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Link-Up (Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATIONLink-UpNEWSLETTER

Volume 6 April 2013 - May 2013

New Link-Up (Qld) office in Mount Isa

(Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION ®

Still Bringing Them Home

Link-Up (Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

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New Link-Up (Qld) office in Mt IsaDelmae Barton and her son, William (front cover with Link-Up (Qld) CEO, Sheryl Sandy) are from Mt Isa and are ardent supporters of the Kalkadoon Stolen Generations people. They wholeheartedly welcome and support the new Mt Isa office of Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation.

The Mount Isa office, situated at 1/81 Miles Street Mt Isa, is Link-Up (Qld)’s fourth workplace, joining existing locations in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

Link-Up (Qld) CEO, Sheryl Sandy stated that fact finding trips to the north west Queensland regions supported the need for Link Up services centralised in Mt Isa. “Link-Up (Qld) provides family tracing, reunion and support for forcibly removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families,” Ms Sandy said.

“In the almost 30 years since Link-Up (Qld) was founded, dedicated counsellors and caseworkers have brought about 500 reunions of people who had thought they may never see much loved family members again.”

The new Mount Isa office has been established due to a demonstrated demand for Link Up services in the State’s north-west and will be officially launched on 21 May 2013.

The Mount Isa office can be contacted on mobile numbers 0417 097 322 or 0459 028 380 or on FREECALL 1800 200 855 (from landlines).

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation

is seeking “expressions of interest” in the Mt Isa area

for a person to sit on our Board of Directors.

Please contact our CEO on

(07) 3034 8444 orFREECALL: 1800 200 855 Link-Up (Qld) Mt Isa: 1/81 Miles Street Mount Isa Q


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Link-Up (Qld) have opened their fourth office at 1/81 Miles Street Mt Isa. We would like to welcome our two newest staff members, SEWB Counsellors, Rowena Rankine and Victoria Joubert, who will be our representatives in that region.

We also have an opening for a Board member from the Mt Isa region to join the Link-Up (Qld) Board of Directors and assist in the governance of Link-Up (Qld) services and to input at Board level on issues relevant to the Mt Isa region. If you are interested in applying, please contact the Link-Up(Qld) CEO on 07 3034 8444 or email [email protected]

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of a male SEWB Counsellor to the Brisbane office. Joseph Oui, aTorres Strait Islander will join us with a wealth of knowledge and experience dealing with men’s issues and spiritual and traditional healing.

This year, Link-Up (Qld) was proud to support the partnership of the Healing Foundation and the NRL for the NRL Allstars vs the Indigenous Allstars game at Suncorp Stadium. The game is the highlight of the week but the build up to the event is all about promoting Reconciliation and Closing the Gap. A number of Link-Up (Qld) staff, clients and supporters had opportunities to meet members of both teams to promote unity and oneness and to raise the importance and awareness of Reconciliation. Link-Up (Qld) supported its clients with a number of free tickets to the game.

Link-Up (Qld), auspice and longtime supporter of the Cherbourg Ex-Dormitory Boys group, congratulates them on their initiatives and collaborations in putting together their proposed film documentary, book production and Men’s workshops. The group is very pro-active with plans for future events and gatherings.

The next few months are the busiest periods on our social calendar. In May we will be hosting our Brisbane Healing Camp at Kindilan’s Reserve, Redlands from the 11 May. We will be running our Music Therapy Program at this event and look forward to hearing some deadly musical compositions and stories.

We launch our Mt Isa office on the 21 May then return to Brisbane for our annual Sorry Day Breakfast in Orleigh Park on Saturday 25 May. Due to the drop in temperature over the past years, we will be starting proceedings at 9.00am and finishing around 11.00am. Everyone is welcomed to come along for the Sorry Day Dedication, entertainment and a free BBQ breakfast.

The 15 June will see Link-Up (Qld) well represented at the Laura Festival. Link-Up (Qld) staff will speak with eligible local people and visitors who may wish to be reunited with their families affected through separation and removal by past government policies and practices.

We are pleased that our newsletter is being viewed so appreciatively and can soon be accessed every two months on our website. www.link-upqld.org.au

Message from the CEO

Link-Up (Qld) CEO Sheryl Sandy


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Welcome to New StaffRowena Rankine - SEWB Counsellor, Mount Isa

I am descended from the Kalkatungu tribe who are the Traditional Owners around the Mount Isa region.My working background is mainly with NGO’s in the Family Support and Child Protection arena, advocating and supporting Indigenous families and individuals around Mt Isa before they enter the Child Safety system through statuatory orders.Working with Link Up (Qld) is very inspiring, and empowering our people for education and to work towards change. Our Elders are our leaders, so to me it’s like a ‘domino effect’ that if we support our Elders, our leaders, it will have a cause and effect on our younger generations and the rest of the community, bringing forth healthier outcomes in their social, emotional wellbeing.

