program start Program start Program start Program start Program start

9:30 – 11:00 Comm Health-Sexual Health 10-11am

National ATSI Children’s Day – Playgroup in the Park 9-12noon

Red Hill Primary School - Kindy 8:30-10am

IPF Program 10-10:30am Comm Gathering - Robyn Kinkade DOE rep 10:30-12:30pm

Radio (air time) 8-8:30am KTI 9-10am Strong Brain Development 10-11am

11:30 Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish

12:00 Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off

Afternoon Activity

Evening Activity

Yoga with Wendy 6-7pm

AAOM Children’s Convention 5-9pm

AAOM Children’s Convention 5-9pm

AAOM Children’s Convention 5-9pm

AAOM Children’s Convention 5-9pm

10 August - Week 2

Times Monday 10th

Tuesday 11th

Wed 12th

Thursday 13th

Friday 14th

Comments

8:00 Wunan Staff Mtg Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning

8:30 Pick –up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up

9:00 Program start

Program start Program start Program start Program start

9:30 – 11:00 Comm Health-Sexual Health 10-11am

Child Psychiatrist Circle of Security 9-10:30am SNAICC/CAG Mtg 12-1pm

Red Hill Primary School - Kindy 8:30-10am Comm Gathering- Guests SNAICC & Child Psychiatrist 10-12noon

SNAICC – Journey to Big School Workshop 9am-3:30pm

Radio (air time) 8-8:30am KTI 9-10am

11:30 Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish

12:00 Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off

Afternoon Activity

Bushfire Bible Study 5-7pm

Bushfire Bible Study 5-7pm

SNAICC 9am-3:30pm

Evening Activity

Yoga with Wendy 6-7pm

Comm Garden 6-7pm

NOTE: This timetable is accurate at the time of print however it is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. For

more information, please email Maria Lovison on maria.lovison@wunan.org.au or call her on (08) 9168 5122.

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17 August - Week 3

Times Monday 17th

Tuesday 18th

Wed 19th

Thursday 20th

Friday 21st

Comments

8:00 Wunan Staff Mtg Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning

8:30 Pick –up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up

9:00 Program start

Program start

Program start

Program start

Program start

9:30 – 11:00 Comm Health-Sexual Health 10-11am EYN Meeting 11-12noon

Jungarni Jutiya 9:30-10am HCDHS Work Exp 9-12noon Story time at HC District High Sch 10:30-11:30am

Red Hill Primary School - Kindy 8:30-10am

IPF Program 10-11am

Radio (air time) 8-8:30am FASD (OVAHS) 9-11am

11:30 Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish

12:00 Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off

Afternoon Activity

Bushfire Bible Study 5-7pm

Bushfire Bible Study 5-7pm

Evening Activity

Yoga with Wendy 6-7pm

24 August - Week 4

Times Monday 24th

Tuesday 25th

Wed 26th

Thursday 27th

Friday 28th

Comments

8:00 Wunan Staff Mtg Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning Staff planning

8:30 Pick –up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up Pick-up

9:00 Program start Program start Program start Program start Program start

9:30 – 11:00 Comm Health-Sexual Health 10-11am

Jungarni Jutiya 9:30-10am HCDHS Work Exp 9-12noon Story time at HC District High Sch 10:30-11:30am

Red Hill Primary School - Kindy 8:30-10am

IPF Program 9-10am Paediatric Nutritionist 10-12noon

Radio (air time) Guest: Tobi 8-8:30am KTI 9-10am Strong Brain Development 10-11am

11:30 Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish Program finish

12:00 Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off Drop off

Afternoon Activity

Bushfire Bible Study 5-7pm

Bushfire Bible Study 5-7pm

Evening Activity

Yoga with Wendy 6-7pm

Comm Garden 6-7pm

NOTE: This timetable is accurate at the time of print however it is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. For

more information, please email Maria Lovison on maria.lovison@wunan.org.au or call her on (08) 9168 5122.