Across Anglicare Southern Queensland, our staff, clients and community participated in a range of events to recognise Reconciliation Week 2019. National Reconciliation Week was held from May 27 to June 3, with the theme ‘Grounded in Truth: Walk together with Courage.’ This theme recognised the resilience of Australia’s First Nations people and the importance of their relationship with the broader community.
Across our Aged Care and Children, Youth and Families services, there were many meaningful conversations and opportunities for understanding as we work together to achieve Reconciliation.
Reconciliation Week at Symes Grove
Residents from our Symes Grove Residential Aged Care Home were excited to celebrate the theme, ‘grounded in truth, walk together with courage.’
Staff and residents were visited by a local kindergarten. They spent some time listening to speakers, a poem and a song performed by the children.
Children and Families in Roma
The staff from our Children and Families team in Roma were visited by Tony Collins, a local Aboriginal Elder. A key message that the staff took from their discussions with Tony was, “treat me like you treat your own”.
Children and Families on the Gold Coast
Our staff on the Gold Coast understand that National Reconciliation Week is a time for everyone to learn. Moreover, learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. The service shared what Reconciliation meant to them in a Statement from the Heart. Here’s how they interpret Reconciliation:
‘Reconciliation means – recognising it’s time to acknowledge and tell the truth, to be honest about our past and to continue to work on always improving relationships with our First Nations people.’
‘To have a shared and grounded understanding of how we can better work together and live in harmony.’
In conclusion, Reconciliation Week is a great time to learn about Australia’s shared history, cultures and achievements. In addition, we encourage you to check out some of the other work our staff have been doing in this space, here.