Community
NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2016
CEO UPDATE
Dear Community Members,
Whilst the rain this year has been wonderful
I’m certainly looking forward to the warmer
weather.
We continue to be busy here at Goolum with
lots of opportunities coming along all of the
time in regards to new programs and
activities.
Education: We have received additional
funding to enhance our Youth Activities and as
part of this we are hoping to offer any
Secondary School students the opportunity to
have some homework tutoring after school.
Our Kooka’s homework group tutor Bec will be
sending out more information about this as
soon as it is organized – it will be a great
opportunity for students to keep up to date
and further supported with their school work.
As previously mentioned we also hope to
organize some one day courses (First Aid and
Food Handling) for anyone who wishes to
upskill or to learn new skills. Bec once again
will be organizing this so if anyone has a
particular interest please don’t hesitate to
contact us – when finalized we will send out a
schedule of courses to you.
Additionally Jaye from Eworks will be
attending Goolum one day per month to assist
anyone entering the Centrelink system or
anyone currently registered looking for work.
Jaye will assist in ‘job readiness’ and will be
available to guide you through employment
choices – we will inform of Jaye’s availability.
Naidoc Week: I’d like to thank all staff and
particularly community members who were
involved in organizing the activities for Naidoc
week this year. The activities were once again
well attended and certainly reflective of the
theme ‘Songlines’- The Living Narrative of our
Nation. Next year it would be great to have
more community members on our planning
committee.
Visiting Services: In this edition we have
listed all of our visiting services to ensure you
know what services you can access here at
Goolum.
Feedback: Once again whether it be about
program delivery, housing, medical centre or
any activities we welcome your feedback at
any time.
Audit: We have just undergone a Department
of Health and Human Services Audit in which
we were successful. Thank you to the team
involved and to the community members who
offered up their time to chat to the auditors.
Our next accreditation is AGPAL which is an
audit of our clinic in 2017.
Take the Pledge: As you are all aware by
now we have made great inroads with this
smoking cessation program. Goolum has
been recognized as one of the leading
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organisations in regards to Tackling
Indigenous Smoking and we received a grant
through VACCHO to further broaden the
program to be rolled out state wide. This is an
outstanding achievement for an organization
of our size. If you haven’t already taken the
pledge I encourage you to come in and talk to
our team about this or access it on our
website. We are making a concerted team
effort to encourage people to change their
smoking habits and to eventually attempt
quitting smoking.
Let’s Get Active: Once again our
organization has been recognized for its’ work
and we have received further funding for a
program we have named ‘Let’s Get Active’.
This program is in early planning stages and
will involve all of the Goolum team.
We will be in the next month taking every
opportunity we can to ask community
members to complete a survey for us to assist
us in planning for these two programs and
would greatly appreciate your help with this.
Community: I’d like to congratulate Bianca
Lauricella on her nomination to play in the All
Abilities Netball Team. This is an outstanding
achievement for Bianca (she is the youngest
player to be chosen), one of which we should
all be proud. Bianca travelled to Sydney with
her team representing Victoria.
Until next time,
Wally
Board Report
Hi all,
Just a quick update of news from the board.
We were nominated for an indigenous business governance award but unfortunately we weren’t
successful. In saying that its humbling that people would nominate us in the first place and we say
thank you to them.
Housing update; we are continually negotiating with the department on the last lot of repairs and
maintenance and we have secured 5 new rebuilds on existing properties which is really good. In
saying that Goolum won’t gain any extra properties as we need to make some decisions on some
of the older rundown properties. We will ensure to keep community informed as to what happens.
The board would also like to encourage any community members out there to think about and
consider if they would be interested in becoming carers in some capacity. Some background for
this is last year Andrew Jackomos the commissioner for Aboriginal children and young people
started Taskforce 1000.
The project seeks to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people and inform future
planning by reviewing the current circumstances of the approximately 1000 Aboriginal children and
young people in out-of-home care, and to identify and address the issues associated with their
over representation in out-of-home care. Since the end of the reviews in 2015 increasing
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers was identified as one of the priorities. If you need any
information about becoming a carer contact Goolum and we will direct you to the right person to
contact.
