Page 1831 - Week 05 - Thursday, 16 May 2019
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Six organisations have received funding under the 2019 program. Events include the ACT Softball Association’s Reconciliation Day family and social carnival, UnitingCare Kippax’s Reconciliation Day event, and a reconciliation in action event held by the Indigenous Community Volunteers. Canberra Oceania Community Alliance will deliver a yarning circles program. The Canberra Woodlands and Wetlands Trust conservation association will hold a bush tucker and boomerangs event, and the Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council will hold an event celebrating Reconciliation Day and Aboriginal culture. Larry Brandy will share his Wiradjuri culture with children at the Botanic Gardens.
Eight schools have also been funded to support initiatives for their wider school community or to develop and implement learning programs about reconciliation across the school year. These events and programs bring a strong grassroots community connection to Reconciliation Day. I encourage community organisations with an interest in reconciliation to get involved and to consider applying for next year’s grant program.
MS ORR: Minister, why is Reconciliation Day important to the ACT community? Are there any other major events that we can look forward to?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Orr for the supplementary. Last year’s Reconciliation Day showed us that many Canberrans are hungry to know more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, and the true history of our city, our region and our nation. The Sorry Day Bridge Walk, hosted by Winnunga Nimmityjah, will return in 2019 on Friday, 24 May. This is also an important opportunity for the community to reflect on our shared history since colonisation and the impact of past policies and practices.
Soon after Reconciliation Week is NAIDOC Week, from 7 to 14 July. Of course, Canberra has been chosen as the national focus city for NAIDOC Week this year. The theme “Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future” recognises the importance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and that it is up to governments and all Australians to step up and walk with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
While NAIDOC Week is primarily a community-driven event, the ACT government again looks forward to supporting a range of events and activities, including the traditional flag raising ceremony outside the Assembly, the NAIDOC luncheon and NAIDOC family day.
Of course, the ACT is unique in having a First Nation’s voice to government and the Assembly through the elected body. We have commenced discussions about treaty with the United Ngunnawal Elders Council. And, of course, we are supporting truth telling through Reconciliation Day. I encourage all Canberrans to embrace both Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week and to take advantage of the many activities on offer.
Mr Barr: Further questions can be placed on the notice paper.
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