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National Reconciliation Week Wrap Up
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The RecNSW Team and Panel at NSW Parliament. Image credit: Joseph Mayers
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Now that National Reconciliation Week, our biggest week of the year has come to a close, we are thankful for the opportunities we had to engage locally and amplify First Nations voices to educate and raise awareness on how we can all Be Brave and Make Change all year round.
We partnered with NSW Parliament to host a panel discussion on the NRW theme and the Uluru Statement From the Heart, we partnered with King & Wood Mallesons to present our inaugural NRW Breakfast, including a panel discussion from young First Nations leaders pushing boundaries, we took part in Vivid Sydney for our annual anti-racism event ‘I’m Not Racist But…’ and attended a number of community events hosted by our Local Reconciliation Groups. Then attended the 2022 National RAP Conference hosted by Reconciliation Australia!
What was most encouraging this year is the amount of momentum National Reconciliation Week garnered. We saw so many people taking part in NRW, organisations supporting reconciliation initiatives in their workplace, and so much interest in addressing the unfinished business of reconciliation. There is a lot of energy in the reconciliation movement, and more Australians are keen to increase their understanding of reconciliation, and recognise that it is time to walk behind First Nations peoples and allow them to lead in the journey of true change and justice.
With NAIDOC Week fast approaching, visit RecNSW at various community events, including AbSec’s NAIDOC Family Fun Days by Inner West and Penrith councils. We will host a NAIDOC webinar on allyship, and what it means to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. We will send out invites to members very soon for this online event!
As always, we are encouraged by volunteers, individuals and organisations dedicated to this work and to promoting awareness across their networks. Let’s all keep Being Brave and Making Change all year round.
In unity,
Tristan Tipps-Webster, CEO, Reconciliation NSW
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National Reconciliation Week Wrap up – where we’ve been in the community
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Leaders in Conversation at NSW Parliament
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RecNSW Indigenous Co-Chair Josh Gilbert. Image credit: Joseph Mayers
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This year Reconciliation NSW partnered with NSW Parliament to host a panel discussion made up of First Nations leaders in conversation on the topic ‘Be Brave. Make Change. Unpacking the Uluru Statement From the Heart.”
The panel featured Geoff Scott, a Wiradjuri man with over 30 years public sector service in Aboriginal Affairs and leadership of the Uluru Dialogues, Natalie Walker, founder of Inside Policy and inaugural CEO of Supply Nation, Yvonne Weldon, City of Sydney Councillor, and our very own Co-Chair Joshua Gilbert, a Worimi agriculturalist researcher and academic.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart was unpacked by the panellists from a NSW perspective. It was a powerful and insightful discussion in the halls of Parliament where NSW’s leaders could listen. You can watch the recording here. |
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Reconciliation NSW’s Inaugural NRW Breakfast
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Reconciliation NSW partnered with King Wood & Mallesons to host our inaugural 2022 NSW National Reconciliation Week breakfast. Guests heard from an incredible panel of young First Nations leaders pushing boundaries, including Bridget Cama, Co-Chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, Isaiah Dawe, CEO and Founder of ID. Know Yourself, Bonnie Dukakis, Deputy Executive Officer of Koorie Youth Council, and Jedda Gardiner-Dodd, Law Student and member of the KWM First Nations Youth Council. Thank you to all those that attended and listened as panellists shared their stories and advice on how organisations and individuals can #BeBraveMakeChange. We look forward to this event growing in the coming years.
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2022 National RAP Conference
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Reconciliation NSW staff wrapped up National Reconciliation Week by attending the annual National RAP conference held by Reconciliation Australia.
It was a privilege to gather in person at the Sydney International Convention Centre for an exciting and packed two-day event that challenged all of us on the unfinished business of reconciliation. We were lucky to hear the insights and experiences of many First Nations peoples about genuine reconciliation initiatives in the workplace and what true partnership looks like, including the Hon. Linda Burney who has been an important supporter of the work of Reconciliation NSW from it’s inception.
