DCM Clune Visits South Australia
South Australia — November 2007
Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Clune undertook a regional tour of South Australia and a visit to the state’s capital Adelaide.
In Adelaide, the DCM participated in a live-to-air radio interview with South Australia’s highest rating breakfast radio program. FIVEaa is rated as South Australia’s number one channel for Australian Football League (AFL) Football with over 20 hours dedicated each week to the great Australian Game, therefore the Deputy Chief of Mission didn’t escape the interview without a question about AFL. By the conclusion of the interview Deputy Chief of Mission Clune was a signed up supporter of the Adelaide Crows.
In Port Augusta, DCM Clune visited the Port Augusta School of the Air, and also met with City Manager John Stevens, and Deputy Mayor Cr. Phil Greagan.
A highlight of the Port Augusta was visiting both the Pika Wiya Health service, and Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association. PIKA (meaning 'sickness') WIYA (meaning 'no'), is derived from the Pitjantjatjara language. Pika Wiya Health Service, is used by nearly all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live, or visit Port Augusta. Pika Wiya employs staff from most Aboriginal groups, who are able to communicate and respond in a culturally appropriate manner, as we strive to achieve survival for our future generations. Members of the Aboriginal community in Port Augusta can utilize both their own local general practitioner and services provided by Pika Wiya and its programs.
Umeewarra now produces a wide range of programs for the community. These include the Daily News, Job watch, an after school show, Documentary Time, Aboriginal current affairs, a sports program, a gospel program and boasts one of the best country music shows in the state. Umeewarra also produces a weekly 50 minute program for the ABC. The broadcasting staff also produces two hour programs for the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA).
In the township of Whyalla, DCM Clune enjoyed an interesting tour of the township and surrounding areas, hosted by the town’s Mayor Jim Pollock, Councilor Eddie Hughes and Council CEO Phil Cameron.
As well as a visit to Memorial Oval Primary School, CDM Clune participated in a consultation with employees from the OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks. During this meeting DCM Clune heard first hand about the OneSteel project Goal 100. Goal 100 is a Whyalla initiative set out to re-skill Structural/frictional unemployed so that local industry has an opportunity to tap into further regional resourcing.
Deputy Chief of Mission Clune then participated on a tour of the OneSteel Steelworks.
During his visit, the Deputy Chief of Mission was also featured on Whyalla television news. This news services the Gulf and Peninsula region of rural South Australia.
The Embassy of the United States express our grateful thanks for the communities of Adelaide, Port Augusta and Whyalla for their kind hospitality during our visit.
Last update: Tuesday, 24 March 2009 GMT+1100