Victoria Joubert - SEWB Counsellor, Mount Isa

I am from South Africa where I was trained as a Psychologist. I moved to Australia in early 2013 and have lived in Mount Isa for the past three months.My past work experience was performing community work with South African people and a lot of outreach work.I believe Link Up (Qld) offers its employees an opportunity to make a real difference in peoples’ lives and for people who need that extra effort put in.It’s a place where people who need the help can get help that is caring and supportive and loving. It’s a very supportive organisation where everyone cares deeply about what they do and they really want to make a change.

Joseph Oui - SEWB Counsellor, Brisbane

Both my parents come from the Torres Strait Islands and I spent most of my life growing up in the Atherton region in mainly Kuranda and Mareeba.My work experience had me recently employed with Relationships Australia working mainly with Indigenous Men’s Groups to connect spiritually and traditionally and to look out for their wellbeing.I also worked in Domestic and Family Violence and Relationship Education and the importance of family unity.Link Up (Qld) affords me the opportunities to provide further reconnection of families both spiritually and traditionally.

Rowena RankinSEWB Counsellor, Mount Isa

Victoria JoubertSEWB Counsellor, Mount Isa

Joseph OuiSEWB Counsellor, Brisbane


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Congratulations are given to the Riverbed Dwellers Consortium of Mt Isa for the Premiers Reconciliation Awards Nomination for 2013

“Sheltering the Isa” (HCAP Mount Isa) have nominated for the above awards.

The category is in the partnerships category that broker reconciliation in our community/townships.

This nomination is for the work of the Riverbed Dwellers Consortium.

Across township partnerships, including:

• Kalkadoon Traditional owners, • Mount Isa City Council, • Xstrata Lead & Copper, • Riverbed Action Group, • Centacare, • Dep’t. Of Communities, • Dep’t. of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Affairs,• Jymaylia Topsy Harry Accommodation, • North West QLD Catholic Indigenous Social Services,• University of Queensland &• QCOSS.

The partnership is for creating safety options for Indigenous Rough Sleepers in the Leichardt River, now and in the next 15 years.

The awards have been co-signed by the Kalkadoon Aboriginal Traditional Owners (of Mount Isa) and from QCOSS.

The awards will be presented at a gala event hosted by the Premier during NAIDOC week this year.

Sheltering the Isa

Leichhardt River Spillway

Flash flooding from spillway releases or storms in the NT have caused fatalities to Murris living on the riverbed.


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From the Board

ChairmanSam Watson

DirectorHelen Akee

DirectorBernie Singleton

DirectorBronwyn Fredericks

DirectorSusan Klien

DirectorWilfred Prince

Our corporation continues to grow and continues to strengthen those bonds that connect us to our community and to our clients. We now have a true state-wide operation with a regional network that spans this vast state and takes our flags into places where they have never previously been seen. I want to extend a very sincere thank you to Sheryl and her wonderful team for their incredible energy and commitment. Your efforts are continuing to deliver such real and importat outcomes for our mob.

Last month the Prime Minister hosted the National Apology to those persons forcibly removed from their birth mothers in the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. There were a number of us down there in Canberra for that very powerful ceremony and Julia Gillard's speech was a real high point.

This year we have decided as a Board that at least one Board meeting will be held away from Brisbane so that we can get out there and vist the regions as well. We have also started to hold regular phone hook-ups so that we can keep up to date with what is going on. We have to make sure that as Directors we are active in our roles and continuing to play an appropriate role in the activities of the Corporation.

In recent months we have welcomed new staff on board and we have made the preparations for the opening of a new office in Mt.Isa. On behalf of all the Board as well as on behalf of our clients and our community, we would extend a warm & hearty welcome to our new workers and we hope that your time with us is rewarding and fulfilling.

In May we will be flying to Mt.Isa to hold a Board meeting and actually, formally open the new office. We are all looking forward to that. The town of Mt.Isa is a very interesting place and it sits on the heart of the very sarcred lands of the Kalkadoon people. We will be involving the local Elders and senior people in the proceedings. We will then have to get back to Brisbane in a great rush as the national Sorry Week begins very soon after that.

