You still need to be over 18 to be a Member

We have had a few applications for membership from under 18s. The eligibility criteria hasn't changed. There was a proposal put forward at the Feb AGM that membership age be lowered but there was no consensus and no decision made. This issue is yet to be decided by the Board of Directors.

Children of members are currently eligible for assistance with education, sport and recreation programs. We offer scholarships to help students who study away from home. We can provide assistance to sporting teams that include children of Gumala members. Please put in your application to Gumala and we can see if we can help with such things as transportation costs, equipment or uniforms. We are currently contacting schools what we can do from that direction, if you have any ideas please let us know.

The Tom Price Enrichment Centre is a success story. They are partly funded by Gumala and have had great success with students excelling in a number of fields. Congratulations to the 5 children of Gumala members who graduated from year 12 in 2008.

Women and Work

As part of our 2009 Women & Work program, work, pre-employment and scholarship news and opportunities will be posted on the notice board in the GAC office, in this blog and in the Newsletter. Please contact Gumala if you would like to discuss how to access programs.

Scholarship for Aboriginal Health workers

The Rio Tinto Aboriginal Health Partnership offers a Scholarship for Aboriginal Health workers to further their studies.

• In 2009 Rio Tinto, in partnership with Kulunga Research Network at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research will offer scholarships to Aboriginal Health Workers in the Pilbara region.  
  
• Up to $5000 will be granted to give a Health worker the opportunity for further study at the Marr Mooditj Aboriginal Health College in Perth or the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council (KAMSC Inc) School of Health Studies in Broome to undertake the Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice). 
  
• This will cover course fees, uniforms, study expenses and some employment costs.
  
• The Partnership has committed at least one of the eight scholarships to be awarded in the Pilbara.
  
• Please contact Don at Gumala for more info and an application form.
  

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.

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.