‘R’ is for Reconciliation

Sydney welcomes National Reconciliation Week (NRW) festivities from May 27 to June 3.

The week celebrates the anniversaries of the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

This year’s theme ‘Let’s Talk Recognition’ focuses on how Australian’s can better recognise each other, and the contributions, cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Grant Paulson, spokesperson for Reconciliation Australia, encouraged communities to have a conversation about the forthcoming referendum, looking at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mr Paulson said: “We want people to discuss what does it mean to be recognised, and the Constitution to be examined in a way that brings us up to date with the rest of the world.”

Sydney is a key focus for the week, with the University of Sydney staging events at the Seymour Centre.

A Casey Donovan concert, free Reconciliation Party family event featuring Indigenous singers Jess Beck and Marcus Corowa, and a panel discussion “I’m not a racist but..,” with comedian Nazeem Hussain, are just a few.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence said as one of the country’s foremost universities, they need to play a leading role in the process of reconciliation.

“Through education, we hope to help bridge the economic and social divides that persist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.”

There are also many local activities in and around the Sydney City in which we want to encourage people to take part,” Mr Paulson said.

NRW is fronted by a range of ambassadors, who are sharing their stories to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the week.

Campaign ambassador and TV chef Mark Olive said NRW closes the gap between reconciling the past with Indigenous people and recognition for the future.

“If we can cross those two bridges, we’ll be on the way to reconciliation.”

Co-host of Triple J Breakfast, Alex Dyson (pictured) is another ambassador who has been blogging about the upcoming week’s events.

Sydney resident Merindah Donnelly, Indigenous Cultural Development Officer at Arts NSW and Indigenous dancer, believes reconciliation stems from the desire to have a treaty.

“Indigenous Australians have socio economic disadvantage worse than ever before and still no treaty,” she said.

“[For] reconciliation to be meaningful … all Australians [need] to critically assess what’s happened so far, evaluate, and implement practical solutions.

“For me that comes in the form of constitutional reform and [the] protection of Indigenous human rights.”

Socio economic equality, political and cultural recognition and poverty should be addressed as priority, in conjunction with a broader framework for cultural and institutional change.

She cited the Howard era as having set the Indigenous community back, and applauds the Rudd apology.

“Whilst we had the apology and the public correction of records, in the same breath the government legislated the policy around the Northern Territory Intervention.”

“My question to Australian society is, are we going to need another apology in another hundred years?”

Ms Donnelly is excited about the Indigenous representation in Sydney and believes we are in the midst of change.

For information on events or to register your own visit www.reconciliation.org.au

By Lynn Chinnock