As always we will be holding our traditional morning ceremony and BBQ breakfast at Orleigh Park on the river at West End from 9.00am on 25 May 2013.

If you can, please get involved with your local Sorry Week activities and join with the members of the Stolen Generations community, to honour and acknowledge the pain and tragedy of the past.

So thank you for your interest in our work, we feel that Link Up has a very important and sacred contract with our mob and we will continue to honour that and build on that relationship.

SAM WATSONCHAIRMAN.


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Dad’s Cooktown Reunion by Pepquita Link

When I was young I remember my dad Peter Link having what I thought was a big family, there were plenty of us, my Dad’s sister had twelve children and my Dad’s brother had 8 children and I had plenty of siblings, so I thought I was pretty lucky. Back then it did not dawn on me that dad had no uncle or aunty or cousin to call his own, see both my father’s parents were from the Stolen Generations so they did not have the extended family support and country connection. However we had deadly grandparents that kept us together and my Dad’s mother was an angel sent from above, and from above I mean far north Queensland, COOKTOWN.

My Dad’s mother was taken at the tender age of 5 and worked as a domestic and nursemaid for the majority of her life. I went to Cooktown over 30 years ago trying to find some kind of connection for my Nan but it never happened. I guess I wasn’t the right person for the job. Then suddenly I noticed Dad had this painful emptiness inside. Dad said “I have to go to my mother’s country I

have to go to Cooktown”. Back in the day there was no Link Up for my Nanny. But my Dad timed it right. Link Up was going strong and my family pushed for him to make contact and get the support her really needed for this journey.

Well we had to overcome a few barriers, firstly Dad’s health, secondly the connections had be made to the country and the people, and thirdly the weather needed to hold up for us. Link Up orchestrated it perfectly with empathy and respect for my father’s story, connecting us to the appropriate Traditional Owners and always being mindful of the protocols we needed to adhere to.

My Dad said he was very nervous and felt he was on an emotional roller coaster, he felt anxious he was not going to be accepted. Dad felt anxious no one would see his mother in him. My father underwent what seemed like an interview by the Traditional Owners and after that my father was called Uncle and was accepted to have the Guugu Yimidhirr ancestry in him. We were shown the country by the Traditional Owners and each day my father’s stress levels dropped. On our last day in Cooktown my father was respectfully contented to wet his feet in Quarantine Bay, the same bay his mother Louie North swam

in. Dad also listened to the same waves, along with sitting on the same shore as his mother once did. My Dad said “I feel peace, connection, sorrow and happiness” and to my Dad, his mission was complete.

My father‘s Bubu is GUUGU YIMIDHIRR and he is proud.

My father and I learnt so much on this journey and we are extremely humbled by the kindness, generosity and respect of the Traditional Owners of Cooktown and surrounding areas, as well as Link up staff; Aunty Margaret North (Brisbane office) Jasmine Brady (Cairns office) and John Ansey (Townsville office) These workers truly are a credit to the service and from my Dad, Peter Link and myself, Pepe, Link Up (Qld), we sincerely thank you.


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Cherbourg Ex-Dormitory Boys WorkshopLink-Up (Qld) is a strong and ongoing supporter and auspice for The Cherbourg Ex Dormitory Boys Group. They have been meeting since 2010, dealing with the trauma of their years in the Cherbourg Boys Dormitory system and the injustices of past governments policies and practises that impacted on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Queensland.

Our healing journey of recovery has been marked by the loss of Brothers along the way (and we want to acknowledge those brothers again today). We have continued to strive to support brothers to come together and deal with the priorities we have identified in past meetings.

Since our last meeting in July 2012, we have been busily collaborating with the Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum to produce a documentary of past Cherbourg dormitory brothers, which provides an insight into their lives and the personal experiences of their time in the Cherbourg Boys Dormitory.

Auntie Sandra Morgan, Chairperson, Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum and Mark Newman, Zebra Crossing Pictures attended our recent meeting at Boonah (22 – 24 March 2013) and presented a draft viewing of the documentary, which was well received by the Brothers and invited guests.

The Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum is hoping to launch the Cherbourg Dormitory Boys documentary during NAIDOC Week 2013, and will invite all past dormitory brothers and their families to this significant event.

The brothers have also been working with Mr Colin Smith, who has kindly volunteered his time and services to assist in the production of a book which will provide a snapshot of past ex Cherbourg dormitory brothers and their personal stories.