Corporates hold an important position in restructuring systemic racism and privilege, so it was truly exciting to hear about how organisations are doing more to Be Brave and Make Change to advance First Nations rights. |
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2022 Indigenous Governance Awards
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Land justice, community healing, and ethics organisations were honoured in Indigenous Governance Awards.
Reconciliation Australia, the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, and the BHP Foundation have proudly announced the winners of the 2022 Indigenous Governance Awards. The Awards share and promote success from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations around Australia.
The Winners were:
Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) Human Research Ethics Committee for Category 1 – Outstanding examples of Governance in Indigenous led non-incorporated initiatives.
Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council (Brewarrina, NSW) took out Category 2 – Outstanding examples of governance in Indigenous-led small to medium incorporated organisations.
Wungening Aboriginal Corporation was named winner of Category 3 – Outstanding examples of governance in Indigenous-led large incorporated organisations.
Congratulations to all of the winners on their amazing work in their various sectors! |
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Local Reconciliation Group NRW event wrap up
Reconciliation NSW was thrilled to again contribute to various local events across the state for National Reconciliation Week, organised by our Local Reconciliation Groups. See some highlights below.
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Image credit: Patsy Asch
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ANTAR Armidale – Annual Bridge Walk
ANTAR Armidale’s Annual Bridge Walk was a great success and the largest yet. Armidale residents gathered on Stephens Bridge on Sunday, May 29 as a symbol of solidarity for National Reconciliation Week. The day included a performance by the Minimbah School Choir, speakers and a cultural performance from Bob Blair.
Reconciliation for Western Sydney – Hills Yarning
Reconciliation for Western Sydney’s Sorry Day Event brought together First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples in the Hills Shire for a better understanding of the need for healing. This local education event promoted healing and the amplification of First Nations voices.
Blue Mountains People for Reconciliation
The Blue Mountains People for Reconciliation organised A Voice in 2023: supporting the call for a referendum, a hybrid in person/Zoom Forum held at the Gaelic Club, in partnership with the Women’s Reconciliation Network. An all First Nations panel with Aunty Ali Golding, Aunty Carol Cooper, Thomas Mayor, Nicky Laupepa and Glen Crump talked about the importance of Constitutional Recognition and inspired the audience with their passion and commitment to this long fight.
The Blue Mountains People for Reconciliation group also facilitated Aboriginal cultural sessions in 2 local schools presented by Janelle Randall-Court. This is an invaluable experience for students to learn about First Nations perspectives that Janelle and other educators like her so generously share, and the children were very engaged in her presentation.
Great work! |
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NAIDOC Week 2022 is here!
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NAIDOC Week is here and this year’s theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! calls for all of us to continue to show up and fight for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders, our communities. It encourages all Australians to continue tackling the unfinished business of reconciliation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a proud history of getting up, standing up, and showing up. From the frontier wars and earliest resistance fighters to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities fighting for change today—they continue to show up. Now is the time. We cannot afford to lose momentum for change.
Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together. It must be a genuine commitment by all of us to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! and support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms.
We need to move beyond just acknowledgement, good intentions, empty words and promises, and hollow commitments. Enough is enough. The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‑Indigenous Australians needs to be based on justice, equity, and the proper recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights. Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! with us to amplify our voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome. You can search for NAIDOC events near you here. |
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AbSec’s NAIDOC Family Fun Day
This event is for Aboriginal communities and Australians from all walks of life to come together, connect and learn about Aboriginal culture. Held on 5 July from 10:00am – 2:pm, its a day for the whole family to come down to Steel Park, Marrickville during the school holidays and enjoy free food, entertainment and activities. Come visit our RecNSW stall!
When: Tuesday, July 5th
Where: Steel Park, Marrickville
Time: 10am – 2pm
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NAIDOC Up Late
Around the fire pits and beautifully lit trees of Barangaroo Reserve’s Walumil Lawn is a FREE evening of music and vibes at NAIDOC Up Late. ARIA nominated singer-songwriter and eclectic musical icon Mo’ju will headline the night with an exciting set of restorative jams. Mo’ju will be joined by Ziggy Ramo who’s cool hip hop music promotes positive change through the global language of rap. Emerging electro-pop duo AYA J will bring along their sweet, summery, shimmering pop sounds which Triple J called “seductive and warm”, which will be perfectly complemented by the modern 90’s nostalgic pop tunes of Tessa Thames. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic and there will also be a selection of Sydney’s finest food trucks onsite.
