UAICC report to the 9th Assembly 2000

Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress
Report to the 9th Assembly (2000)

1. INDIGENOUS SPIRITUALITY

The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) continues to consolidate and expand its life in a number of areas throughout Australia.

One of the fundamental issues that the Congress always faces is how to be a truly Indigenous church which upholds the imperatives of the Gospel whilst continuing to value and celebrate our God-given spiritual gifts and wisdom that are the foundation of Indigenous life and its unique cultural expression.

The 1998 UAICC National Conference, responding to what it felt was God’s call, adopted as its vision the symbol of the tree planted in a pot whose roots have broken through and penetrated deep into the earth. The narrow, imprisoning pot of European culture in which the Gospel ‘bush’ was carried to Australia has been broken, and the roots of God’s Word are allowed to grow deep into the Australian soil and Indigenous culture, bringing forth the fruits of freedom and growth amongst our people.

Embedded in the soil and surrounding the roots, nourishing the tree, are four significant words: Magaya (peace, order and good government); Madayin (the system of law); Dhapirrk (consistency); and Wanalapthu (assent).

To begin the process of implementing these powerful words within the framework of the government and operations of the UAICC, the Elders were requested to meet prior to the conference and to begin the process of re-acquainting themselves with the traditional cultural ways and symbols of the social structures of Aboriginal society.

The Elders then took a prominent role in the leadership of the Conference and in the conduct of its business.

The accompanying picture shows the headings under which the UAICC will need to develop the framework for its structures and governing processes over the years ahead.

We need good gardeners to nurture the tree. These are our leaders, our State Development Teams, resource people, and State and National staff and committees.

While there has been excitement and enthusiasm generated for the Indigenisation of the UAICC, there is also the daunting recognition of the lack of skilled leaders now available within the ranks of Congress to share the responsibility to implement change. We also lack the financial resources to bring about real growth and change in the many different parts of Australia where we are called to ministry.

2. HEALTH AND WELFARE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA

The social and economic context for our ministry is one which poses many challenges for our people. The social, health and economic status of Aboriginal people compared with the rest of the Australian population continues to be very poor. This was noted in our report to the Assembly in 1994. The situation remains little changed, as the figures in the Table below indicate. Figures for 1991 have been included where it is possible to include comparative data. The source of the data is the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

National Indicators	All Australians	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
	1996	1991	1996
Life expectancy at birth (males)	75.2	—	56.9
Life expectancy at birth (females)	81.1	—	61.7
Imprisonment rate per 100,000 adults	135	—	1,625
Imprisonment rate as % of total prison population	—	12%	19%
Home ownership rate	71%	28%	31%
Year 12 retention rate	74%	22%	30%
Post Secondary qualifications	34%	11%	14%
Average unemployment rate	7.5%	31%	34%
Mean annual income	$22,500	—	$14,300

In addition, the mortality of Indigenous people has been estimated relative to the rest of the Australian population as follows:

	Males	Females
1989-91	3.6*	4.0
1992-94	3.5	4.0

*Figures are the Standardised Mortality Ratio.

A ratio of 1 indicates no difference between the death rates of Indigenous and other Australians. A ratio of 3 indicates that the Indigenous death rate is 3 times greater than the death rate of non-Indigenous Australians, and so on. Death rates for Indigenous people which are three to four times that of the Australian non-Indigenous population and which have not changed from 1989 to 1994 are a shameful commentary on the inequality and disadvantage Indigenous people bear in Australia.

One feature of the other statistics quoted above is that, for the period 1991 to 1996, the social, economic and health conditions of Indigenous people have barely improved in that time-span, and in some cases, such as the unemployment and imprisonment rates, worsened. There has been some slight improvement in the educational area.

One of the keys to positive social change is the elimination of the "welfare dependency" that has grown up in many of our communities over the last 30 years or more. To achieve positive social transformation there will need to be strategies put in place that focus on assisting communities to gain greater economic independence whilst at the same time challenging Government to withdraw debilitating welfare programs that simply perpetuate dependency. The UAICC is committed to action at this level.

3. REGIONAL INITIATIVES OF THE UAICC

3.1 New South Wales

The ordination of the Rev Dorothy Harris, took place in 1999, for which we give thanks. She is conducting valuable ministry in the Grafton area.

3.2 Northern Territory

Since the last Assembly there has been a major move with regards to an office being established in Nhulunbuy. Work continues around the regions with the Djambarrpuyngu Bible Translation Team, Darriba Nurri Aboriginal Community Options, Aboriginal & Islander Accommodation and the Family and Ministry Centre, as well as ministry being conducted throughout Arnhem Land, Central Australia and the Kimberley.

3.3 Queensland

The Shalom Community Project has added other aspects to its ministry. Previously it encompassed the Shalom Christian College (Prep to Year 12), Boarding Home (Secondary students only), Shalom Elders Village and Shalom Construction Services. Last year saw the acquisition of the Crystal Creek Camp and Conference Centre as well as the work of Stagpole Street Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre. Just commencing this year is the latest addition – the Yalga-binbi NEIS Project. There are approximately 127 people (70% Indigenous) currently employed with responsibility for about 335 Indigenous people (students, elders residents and recovery clients). Indigenous staff across the site have been able to participate in various training opportunities such as literacy and numeracy as well as health workers courses conducted by TAFE. Secondary students have and are participating in TAFE classes as well as other off-site projects.