The Cherbourg Ex-Dormitory Boys at workshop


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Colin also attended our recent meeting at Boonah and provided an update of his work to-date and advised that he still had a few brothers to interview but was hoping to do this over the weekend. We envisage that the book will be produced this year and we are currently sourcing possible additional funding to assist in production costs. 15 ex Cherbourg dormitory brothers from Cherbourg, Murgon, Brisbane and Cairns attended (ages ranging from 50 – 80), the two workshop at Boonah (again our numbers were reduced due to “Sorry Business”).

Ms Kelleigh Ryan, Aboriginal Psychologist with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation, once again attend our workshop and spoke about trauma and was able to offer a number of brother’s individual, one to one contact during her time with the brothers. Kelleigh’s ongoing personal commitment and support to the Cherbourg ex dormitory boys was acknowledged.

The Cherbourg ex Dormitory Boys Working Group also presented feedback on the Kinchela Boys (NSW) organisation for further consideration for possible incorporation status for our group.

Mr Anthony Thompson, Aboriginal Physiotherapist, once again attended our gathering and provided excellent services to the brothers and volunteers that attended our workshop.

We had a number of volunteers (once again), that kindly donated their time and services to the brothers of the course of our meeting.

We would like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment and support of:

• Mr Manny Hegarty, Regional Director, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and MultiCultural Affairs (DATSIMA).• Ms Sheryl Sandy. CEO, Link Up (Qld) and the Board of Link Up (Qld)

Once again the Outlook Training and Resource Centre looked after us during our stay with them at Boonah and the brothers want to acknowledge the ongoing support we have received in our last two gatherings.

Future plans for the group are to attend a Healing journey to Uluru in 2015 with our families and other Cherbourg dormitory girls. We welcome any of the past ex Cherbourg dormitory brothers to contact us if they are interested in coming to any of our future gatherings.

Please contact:-Marshall Saunders 0423 862 326Michael Wragge 0424 634 324David Wragge 0427 819 589Manny Hegarty 0413 530 197

Cherbourg Ex Dormitory Boys Working Group - Email: [email protected]

The Cherbourg Ration Shed Museum


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Link-Up (Qld) Caseworker, Jody Jackson, accompanied a client to the St Francis Boys Home Reunion held at Semaphore, South Australia between the 22nd and 25th of February 2013.

St Francis House began in 1946 when a group of ten Aboriginal boys aged between 8 and 15 moved from the Church of England Hostel for Inland Children in Kensington Park to Glanville Hall at Semaphore. This historic building had been purchased by the Australian Board of Missions (ABM) to be used as a training centre for Aboriginal boys from the Northern Territory. The concept for the Home was developed by Father Percy Smith, an Anglican minister and founder of St John's Hostel in Alice Springs.

St Francis House was officially opened on 4 October 1947 under the control of the ABM. The Northern Territory administration assisted with operating costs. In 1946 a group of boys, evacuated from the Northern Territory to New South Wales during the war, were placed at St Francis House raising the number of boys to 20. During the 1950s boys were allowed to return home to Alice Springs once every second year, accompanied by the Warden of the Home. In 1952 financial problems led to Glanville Hall being taken over by the Government and leased back to the ABM at no cost.

In December 1959 ongoing financial difficulties, the run-down state of the Home and changes in welfare policy led to the closure of St Francis House. The nineteen boys remaining in the Home were mostly placed in foster care. http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/sa/biogs/SE00015b.htm

At the Reunion in Glanville Hall, Anglicare CEO, the Rev’d Peter Sandeman stated “The experience of being at St Francis House was at best, a mixed experience. Through St Francis House, boys and young men were able to receive an education and participate in the life of this community, alongside this; they experienced separation from family, culture, and country. When these young men left St Francis House, many were able to take up careers and life opportunities because of their resilience and determination. However, the process of reclaiming a connection with family, culture and country took a longer time, and for some, it is still ongoing.” Former residents included Charles Perkins, Harold Thomas and Brian Butler.

Along with Queensland and New South Wales, other Link Up services were involved with the South Australian Link Up reunion collaboration including Darwin and Alice Springs.

The reunion started with all Link Up services gathering for a debriefing and appreciating the diversities of how each service operates to reunite clients with lost family, community and country.

Residents were then collected from the Largs Pier Hotel to attend a church service at St Paul’s Church which was then followed by a morning tea. This was very significant for the “Uncles” as St Paul’s Church

St Francis Boys Home Reunion by Jody Jackson


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was where they had to attend services every Sunday as residents.

