Eliza Wilson, Author at Anglicare Southern Queensland

The reconciliation journey is one that all Australians can take, no matter their age or background. Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships and connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people.

As adults, we can play an important role in supporting children to understand reconciliation. From an early age, children can learn about our First Nations people and understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live. They can also be educated on Indigenous culture, respect, equity and more.

As we move towards being a more inclusive, respectful and understanding country, it’s important that children are brought along on the reconciliation journey.

Ways that we can help children understand reconciliation

Did you know that Australia’s First Nations people have one of the oldest continuing cultures in the world?

During Reconciliation Week, and throughout the year, there are numerous ways that you can engage children in activities to promote an environment of learning and help them to understand reconciliation.

Storytelling

A great way to introduce young children to Indigenous Australian culture is through picture and storytelling books. Storytelling is a great learning mechanism for their developing minds.

A vast number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have used their stories to create engaging and educational books for children to learn about their culture, history and values.

You can access First Nations children’s books at your local library, or support local authors and illustrators by purchasing books from online retailers like:

Welcome to Country

Riley Callie Resources

Magabala Books.

Discussions with Elders

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Elders and community members have incredible stories to tell. Passed down for generations, their stories teach lessons, values, traditions and more.

By inviting a known Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Elder or community member to share their culturally significant stories with groups of children (and adults), listeners can learn more about Indigenous culture on a deeper and personal level. Thus, leaving them with a lasting impression.

Arts and crafts

Another way to engage children in Indigenous culture and strengthen their understanding of reconciliation is through creative learning and play. Here are some arts and craft activities for children to do while also learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture:

Colouring and activity sheets

Painting the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag

Dot painting

Rock painting

Painting a scene from a Dreamtime story

Painting Aboriginal symbols or stones

Nature Walk and Collage (using items collected on the walk, i.e. leaves and sticks).

Learning Indigenous languages

This involves helping children to learn simple words and phrases from different Indigenous languages. You can take this one step further and encourage them to incorporate their learnings into games.

Here are some tips for adults and educators when teaching children Indigenous languages.

Bush and nature walks

For a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their culture is centered around their deep connection to the land. Not only are bush and nature walks a great learning opportunity for adults, but they can also teach children a lot about sacred sites, stories and appreciation of flora and fauna.

Bush and nature walks are usually led by Aboriginal Elders or guides. To find out about a guided walk near you, chat to a community Elder or visit sites like the ones listed below for more information.

Queensland

Visit Brisbane

Discover Aboriginal Experiences

Australia.

Other ways to help children understand reconciliation and First Nations culture

Here are some other ways to educate children about reconciliation and First Nations culture.

Exploring traditional foods such as kangaroo meat, damper, insects like witchetty grubs, and certain fruits and seeds

Celebrate Indigenous holidays and traditions like Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, and National Sorry Day

Engage in opportunities for ongoing learning and collaboration.

Find out more

To find out more about Anglicare Southern Queensland’s journey towards reconciliation and commitment to First Nations people, please visit our First Nations page.

Alternatively, for more children and parenting resources please visit our Family Support Resources page.

Dennis and Lorraine’s story is a beautiful reflection of the strength found in partnerships and the power of family-centred care. Married for 58 years, they’ve faced life’s changes with resilience and grace. Though Dennis now resides at Symes Grove Residential Aged Care home to receive a higher level of care, Lorraine’s regular visits—at least four days a week—bring both comfort and continuity to their lives.

These visits are made easier thanks to the partnership between The Village Retirement Group and Anglicare Southern Queensland. Lorraine lives a short distance away at The Village Taigum, making it a quick one-minute drive to be by Dennis’s side.

Together, Dennis and Lorraine spend their time visiting the local library, where Dennis can pick up a large bag of books so he can read to another resident each morning. Dennis shares, “I get a bag of books from the library every four weeks. Someone has to take me down, it’s Lorraine usually. The oldest fella in this place appears on my door step every morning, and I read to him. He’s an old pilot from New Guinea, and all these things are important, I think.”