We have updated forms for housing and membership as we have had issues particularly with
membership. I would like to remind people as per our model rules all members of Goolum have to
be of legal age which is 18 years or older.
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It is great to see that Horsham Rural City Council have started the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
It is a great opportunity for our Horsham community to be a part of and we encourage community
members to apply to fill the 3 positions available for community members so that our voices are
heard with in council. if you want any information contact Johnny.
That’s all this time from the board
From the Board
SMOKING CESSATION
Reminder the Take the Pledge campaign is still on the GGAC website. We
encourage all community to come together as one to protect our kids from Second &
Third hand smoke. You can pledge to different things from making your home
smoke free to becoming a community champion.
GGAC offers a range of services to help you quit smoking.




One on one counselling with a Quit educator
Brief intervention
NRT’s (Nicotine Replacement Therapies)
Referral to Aboriginal Quitline
Quit Educators are available for appointments. Please call GGAC 53816333
Veronica Pascall-
Mondays
Russell Reid-
Thursdays
http://www.goolumgoolum.org.au/take-the-pledge
PROTECT OUR KIDS, TAKE THE PLEDGE
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Local Justice and Koori Youth Justice at Stawell
Tuesday September the 6th (and continuing fortnightly). Brady King (GGAC Local
Justice Worker/Koori Youth Justice) will be sitting at the Neighbourhood house, 42
Sloane St Stawell.
The Local Justice worker can assist with court matters, corrections orders as well as
sheriff fines and warrants.
Call or text Brady for more information on 0459825075
VISITING SERVICES AT GOOLUM GOOLUM
Visiting Service
Frequency
Counsellor Veronica
CounsellorRussell (Bluey)
Family Violence
and Housing
Worker
Jess
PodiatristAdam
Monday
All day
Thursday
All day
Tuesday
Afternoon
Diabetic EducatorGail
Contact for
appointment
53816 333
53816 333
Goolum can make
the appointment
for you 53816 333
Every 3rd
53816 330
Wednesday of the
month
Every 1st
53816 330
Wednesday of the
month
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HACC News
HACC DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE
If you would like some domestic assistance please call Kylie Taylor on
5381 6324.
Kylie is available Mon-Thurs 9.00am-5.00pm
LADIES’ GROUP
Meets every Tuesday at Goolum Goolum from 9.30am to 3.00pm
HACC PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
If you would like some assistance with property maintenance call Johnny on
5381 6333.
HACC ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to be a HACC client you need to be frail, aged, have a disability or
have complex needs.
HACC FEES
Goolum Goolum does not charge a fee for HACC services
HEALTH CHECKS AND FOLLOW UPS
You book in for a Health check you get a $25
voucher for Coles
When we call you Back to do a Follow up of your
Health Check you will receive a $10 Gift Voucher.
We will call you up 5 times a year around every two
months and each time you will receive a $10 gift
Voucher
THIS IS TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST OUT COME FOR YOUR HEALTH
CAREPLANS AND FOLLOW UPS
If you have a chronic Disease such as Asthma, Diabetes etc. - Robyn Smith our Practice
Nurses will be contacting you to come in to have a care plan made up.
Once that is done the AHW’s and Nurses will be doing follow ups with you every 2
Months and you will also receive a $10 gift Voucher.
You will also come in at about 6 months to do a review with the Doctor.
Any Questions please ring 53816330 or to book appointments
PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS YOUR HEALTH WE ARE LOOKING AFTER
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Indigenous Early years information
.NO
JAB, NO PLAY POLICY
The Victorian Government has passed new immunisation legislation named 'No Jab,
No Play', which took effect on 1 January 2016. 'No Jab, No Play' aims to reduce the
risk of vaccine-preventable diseases through increased immunisation rates in the
community. The legislation requires all children enrolling in early childhood
education and care services to be up to date with their vaccinations or to have an
approved exemption. This includes long day care, kindergarten, occasional care and
family day care.
NO fees for Kindergarten 2017
With government funding available, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children are eligible to receive 15 hours free kindergarten a
week for 3 and 4 year old kindergarten programs.
