Kerrianne Cox: News

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A world-class pristine environment in the Kimberley — an Australia-wide heritage issue and an Aboriginal song cycle are at risk if the Liquefied Natural Gas  (LNG) precinct development goes ahead. Two traditional owners from Broome, Neil Mckenzie and Kerrianne Cox are coming on 9 July to present Sydney people with the latest development on this controversial LNG project.

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Women’s Reconciliation Network, The Wilderness Society and the Filipino Women’s Working Party are organizing a public information event and workshop about the LNG hub at Redfern Community Centre, Hugo Street (near Redfern Station) from 9.30 am -1.30 pm.

 

Kimberley-based community groups such as ‘Save the Kimberley’ and ‘Environs Kimberley’ want people to know what is at stake: industrialization of a world class pristine environment that is an Australia-wide heritage concern. Deborah Ruiz Wall, a PhD candidate from the University of Western Sydney who is doing research on the implication of LNG development, will present her preliminary findings. Deborah spent some time in Broome in 2008 to conduct oral history on Aboriginal people with Filipino ancestry and in 2010 to do fieldwork for her PhD research.

 

James Price Point, about 60 km north of Broome in the Kimberley was chosen by WA Premier, Colin Barnett to install a $30 billion gas precinct onshore with its industry partner, Woodside Energy Ltd, to process natural gas for export.  On 5 May 2011, 60% of traditional owners voted in favour of Kimberley Land Council’s $1.5 billion negotiated terms with Woodside Energy Ltd spread over the life span of the gas hub estimated at between 30-50 years. The legitimacy of that vote is now being questioned in the WA Supreme Court in an action taken by local Traditional Owners, including Neil McKenzie. The vote was clouded by the real threat the state would compulsorily acquire the site regardless.

 

Aboriginal people are divided on the ‘gas’ issue. As children, some of them were forcibly taken away from their Aboriginal families and lost contact with some of their Indigenous heritage and culture. They were taken into white-run missions, orphanages or reserves. An Aboriginal man in Broome refers to his people as ‘people of two times’ — brought up in the Western way but also living in a traditional world where the boundary between culture and nature is indistinct.

 

Those who are against the gas hub fear that this type of development will kill their culture. They say, ‘if culture dies, the Mother dies’, and consequently, as Aboriginal people, they too will ‘die’.  If the LNG project goes ahead, they say it will cut the song cycle in half. The song cycle is an oral heritage map that contains codes of behaviour to ensure the sustainability of the balance and wellbeing of the land. The whole area is affected if one area is destroyed.

 

People opposed to the project are also concerned over the negative impact of LNG development on the tourism industry including the eco-Aboriginal tours business. Goolarabooloo custodian, Joseph Roe insists that he is not anti-development. He prefers Woodside and its joint venture partners to use either Pilbara’s existing infrastructure or Shell’s Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) that will be operational by 2016.

 

Those who support the gas hub onshore led by Kimberley Land Council (KLC) say that Barnett’s threat of compulsory acquisition of the site leaves them no choice but to vote with ‘a gun to their heads’ in support of the project. They would rather receive some benefits than get nothing from the profits and royalty that will flow from the LNG project. Final investment decision for the project is not due till mid 2012, and environmental and social impact approvals have yet to come through.

 

Traditional owners from the native title claim group, Neil Mckenzie and Philip Roe took the WA Government to the Supreme Court. They argue that the WA government’s application for compulsory acquisition of the LNG site is fundamentally flawed and that any subsequent deal reached is not legal. The challenge will be heard before a judge in June.

 

Inquiries: Deborah Wall 0401 601271; RSVP  frennie@tpg.com.au or (02) 99090203.

It was a intimate and magicial night under the stars.
A small house concert of 28 people and 3 kids made it a successful show.
Kerrianne was in fine form and delivered a high quality performance to the Boreen Point crowd.
She invited the women to come and sing the wombat song. The song focuses on self esteem, motivation and tweaking the mood to positive thinking and living.
Everyone had a great night with the rain holding off til the concert ended.