Symes Grove has become more than just a place of care—it’s become a community where both Dennis and Lorraine feel truly welcomed. While Dennis receives the support he needs, Lorraine has also found comfort in the relationships she’s built with staff and residents.

Lorraine shares, “For me, I want to come because I miss him being at home. A little part of me is here. I’ve developed a family here.”

“Sometimes I think they know her better than me,” laughed Dennis.

For over 15 years, Dennis and Lorraine have been part of the Anglicare Southern Queensland community. Their story is a reminder of the importance of compassionate care and the strength of community. Anglicare’s commitment to holistic support ensures that individuals and their loved ones are never alone—because every person deserves to feel valued, connected, and at home.

Have you started the process to become a foster carer?

If so, this is a very exciting time in your fostering journey. During this phase of your journey, we’ll work to get to know each other and understand how we can best support you to care for children and young people.

What questions do they ask in a foster parent interview?

The interview process is crucial in the recruitment of all carers. It allows us to understand your suitability to care for young people. This includes understanding if you have what it takes to ensure their safety and to cope with the challenges of caring, especially for children who have a history of trauma or complex needs.

During assessment, we will gather information from you to determine your suitability to care for children and understand how you could manage the range of needs that children in care might have.

When assessing you, we work with the Department of Child Safety. You might expect to be asked questions around:

your motivation to care for children

your support and social networks

your relationships with others

household safety

cultural awareness

your own childhood history

your parenting style

your health and wellbeing

plus, more.

**Note: the below are just example question topics that you may be asked during your foster parent interview. You may also be asked additional questions that are not listed. Please chat to your local Anglicare Southern Queensland foster care team if you require further clarification or assistance.

Personal questions

To help us understand you and your background, we’ll also gather basic information about you, including your:

name and age

location and other contact details

criminal history

working with children checks (whether you have a Blue Card or would be willing to obtain one)

relationship status

career

religious, spiritual or cultural beliefs and background

your own children (if you have any) or whether you are currently caring for children

housing and living arrangements

driving status.

Parenting related questions in your foster parent interview

To understand your parenting or caring capabilities, we might also ask you questions about:

your family life growing up and the parenting style of your caregiver(s)

how your caregiver’s parenting style shaped you

your relationship with your parents

childhood memories

whether you have children and your relationship with them

your own parenting style

your philosophy on raising children and shaping their futures

why you want to foster children.

Being a carer

Some of the essential questions that you may be asked about being a carer or how you might respond to certain situations may include:

your motivation to want to care

what your family-life or household looks like and how fostering can fit into it

your support network

the type(s) of care that you would be willing to provide

how safe your household is

how you would respond to the different needs of children and young people during different situations and circumstances

certain skills that you possess that would be influential in your ability to care

cultural capabilities and supporting children who come from different cultural backgrounds. Additionally, we might ask if you’d be willing to undergo further training to support the cultural connections of young people in your care

responding to, and supporting, children and young people experiencing trauma and complex trauma

how you would support the children and their birth families to work towards achieving reunification (if that’s achievable)

how you can be an advocate to children and young people to ensure their voices are heard

if you have the capacity to support the child’s educational, recreational, cultural, health and social needs.

More information

You may have lots of questions about the process and what you can expect during the assessment stage of your journey. We would recommend downloading and reading our ‘Advice for future foster carers’ eBook, if you haven’t already. This book contains information around the truths of foster care and advice around setting boundaries and having ground rules in your household as a carer.

Is your loved one becoming more unsteady on their feet, forgetting to take medication, or having difficulty completing tasks around the home? If so, this may indicate that they might need some extra support at home. Making the transition to support at home can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can ensure your loved one receives the care they need with minimal stress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps to assist your loved one in accessing aged care services. If they are looking to increase their current services, we recommend contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for re-assessment. If your loved one isn’t yet receiving support at home, follow these simple steps to help them get the care they need.

