Each year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week (NRW) celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The weeklong celebration is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.
May 27 and June 3 are important dates in Australia’s history. May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census. June 3 marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land—that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today.
26 May is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.
The theme for NRW 2014 is
Let’s walk the talk and it is about putting past conversations into actions.
To get involved, see the
NRW Newsletter – What will you do?
For more information: Visit the
Reconciliation Australia website, the
National Sorry Day website, download the National Reconciliation
Fact sheet, or other resources about the
1967 Referendum and the
Mabo Decision.
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Reconciliation Working Group and Other ATODA Activities
ATODA has a vision of an ACT community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have good health and wellbeing and have strong communities. This can, and needs to be, achieved through many ways including the prevention and reduction of harms associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other members of the ACT community is important to ATODA as an organisation based on the principles of public health, human rights and social justice. Reconciliation:
- Is an appropriate mechanism by which ATODA can model the importance of understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our sector and our community;
- Enables us to reflect upon and build the accessibility and cultural competence of our organisation and our sector;
- Enables us to build partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations;
- Encourages us to work collaboratively to create enabling environments within which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can empower themselves; and
- Supports us to work together to strengthen services, policy and research to prevent and reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug related harms.
Some recent ATODA and ACT ATOD sector activities include:
Reconciliation Working Group:
The ACT ATOD sector is taking further steps towards reconciliation and developing culturally secure ATOD programs. To achieve this, a Reconciliation Working Group has been established to provide a structured and supportive forum for the development and implementation of reconciliation and culturally secure practices within ATOD services.
The group’s work is facilitated by both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other facilitators through ACTCOSS and supported by ATODA.
If you have questions or would like to join or provide some input to, please contact ATODA at
info@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070 or visit
www.atoda.org.au/projects/act-atod-sector-reconciliation-working-group
Proposal to Strengthen the ACT ATOD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce:
ATODA has recently hosted workshops to inform the development of a Proposal to strengthen the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ATOD Workforce. For more information, see the
Strengthening the Cultural Security of our Practice eBulletin.
ATODA Reconciliation Action Plan:
ATODA’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), developed following the recent ATODA Strategic Planning process is currently undergoing the endorsement process with Reconciliation Australia. The RAP seeks to articulate:
- How ATODA will review and improve the accessibility and appropriateness of its core services in a way that promotes reconciliation;
- Specific reconciliation actions that ATODA will develop as part of its RAP;
- Partnerships which ATODA will form to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in the ACT; and
- How, as the peak body for the ACT ATOD sector, ATODA will work to provide leadership across the sector regarding reconciliation.
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Racial Discrimination Act
On 25 March 2014, the Government Party Room approved reforms to the
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (the Act). Attorney General George Brandis released an
exposure draft on the proposed amendments.
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) note that the proposed changes to the Act will reduce the basic protections that all people are entitled to, regardless of their race. Specifically noteworthy is that if the Act is changed, under law it will no longer be an offence to “offend, insult or humiliate” someone because of their race or ethnicity, limiting legal recourse.
Ways to Take Action
1. Sign an online petition
Petitions have been launched requesting that the Australian Government reconsider its decision to reform the
Racial Discrimination Act.
Sign the
‘No Room for Racism’ petition from Change.org
Sign the ‘
Stop the Changes to the Racial Discrimination Act. Don’t Remove Section 18C’ petition from CommunityRun
2. Contact your Local Federal Member of Parliament
In the ACT, these contacts are:
Senator the Hon Kate Lundy
Senator for the Australian Capital Territory
Post:
Unit A, Ground Floor, Law Society Building, 11 London Circuit
Canberra, ACT, 2601
Phone:(02) 6230 0411
Fax: (02) 6230 0413
Email:
senator.lundy@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website (1),
personal (2)
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
Senator Zed Seselja
Senator for the Australian Capital Territory
Post:
Shop B12, Canberra Centre, Bunda Street
Canberra, ACT, 2600
Phone: (02) 6247 6444
Fax: (02) 6257 4140
Email:
senator.seselja@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
Ms Gai Brodtmann MP
Member for Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Post:
205 Anketell St
Tuggeranong, ACT, 2900
Telephone: (02) 6293 1344
Fax: (02) 6293 1068
Email:
gai.brodtmann.mp@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser, Australian Capital Territory
Post:
Unit 8/1 Torrens St
Braddon, ACT, 2612
Telephone: (02) 6247 4396 or 6247 4037
Fax: (02) 6247 3457
Email:
andrew.leigh.mp@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Personal website
Party website
Parliament of Australia website
3. Contact the Attorney General George Brandis
Senator the Hon George Brandis QC
Attorney-General, Australian Government
Post:
PO Box 6100
Senate, Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 7300
Fax: (03) 6273 4102
Email:
senator.brandis@aph.gov.au
Websites:
Parliament of Australia website
4. Download the ‘Everyday Racism’ Mobile App
Everyday Racism is a new mobile phone app to help improving understanding of racism. It is available via
www.everydayracism.org.au for both iOS and Android devices.