For more information contact the enrolment and fees officer Kelly
Klowss at HDKA
HDKA Phone Numbers
Office – 03 5382 7997
Mobile – 0418 526 975
Office Hours
HDKA office hours are from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
Black Cockatoos Playgroup sessions times and days
Mondays at Darlot street parenting Centre from 12pm
Wednesdays at Goolum from 10am
For any inquiries contact Sarah or Leeanne on 5381 6307
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Protect your newborn from Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly infectious bacterial
disease that causes severe bouts of coughing. In adults, the symptoms
can be mild, but if the infection is spread to a baby who is not yet
vaccinated, it can be life threatening.
Studies have be found that whooping cough vaccination during
pregnancy is safe and effective for both mother & baby.
Vaccination during pregnancy (preferably at 28 weeks) means your body
produces antibodies that get passed on to your baby before birth.
These antibodies will protect your baby until they are ready to receive
their own vaccinations at 6 weeks of age.
Talk to your Doctor today about getting free whooping cough vaccine in
your third trimester
It is also very important that those who will be closest to your baby in the
first weeks of life also receive a whooping cough vaccine.
New Arrivals
Baby Oliver Joshua Kennedy Born 11/07/2016 weighing 7lb 5oz
Baby son of Hannah and Terry and brother of Sophia and Miranda Kennedy
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Women’s Health Happenings at GGAC
Dr Ngaree was a special guest at the “Girl’s Night Out” at Aunty Irene
Gathering Place in May.
Dr Ngaree is an indigenous doctor who spent 3 months in Horsham as part of
her medical rotation. She helped Stumpy and Sharyn present the session
which promotes yarning about puberty and teenage issues. All who attended
enjoyed the evening and we are sure that there have been many important
conversations since.
Stumpy and Sharyn are off to ConnectEd on August 17th to present Core of
Life to girls aged 15 – 21.
What is Core of Life?
Core of Life identifies Birth as being
central to cultures and families.
Core of Life is a unique, ‘hands on’, life
education program designed in 1999 by
2 midwives from Peninsula Health in
Victoria.
It presents adolescents with real and
factual information on what is involved in
becoming pregnant, giving birth and
parenting a newborn.
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HEALTHY MIND HEALTHY BODY
Thursday 14th July 2016 Goolum Health Promotion workers held a Healthy Mind Healthy Body day in the
Aunty Irene Gathering Place. We had 14 community members attended the day.
Vaccho Nutrition team ran different activities with the group, including how to read food labels and a
demonstration on the amount of sugar in certain drinks. It was a fantastic afternoon and enjoyed by all.
We finished off with a healthy lunch provided by GGAC staff. A special thanks to the 3 workers from
Vaccho that travelled to Horsham to present their session on healthy eating.
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NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS 2016
Opening Ceremony…
NAIDOC Week in Horsham began on Monday with a celebration of past and present
indigenous achievements and contribution to society. Goolum Goolum chief executive
officer Wally Coleman said the official opening was a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Island cultures. “Our opening was really well attended despite the cold,” she said. “It
began with a smoking ceremony outside Wesley Performing Arts Centre, with Farron Branson
talking us through the ceremony, which people walked through to be cleansed.”
Elder Hazel McDonald performed the welcome to country. Goolum Goolum chairperson John
Gorton explained the significance of this year’s theme, Songlines: the living narrative of our
nation. Mrs Coleman said the Wotjobaluk traditional dancers and the Bangarra dancers
showcased their talents, with video of the Art Is... Tchingal play also on display.
A week of celebrations….
NAIDOC Week saw a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture across the
Wimmera. Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative chairman John Gorton said the
celebration was important for indigenous and non-indigenous Australians alike. “It’s about
getting people to understand and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,”
he said. “To understand what it means to Aboriginal people, look at the local people here. “A
lot of history has been lost by not being able to continue traditions and customs. “People
have been removed from their country and place, through that we lost language, and many
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stories. “For indigenous people, it’s an important time to promote what we do and our
culture. “For non-indigenous people, I think it’s about learning and appreciating and being
part of the experience.”