The LeFevre High School Indigenous School Council showed the former students around the school where former student, Charles Perkins now has a Student Support Room named in his honour.

The formal dinner that evening was held at the Port Adelaide Football Club and was a great opportunity for the “Uncles” to catch up and reminisce about their lives. Formalities got underway with former student, Brian Butler, the “master of ceremonies”, doing a wonderful job of relating the history of St Francis Home and his fellow past students. South Australia Link Up produced a slide show of photos for the gathering and there was plenty of laughter and a few tears.

The following day was a perfect sunny day and they all returned to Glanville Hall at St Francis’ Home for morning tea. Traditional Owner and Kaurna Elder, Aunty Josie Agius performed the Official Welcome to Country whilst the flag raising ceremony was conducted by the oldest and youngest boys who attended St Francis’. This was also of high significance to the gathering as designer of the Aboriginal flag, Harold Thomas, who could not attend due to illness, was also a former student of St Francis Boys Home.

At the conclusion of the official proceedings, the “Uncles” gathered around telling yarns and laughing about their time at St Francis’. A few more tears were shed for the “brothers” who had passed, and for the emotional journey their lives had taken.

Much appreciation to St Francis Boys Committee and Link Up SA staff, who organised this reunion and to the other Link Up services involved, but most importantly to the former boys of St Francis Boys Home and their families.


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An Email from a Reunion SEWB Counsellor by William Conlon

Link-Up (Qld) Caseworker, Margaret North, conducted a reunion in Charleville with assistance from local CWAATSICH SEWB Counsellor, William Conlon. After the reunion, William forwarded this email to Link-Up (Qld) and others.

Good afternoon all you great people, I do hope this email finds you all well and healthy. For those on the east coast, I hope that you are all safe, and that you are not bothered by all the wild weather over there. Out here in the bush, it is the same as per usual, although it has cooled down a little, thankfully.

Spent some time last month with the wonderful Margaret North (Link-Up QLD), and had a wonderful and magic time introducing a young man back to his mob out this way. He also got to see where his Grandparents lived, and where some of his mob are buried, truly touching.

So, thank you to Margaret for what was a great event, and the guys out here are still keeping in touch with the young lad.

We have some “Healthy Walkabouts” (Health Expos) coming up very soon, and I invite your organisation to be represented during the running of these events.

This program is a whole of region program from Roma out to the border, all service providers attend. I would like to display your organisation at this event in my corner. Flyers are sufficient, however if you feel you need something more, please send them through to me via the mail.

The reasoning behind this is, our people tend to wander vast distances, and at some stage are very transient. It would be great to show our clients that there are organisations that attend to the same things that we do out here right across the state.

Please tell me your thoughts around this little venture, as I think it would be great to show that we are all working in the same direction.

Have a lovely afternoon.

Regards

William Conlon SEWB Counsellor CWAATSICH, Charleville Q


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Z 11 – 12 May 2013 Kindilan Healing Camp at Kindilan Reserve

Z 21 May 2013 Mount Isa Office Launch

Z 25 May 2013 Sorry Day Breakfast, Orleigh Park

Z 15 June 2013 Laura Festival, Laura NQ

Z 7 July 2013 NAIDOC Week at various locations

Z September 2013 Woorabinda Healing Camp

Z 18 November 2013 Annual General Meeting at LUQ Brisbane office

Z 29 November 2013 50 Year Anniversary of Mapoon

Upcoming Events

Link-Up (Qld) Website gets interactive by Glenn Weller

By the time you read this article, Link-Up (Qld) will have a new website specifically designed to increase interactivity with visitors to the site. There are more videos, more audio broadcasts and podcasts, more photos, and most importantly, more stories and reflections from our Stolen Generation clients.

Of course there’s still all the information you need to learn about becoming a Link-Up (Qld) client and about the services Link-Up (Qld) provides.

In addition to the new website, we also have a new Link-Up (Qld) YouTube Channel, which is where we’ll keep all of the videos we produce, including the recently completed Mareeba Healing Camp DVD.

Finally, we’ve launched a new Link-Up (Qld) Facebook Business Page, where you can read more about what’s happening at Link-Up (Qld) and about different events held throughout the year.

To visit the new website and explore it for yourself visit: www.link-upqld.org.au.

You can access the new YouTube Channel here: www.youtube.com/linkupqld, while the Link-Up (Qld) Facebook page is available at: www.facebook.com/linkupqueensland.