Everyday Racism is a game/education style app which challenges players to live a week in the life of an Aboriginal man, a Muslim woman, an Indian student or themself.
For more information: Visit the
All Together Now website, email
Priscilla@alltogethernow.org.au, or call 0423 180 446
Submission from the Australian Human Rights Commission
The Australian Human Rights Commission
The Australian Human Rights Commission has made a submission to the Attorney-General's Department about the proposed changes to the racial hatred provisions of the
Racial Discrimination Act 1975. The Commission considers that the exposure Bill as drafted should not proceed. The Commission’s submission sets out concerns that any future draft Bill would need to address. Any proposal to amend the law should involve extensive public consultation as it has the capacity to affect the human rights of all Australians, and particularly consultation with those communities whose members are most vulnerable to experiencing racial discrimination.
For more information: See the
media release, or the
Commission’s Submission
Media
ACT argues against changes to race discrimination laws
ACT Government, 7 May 2014
Attorney General, Simon Corbell, has made a submission to the Federal Government arguing against its proposed changes to Race Discrimination Act 1975 (Commonwealth).
For more information: See the
media release
ACT argues against race discrimination laws
Canberra Times, 7 May 2014
ACT Attorney General Simon Corbell has made a public submission to the federal government arguing against any changes to the Racial Discrimination Act.
For more information: See the
article
ACT argues against changes to racial vilification laws
ABC News, 7 May 2014
The ACT Government has made a submission to the Federal Government arguing against proposed changes to racial vilification laws.
For more information: See the
article
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Campaign: ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’
Australian Human Rights Commission
This campaign is a key initiative of the National Anti-Racism Strategy which was launched in August 2012. The aim of the National Anti-Racism Strategy is to promote a clear understanding in the Australian community of what racism is, and how it can be prevented and reduced.
This campaign centres on preventing and reducing racism through the individual and collective actions by building close partnerships with organisations and individuals from all parts of the Australian community.
For more information: See the
National Anti-Racism Strategy, see the
Flyer, or visit the
Australian Human Rights Commission website
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ACT Reconciliation Week and Other Activities
This section provides a snapshot of some Reconciliation Week and other activities to be held in the ACT. Details of more events can be found on the
National Reconciliation Week website
National Sorry Day Bridge Walk
National Sorry Day Committee (NSDC)
Every year, there is a bridge walk in Canberra for Sorry Day. There will be entertainment, healthy food and drink choices, coffee and tea provided.
Date: 23 May 2014
Time: 10:45am
Location: Gather at base of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra
For more information: See the
flyer, visit the
Reconciliation website, email
ian.bateman@winnunga.org.au or call (02) 6284 6222
Reconciliation Week Highlights Tours
National Portrait Gallery (NPG)
Highlights tours of the Collection will focus on the story of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Tours last 30 minutes.
Date: 24 May – 3 June 2014
Time: 11:30am
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the
NPG website, or call (02) 6102 7000
Stories Make the Difference
National Portrait Gallery (NPG)
Jack Manning Bancroft, CEO and Founder of Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, discusses the power of storytelling while reflecting on his journey and his personal experiences.
Date: 25 May 2014
Time: 2 – 3pm
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the
NPG website, or call (02) 6102 7000
Journey to Reconciliation: Progressing Reconciliation Action Plans
Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA)
This seminar will be facilitated by Ms Joy Thomas from Reconciliation Australia. Speakers will give their perspectives on how Reconciliation Plans are progressing in their agencies.
Date: 27 May 2014
Time: 9:30 - 11am
Venue: 50 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City
Cost: Free to IPAA members, non-members $77
For more information or to register: visit the
IPAA website, or call (02) 6251 6060
Old Masters: Australia’s Great Bark Artists
National Museum of Australia
Bark painting, as practised by Aboriginal artists for millennia, is one of the great traditions of world art. Yet it was only recognised as such late in the 20th century. This exhibition highlights the work of 40 master artists, most of whom were born before the arrival of settler society on their land.