The W.A. government's plan to expedite the mining of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in the coastal Kimberley area will deny Aboriginal self-determination, sovereignty and custodianship.

The government is rushing through an approval process without proper transparent and inclusive processes.

The preferred site for the plant, to be constructed by a consortium led by Woodside, has recently been shifted to James Price Point, says local leader Kerrianne Cox.

She says that the fears of the community have not been addressed. These include:
 depletion of the food and water resources of the surrounding community
 destruction of marine birthing places off James Price Point
 interruption and damage to the local Eco-tourism businesses that operate in the area
 potential damage to the land and sea environments from construction, leakages and other accidents – eg the recent Burrup Peninsula explosion
 harmful social impact on the lives of all people in the surrounding area, especially young people
 denial of freedom to practise the law and culture of the local people, the Jabir-Jabir clan.

In late November the preferred site (previously at North Head) was changed to James Price Point. Since the cut off date for the process of consultations and negotiations with all custodians and other interest groups is 31st March 2009, it is apparent that the time and resources provided for this process is manifestly inadequate.

The government has also announced its intention to compulsorily acquire the land regardless of the outcome of these negotiations,which undermines any current consultation processes.

We ask the state government to agree to an appropriate and respectful period for meaningful negotiations that guarantees to safeguard the interests and benefits of Aboriginal people.

Kerrianne Cox is a Jabir-Jabir woman and was elected as the last Chairperson for Beagle Bay Aboriginal Council in 2004. She has received the Centenary Award in 2000 for her community and humanitarian services throughout Australia and abroad and has also received multiply awards as an internationally renowned singer song writer.

For more information see www.causes.com/SaveOurKimberley To volunteer or become more involved please email
Save The Kimberley: info@savethekimberley.com
Environs Kimberley: envrkimb@broome.wt.com.au

Join Kerrianne Cox on the 27th of February 2009 @ 7am
at Jacinta's House 48 Curramore rd Witta

Kids are welcome!!!
(drug and alcohol free)

Kerriannne will be accompanied by Kim Moxham on saxphone, harmonica & flute....

To all you Perth fans out there!!!

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY....

Don't miss seeing Kerrianne Cox Live at the Barkery 233 James St Northbridge

Doors open at 7pm

htt://www.myspace.com/thechocolatemartini

Come and join us during Solstice, Saturday June 21, 2008 to celebrate our mother and creator. LIGHTNING SPIRIT will take you on a moving and inspiring journey, connecting mother and earth. Join Kerrianne cox and Black Velvet with songs from the heart and spirit which will ignite the power within and create a transformative and healing experience for both young and old.

BLACK VELVET is a contemporary Indigenous Women's band from Brisbane.

My involvement with Black velvet has taken me on a memorable journey to locations including Lismore, Woodford, throughout Brisbane and North Coast of Queensland. As well as the importance of supporting non-Indigenous and Indigenous events like NAIDOC, The Dreaming, Women's House Inc, Pride and fundraising events. I was born in Ipswich and am a self taught performing artist and will forever endeavour to sing" Dawn Daylight.

Sandi Peel is of Kokatha, Wirringu, Pangala and Irish background from the West Coast of South Australia and has been playing with Black Velvet as the the bassist and vocals for four years. "Playing music has been a significant part of my cultural hertage and has introduced me to a fantastic group of Women who have brought me to the fore. I find it very relaxing and spirituallly uplifting as well as a great avenue to tell the stories of life....and I just can't get enough!"

Jenny(Pineapple) Martinelli founded Black Velvet with Venetia Tyson in 2000 after Pineapple came back from Victoria after 20 years of being a QLD Refugee during the Joh Bjelke Petersen years. During Pineapple's time in Victoria she was in many bands, the more notable being, Painters and Dockers and the Dilli All Stars. She's also played saxophone with many koori Artists including Kelli Howell, Blackfire and Debbie Morrow.

LIGHTNING SPIRIT opens at Ahimsa House, 26 Horan St, West End Brisbane.
Lightning Spirit is a Drug and Alcohol Free Event and Children are weclome.