The work of the Lord across the Gulf and Cape has also been a great blessing with a great revival being experienced among the people especially the men. This work commenced in Mornington Island and spread out across into Cape communities.

In 1999 another first was the establishment of a CDEP (work for the dole) project run by the Congress church in Gordonvale. This project is ongoing and has been a blessing for unemployed Indigenous people in the area. It needs to be noted that the church in Gordonvale was approached to run this program.

3.4 South Australia

Some of the major events which UAICC – SA have participated in are;

Reconciliation Week
NAIDOC Week
Cultural Week
Visits to Schools, Churches and other community groups
Broken Hill UAICC, Frontier Services, UCA.
Youth Work Party
Covenanting Workshop
Ordination of the Rev Ken Sumner

UAICC – SA priorities are;

Development of congregations at Pt. Augusta and Salisbury North
MACT Patrol – Ordained Indigenous person
Youth Work
Establishment of Healing Place
Ministry in the South East

The SA Congress and the South Australian Synod have in place an Indigenous Employment Strategy. The goal is to employ 180 Aboriginal people throughout the Uniting Church and its agencies in SA over the next 4 years.

The Chairperson, Mr. Norman Baxter is based in Quorn and is actively involved in the MACT Patrol.

Over the past two years there has been much heart-ache and tragedy. Too many deaths and too much sickness. At times the work has been overwhelmed with struggle and sadness. Much energy is taken up supporting people through their grief and the struggle of everyday life and finding ways of making the Gospel real.

3.5 Tasmania

A very significant development for the Congress in Tasmania has been the purchase of a new property to act as the headquarters of the UAICC in Hobart. The new building, which is used as a multipurpose centre for worship, meetings and cultural activities, was purchased in 1999 with the assistance of the Synod and the Glenorchy City Council.

The name for the Centre is Leprena. It was officially opened on Sunday 28^th, 1999

3.6 Victoria

Staffing has increased dramatically for Congress in Victoria since the last Assembly. Mention needs to be made with regard to the acquisition of property in Robinvale for ministry and the development of the regional Murray Outback Ministry. There is also a raised profile for Narana Creations in Geelong with the acknowledgment of this business through it winning the 1998 and 1999 State Tourism Awards.

3.7 Western Australia

Future Presbytery

As part of the maturation process the National Executive of Congress, in response to a resolution of UAICC (WA), requested of the Uniting Church Synod of WA the creation of a new Congress Presbytery, similar to Calvary Presbytery in Queensland. It is hoped that the Presbytery will come into being in due course.

Congress Funerals

One of the most exciting things in the life of Congress (WA) has been the establishment of what is known as "Congress Funerals".

In response to numerous calls for assistance, Rev Sealin Garlett took the initiative to give birth to a long-held dream of Aboriginal people, of being able to able to conduct funerals in culturally appropriate ways and at minimal cost.

Whilst Congress runs the service, it is not limited to Aboriginal people. More and more non-Aboriginal people and churches are seeking to make use of our service – which has both the practical aspects of arrangements, linked to ongoing pastoral ministry, so essential in such circumstances.

"Manguri – A Development of Sister Kate’s"

Negotiations are still being held between the UAICC and the Synod of Western Australia over the UAICC’s asserted right to have control and responsibility for the site of the old Sister Kate’s orphanage in Treasure Road, currently occupied by the Manguri Corporation.

Unresolved matters, including the understanding of "oversight" in Assembly Regulation 3.6.40, have been referred to the Assembly Legal Reference committee for consideration.

4. OVERSEAS VISITS

In 1998 members of Congress were able to represent the UAICC in overseas meetings.

The Presbyterian Church Golden Jubilee celebrations in Vanuatu: The Rev Shayne Blackman was able to make a presentation on behalf of the UAICC. Mrs Lurleen Blackman was also able to attend and participate in the Presbyterian Women’s Celebrations.

The Rev Shayne and Mrs Lurleen Blackman along with Pastor William Hollingsworth were able to participate in the World Christian Gathering of Indigenous People, which was held in Rapid City in 1999 – South Dakota, USA.

Pastor William Hollingsworth has been able to participate in several other overseas conferences.

5. NATIONAL REPRESENTATIONS

The UAICC has made representations to the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families, 1997. It will seek to make a further representation to the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee Inquiry into the Stolen Generation, 2000.

The UAICC has also participated in representations of the Assembly or with other agencies of the Uniting Church to the following:

Senate Legal and Constitutional Reference Committee Inquiry into the Anti-Genocide Bill, 1999.

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Native Title and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Fund inquiry into the Consistency of the Native Title Amendment Act 1998 with Australia’s international obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination.

6. RECONCILIATION

The UAICC has made its own submission to the Aboriginal Council for Reconciliation on the draft Document of Reconciliation.

It is also encouraging the Uniting Church, through the covenanting process, to look at strategic ways reconciliation can be furthered within the church and has recommended broad strategies to the Assembly and Synods.

Djiniyini Gondarra- National President

Shayne Blackman- National Administrator