Date: 27 May – 3 June 2014
Venue: National Museum of Australia
Cost: Free during National Reconciliation Week
For more information: visit the
National Museum of Australia website, or call 1800 026 132
Exhibition Morning/Afternoon Tea
Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House (MOADOPH)
This event celebrates Reconciliation Week and the work of leading Indigenous photographer Michael Cook and his exhibition Michael Cook: Through My Eyes. It will include a morning tea, an address by the Museum Director, Daryl Karp, and a tour of the exhibition.
Date: 28 May 2014
Venue: Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House, Parkes
For more information: visit the
MOADOPH website, or call (02) 6270 8209
Australian Public Service Commission NRW Event
Australian Public Service Commission
The Australian Public Service Commission is hosting an afternoon tea for staff. The feature of the afternoon tea will be a presentation by ACT Youth Justice on the challenges faced by Indigenous Young people leaving the Youth Justice System. The Commission will be raising money for a Youth Justice project to support young people in continuing their education.
Date: 28 May 2014
Time: 3 – 4pm
Venue: Level 6, 16 Furzer St, Phillip
For more information: Visit the
Australian Public Service Commission website, or call (02) 6202 3505
Ngunnawal Sing Loud Performance
Ngunnawal Primary School
The senior choir will perform “The Journey” at a whole school assembly. The chorus will be projected so that the whole school can participate as part of the national Sing Loud! Competition.
Date: 28 May 2014
Time: 9:15am – 10am
Venue: Unaipon Avenue, Ngunnawal
For more information: Visit the
Reconciliation Australia website, email
karon.campbell@ed.act.edu.au, or call (02) 6205 8182
Alex Sloan Live During Reconciliation Week
ABC 666 Afternoons, National Museum of Australia
ABC 666 Afternoons with Alex Sloan will be at the National Museum of Australia on Wednesday May 28 for a special live broadcast in the First Australians: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples gallery.
Date: 28 May 2014
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Venue: National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton
For more information: Visit the
ABC News website, or call (02) 6275 4555
Awards BBQ/Lunch Sporting Event
Calwell High School
Calwell High School will host year 5 & 6 Primary School students from the Southside districts of the ACT to compete for the annual Buroinjin Gala Cup.
Date: 28 May 2014
Time: 9:30am – 2:15pm
Venue: Were St, Calwell
For more information: Email
Donald.bemrose@ed.act.edu.au, or call 0425 205 743
ACTCOSS Reconciliation Week Event
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
ACTCOSS will be hosting a morning tea following the inaugural Reconciliation Peer Network Group meeting.
Date: 29 May 2014
Time: 11am – 12pm
Venue: ACTCOSS Meeting Room, 1/6 Gritten St, Weston
Cost: Free
For more information or to register: email
actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200
Tracks to Reconciliation - BBQ/Lunch
ACT Government
A progressive lunch and a yarn around the fire.
Date: 29 May 2014
Time: 12 – 3pm
Venue: Luke St, Holt
For more information: email
denisemsmall@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 2904
Guided walk of Reconciliation Place
National Capital Authority (NCA)
Reconciliation Place, in the heart of Australia’s National Capital, is a place which recognises the importance of understanding the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. People are invited to come on a guided walk to encounter the inspiring artworks that make up this important site and the stories behind them.
Date: 29 May 2014
Time: 11am – 12pm
Venue: off Mall Road West, meet at the artwork closest to the road, Parkes
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the
NCA website, or call (02) 6272 2902
Elements of Place: artists-in-residence Exhibition
Craft ACT: Craft & Design Centre
Elements of Place: artists-in-residence is a particularly groundbreaking exhibition, featuring Craft ACT’s first Aboriginal artist-in-residence, textile artist and Gumbayngirr woman Ceretha Skinner, and the Centre’s first international artist-in-residence, English artist Michael Brennand-Wood.
Date: 29 May 2014
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: Level 1 North Buidling, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City
For more information: Visit the
Craft ACT website, or call (02) 6262 9333
Reconciliation Planting Day
ACT Government
An opportunity to plant local native plants and learn about the significance they have to local traditional custodians and the cultural landscape.