1. Understand the funding options available for home care

When exploring home care options, it’s important to be aware of the financial support available. The Australian Government offers subsidies to make aged care services more accessible through two key programs: the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP). To find out if your loved one is eligible for either of these programs, they will need to undergo an assessment with My Aged Care.

2. Help your loved one create a list of what they might need help with

Before your loved one undergoes an assessment for a Home Care Package (HCP), we suggest helping them create a list of potential topics that may be discussed during this process. This will help both of you feel more prepared and ensure that important details aren’t overlooked. The list can cover aspects such as their medical history, daily or weekly activities that they might be struggling with, cognitive function (including memory issues or changes in decision-making), their support network, vision and hearing, and pain management.

3. Check your loved one’s eligibility for an assessment

Before applying for support, it’s important to confirm your loved one’s eligibility. We recommend helping them complete the Assessment Eligibility Checker on the My Aged Care website – a quick questionnaire that should take just 1-2 minutes to fill out.

4. Apply for the assessment on your loved one’s behalf

If the eligibility checker indicates that your loved one qualifies for an assessment, you can either assist them in applying online or apply on their behalf. Ensure they have their Medicare card nearby and set aside 10-15 minutes for the application process. Alternatively, they can apply over the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

5. Support your loved one during the ACAT assessment

After the application is submitted, your loved one will be contacted by an assessor to schedule an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment. This may take place in person, over the phone, or via video call. During the assessment, the assessor will evaluate your loved one’s needs, recommend the appropriate services, and inform them of any additional support options they may be eligible for. To assist your loved one during this stage, we recommend being present during the assessment and bringing a list of areas where your loved one may need help.

6. Assist in finding the right service provider

Once your loved one has been approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the next step is finding a provider that suits their needs. This can take some time, but it’s crucial to find a provider that meets your loved one’s specific requirements. We recommend helping them create a list of services they require, asking providers about their pricing, services and availability, and arranging to meet with potential providers before committing. For additional tips on selecting the right provider, check out our detailed article here.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to helping your loved one access the right Support at Home services. The transition may feel complex at first, but with the right guidance and resources, it can be a smooth and positive experience for both you and your loved one.

At Anglicare Southern Queensland, we’re proud to have passionate staff who truly make a difference every day. Meet one of our incredible Diversional Therapists, Lorna, who has been helping residents live fuller, more meaningful lives since 2017.

Lorna’s journey to Aged Care

“I’ve always wanted to work in aged care,” she shares. “I actually started out in nursing, but after a car accident, I was encouraged to explore a different path.”

After speaking with a career counsellor, she considered studying Health Science (Leisure and Health), but the course was online and interstate. Instead, she took a different path and pursued counselling. It was during her placement at a community centre that everything clicked into place.

“I was working with an aged care respite program, and it reminded me why I wanted to be in this field. One of the clients was so scared about moving into aged care, and I was devastated. But later, I saw her again — and she was thriving. She loved the activities and felt right at home.”

That moment solidified her passion: to help people feel safe, welcomed, and engaged when they transition into aged care.

Creating programs that spark joy and connection

From bingo to visits from therapy animals (even horses!), no two days look the same. Residents are actively involved in shaping the monthly activity calendar — offering feedback and making suggestions.

“Craft isn’t my strong suit,” she laughs, “but that’s where my team shines.”

Activities are tailored to be meaningful and inclusive. Occupational tasks give residents purpose, while cooking sessions allow them to share their skills. Animal therapy lifts spirits. Creative outlets like paint-and-sip sessions reveal hidden talents — one resident always insists, “I’m not an artist,” yet creates beautiful art each time. And of course, there’s bingo — fun, a bit competitive, and surprisingly therapeutic!

“Bingo helps with number recognition, encourages movement, and brings out so much joy. Honestly, there’s not much we wouldn’t do for a piece of chocolate!”

Ensuring meaningful engagement

Measuring the success of each activity comes down to simple but powerful indicators: smiles, laughter, engagement, and conversation.

“We’re always observing — are they participating? Interacting? Enjoying themselves? And we always ask for feedback.”