Read more about the event here.
When: Saturday 2nd July
Where: Barangaroo Reserve
Time: 7pm – 11pm
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Penrith Council NAIDOC celebration
Penrith City Council will host a fun and inclusive day of celebrations for NAIDOC Week on Thursday, 7 Jul from 10:am – 4:pm at Jamison Park. An opportunity to celebrate the significance of our Aboriginal heritage and the important contribution Penrith’s Aboriginal population make in our community, there will be plenty on offer, including performances, food, activities, stalls and much more. Come visit RecNSW at our stall!
When: Thursday, 7th July
Where: Jamison Park, South Penrith
Time: 10am – 4pm
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Burramatta NAIDOC
The City of Parramatta presents Burramatta NAIDOC on Sunday 10 July. The event is a family-friendly celebration for the whole community featuring children’s workshops, market stalls, delicious food as well as some great performances by Budjerah, Kobie Dee, The Merindas, Tilly Tjala Thomas and more, and Uncle Col Hardy and MC Luke Caroll hosting the celebrations of Burramatta NAIDOC. Image credit: Burramatta
When: Sunday, 10th July
Where: Pavilion Flat, Parramatta Park
Time: 10:30am – 5pm
https://atparramatta.com/whats-on/burramatta-naidoc
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NAIDOC in the City 2022
NAIDOC in the City 20220 will be held at Hyde Park north, where you can discover food, song, art, dance and stories in the heart of the city. Everyone is invited to experience the traditional games from various First Nations communities and peoples. Touch, hear, see and move in these fun activities suitable for all ages. Image credit: City of Sydney.
When: Saturday 9th July
Where: Hyde Park
Time: 10am – 3pm
https://kooriradio.com/naidoc-in-the-city-2022/
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Virtual Indigenous Film Festival
The Virtual Indigenous Film Festival is returning once again as a part of NAIDOC Week, from the 4th – 8th of July 2022. The festival will feature four award-winning films with a mission to showcase First Nations stories and voices and invite inclusive and open discussion throughout the week: Araatika: Rise Up!, Off Country, Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow and Where the Water Starts. Each film will have two screening times: 1 pm and 7 pm AEST. It is a great opportunity to host a film screening with your workplace, community group or family. You can learn more about the festival here.
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Schools Reconciliation Challenge Exhibition – International Towers
Reconciliation NSW’s annual Schools Reconciliation Challenge engages students with art and reconciliation. The 2021 theme – “Under One Sky: Yesterday, Today and Forever.” – compelled many talented young artists to submit some outstanding works. Please see finalist works on display in Tower Two and Tower Three of International Towers at Barangaroo from Saturday 28th May until 30th July.
When: 28th May – 30th July
Where: International Towers
Time: 9am-5pm daily
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Listen: The Future of NAIDOC Podcast
The origins of NAIDOC Week are rooted in protest and pushing for the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. But as more and more mainstream companies get involved in NAIDOC Week, is the real meaning and purpose behind NAIDOC Week being lost? How does the Indigenous community maintain the link to that past and what does the future of NAIDOC Week look like?Host, Rhianna Patrick explores the changing landscape of the week with John Paul Janke, Ruby Wharton and Trent Wallace.
Listen on Spotify, Apple.
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Welcome to our New Member Organisations!
We’re excited for you to meet our newest organisational members who have committed to developing their reconciliation journey with the help of Reconciliation NSW:
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Get involved: Growing our Group of Allies
Can you help grow our circle of allies? Ask a friend or colleague to become a RecNSW member and make 2022 their year to embrace reconciliation and become an ally of First Nations People.
- Individual membership is free. Refer a friend of colleague today!
- Ask your organisation to get involved with Reconciliation NSW as an organisational member, and be part of the Reconciliation NSW network of organisations committed to recognising First Nations
- Don’t forget to tag friends and colleagues on our social media posts! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube,
Get involved!
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