Kwinana formally recognises Cr Barry Winmar’s cultural services to council through Smith Family donation

Kwinana councillor and Noongar man Barry Winmar has sparked a donation to The Smith Family in recognition of his cultural contribution to council events. Since being elected to council in October 2021, Mr Winmar has been delivering a Welcome to Country at council functions free of charge. The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council recommends that Aboriginal people should be appropriately remunerated for their cultural services, as they are using their intellectual property to deliver welcomes, performances or ceremonies. SWALSC recommends fees starting at $500 and up to $1000 if a cultural performance is requested. The City of Kwinana holds council meetings fortnightly, citizenship ceremonies at least monthly and an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony each year. In 2021, the city hosted 16 citizenship ceremonies. Mr Winmar, a respected elder in the Kwinana community, almost always delivers a Welcome to Country at these meetings. At its May 11 council meeting, councillors passed a motion that to recognise Mr Winmar’s cultural contribution to the community through a $4000 donation to The Smith Family, an organisation requested by Mr Winmar. “Recognising Cr Winmar’s standing as an Elder, a custodian of knowledge and lore, with the permissions to share knowledge and beliefs with the community should be given consideration,” the city’s report said. The Smith Family is Australia’s largest national education charity and supports disadvantaged children across the country to participate fully in their education. “My particular interest is an investment in education of disadvantaged children to deliver long-term positive outcomes,” Mr Winmar said. “A disadvantaged child with access to an education creates aspirations to reach the potential of further training, education, and employment outcomes for a better future for themselves, their families and the community.” Mr Winmar said it was important for the community to understand that remuneration for cultural services ensures they are valued and continue to be delivered respectfully. “It is an Aboriginal person that has the cultural authority to speak, practise and share culture with the broader community to foster a reconciled community that respects and acknowledges the first peoples of the land,” he said. “The remuneration for knowledge, experience and standing within the Aboriginal community is important in respecting that taking the time to share knowledge, culture and lore is a way to demonstrate the genuine respect and commitment to the reconciliation process in a meaningful and committed way.” Mr Winmar is in the process of setting up a fundraising page with The Smith Family to continue his contributions. The $4000 donation will be taken from the city’s existing budget for donations.