▷ [15h Left] Our Communities Matter – July 2024

From its inception as a day of mourning in 1938, to becoming a week-long event in 1975, NAIDOC Week has now become a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements and a national platform to call for greater reforms.

In true form, the QIFVLS offices across Queensland participated in community activities in their city and regional centres. Children and families were a common theme, with events such as craft, stone, and rock painting. Being visible and accessible in the community is a deliberate focus for our organisation, and our teams look forward to planning and delivering these events regularly. These activities also provide opportunities to distribute giveaway bags containing information about our free legal and non-legal services.

The NPA Cultural Festival 2024 was a vibrant two-day event showcasing the traditions of the Northern Peninsula communities. Case Managers Karen Keane and Rita Gibuma actively participated, engaging fully in the festivities. The festival featured traditional dances, entertainment, and activities celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Karen and Rita organized a stall and created gift bags for both children and adults, providing information about our services to foster stronger community relationships. Their efforts highlighted the unique stories and experiences that make our community special. The festival was a great opportunity to connect and share stories with the NPA community.

In partnership with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF), QIFVLS established the Barry Doyle School Based Scholarship to honor Barry’s decade of service and contributions.

The scholarship’s core value reflects Barry’s dedication to supporting youth and community safety. It aims to address financial barriers faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in completing Year 11 and transitioning to further study or employment.

Education and awareness are the keys to reducing violence.

This bursary provides a 2-year scholarship supporting Indigenous students starting Year 11.

July was a busy month for policy work at QIFVLS, with Principal Legal Officer Thelma Schwartz and Senior Policy Officer Kulumba Kiyingi involved in parliamentary submissions, committee appearances, and providing input on various matters.

The policy submissions focused on two bills: the Child Safe Organisations Bill and the Criminal Justice (Sexual Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

The Child Safe Organisations Bill aims to establish uniform child safety processes across Queensland, incorporating national principles and standards, and includes a reportable conduct scheme for organizations to report harm or misconduct involving children. Our submission emphasized the importance of cultural competency when dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The Criminal Justice (Sexual Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill is part of the Women’s Safety Justice Task Force recommendations. Our submissions supported measures allowing victims to give evidence remotely, with cultural safety considerations, and highlighted the need for consistent technology access across Queensland courts.

Later in July, Thelma and Kulumba appeared at public hearings for both Bills, discussing funding, expert evidence, and culturally safe supports for Indigenous women and victims, emphasizing the need for cultural awareness in court processes.

In late July, QIFVLS launched the NO2DV community campaign to combat family and domestic violence and sexual assault. The campaign involves community Ambassadors across Queensland, equipped with merchandise and social media content to raise awareness and foster conversations.

The campaign’s launch included a website, no2dv.com.au, and a targeted social media strategy, including videos and advertising on Indigenous radio and publications like the National Indigenous Times. For more information or to get involved, visit the website or contact our Communications Officer, Andrew Keable.

OCM. Dee, thank you for sharing your story. Could you tell us where you were born and raised?

Dee. I was born in Dampier, Western Australia, and grew up in Karratha, in the Pilbara region, known for its industry like oil, gas, salt, and iron ore. My background is Queenslander—my parents are from Queensland. My dad is Torres Strait/Aboriginal from Cape York, and my mum is a South Sea Islander and Murray Islander.

My sister and I grew up in Karratha because Dad moved there, like many Islanders working on railways and construction. It was tough work. I think workers now have it easier with modern machinery.

My dad was there from the early to mid-1960s for about 30 years before we moved to Mackay, where I cared for my family while working as a teacher’s aide and later with Centrecare, creating care packages for the elderly. After a car accident in Mackay left me with ongoing pain, I moved to Mua Island on my dad’s advice, living at St Paul’s for five or six years, returning to teacher’s aide work.

OCM. Do you think your caring nature draws you to these roles?

Dee. Yes, I believe so. I’ve always been interested in sociology—understanding why people behave as they do. I’d love to study it more someday.

While on Mua Island, I also worked in local government, eventually becoming Deputy CEO before deciding to change careers.

I moved to Canberra, which was a big change—very cold I worked for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, delivering Indigenous leadership programs in remote areas. Later, I joined the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, working on programs like Work For The Dole, then moved back to WA.

In Karratha, I worked as a process technician at a gas processing plant, overseeing utilities like nitrogen, water, and power. I enjoyed the work but felt out of place as an Indigenous woman among mostly male colleagues. After about ten years, I moved to Cairns to care for my parents and later joined QIFVLS.

OCM. It sounds like you’re not afraid of big changes.

Dee. Absolutely. I love my work here. It’s more than just legal services; we collaborate with many agencies to support clients comprehensively.

OCM. How do you relax outside work?

Dee. Arts and crafts, reading—especially autobiographies—and fishing and camping. I haven’t explored much of Cairns yet but look forward to it.

OCM. Thanks for sharing your story, Dee.

When individuals or organizations donate to QIFVLS, their contributions support the safety and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of domestic and family violence. Donations of $1,000 or more fund outreach in remote communities.

Are you seeking a career that offers adventure across Queensland’s landscapes, with opportunities for growth, travel allowances, and making a real difference? Join us at QIFVLS, where we focus on early intervention and empowerment to combat family and domestic violence in Indigenous communities. We seek passionate, dynamic individuals to help us achieve this vital mission.

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