The ACT was the first jurisdiction to declare a public holiday to recognise Indigenous reconciliation. Photo: File.
The ACT Reconciliation Council is welcoming six new members who will act as community ambassadors and encourage community conversations about the importance of reconciliation.
The new members will join the Council’s co-chairs, Dr Chris Bourke and Region Media‘s Genevieve Jacobs, in overseeing preparations for the next Indigenous Day (1 June 2020).
The new members of the ACT Reconciliation Council are:
- Brendan Egan, former Corporate Services Director of Reconciliation Australia
- Lynne Duckham OAM
- Dr Nadine White, Director, Human Resources, ANU
- Helen Wright, Director, Native Title Research Unit, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
- Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison, Director UNSW Defence Research Institute
- Emeritus Professor Richard Munro Baker, former Pro Vice-Chancellor, ANU.
Dr Chris Bourke (centre): “Reconciliation is a continual process of renewal and re-engagement.” Photo: File.
Dr Bourke, the first Aboriginal person elected to the ACT Assembly, and the former minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, said the process of reconciliation is a community-wide responsibility.
“Reconciliation is a continual process of renewal and reengagement with the community to build a shared understanding of our past and future,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the new members of the Reconciliation Council and thank them for the enthusiasm they will bring.
“I know they will bring fresh ideas to the Council on how we enlarge the community conversation around reconciliation.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said it is important that Canberrans understand the history of our First Nations people.
“The ACT Reconciliation Council plays a vital role in promoting reconciliation across Canberra, encouraging all members of the community to learn more about the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“I welcome the new members to the Reconciliation Council. Each member brings a diverse range of experience and great enthusiasm for building Reconciliation in our community.”
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