Reconciliation NSW

Reconciliation in Art 🖤💛❤️

Sea life by Saskia Rylands

I worked on this artwork in Aboriginal Art at school. I started with painting the canvas black and then I traced the cutouts of the fish and the starfish. Then
I started dotting the animals. Then I did the background and finished with outlining it all. It relates to the theme ‘What Stories Will You Dream?’ because I dream of being underwater with the ocean and sea life.

Reconciliation means to me…
Reconciliation is about people coming together to unite and celebrate everyone’s culture.

🖼️ Schools Reconciliation Challenge 2023 Exhibition🖼️

✨ Now on display at Parliament House until 3rd October! ✨
Come and witness the incredible creativity of students from Primary to High School and have a look at their artworks for 2023’s Schools Reconciliation Challenge. The theme, “What stories will you dream?”, has inspired stunning pieces that explore reconciliation and storytelling in powerful ways.
A huge thank you to International Towers, the National Trust, and Parliament House for making this wonderful exhibition possible! 🎨🙌
Don’t miss it – come and see the future through the eyes of our young artists!

🖼️ Schools Reconciliation Challenge 2023 Exhibition 🖼️

✨ Now on display at Parliament House until 3rd October! ✨
Come and witness the incredible creativity of students from Primary to High School and have a look at their artworks for 2023’s Schools Reconciliation Challenge. The theme, "What stories will you dream?", has inspired stunning pieces that explore reconciliation and storytelling in powerful ways.
A huge thank you to International Towers, the National Trust, and Parliament House for making this wonderful exhibition possible! 🎨🙌
Don’t miss it – come and see the future through the eyes of our young artists!

Apply Now! https://lnkd.in/eeMzrB53

Reconciliation NSW is the peak non-profit organisation working to educate and inspire people to engage in reconciliation to acknowledge and respect the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their culture and values.

We are a small team supported by a fantastic board. Our work is gaining recognition as more community groups, schools and corporates seek to engage with our programs to better educate their staff, students & members.

This role would suit a self-motivated, experienced project and partnership officer, confident in exercising initiative and judgment, able to work independently of others, and within a small team environment.

This position is not identified; however, we strongly encourage Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

15th of September is our new deadline!! There’s still time to submit your art and teachers - this extension gives you extra time to ensure your students can be part of this important challenge! Don’t forget our theme this year is Learning from Legacy, Healing Country. Get Involved now through the link in our bio!

Reconciliation In Art 🖤💛❤️

Bunaan Yana by Tomerong Public School

Our school, Tomerong Public School, is situated on Yuin land. We acknowledge the importance of stories, as it informs history, passes on knowledge and traditions, and helps connect people to Country and culture. We have been working with many First Nation community members, including Theresa Ardler, Matty Simms and Johnathan Hill to learn some of the local Dhurga language, cultural traditions, Dreaming stories and significant landscapes and sites in our area. Each of our classrooms is named after a significant site, most have been based upon the local Dreaming story of ‘Bundoola -The Great Rain Spirit*’. Our school has created the collaborative artwork ‘bunaan yana’ which is a stone pathway that enters into our ceremonial yarning circle. Each class worked together to design and paint an artwork associated with either their class story, other local stories of significance, or their own stories of learning about Country. The students have painted the stones using an exterior paint, they have been sealed and will be installed permanently with concrete and landscaping. We have chosen to lay the pavers in the entry of the yarning circle as it visually reminds us daily (as it’s situated in our playground) of the stories we have learnt together, as a school community. It also creates a beautiful, peaceful place for students to connect to Country and culture.

* Bundoola ? ‘The Great Rain Spirit’- Father of the 13 Clans of the South Coast by Uncle George Brown retold by Theresa Ardler.’

Reconciliation means...
At Tomerong Public School, our vision for Reconciliation is to strengthen the relationships between our First Nation peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. We aim to move forward together by recognising the past, understanding the history and looking to the future. Our school is committed to learning about Dhurga language, respecting the connection to Yuin land and embracing the culture and traditions of the Wadi Wadi and Wandean people. We appreciate and endeavour to continue to build these positive relationships, working together for a reconciled future.

Last week we launched the Schools Reconciliation Challenge in Maitland on Wonnarua Country! This annual art and writing competition, now in its 15th year, motivates students to build a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Histories and Cultures. Get your school involved NOW!

We were lucky to be joined by Geoffrey Luke Winters, Boardmember of Reconciliation NSW, Kathyrn Pitkin President National Trust NSW, Debbie Mills CEO National Trust NSW Tara Dever, Chief Executive Officer at Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Loretta Baker Councillor Maitland City Council, Craig, McPherson Senior Curator National Trust NSW, Holly McNamee Chair of Friends of Grossman and Brough Houses, Helen Belcher, Friends of Grossman and Brough Houses, Volunteers from Friends of Grossman and Brough Houses and Maitland Public School students and teachers!!

Thank you to everyone! Always was, Always will be ❤️💛🖤

Our laptop challenge entry date has been EXTENDED!! Do you know of a school that needs some new laptops? Encourage them to join our School’s Reconciliation Challenge for the chance to win!!!