We hope to have you visit one of these new sites soon!



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Amazing People - Aunty Flo WatsonAunty Flo Watson is a Ghungunji woman who was born in 1952 to Gregory and Doris

Choikee and raised on the former Anglican church mission of Yarrabah. Given the tribal name, Jinnadirran, she was brought up under the shadow of the Queensland Government legislation, Aboriginals Protection and the Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897.

The Chiel Protector determined that 12 year old Florence Sylvia Choikee was to attend St Gabriel’s Church of England Girls’ School in Charters Towers and was taken from her parents in Yarrabah. There she met her lifelong friend, Amy Atkins (nee Shaw) who was also removed from Palm Island to attend the same school. Together they have written a yet to be published book entitled “Tunic Tears and Tamarind Wine” a recount of their five years at St Gabriel’s Church of England Girls’ School.

Flo never returned to Yarrabah in her five years at the school having to spend school breaks with mainstream families in Sydney and

Melbourne. On completion of her studies, she was handed a parcel of letters that had been written on a regular basis for five years from her Mother requesting permission to visit her daughter. She was devastated when she read that her Granny, Ada Choikee had passed away.

At 17 years old, Flo was returned to Yarrabah and was working in the Police Station for six weeks when the Chief Protector decided that she had “matriculated” and arranged her enrolment into the Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College in Brisbane. Even today, she still carries the Exemption Notice as a reminder of the days when this document granted her the same freedom of life as enjoyed by her non-Indigenous counterparts.

In 1971, whilst studying to become a teacher (as ordained by the Queensland Government), Flo met her lifelong partner, Ronald Watson at the infamous Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. They continued their lives together and in October 1973, Flo gave birth to their daughter, Michelle. Ronald and Flo tried on numerous occasions to get married but on each occasion they received a letter from the Queensland Government stating that they required permission from the Chief Protector of Aborigines or their marriage would be null and void. Despite the objections from the Queensland Government, Ron and Flo, along with family and friends,

Aunty Flo “Jinnadirran” Watson

Flo Choikee at St Gabriel’s Church of England Girls’ School


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gathered at Mt Coot-tha and celebrated their togetherness. It took Ron and Flo ten years before they could marry under Queensland Law and celebrated by exchanging their wedding vows on 16 January 1983.

Flo successfully completed her Diploma of Teaching in 1972 and joined the Australian Public Service in 1973, working in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Department of Social Security (DSS). During this time, Ron had been conscripted into National Service and was stationed at Enoggera, Kapooka and Puckapunyal. When Ron received a posting to Wagga Wagga, Flo decided to follow him and resigned from the Public Service.

In 1978, Flo gave birth to a second daughter, Lisa and rejoined the workforce in 1984 with the Queensland Public Service working for Russ Hinze. She then returned to the Australian Public Service in 1989 working for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), the Department of Employment, Education and Training including Abstudy (DEET) and the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES).

Flo retired from the public service in 1996 and ventured into small business with her “Jinnadirran Training and Consultancy” enterprise. Recently, Flo rejoined the Australian Public Service working with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).

Flo has many interests in her life including being a Director on the Board of the Aboriginal Centre for the Perfoming Arts (ACPA), Committee member for the Teralba Park Sorry Day Memorial Plaque in northern Brisbane, Reconciliation Australia, teaching her children the language of the Ghungunji nation and her grandchildren, Brooke, Kyra, Hailee, Caitlin and “the Little Man”.

Flo possesses and amazing ability to co-exist in her two worlds, Indigenous and non-Indigenous and to survive and prosper in her sixty years of life throughout all her hardships and heartaches caused by the restrictions placed on her from past government policies and practices.

Aunty Flo Watson (nee Choikee), you ARE Jinnadirran and a most amazing person.

Aunty Flo Watson and her best friend Aunty Amy Atkins

Extracted from a story written for the National Indigenous Times by Flo Watson’s daughter, Michelle Watson


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Brett was removed by way of adoption in 1974. In February 2012 Brett walked into Link-Up (Qld) Brisbane Office on a journey to be reunited with his Mother Vera.

Counsellor Ruth Link and Caseworker Karen Collins worked with diligence and integrity to arrange a family reunion. Counsellor Cathy Illin worked with Vera in preparation for this very special occasion.

