Indigenous employment programs from Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto Australian indigenous employment programmes include the following:

• Gumala Mirnuwarni: A programme based in Karratha and Roebourne, providing intensive educational support and mentoring for Indigenous secondary school students Delivered in partnership with government education departments and Woodside, through the Polly Farmer Foundation.
  
• RTIO Work Experience Programme: RTIO supports secondary school students interested in careers in the resources industry with a two-week school work experience programme and school-based trainees who spend two days a week in the workplace as part of an ongoing programme. 
  
• Indigenous University Scholarships: Scholarships for Aboriginal students in the Pilbara to study at the university of their choice. The scholarships cover all major expenses associated with tertiary study.
  
• Indigenous University Cadetships: Linked with the scholarships above, these cadetships are for indigenous university students, offering paid vacation employment and long-term future employment prospects.
  
• Business Workplace Learning Programme: This programme seeks to build capacity with community members and employee spouses to enter the resources industry. 
  
• Work Ready Programme: A programme in collaboration with Pilbara TAFE, CDEP (Community Development Education Projects) and Job Futures Network, operating in Roebourne and Tom Price. Participants receive training in occupational health and safety, receive various tickets and licences, learn to operate small machinery, training in writing resumes and the job application process and education regarding fitness for work.
  
• Indigenous Simulator Programme: The programme offers simulator training on mobile equipment and support through corporate inductions. On successful completion of the course, participants are offered an interview for a permanent role.
  

Link to the Rio Tinto Indigenous Employment page

GEPL Jobs/apprenticeships/traineeships

Gumala Enterprises (GEPL) are looking for members who would like a real paid job or paid traineeship. Please contact us if you are interested.

I have changed my address

Gumala gets a lot of mail returned, if you have changed your address, phone or any other details please let us know so that we can keep you up-to-date.

We need fuel to get to the AGM

The driver will be reimbursed for fuel after attenidng the meeting.
Please give us your current bank details so that the money will be deposited into your account.
Their is a fixed amount depending on where you are travelling from.

If you have funds left in your Health and Wellbeing account, you can apply to use it for fuel to get to the meeting -you will still be eligible to be reimbursed after the meeting.

Can we get bulk foods for the Lore ceremonies?

Greg Tucker, the GAC Lore and Culture Officer, has organized this for all communities with Lore ceremonies this year, and will administer the bulk foods.

My son is going through Lore this year. Can I get any help?

Yes, you can get help. Each family who has a boy going through Lore this year has been allocated a budget to help get things you may need to get during Lore, such as petrol or extra food. However, the Mother who is putting the boy through Lore is the only person who can get this on behalf of the family. The Mother can choose to let someone get fuel or something for the trip, but she needs to contact GAC herself and give GAC permission to let someone else get something. The Sub Committee will let GAC staff know who the Mother is, to help GAC make sure we get this right.

Who do I need to talk to about preparing Lore areas?

Firstly, you need to talk as a community to decide what you need. 

Our Lore and Culture Sub Committee can help with this. These men can also guide you in the processes you need to take.

Lore and Culture funding

This year, GAC is providing funding for Lore Activities, for families and for infrastructure at:

• Bellary Springs

• Cane River

• Wakathuni

• Wirrilimarra

• Youngaleena

We will help with Infrastructure and maintenance for these areas, within a budget approved by the Lore and Culture Sub Committee and the GAC Governing Committee. Member families with a Young Man attending Lore can also access funds to help them get items they may need during Lore time.

Can I get fuel to get to a funeral?

Generally GAC cannot fund travel to a funeral unless it is requested by the family and the funeral is a GAC funded funeral.

It’s up to the family concerned who receives fuel assistance. However we do realise that it is culturally important that you are able to attend funerals and if you have funds available in either your Health and Wellbeing or your Pensioner Health and Wellbeing Benefit GAC can help you out.

My child is in Year 8, can we get a laptop through Computer Support?

No. If your child is in Year 11 or 12 at High School or you are attending TAFE or other tertiary institution and enrolled for a period of at least 2 years you are eligible to apply for this program. Though conditions do apply. 

If I need dental work, who pays for my initial appointment?

If you need dental work or glasses for example, GAC will pay for your initial consultation. Your dentist will send GAC your treatment plan and when your application is also received further treatment will be approved. Your eye test should be covered by Medicare but your Optometrist will send GAC a quote for your glasses.

Health and Wellbeing: Can we go to any supplier?

Well, Yes and No. Your request will be processed more quickly if you use our preferred suppliers. If Gumala has an account with the shop we can just fax them a Purchase Order, otherwise we need to negotiate with the shop to pay by credit card or open an account and this can take quite some time.

Health and Wellbeing: When can I pick up my white goods or electrical goods?

