NGAARDA NEWS FRIDAY THE 5TH OF AUGUST

Banjima Elder Maitland Parker is dissapointed with the progress of the clean-up of Ngambigunha,  (Wittenoom Gorge).

CHILD DETAINEES SELF-HARM IN CASUARINA AND BANKSIA HILL

A teenager detained in Casuarina prison was transferred to hospital after attempting self-harm this week, according to the Guardian. He has since been transferred back to the prison.

Four teenagers in Banksia Hill Detention Centre were taken to Fiona Stanley hospital after attempting to self-harm on Wednesday afternoon, according to the West Australian. They have since been discharged from hospital and returned to the detention centre.

PLANNED NEW ROAD PROMPTS CULTURAL HERITAGE FEARS

Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation has expressed fears for around 45 cultural heritage sites that could be directly impacted by a planned haul road through Eastern Guruma country.

WA Main Roads are planning more than 300 kilometres of upgrades and multiple new bridges on Nanuturra-Munjina Road, Hamersley Mount Bruce Road, and Karijini Drive, according to the ABC. These roads would service Hancock Prospecting’s Hardey iron ore mine.

BNTAC MEETS WITH WA MINISTER FOR LANDS 

Senior Banjima Elder Maitland Parker and Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) met with  John Carey MLA, Minister for Lands this week to discuss the clean-up of the asbestos contamination of Ngambigunha,  (Wittenoom Gorge).

Banjima Elder Maitland Parker told the ABC that he is disappointed that mining tenements and operations are permitted by government departments in the contaminated area right now, yet Traditional Owners are not permitted to exercise their native title rights because there has been no action to make the area safe.

VANDALISM COST THE SHIRE OF EAST PILBARA 150K A YEAR

Recent spray-painted graffiti of rude imagery in Newman has been a challenge to clean.

Cleaning graffiti has cost the Shire of the East Pilbara one hundred and eighty thousand dollars this year. 

CITY OF KARRATHA APPROVES PLANS TO REFURBISH IERAMAGADU

The City of Karratha approved two master plans to transform the streets of Ieramagadu, or Roebourne, at its July 25th Council Meeting.

Yindjibarndi Elder Tootsie Daniel told Ngaarda Media it is important for the local community to make their own decisions about changes to Ieramagadu.

MISSING TRAVELLERS FOUND

The ABC reports that Bonnie Edwards,  Eldride Edwards, and Virginia O'Neil, Kimberley residents who were reported missing earlier in the week, have returned home to Halls Creek and are safe.