In the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, Brett awaits nervously to meet his Mother Vera for the very first time. Seated on a park bench Brett looks up to see a gorgeous petite figure walking down the pathway towards him. The resemblance is uncanny as he is embraced by the spiritual connection of a Mothers love pounding heavily in his heart. Brett stands up and walks towards Vera to embrace his Mother and the love that he has waited for all these years. Vera leant back to observe the beautiful young man that stood in front of her, which she had given birth to 39 years ago.

Tears of happiness and acceptance of each other, both Brett and Vera were exposed to the understanding of culture and kinship by hugs and spiritual feelings.

Vera explained to Brett he is a Descendant of the Birri-Gubba Tribe.

The next few hours of Brett and Vera’s journey was embraced with reflection time, yarning and photos taken, and it was wonderful to observe the respect, the sharing and the strong bond between Mother and Son.

A superb dinner highlighted the evening followed by the family spending the rest of the time yarning.

The next day after a light morning tea and whilst it was a sensitive time to say goodbye to each other, the family exchanged contact numbers and made plans to stay in contact as this reunion marked the beginning of the healing journey.

Link-up would like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved in this most memorable journey.

Botanical Gardens Reunion by Karen Collins


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The annual Bold Black and Beautiful Indigenous Women’s Luncheon was held on the 8 March 2013 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane.

Link-Up (Qld) provided table bookings for their clients to enjoy the gala and to celebrate with a girls’ day out.

Coordinator for the event, Ms Sandra Georgieau organised a fashion show with Indigenous catwalk models and entertainment for the ‘ladies luncheon’ which was held on International Women’s Day.

Special Guest Speaker was Australia’s first female, Indigenous Senior Detective, Senior Dectective Sergeant Sam Bliss. Unfortunately duty called and Senior Detective Sergeant Bliss was required to assist in an inner city fracas closeby.

Link-Up (Qld) client, Aunty Margaret Stanley was excited to finally meet up with Aunty Beverly Johnson with whom she had had numerous telephone conversations whilst searching for her family.

Aunty Beverly Johnson was the only officer working for Link Up (Qld) in 1984 when it began delivering its services.

Bold Black & Beautiful Luncheon

Aunties Margaret Stanley and Beverly Johnson


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NRL Allstars vs Indigenous Allstars GameThe 2013 NRL footy season officially kicked off on February 9, with the Indigenous All Stars taking on the NRL All Stars at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium after having outgrown it’s original home on the Gold Coast.

A women’s match between the Women’s Allstars and the Indigenous Women’s team was the first of two curtain-raisers before the main event. The Indigenous Women’s team were unfortunate in their 38 to 6 loss with the Women’s Allstars piling on 30 unanswered points after the halftime break.

The Indigenous Allstars defeated the NRL Allstars 32 to 6 with 2012’s Dally M medallist, Ben Barba (Bull-dogs) and Reece Robinson (Raiders) both scoring a hat-trick of tries. A lone 70 metre runaway try for the NRL Allstars was scored by Jarryd Hayne (Eels) in the 14th minute of the first half.

Amongst the 41,000 fans that flocked to Suncorp Stadium to witness the fourth annual clash of the NRL combatants, were Link-Up (Qld) clients and supporters who were supplied free tickets from Link-Up (Qld) and gladly posed for photographs by Kanat Wano of “FULLBLACK Pitzaa”

Indigenous Women’s player tackled by three Women’s Allstars players

2012 Dally M medallist Ben Barba

RESPECTFUL DESIGNSThis is a coffee table styled book of the visual works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander participants in the Connective Art programs conducted throughout Queensland communities.

More than two hundred grass roots Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants produced interconnected works in this program. The visual strength of these works and the record of expressions of social and emotional connection promoted by this program are a testament to the resilience of our Indigenous cultures.

Link-Up (Qld) asks you to enjoy the depth and authenticity of these expressions and to support the development of these healing and cultural development programs.

The book will be available through Link-Up (Qld) for $30.00. Call the office on FREECALL 1800 200 855 or send an email to:- [email protected].


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NRL vs Indigenous Allstars GameSeen at the Game Photography by Kanat Wano of ‘FULLBLACK Pitzaa’


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Become a Link Up (Qld) MemberIt is being involved with an organisation that provides a culturally appropriate and sensitive

service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It also presents a voice for our people in major forums relating to issues and concerns of our clients and community in general such as

NAIDOC, National Sorry Day & Reconciliation and other significant issues and concerns.

The benefits of membership include the ability to utilise your own skills, talents and expertise as a volunteer, receive updates and bi-monthly newsletters, voting at general elections, being a part

of the solution in terms of righting the wrongs and having your say in the way Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation operates.