I've been invited to MC at the Kunkga Career Conference for the second time running. The conference will be held at small venue, 127 kms outside of Alice Spring on the 5-8 May 2008
KKC focuses on bring strong Aboriginal women leaders from around Australia to guest speak at the conference and tell their life stories of struggle, pain and their journeys out of darkness and into the light of success. The conference also focuses on workshop into self empowerment and vital skills transfer to the young women of the central desert lands who are in needs of conference like the KKC. KKC believes in growing and support strong young women leaders for our future.

Don't miss out on seeing Kerrianne alive and deadly at the festival of the Dreaming this coming 8-12 June.

Don't miss out on an rare and exciting opportunity.

To meet and see Kerrianne Cox perform at her home festival in Beagle Bay Community.

GNUJURUNG ONE DAY FESTIVAL ( has changed to the following Saturday -
14 OCTOBER 2006 )
Due to sound production difficulties....

Saturday at the Community Oval.

Opening Ceremony at 9:30am with our Elder's welcome to Country....

Corroboree begins with tradtion dancers of our lands at 5:30pm

Local Solo Acts, Bands, Storytellers, Dancers. Up and Coming Superstars !!!!

Yummy local dishes from our best Chefs in the Peninsula at the festival food stalls.

Experience the Opening and the unveiling of a hidden but unforgotten world of our Lore and Culture. As First People of the World....Our Life Dreaming goes back to the beginning of first Human Being.
We are still here, We have survived and the Dreamtime still exist now with us Today...
Come share and join in the fun . Together let's celebrate life and help build the core family unit.
Time: 9:30am til 12 midnight

Kerrianne is a nominee for the Deadly Award - Artist of the Year - in 2006.

The 12th Annual Deadly Awards ceremony will be held at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Thursday, September 21, 2006.

The Deadlys are the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards, celebrating Indigenous excellence in music, sport, the arts, entertainment and community achievement. It’s black Australia’s night of nights, and this year the event is gearing up to be the biggest, loudest and proudest Deadlys ever.

Hosted by Ernie Dingo and featuring an exciting line-up of celebrities, music and dance, the 2006 Deadly Awards are promising to be a spectacular and memorable evening of entertainment.

The calibre of nominees this year is extremly high. Voting closes on September 15, if you'd like to vote for Kerrianne.

For all voting information: http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/index.asp

Kerrianne was honoured to perform and make a guest presentation at the 9th National Women in Agriculture Conference in Perth on 26-27 August 2006.

Kerrianne performed to an appreciative audience after the keynote address by Ms Janet Holmes a Court, AO.

On Sunday 27 August 2006, Kerrianne joined US Consul General (Robin McClellan), Senator Judith Adams, Bev Logue and other great acheivers including Angel Flight (www.angelflight.org.au) , in a plenary session on "From Vision to Reality".

Thank you to Western Australian Women in Agriculture Inc. for a great event!

Kerrianne released her third CD at the International Dreaming Festival on 10 June 2006.

Kerrianne Cox performed to great acclaim and phenomenally appreciative audiences at the Dreaming, Australia's international celebration of Indigenous cultures in Queensland on the Queen's Birthday long weekend from 9-12 June 2006.

Kerrianne Cox performed and conducted a songwriting workshop at the Groove and Movement Gathering in Violet Town (Victoria) on Sunday 9th April 2006.

The event was convened by Cutting Edge Uniting Care in Shepparton. The inspiration for Kerrianne's visit to Violet Town was the boundless energy and commitment of Jody Saxton, an Aboriginal woman who is hearing impaired and working with young Aboriginal leaders of the future in the Shepparton area.

A highlight of the visit was an opportunity to meet Tiffany Peverall, a Horse Whisperer and inspirational person. Thanks, Tiff for the wonderful introduction to your world with horses - it was special!

Thanks also to Helen Keighery who hosted us for the weekend at her lovely lavender farm. Helen is Mum to Ella and Jessie Hooper of the acclaimed Killing Heidi band. Helen's hospitality and uplifting energy was wonderful.

Thanks to the Shepparton and Violet Town folk for the great opportunity!