Inclusion is also key. For residents with dementia or mobility challenges, adaptations are made. Whether it’s 1-on-1 support or thoughtful seating arrangements, the goal is always the same: ensure everyone can participate meaningfully.

Working together for holistic care

Collaboration is at the heart of her approach. Constant communication between lifestyle staff, clinical teams, and families ensures that each resident’s interests, needs, and history are woven into their care.

“We are in in constant contact between staff, residents and family. We communicate with the staff to ensure residents are provided with the opportunity to attend activities when unable to bring themselves along.”

“When we need the medical history from a client, if we are unable to get this from the resident, we will speak to the family. We do behaviour management with the clinical team for a holistic environment.”

Lifelong learning and new ideas

Staying current is important. Lorna attends annual ARTA (Australian Recreational Therapy Association) conferences, engages with dementia forums, and makes the most of training and education opportunities across the sector.

One particularly powerful initiative? “We recently worked with residents to write a book filled with stories from their lives. We even held a book launch with our Kirami Community. It was beautiful and really brought everyone together.”

Moments that matter

Of all the memories, one stands out vividly for Lorna:

“It was Christmas. A resident who had been with us only a short time was entering palliative care. She was sad she couldn’t come out to hear the carols. So I brought the music to her and we sang together in her room.”

“She looked at me and said, ‘This has been the best Christmas ever.’ I still get teary thinking about it.”

To all of our Diversional Therapists — thank you for your compassion, creativity, and the quality care you provide to our clients and residents.

Interested in joining the team as a Diversional Therapist? Take a look at our current vacancies here.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated annually across Australia in July. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2021 was ‘Heal Country!’

Heal Country! – calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Country is inherent to their identity. In the spiritual, physical, emotional, social and cultural realms.

For First Nations people of Australia, Country is more than a place. It refers to family, kin, law, lore, traditions and language.

Over many years, First Nations people have been calling for stronger measures to recognise and protect all aspects of their culture. Sadly, however, they are still waiting for more robust protections.

How can we heal Country?

We can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by hearing their pleas for better involvement and empowerment over Country. This involves embracing their cultural knowledge and respecting their values.

We can also help with resolving outstanding injustices which impact the lives of First Nations people by addressing historical and present injustices.

You can find out more about Heal Country here.

This week is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What NAIDOC stands for

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week here.

Local community celebrations during the week are encouraged and often organised by communities, government agencies, local councils, schools and workplaces.

Have you thought about organising an event in your area? A few suggestions about how you can celebrate NAIDOC can be found on this website.

Wherever you live, you can take part in the celebrations. Find your local NAIDOC Week event: https://bit.ly/3qt4tgC

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It’s also a time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. In 2022, the theme, “Be Brave. Make Change” inspired recognition of the fact that each of us has a role to play in bringing about change, building positive relationships and greater respect and trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Anglicare’s journey

Anglicare Southern Queensland, in partnership with the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, is on a journey towards reconciliation. We are members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. A committee established to develop and lead the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in October 2021.

This week runs from 27 May to 3 June every year and commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

27 May 1967
On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992
On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title. Click here to read more about the case.

‘Be Brave. Make Change.’, is a theme which encourages people to make positive changes. Whether that’s in their daily lives: at work, at home, in the public sphere and with their friends.

Together, we can all work towards reconciliation for a brighter, more equitable future.

To find out what’s happening near you, please visit Reconciliation Australia.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is a symbolic and political site located in Canberra, opposite Parliament House. On 26 January 1972, four Aboriginal activists: Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Bertie Williams, and Tony Correy, erected a symbolic beach umbrella stake with a sign that said, “Aboriginal Embassy.”

The use of the word ‘embassy’ emphasised the fact that Aboriginal people had never ceded sovereignty or had been engaged in treaty processes with the Australian Government.

Photo credit: National Museum of Australia. 1972 Canberra Tent Embassy to Parliament. Pictured are activists, Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Bertie Williams, and Tony Correy.