(Fill out the form on the following page and send it back to us)

Want to make a Donation to Link Up (Qld)?

“All donations, great and small, make a difference in supporting our organisation to continue the work we do with members of the Stolen Generations still searching for their family. We trully appreciate your generosity.”

- Sheryl Sandy CEO Link-Up (Qld)

If you are interested in supporting Link-Up (Qld), all donations are tax deductible and can be made to:

Account Name: Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation ABN: 36 073 956 496Banking Institution: WestpacBSB: 034 013 Account Number: 277 709

Please send all cheques to PO Box 3229, South Brisbane Queensland 4101

For more information, please call our office on FREECALL 1800 200 855


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Membership.docx S:/Common/LUQ Key Documents/Link-Up Membership Application Form

Membership Application

Full Name Of Applicant: ………………………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………….

Suburb:…………………………………………………………Postcode:…………….

Telephones: (H)……………………(W)…………………….Mob…………………….

Date Of Birth: ………………………Email: …………………………………………

Would you be available to assist Link-Up on a voluntary basis? YES NO

What skills can you bring to the Organisation? ..………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please state the reason why you would like to become a member of Link-Up (Qld):

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Is Proof of Aboriginality document enclosed as required? YES NOIf NO, please contact your local Aboriginal organisation to confirm your Proof of Aboriginality.

Signature Of Applicant:………………………………………………………………...Date: …………………..

Please return this form with your supporting documents to: LUQ Membership Application,

PO Box 3229, South Brisbane, Q 4101

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation is a registered Body Corporate under the Aboriginals Councils and Associations Act of 1976.

For Office Use Only:

Membership Authorised Not Authorised by the Governing Committee.

Chairperson:…………………………………………………… Date: ………………...

ACTION REQUIRED: Send letter of Acceptance Rejection

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Please complete the flipside of this Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Membership form and return it to:

Link-Up (Qld) Memberships Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation

PO Box 3229 South Brisbane Q 4101

or drop the form into:

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation 3 - 5 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q 4102


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SUPPORT GROUP STOLEN GENERATIONS CLIENTS

MORNING TEA

Welcome Clients31 January

28 February

18 April

30 May

27 June

25 July

29 August

26 September

31 October

21 November

VENUE:Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation 5 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q

CONTACT: Tel: (07) 3034 8444 or FREECALL: 1800 200 855Email: [email protected]

Our Support Group Morning Teas are continuing on the last Thursday of the month commencing from 31st January at 10.00am.

Come and celebrate Sorry Day with us at theSorry Day Plaque site, Orleigh Park

Riverside Terrace, Hill End, Brisbane

Saturday 25th May 2013Sorry Day Dedication

Musical Entertainment andFREE BBQ BREAKFAST

Starting at 9.00am

SEE YOU THERE

Sorry Day BBQ Breakfast


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DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to respect cultural traditions, Indigenous readers are advised that this publication may contain images of people who are deceased.

Contact Details: FREECALL to ALL offices: 1800 200 855 from landlines

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Cairns PO Box 3229 South Brisbane Q 4101 18 Scott Street Parramatta Park, Cairns NQ 48705 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q 4102 Phone: 07 4041 7403Email: [email protected] Fax: 07 4027 9665URL: http://www.link-upqld.org.au Phone: 07 3034 8444 Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation TownsvilleFax: 07 3217 3458 Unit 21 / 184 - 186 Vickers Road North, Condon Q 4815 Fax: 07 3217 3458 Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Mt Isa 1/81 Miles Street Mount Isa Q 4825 Mobiles: 0417 097 322 or 0459 028 380


Got an interesting story to share? Email us at: [email protected]

• Link Up is a FREE service

• We offer support before, during and after your family reunion

• We respect your privacy and treat all information confidentially

• Link-Up (Qld) runs a range of healing activities: camps, support groups, art, craft and music workshops

• We offer cultural renewal activities and support return to country

Quick Facts:About Link Up (Qld) - Our Mission

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation supports the healing journeys of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been separated from their families and

cultures through forced removal, fostering , adoption and/or institutionalisation.

We deliver professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunion

and cultural wellbeing services.

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Caseworkers and Counsellors are experienced individuals who can assist in reuniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. We are able to facilitate workshops, provide

information sessions at Universities, Schools, Conferences, Government Depatments

and Community Organisations. We also provide a referral service to the appropriate

organisation or Government Department.