If your application is within the guidelines and we have an account set up with your supplier requests for electrical items, kitchen appliances, fridges and washing machines etc can be processed within 7 days.

Health and Wellbeing: When will my bills be paid?

Payments which need to be made by credit card or B-Pay such as electricity bills are paid Tuesdays and Fridays.

Health and Wellbeing: When will my food voucher be ready?

Food vouchers are finalised in a batch around 4pm. Late requests, after 2.00pm may not be processed the same day, though urgent requests get special consideration.

Can I get cash assistance?

No. GAC is required assist members through a Third Party and this is why we use suppliers and pay for your goods or utilities.

• Members receiving their Christmas Bonus through the Pensioner Support Program will receive a sum of money and this will be deposited directly into their bank accounts.  

• This is the ONLY time this form of payment can be made,

What can I use my Health & Wellbeing funds for?

Health & Wellbeing Benefit is intended for the purchase of white goods; the payment of utilities, i.e. phone, power bills, water bills etc; motor vehicle repairs and fines (prior to the 14th April 2008), or monthly food vouchers.

I have just applied for membership, when will I know if it is approved?

Membership applications need to be approved at the monthly Governing Committee Meetings. Depending on when you submit your application and when the next meeting will be, it could take up to 6 weeks before you are formally notified. You will receive a letter within 10 days of the Committee’s decision. 

To apply for benefits through Health and Wellbeing you need to be registered as a Gumala Traditional Owner before 31 December, 2008. GAC will receive Health and Wellbeing  applications for 2 weeks into 2009 to give latecomers an opportunity to apply for these benefits.

What is the difference between Pensioner Health & Wellbeing and the other Health & Wellbeing Program

• Members who are listed as Elderly and Infirmed have provided proof (letter from Centrelink) that they are receiving the Age Pension or a Disability Pension can receive Pensioner Health and Wellbeing.

• Anyone who is over the age of 18 and a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner is eligible for Health and Wellbeing, one-off payment that will conclude on 31 December, 2008.

Is Health & Wellbeing happening next year?

You will be informed if a version of this program is to be run in 2009. Currently there are no plans to repeat Health and Wellbeing.

I belong to one of the three language groups, doesn’t that make me a Member of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation?

Not necessarily.  If you are over the age of 18 and you have direct links through a family member you can apply for Membership as a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner. Sometimes people think that because their Mother is a member or their Uncle is a member that they are automatically a member too. This is not the case. You must apply to be a member. Call GAC and ask for a Membership Application Form to be sent out to you. This will be put before the Governing Committee.

Is it too late to claim Health and Well Being funds for 2008?

Health and Wellbeing concludes on 31 December, 2008.
You will need to register as Gumala Traditional Owners before this date. GAC will receive applications for 2 weeks into 2009 to give latecomers an opportunity to apply for benefits through the Health and Wellbeing program.

When will I get my Christmas Bonus? Do I need an application form?

If you are registered as Elderly and Infirm you are eligible for the Christmas Bonus.
• You do not need to put in an application form, but please let GAC know if your bank account details have changed since last years payment. 

• In early December $2900 will be deposited into your bank account to assist with Christmas expenses so that you can have an enjoyable Christmas without the pressures of added expenses.

How do we contact the Gumala office?

FreeCall: 1300 304 013   -free from a landline only

Phone: 08 9188 1845   Fax: 08 9188 1846   Email: gac@gumala.com.au 

Mail: 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation   

PO Box 61  

Stadium Road Rd  

Tom Price  WA  6751

OR call in at the Tom Price office behind the TAFE off Stadium Road Tom Price

OR ask a question on this BLOG, your question may be something that others were wondering about too!

How long will my Health and Wellbeing application take?

We have a large number of requests each day. To make sure we get them all done as quickly as possible we need to process them in batches:-

• Food vouchers will be processed around 4pm. Requests received after 2pm may not be processed the same day.

• White goods, bills etc take from 3-7 days. 

• Payments for utilities such as electricity are paid by credit card on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Processing may be held up if we need to chase information like signed application forms, quotes, set up new accounts with new suppliers or if the request is outside the guidelines. 

How do I apply for funds?

To apply for funds please follow these steps: -

1. Call us or call in to request the relevant form, you can pick them up from the Gumala office in Tom Price or we can mail, email or fax them to you. 

2. Request a quote from the supplier

3. Fax back to Gumala the completed and SIGNED application form and the quote

4. We will check your membership status and balance of funds

5. On approval, a Purchase order or Credit card authorisation will be faxed to the supplier and you can pick up your goods, or proceed with your treatment.

NOTE

• For Dental and Ancillary Treatment Gumala will pay for your initial appointment, to allow for your assessment and a quote to be sent to Gumala.