Activities include:
- Planting native species
- Weaving demonstrations
- Understanding Canberra’s cultural landscape
- Free BBQ lunch
- Understanding local bush tucker
- Learning about Ngunnawal history and culture
Date: 30 May 2014
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Venue: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, Yarramundi Reach
For more information: See the
flyer, email
scott.collins@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6207 1110
What is the Future for Reconciliation
National Portrait Gallery (NPG)
Michael Tuahine talks about his creation of Community Leadership Solutions, his involvement with Former Origin Greats Employment and Careers Expos and the ARTIE Program - Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education - and the impact these programs have.
Date: 31 May 2014
Time: 2 – 3pm
Venue: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit the
NPG website, or call (02) 6102 7000
In addition to the activities listed above, a number of private NRW events are also planned and can be viewed on the NRW calendar.
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Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Reconciliation Week Resources
Reconciliation Australia offers various resources about Reconciliation Week, which include:
For more information: Visit the
Reconciliation Australia website
The Gulanga Program at the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) produces a number of tools and resources to assist services to adapt their organisation to better respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:
For more information: Visit the
ACTCOSS website
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Other Events and Professional Development
Consultation on Children Services in the ACT
ACT Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner, ACT Children & Young People Commissioner
The ACT Human Rights & Discrimination Commissioner, and ACT Children & Young People Commissioner are undertaking a consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about services for children and young people in the ACT.
Feedback from the community about services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the ACT to promote the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are welcomed. The Commission is hoping to gain a better understanding of services in the ACT including best practice, areas of concern and possible service gaps. Individual interviews, community outreach, and surveys will be conducted, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to provide comments about any experiences of services for children, either positive or negative.
To complete the online survey, click
here. Any information provided in the survey is anonymous.
For more information or to participate in an interview: email
human.rights@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 2222
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Network
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), Gulanga Program
ACTCOSS Gulanga Program host regular bi-monthly network lunch meetings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community sector staff. Notification of these meetings is sent through the ATSIComSec Email Network. The forum provides participants with a space to network, share and receive information, and the opportunity for peer support and mentoring with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.
The ATSIComSec Email Network is a networking medium for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers in the Community Sector. The email network is limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in, working with and volunteering in the community sector (ACT and surrounding region). Its aim is to reach as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women to facilitate discussion, information sharing, networking and inform members of job vacancies, training and community sector news.
To subscribe to ATSIComSec click
here.
For more information: email
actcoss@actcoss.org.au or call (02) 6202 7200.
Canberra & District NAIDOC Awards 2014
ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS)
Nominations for the award are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers in the ACT & region, who are employed in the community sector and non-government agencies who work with the local community. Nominations should include information on how the worker is providing links between their organisations and their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and/or how they have supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through their work. The award recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers at the forefront of this vital work.
Closing Date: 16 June 2014
For more information: Email
actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6288 0071
ACT NAIDOC Ball
Canberra & District NAIDOC Committee
This event includes: award presentation of ACT NAIDOC Awards for 2014 including Person, Youth and Elder of the Year, plus the naming of our Mr & Miss NAIDOC - Youth Ambassadors for 2014.
Date: 5 July 2014
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: QT Ballroom, QT Canberra (formely Lakeside), 1 London Circuit, Canberra City
Cost: $70
For more information: See the
eventbrite page
Launch of Karralika Programs Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Karralika Programs Inc.
Karralika Programs Inc will be launching its 2014 Reconciliation Action Plan with Special Guest Uncle Johnny Huckle.
Date: 4 June 2014
Time: 2 – 3pm
Venue: 155 Keverstone Circuit Isabella Plains
RSVP: by 30 May 2014
For more information: See the
flyer, email
info@karralika.org.au, or call (02) 6163 0200
Workshop – 1 day Appreciation of Torres Strait Culture Awareness Training
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)
This one-day training for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers aims to assist participants in developing a better understanding of the cultural perspectives of Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The training will explore ways for organisations to develop a better understanding of some key issues such as culture, kinship and community. This training assists participants in developing and improving a range of cross-cultural communication skills.
Date: 27 June 2014
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue: Level 1 meeting room, Weston Community Hub, 1/6 Gritten St, Weston
Cost: ACTCOSS Member $176, Non-member $250, Government/Corporate $325
For more information or to register: Visit the
Eventbrite website, email
actcoss@actcoss.org.au, or call (02) 6202 7200
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