Traditional owners in loop

A group of proactive Pilbara Aboriginal leaders have helped establish an emergency response group to deal with the unfolding coronavirus situation.

The group, named Recov19er, was designed to keep Pilbara traditional owner groups and communities updated with the latest information.

This group involved a number of local Aboriginal organisations, government agencies and other service providers meeting daily via teleconference to ensure current information was shared and that a co-ordinated approach was undertaken in response to community needs.

Recov19er also launched a website as part of the initiative which acted as a resource for people in the Pilbara and beyond affected by the ongoing and frequent changes having an impact on regional and remote areas.

While a main focus of the group was to ensure Aboriginal communities received clear information, the group was also making it a priority to secure access to essential supplies, food and health provisions.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Simon Hawkins, pictured, said the level of collaboration demonstrated in the group was inspiring.

“The Pilbara Aboriginal leaders, organisations and agencies who are involved in these efforts must be commended for their fortitude and pragmatic response in the challenging time we are facing,” he said.

“YMAC is proud to be a part of such an impressive group and offer its support to this important work.”

Pilbara Aboriginal Voice co-chair and Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation Director Danny Brown said it was extremely important to work together during this time.

“It has been really inspiring to be a part of such a strong commitment to collaboration, between the community, our Aboriginal organisations, government and other related stakeholders,” he said.

“It is impressive the way we have united, and so quickly, to make sure our communities are being looked after.”