• Funeral funds are allocated to a nominated family member and are for the burial, direct family to attend, and the wake; the funds are not meant for general attendance

• A voucher for fuel to attend a funeral can be requested from your Health and Well Being funds

When are the AGM's and BBQ's?

Gumala Traditional Owners are invited to attend the Annual General Meetings (AGM)s of Gumala Investments PL (GIPL) and Gumala Aboriginal Corporation (GAC)

VENUE: Sports Pavilion, Tom Price

DATES: GIPL 29th November, from 10am, GAC 30th Nov from 9am

Q. When is the next BBQ?

There are no more BBQ's for 2008

Sport and Recreation Program

The Sport and Recreation Program is designed to assist Members’ participation in organized activities with an annual grant for this purpose.

Gumala Home Loan Scheme

Gumala can assist with an interest free loan when purchasing your own home. Contact MSU for further information.

Education Support

Gumala Scholarship Program will pay for education expenses NOT covered by Abstudy. Contact us to discuss this program if you have a child who would like to attend school in Perth for example, or if you are intending on furthering your education at TAFE or university.  GAC can assist with fees and other related expenses (not already covered by Abstudy).

Computer Support

If your child is in Year 11 or 12 at High School or you are attending TAFE or other tertiary institution and enrolled for a period of at least 2 years you are eligible to apply for this program. Please call MSU and discuss your needs with staff prior to making your application as there are conditions that will apply.

Critically Ill Patient Support

Hospitals and big cities can be a daunting experience for anyone, and this program is designed to provide support to those who are critically ill by assisting family members to be with the patient for a period of time while they are in hospital.

Funeral Program

Gumala will fund the funeral of a Gumala Member depending on support from the Department of Families and other organizations like IBN. A grant may also be available for a headstone for persons deceased for some time, where there are no markings to identify the grave site and where for cultural reasons a marking is important.

Ancillary Health Program

The Ancillary Health Program is for Optical and other health needs outside the Dental Program.

Pensioner Health & Wellbeing

Members listed as Elderly and Infirm receive Pensioner Health and Wellbeing funds around the end of September of each year.

To be listed as Elderly and Infirmed, members need to provid proof (letter from Centrelink) that they are receiving the Age Pension or a Disability Pension. 

As per the Health & Wellbeing Benefit it is intended for the purchase of white goods; the payment of utilities, i.e. phone, power bills, water bills etc; motor vehicle repairs and fines (prior to the 14th April 2008), or monthly food vouchers. 

Dental Program

Funds are available to member each year for dental treatment. We have dentists who are working with Gumala to ensure a fast response to your application. 

• Please call the Member Services Unit for the name of a Dentist in your town and we will tell you what you need to do to access treatment.

Health and Well Being Benefit

A ONE OFF benefit made to Members who are not receiving the Pensioner Health & Wellbeing or listed as Elderly and Infirmed. 

• Anyone who is over the age of 18 and a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner is eligible for Health and Wellbeing, one-off payment that will conclude on 31 December, 2008.

• Health and Wellbeing Benefit is intended for the purchase of white goods; the payment of utilities, i.e. phone, power bills, water bills etc; motor vehicle repairs and fines (prior to the 14th April 2008), and/or monthly food vouchers.

• Food voucher requests are generally faxed to the store around 4pm daily. Late requests received after 2pm may not be processed the same day, though urgent requests get special consideration.

• If your application is for other items within the guidelines and we have an account set up with your supplier requests for electrical items, kitchen appliances, fridges and washing machines etc can be processed within 7 days.

• When orders are ready they will be faxed to the store and we will give you a call to let you know they are complete.

• You will be informed if a version of this program is to be run in 2009. Currently there are no plans to repeat Health and Wellbeing.

What is available from the Member Services Unit?

The Member Services Unit at Gumala was established in May this year as a service to support our Gumala Traditional Owners and to assist in coping with the growing demand for our ever increasing number of programs available to our Members.

This is just a brief list of what Gumala can offer its Registered Members-
• Health and Wellbeing Benefit
• Pensioner Health & Wellbeing
• Dental Program
• Ancillary Health Program (Optometry, Physio etc)
• Funeral Program
• Critically Ill Patient Support
• Computer Support
• Education Support and Gumala Scholarship Programs
• Gumala Home Loan Scheme
• Sport and Recreation Program

To receive any of these benefits it is important that the right application forms are completed and the information needed to support your application is received at the time of your application.

Welcome to Gumala News

• We have set up this Blog so that we can communicate better with our members.
• We plan to post Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQ's) and give you up to date information on our programs and schemes -as things happen.
• We encourage feedback from members as we want this to be an interactive forum where you can voice your ideas, concerns or even encouragement. We will look at this to see how we are going and adjust or create programs and procedures that better serve our Gumala community.