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Reconciliation Week reflections

To mark National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), Link Wentworth staff members have been sharing reflections, resources, stories and questions about the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We have a Reconciliation Working Group that regularly meets to discuss how our organisation can do better to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Here, some members of the Group have shared their reflections about why Reconciliation Week is important and what it means to them.

Nerida, Specialist Client Service Officer

The Reconciliation process started back in September 1991 when the Australian Parliament passed an Act creating the council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. It was envisaged that the council would increase understanding of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures, the history of past dispossession and present-day disadvantage and to foster a national commitment to addressing these disadvantages.

It’s now 31 years later and there is still much more we can do to address these disadvantages and learn more about the oldest living culture in the world. I believe NRW is one way to raise awareness and to keep learning.

Dinesha, Head of Financial Control

“Respecting fellow citizens and other cultural and social values are important when you live in a multicultural and multinational society. But why is it extra special for all Australian to built respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

In Australia’s colonial history, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have faced devastating land dispossession, violence and racism. Over the last half century, many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken.

It is known that reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. I also believe, it is an opportunity to learn and understand a beautiful and rich culture where nature and life has been treated with utmost respect.”

Jess, Intake Assessment Worker

“Reconciliation week is a time for reflection and making deeper connections with our First Nations people. It is a time to acknowledge the past, present and future and to allow conversations to achieve respect, trust and equality.”

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. Below is a list of truth-telling resources which we encourage you to access.