NAIDOC Week celebrations were open to the wider community, regardless of race. “It’s not
just about Aboriginal people getting together to do meet and greets. We also want nonindigenous people to come and learn and have a good time,” John Gorton said.
This year’s national NAIDOC Week focused on the importance of Songlines, the living
narrative of the country. Mr Gorton said across Australian there were many different
indigenous cultures, each with their own stories and songlines. “Songlines are important to
maintain connections and to continue traditions,” he said. The celebration started on July 3
with events running until July 9. In the Wimmera, the week started with a meet the artist
event featuring Gail Harradine on July 3, ahead of the official opening on July 4. The opening
featured a smoking ceremony, performances by the Wotjobaluk traditional dancers and
the Bangarra dancers, and video of the Art Is… Tchingal production. Tuesday saw children
and elders gather to make decorations for Saturday’s Dimboola cabaret, followed by an
elders lunch in Horsham ahead of Wednesday’s screening of Seven Sisters: Seeing the Land
at Federation University.
Horsham Town Hall hosted a movie night on Thursday and a ‘Deadly Bike display. Wimmera
Health Care group hosted a NAIDOC luncheon and also hosted an indigenous display in their
foyer to highlight local Aboriginal and Torres Strait achievements in our community. The
celebrations closed with a cabaret at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College.
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GGAC GYM HOURS
Monday: Gym Open 10:00am – 6:00pm
Trainer will be available for appointments and will be coordinating the gym
Tuesday: Gym Open 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: Gym Open 10:00am – 6:00pm
Trainer will be available for appointments and will be coordinating the gym
Thursday: Gym Open 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: Gym Open 9:00am – 4:00pm
No one under the age of 18 is allowed to be in the gym without an adult or
trainer.
A health Assessment is required for all people wanting to use the gym and for
people that are using the gym Health checks are required to keep using it. For
Aboriginal Clients a $25.00 Gift voucher for Coles is given on completion of your
health assessment.
Book in at the friendly receptionist in the medical Centre.
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STAFF PROFILES
NAME: Kayla Kennedy
ROLE AT GOOLUM: Aboriginal Family Support Trainee
AFL TEAM: I don’t have a favorite but I like
Sydney Swans, Richmond and Essendon
FAVORITE FOOD: My favorite dish is beef
and tomato casserole
FAVORITE SAYING: No favorite saying
WORST HABIT: I really don’t have any bad
habits
HOBBIES: I like cooking and drawing
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF GOOLUM: My first
impression of Goolum would have to be that
staff are pretty nice and awesome to work with.
Don’t be shamed to come down and use our
services. We have some awesome people in
good roles!!!
NAME: Jacob Cooke-Harrison
ROLE AT GOOLUM: Youth Engagement Officer
AFL TEAM: Essendon Bombers
FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Fettuccine
FAVORITE DRINK: Skinny Cappuccino / Water
FAVORITE SAYING: Deadly Bra, Gangsta , Or
singing the Horsham saints song at work
WORST HABIT: Biting finger nails
HOBBIES: Football, singing at work/ in the
shower, going to the gym
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF GOOLUM: There are
too many one eyed Murtoa supporters here
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STAFF PROFILES
NAME: Julie Flaherty (Jules)
ROLE AT GOOLUM: Quality Assurance
Officer
AFL TEAM: Lions
FAVORITE FOOD: Hot Madras beef curry
FAVORITE DRINK: Pepsi Max, cold
rainwater, Amarula or a Ruski when being
sociable
FAVORITE SAYING: No Probs!!
WORST HABIT: Overthinking and
chocolate
HOBBIES: Podcasts, Netflix, music,
reading and hanging out with my family
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF GOOLUM: Friendly, funny and full of
opportunities
NAME: Bec Hopkins
ROLE AT GOOLUM: Education
Coordinator
AFL TEAM: Once upon a time I
barracked for Essendon
FAVORITE FOOD: Lasagne
FAVORITE DRINK: Gin
FAVORITE SAYING: Is anyone else
thirsty?
WORST HABIT: Drinking gin
HOBBIES: Rock climbing, trail
running, triathlons, drinking gin
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF GOOLUM:
There’s no tonic or limes in the fridge!
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