Today is the 76th Birthday of my Grandfather - Lulu* Paul Cox.

My grandfather is the giant on whose shoulders I walk through this world.

Lulu reared me, to this day he supports me in my life, he is a music maestro and most of all, Lulu is a person of truth, love and integrity.

Happy Birthday, Lulu!

*"Lulu" is the term used for "Grandfather" throughout our part of the world. It is pronounced "Loo-loo".

By Kerrianne Cox, Chairperson - Beagle Bay Community - Australia Day 2006

On behalf of the community of Beagle Bay, I take this opportunity on our national broadcast of BRACS from Beagle Bay on Australia Day 2006 to honour and farewell Senator Amanda Vanstone, as she moves on from serving as the Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

As a Minister, Senator Vanstone was more than understanding. She was honest. She was committed to the principle of a fair go for Indigenous people and she was right on the ball.

When I was elected as the Chairperson of the Beagle Bay Community in October 2004, I opened the door to the Australian Government. I said "let's agree on what matters to both of us and see what we can do together".

The first breakthrough was when we invited Richard Aspinall (Manager, Indigenous Coordination Centre [ICC] - Broome) to Beagle Bay on a Sunday. He came fishing, he sat with us and he showed that his heart was in the journey for the people. This was a vital start.

The next stage involved getting various government agencies to listen and work together in the face of chronic maladministration, many competing voices and opinions, bad habits all round and deep internal conflict. This was frustrating and unsuccessful.

So I started to write regularly to Senator Vanstone. I asked for her help. I told her my story. I offered my commitment to a partnership with government. I kept her informed on a regular basis about what was going on in the community, the ICC and the WA Government - my frustrations, my hopes, my dreams, my faith in the federal policy framework and my conviction.

It was clear to everyone (I believe) that I wasn't going to stop until I had evidence from government that it was going to do something real and lasting in Beagle Bay that would get rid of the deep seated problems and free the community to grow. I also took no prisoners with my own people - "get real, take responsibility and stop making excuses."

It was apparent to me at every stage that Senator Vanstone was well briefed (committed staff), a good listener (no excess baggage), uncomprising in her focus (the people) and ready, willing and able to follow through on government policy despite constant flak (not a fence sitter).

By October 2005 - a year after my election as the Chairperson - the Australian and WA governments had signed off on a comprehensive strategy for Beagle Bay.

In November 2005 when I met with Senator Vanstone in Canberra, I was privileged to thank her personally for her spirit and her truth. In Senator Vanstone, I believe we got a Minister that we deserved.

Senator Amanda Vanstone - Farewell, big mob thanks, take great pride in a job well done in the Indigenous Affairs portfolio and please accept an open invitation to visit us in Beagle Bay where you will always be most welcome!

Kerrianne's third CD - Return to Country - is on track for release in May 2006.

Kerrianne laid the initial tracks in Beagle Bay, followed by extended time in the studio - Electric Avenue in Sydney - with the acclaimed Mark Punch.

About recording her next album, Kerrianne says that "foremost I need to ensure a great birthing process and create space for the songs to shape themselves and fully come out. These songs reflect myself, coming home to country after ten years away achieving a great profile. Now I find myself being able to have a balance between the world at large and home."

Fans, supporters, wellwishers, friends, family and professional experts - big mob thanks to you all for your assistance in 2005!

It was a challenging year, full of rewards, sacrifices, joys, breakthroughs and many great moments!

My music continues to grow - my CD will be out in March/April - and I look forward to catching up with you all as I tour nationally to launch "Return to Country" throughout Australia.

A Happy New Year to you all and every good wish for 2006!

Kerrianne Cox appeared on "Living Black" on SBS on Monday 26 December 2005 and Monday 2 January 2006.

When asked to speak about her vision for 2006, Kerrianne said that "it's all about how we can work towards a better quality of life as people for our people."

On 9 December 2005 Kerrianne Cox was highly commended for the 2005 Human Rights Community (Individual) Award.

