‘Now, More Than Ever,’ was the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024 (from May 27 to June 3). The theme was an important reminder of the importance of the fight for justice and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Especially following the devastating outcome of the Voice referendum result in October 2023. Where, the majority of Australian’s voted against an alteration to the Australian constitution that would have recognised First Peoples of Australia. Moreover, by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in parliament.
Now, More Than Ever
Individuals, communities and organisations across Australia, who support the reconciliation movement agreed that now, more than ever, the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, recognition and justice must continue.
What is Reconciliation Week?
Reconciliation Week is a week of celebrations that is held annually from May 27 to June 03. It aims to recognise the culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The week was first recognised in 1996, and it commemorates the 1967 referendum where Australians voted to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the same rights as other Australians.
It also recognises 1992 High Court Mabo Decision. This decision acknowledged that Indigenous Australians have rights to their land; the lands that were stripped from them during British colonisation.
What Anglicare did during Reconciliation Week
During Reconciliation Week in 2024, our staff and clients hosted many events aimed at recognising how far we’ve come as a society and organisation in the reconciliation journey. We also discussed the ways in which we can continue our journey towards reconciliation.
Colleagues were invited to attend a free barbecue lunch and a yarn with our Traditional Custodians of Yagara / Ugarapul Country. Custodians shared their ancestral connection to the land. The event also included a discussion led by the University of Divinity’s Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, who spoke about the importance of cultural protocols and safety, Welcome to Country / Acknowledgement of Country, smoking ceremonies, boundaries and Reconciliation.
Later in the week, colleagues and their families were also invited to attend a complimentary movie screening at Dendy Portside Cinemas, hosted by Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland. The 90-minute feature film, “Incarceration Nation,” shared the powerful story of resilience and advocacy of First Nations people against racism in the justice system, aiming to spark meaningful change.
Numerous service location sites also hosted their own morning teas throughout the week with staff and clients. Meaningful conversations were had about our journey towards reconciliation, so far, and suggestions were made towards how Anglicare can do our part to continue supporting it for our First Nations communities.
Anglicare’s commitment to First Nations Australians
Now, more than ever, we must advocate for and support the rights of First Nations peoples, confronting racism wherever it arises and amplifying their voices.
Anglicare is committed to a culture of learning, listening and doing for First Nations peoples. For more information, visit our First Nations webpage.