OUR STAFF: A big congratulations to Tim and Trevor from our Maroochydore office

ATSILS MaroochydoreA big congratulations to Tim and Trevor from our Maroochydore office who were presented with certificates of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and Murri Court in the Caboolture region over a period of many years. The certificates were awarded by the Caboolture Justice Group, Buranga Widjung and Trevor was also presented with a Murri Court sash as seen in the picture.

Our great team at the Maroochydore Office deliver Family, Civil and Criminal law services in the Sunshine Coast and Caboolture area and work hard to ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community have better access to quality legal services in the region.

 

NAIDOC 2016 – Gold Coast Titans Family Fun Day

Respect for Lore, Law & the road to deadly futures today at the Gold Coast Family Fun Day on the traditional lands of the Kombumerri people.

A great day had by our Gold Coast team who joined other Indigenous service providers connecting with community and celebrating rich and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and achievements of the region.

‪#‎NAIDOC2016‬ Yugambeh Country – Respect 🙂

 

NAIDOC 2016 – Cherbourg Community Open Day

Today Michaela, Christy & David from ATSILS Murgon office joined in festivities at the Cherbourg NAIDOC Community Open Day. Rain couldn’t dampen spirits & celebration of strong continuing culture with a large turnout at the The Ration Shed Museum.

The crowd enjoyed camp fire oven feeds, hand painting and boomerang painting for the kids. There were range of stalls and deadly performances by traditional Wakka Wakka dancers.

It was a great day out with the local Cherbourg Aboriginal Community and broader community, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, cultures and achievement on the traditional lands of the Wakka Wakka people.

NAIDOC 2016 – Toowoomba Community Day

NAIDOC Toowoomba

Yesterday staff from our Toowoomba office enjoyed a great day out at the local NAIDOC Community Day. Kevin, Deb, Tia and Chelsea did a fantastic job running the ATSILS Stall and gave away plenty of goodies and great info packs aimed at helping locals better understand their legal rights, ATSILS range of legal services available and how to get help when needed.

It was a great opportunity to engage with the future on Giabal land, helping our youth better understand which way with regards to their legal rights.

NAIDOC 2016: Songlines – The living narrative of our nation

NAIDOC 2016 Celebrations

Happy NAIDOC 2016

A fantastic week ahead celebrating the rich and diverse history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities across the nation.

This year’s theme, Songlines – The living narrative of our nation.

Once again the ATSILS team will be out and about at various events across the state this NAIDOC Week engaging with community and celebrating the rich and diverse culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this great state. Keep and eye out for the team and our giveaways at various Marches, Family Fun Days and Deadly Day Out’s.

Check out the ‪#‎NAIDOC2016‬ events happening in your area here:http://www.naidoc.org.au/events-calendar

Have a deadly week 🙂

NAIDOC 2016 – ATSILS Sunshine Coast team help raise the flag in Caboolture

A fantastic kick off to NAIDOC celebrations last Friday on the traditional lands of the Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi people.

The team from our Maroochydore office joined local elders and community for a flag raising ceremony at Caboolture Town Square as part of the 2016 Moreton Bay Regional Council NAIDOC Week festivities.

ATSILS had an information stall at the event and staff enjoyed the opportunity to mingled with local community..

A moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony included traditional dance by the Gubbi Gubbi Dance Troup, as well as stories & song in line with this years theme of Song Lines – the living narrative of our nation.

Murri Court Mackay

Murri Court has been reinstated in Mackay with the official launch taking place last Friday.

“Statewide Murri Court co-ordinator Renee Kyle said the court would convene fortnightly for youth defendants.”

“Mackay elder Veronica Ah-Wang was one of seven elders inducted into Murri Court at the ceremony.”

“A lot more of our Indigenous kids get into trouble, we just want to be there to help them and put them on the right track,” she said.

View Daily Mecury Article:
http://www.dailymercury.com.au/…/elders-to-help-ou…/3038907/

Murri Court aims to address the over-representation of our mob in the criminal justice system. It focuses on rehabilitation through intervention and diversion, engages community and builds trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the justice system.

MABO DAY

Eddie Koiki Mabo

Poster_EddiKoikiMabo2

Eddie Koiki Mabo was a courageous man who took on the crown & over-turned more than two centuries of legal fiction, the concept of ‘terra nullius’. To end National Reconciliation Week we honour his legacy of truth & justice and advancement of human rights. He brought us a long way, but there is still a long way to go.

We are here & always have been.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-03/eddie-mabo-hailed-hero-by-indigenous-community-leaders/7473788

Richlands Murri Court Launch

A great way to start National Reconciliation Week 2016 with the launch of Richlands Murri Court last Friday. The spirit of reconciliation shone bright with local community and dignitaries from across the legal fraternity, police and government uniting in their commitment to fairness & justice for all.

Local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander dancers entertained the large gathering with an amazing performance displaying their strong and continuing culture.

It was great to hear Leeanne Enoch MP and Chief Magistrate Judge Rinaudo give passionate speeches about the significance of Murri Court and reaffirm their commitment to specialist courts, diversionary programs and community led initiatives. A key message was the recognition that a one size fits all approach to justice does not always work, and that the justice system must be flexible enough to respond to the specific needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

Another fantastic event bringing community together by Justice QLD. Congratulations to the local community and local justice group who fought so hard for the reinstatement of this important program.

View photos and video of the event below:

 

Leeanne Enoch MP – Restores a right and reinstates Murri Court on behalf of the Queensland Government

 

Chief Magistrate Judge Rinaudo – Officially opens Richlands Murri Court

 

Chief Magistrate McLaughlin – Welcomes reinstatement of the Murri Court

Image Gallery: Richlands Murri Court Launch

 

Murri Court re-launched in Brisbane

Many of the ATSILS team were present at the re-launch of the Murri Court in Brisbane this afternoon. It was great atmosphere and held in the spirit of celebration and mutual respect. The ATSILS team mixed with many familiar faces and it was great to share the experience with elders and other dignitaries from government, community and across the legal fraternity.

Murri Court is an important aspect in creating a more culturally responsive justice system and provides magistrates with the opportunity to use diversionary programs to enhance the rehabilitation of offenders. Justice alternatives such as Murri Court that engage local community are critical in addressing the over-representation of our people in the criminal justice system and we welcome its formal re-introduction across the state.