"Aboriginal performing artist and Beagle Bay community chairperson Kerrianne Cox impressed the judges with her conscientious efforts to help her community and to promote the rights of Indigenous Australians." - http://www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards/index.html for more information.

Congratulations, Kerrianne!

"It was inspirational to experience Joe Cocker in concert at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 8 December 2005.

It was as wonderful to observe the amazing guitar work of Mark Punch who is working with me on my third CD at the moment. Mark is touring Australia with Joe Cocker."

Mark wrote the legendary tune - Heading in the Right Direction - made famous by Renee Geyer.

Thanks, Mark for all the great work to date.

Go, Joe!

In her capacity as the elected leader of the Beagle Bay community, Kerrianne Cox met with Senator Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs in Canberra on 8 November 2005.

Kerrianne thanked the Minister for the consistent support provided by the Indigenous Coordination Centre Manager (Richard Aspinall) and staff in Broome.

Kerrianne advised Senator Vanstone that the community was moving forward and that she would be welcome to visit in 2006 when the timing was right and maximum use could be made of her presence on the ground.

“I had no complaints for the Minister – only thanks for her commitment to us and the hard work of her departmental staff”, says Kerrianne.

Kerrianne also thanked Senator Kay Patterson, Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Affairs, for the initiative shown by FaCS as part of the Australian Government response.

Kerrianne performed at the National Museum in Canberra before Senators Vanstone and Patterson and an audience of Indigenous women from all over Australia.

After a year of hard work in Beagle Bay, it was a wonderful chance to sit with the Minister and share the rewards of the successful partnership with the Australian Government!

Thank you, Senator Vanstone and staff from the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination.

Kerrianne Cox performed at the 2nd Birthday Party of Taupu Surf School, Australia's premier surf school, on Sunday 13 November 2005.

Taupu Surf School is the brainchild of Tauri D’Eatough, a former practising criminal lawyer and long term surfer. Tauri was also a shortlisted nominee for the 2002 Law and Justice Award in NSW.

"Surfing is a fantastic sport - it is healthy and positive. It's also a way of meeting personal challenges without taking risks!" says Tauri, owner of Taupu Surf School and author of Surfing for Kids.

Taupu Surf School proudly hosts children from the Kimberley, Western Australia to travel to NSW to learn to surf in its "Desert Grommets" program which Kerrianne Cox formally launched at the event.

Kerrianne Cox is the patron of Desert Grommets.

The Birthday Party raised over $3,000 for the "Desert Grommets" program.

Go catch those waves, Kerrianne and the Desert Grommets!

Kerrianne Cox performed at the Umbarra Cultural Centre, Wallaga Lake, South Coast of NSW, on Saturday 12 November 2005.

Friends of Umbarra received funding from NSW Regional ARTS as well as sponsorship from Eurobodalla Nature Tourism, for Kerrianne to perform at a community concert and conduct a songwriting workshop.

Wallaga Lake is a long way from Beagle Bay (right across the country), but it was an invitation that Kerrianne was honoured to accept.

Thank you to the wonderful people of Wallaga Lake.

Kerrianne Cox gave the keynote address at the WA Emergency Relief Conference on 1 November 2005 in Perth.

In her presentation, Kerrianne encouraged participants to strengthen their relationships with government: "Let me tell you – there’s never been a better time in my lifetime to do business with government than now. The Australian Government’s policy framework through the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) is responsive, committed and working with us on the ground every day in Beagle Bay and beyond. I encourage all of you that are working with Aboriginal organizations to make a real connection with your regional Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC) and take up the opportunity to do business by direct agreement with government."

In terms of her personal leadership, Kerrianne spoke of the standards that she is setting: "A well-governed community is one in which people have real choices. A well run community is where people see the results of their efforts. A well run organization is properly governed and is a true servant of its clients. Let’s take a good look at what we’re doing and ask ourselves: Are we working hard or smart? Are we getting government to listen? Are we setting standards? These are the fundamental questions I ask myself regularly. I am privileged to stand before you today to answer yes to every one of those questions."

If anyone would like a copy of Kerrianne's presentation, kindly email kerrianne@taskdynamics.com.au for a return copy.