What the Tent Embassy stood for

In the weeks that followed, this protest received a lot of media attention and support from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. On 6 February 1972, the Embassy issued a list of demands to the Government that were focussed on issues relating to land rights, including:

Full rights to the Northern Territory as a state in Australia, including the installation of a primarily Aboriginal State Parliament. These rights would also include all mining rights to the land

Ownership and mining rights of all other Aboriginal reserve lands within Australia

Ownership of areas in major Australian cities. Including mining rights

Preservation of sacred sites in Australia

Compensation for lands that weren’t able to be returned to First Australians, starting with $6 billion and including a percentage of the gross national income annually.

Not going anywhere

By July that year, police dismantled the Tent Embassy. Though, it returned in 1973 after activists sat with then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. The protest led to the 1976 Aboriginal Land Rights Act, allowing land claims in the Northern Territory.

The embassy continued to move sites until its permanent return in 1992. In 1995, it was listed on the Register of the National Estate. The landmark Eddie Mabo case, in 1992, recognised the native title, leading to the Native Title Act 1993.

40 and 50 years on

Despite attempts to remove it, the embassy persisted. In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a formal apology. The 40th Anniversary celebration of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy was celebrated in 2012, but not without controversy, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s remarks leading to protests.

Now, more than 50 years on, we continue to reflect on the activism. The embassy emphasises the need to address ongoing injustices for First Nations people. It advocates for action in supporting initiatives for reconciliation, especially following the devastating outcome of the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum and efforts towards “Closing the Gap.”

A symbol of resilience and activism

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy serves as a profound symbol of the resilience and activism of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is essential for us to recognise the injustices they continue to face today. As a nation, we still have a significant journey ahead in the path to reconciliation. Anglicare is dedicated to fostering a culture of deep listening and understanding towards First Australians, and we will persist in standing alongside them, advocating for their ongoing pursuit of justice, recognition, and equality.

Following the devastating outcome of The Voice Referendum on October 14, 2023, Anglicare Southern Queensland observed a Week of Silence. This was done to grieve the outcome of the referendum and reflect on its meaning and significance.

Staff, colleagues and community stakeholders were invited to attend a silent vigil to pray for our Nation at St John’s Cathedral on October 19.

In the weeks following this result, our Pastoral Care Team dedicated extra time and resources to assist anyone requiring emotional assistance.

Statement from Week of Silence organisers

In a statement made by The Uluru Statement organisation, they said, “The referendum was a chance for newcomers to show a long-refused grace and gratitude and to acknowledge that the brutal dispossession of our people underwrote their every advantage in this country.”

“For more than six years, we have explained to our nation why the Voice was our great hope to achieve real change for our families and communities.”

The statement also gave thanks to Australians who supported Indigenous Australians. It recognised the hope those who voted yes had for a better future for Australia.

“When we determine a new direction for justice and our rights, let us once again unite.”

What was the Voice?

The Voice was a referendum where Australians got to vote on an amendment to the Australian Constitution. This would have allowed for an advisory body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be established.

It was part of a recommendation, originally established by the Uluru Statement From the Heart in 2017 to recognise the voices of First Nations peoples be heard equally.

The Uluru Statement had three key pillars for reform and would have had the following impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

Voice

A mechanism which would have allowed First Nations people to provide their own expert advice to Parliament. Moreover, on issues and policies that directly impact them.

Treaty

Which would have allowed governments and First Nations people to acknowledge historical and current rights and interests of Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, recognising sovereignty and that Australia was never ceded.

Truth

Which would’ve allowed for the full extent of injustices of First Nations people to be exposed. Enabling a shared understanding of how Australia’s colonial history has impacted them to today.

Moving forward

Anglicare Southern Queensland remains deeply saddened by the result of this referendum. We will, however, remain committed to standing by First Nations peoples and advocating alongside them regarding matters that impact them.

To learn more about our commitment to First Nations Australian’s, please visit the First Nations page on our website.

‘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.

Helping Children Understand Reconciliation