Reconciliation Week occurs from May 27 to June 3 each year. The theme for 2023 was ‘Be a Voice for Generations.’ It encouraged Australians to use their voices, power and vote to create a better, more just Australia. An important message in the lead up to the unsuccessful 2023 Voice referendum.
‘Be a Voice for Generations,’ also encouraged Australians to contribute to reconciliation in their everyday lives.
How Anglicare participated in Reconciliation Week events in 2023
In 2023, Anglicare Southern Queensland attended and participated in a range of National Reconciliation Week events.
Frank Fisher Football Club
To mark the beginning of the week, several staff members from our corporate office joined our teams on the ground in Roma and Chinchilla to attend the Frank Fisher Shield Football Competition. This two-day tournament brought together Indigenous football clubs from around the region to part-take in games of rugby league.
‘The Last Daughter’ screening
Colleagues and their family members were also invited to attend a special movie premiere for the documentary, ‘The Last Daughter.’ The screening took place at Dendy Cinemas in Hamilton and included special guests including Aunty Brenda, the star of the documentary.
The story follows Aunty Brenda and her earliest memories of growing up in a white foster family, before she was taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family. Several decades later, Aunty Brenda feels disconnected from both halves of her life. During this documentary, she uncovers long-hidden secrets, government lies and learns more about her connections to family and culture.
Reconciliation Day Morning Tea
On Tuesday 30 May Anglicare staff were invited along to attend a morning tea in our corporate office. First Nations Elder, Aunty Sandra King and staff member, Howie Vandyke spoke to staff about their experiences of the reconciliation journey. All in attendance were also invited to share in a ‘Be a Voice for Generation’ cake, boomerang shaped biscuits, and lemon myrtle iced tea.
Logan Foster and Kinship Morning Tea
Staff from our Foster and Kinship Care team in Logan recognised the week with a morning tea and guest speaker, Marg Saunders. Marg discussed cultural protocols, child placement principles, connection to country and family, partnership with community on country and with Elders and the importance of Anglicare staff as paid professional privilege and the power to know, be and do.
The team also participated in a yarning circle and discussed a range of relevant topics in the Reconciliation space for the time.
How you can participate in the Reconciliation journey
Reconciliation is everyone’s business. It’s about recognising past injustices to First Nations Australians and working alongside them to do better. Therefore, to improve outcomes for their future.
You can participate in the Reconciliation journey by learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and histories, acknowledging Traditional owners and engaging in events like Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. You can also actively support policies which aim to achieve equality and justice for First Nations peoples.
To learn more about what Anglicare are doing in this space and provide suggestions, please visit our First Nations webpage.