‘In This Together’ Reflections for Reconciliation Week 2020

Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

It draws our attention each year to the ongoing efforts to walk together with a shared purpose, and to build a stronger future for all Australians. To walk together in courage and respect as we all share a common home in this beautiful country.

This year’s theme, In This Together, has personally touched our community in new ways in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and reminds us we all share this land and rely on each other to build a better future, to build better relationships and look after each other.

When we come together to build mutual respect and understanding, we shape a better future.

This year’s theme has helped me appreciate and respect just how adaptive we can be when faced with change, we also find that we can have more space to connect in new ways.

I have found more appreciation within culture, land and spirit. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians as individuals, families and communities. At the heart of the journey is the relationship between Australians and our First nations Peoples.

Reflections and photos by Year 9 indigenous student Ailish Clements (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurung)

As we gather to pray for Reconciliation, may we remember that May 27 and June 3 are important dates in Australia’s history. May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

June 3 marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title and so we acknowledge that we gather today on the land of Dja Dja Wurung country and pay our respects to our elders both past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the culture and the wisdom upon which our nation’s future will be built.

We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and our hope that we may walk forward together in harmony and in the spirit of healing.

On Wednesday 27 May, our indigenous students led a smoking and cleansing ceremony for student leaders and staff leaders. Click here to read more.