It’s been a few weeks since NAIDOC Week so let’s
KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! Have a look on our Youtube or Vimeo at our Lunch and Learn conversations with Belinda Huntriss and Brenden Broadbent.

Let’s keep up the pace, listen, learn and continue to talk about reconciliation every week!!

Belinda:
https://vimeo.com/991900584?share=copy

Brenden:
https://vimeo.com/991909216?share=copy

Reconciliation In Art ❤️💛🖤

Biami by Indy Fitzpatrick

I drew a picture of Biami, the Rainbow Serpent, wrapping itself around a tree.
I chose this because it is vibrant and is the most eye-catching creature. The Rainbow Serpent also represents the beginning of creation in Aboriginal culture.

Reconciliation means...
Reconciliation is important to me because it reflects on who we are and the journeys we have gone through or are going through and what has happened to Country and wildlife. Also, Reconciliation is about everyone coming together and all being equals without worrying about their race.

Next session is Aug 1 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm!
BlaQ’s Post Referendum Yarning Circle at BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation is from 11 am – 3 pm.

Session links:https://ugc.production.linktr.ee/6edc6113-e241-4f4a-8df1-6a1b7a148de6_Yarning-Circle-Booking-Links.pdf

This session will be held at BlaQ Hub at 180 George Street, Redfern NSW 2016.

If you would like to attend this session, please click on this link to register your details or if you can’t make it in person please email [email protected] to join the conversation via MS Teams.

These yarning sessions provide a safe space for open discussions on concerns and support strategies. They are not intended for referendum debates but for fostering community support and well-being. Lunch will be provided on the day.

The yarning sessions will be facilitated by experienced First Nations community leaders from Access EAP, dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Last week, Reconciliation NSW had the pleasure of working with on their site on Wangal & Gadigal Country for a Walking on Country tour of Goolay’yari (the Cooks River). Facilitated by local Wiradjuri and Gadigal cultural educator Uncle Jimmy Smith, knowledge was shared with staff members about the natural environment through the eyes of First Nations perspectives, uses for plants, Indigenous ingenuity and symbiosis between Aboriginal people and the natural environment. It is always such a pleasure to see the keenness of people to learn and listen to Aboriginal perspectives and knowledge holders, and we are very grateful that corporate organisations such as John Holland can have the opportunity to learn from educators like Uncle Jimmy Smith.

NAIDOC WEEK STARTS TODAY! 7th-14th July!

NAIDOC Week in July is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the oldest continuing cultures in the world and to celebrate their achievements.
What are you doing this NAIDOC Week?

Check out our events calendar https:/reconciliationnsw.org.au/eventscalendar/
and see what is happening near you!

Learn more here: www.naidoc.org.au

Help us to continue to create change for a better future for all Australians.

Reconciliation NSW is the peak body for advancing reconciliation in NSW. We work to create meaningful and sustainable change toward a better, fairer, and more socially just nation.

We engage over 15,000 educators and students annually, work with 22 local reconciliation groups across NSW, support over 150 membership organisations and educate the public to create change in schools, workplaces, homes, and communities.
Your donations help us to continue to create change for a better future for all Australians.

Donate here: https://reconciliationnsw.org.au/become-a-member/donations/

We are one of 108 NSW organisations and groups who have made a joint submission with in to the NSW Government Inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities.

We all want communities to be safer. In our submission we say the NSW Government can do better for kids and community.

We’re calling on the NSW Government to:

Resource and support Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to work with First Nations children, families, and communities.

Invest in services that prevent crime from the start.

Fund targeted services and interventions that help kids learn to be accountable, and do better, when they go off track.

Be guided by evidence and from 10 to at least 14 without exception.

Read our media release: https://bit.ly/RTAmr

And join the Raise the Age campaign: https://raisetheagensw.org.au/join-us

Reconciliation in Art ❤️💛🖤

Granny's Rock by Allegra Caldwell

I have painted my interpretation of the local Worimi story ‘Granny’s Rock’. It
includes The Tanks and I have also put the Emu in the sky which shows our
connection to the land which shows different times of the year. I chose to paint
Granny’s Rock because the warrior women show how strong and independent,
they were.

Reconciliation means...
Coming together.

Anti-racism is an ongoing journey, but there are many things we can do in our everyday lives to make a difference. We need to “keep the fire burning” from National Reconciliation Week into NAIDOC Week. Here are some specific methods to get you started!

A great way to really get involved in local reconciliation is to join and attend events organised by your local reconciliation group. There are currently 22 registered Local Reconciliation Groups throughout NSW.

Most LRG’s meet regularly, create and host a range of events such as workshops, concerts, walks, tours and cultural gatherings. Many groups work with local government, schools and early learning.

They have invaluable information about local Indigenous culture and history and are happy to share it.

If there isn’t an LRG in your area, you might want to start one of your own!

See the factsheet on our website: How To Start A Local Reconciliation Group.

https://reconciliationnsw.org.au/become-a-member/

Reconciliation in Art ❤️💛🖤

Galah Dreaming By Kalara Penrith

Galah dreaming represents my totem from my mob in Gulargambone which means ‘watering place of many birds’. The Galah has strong connection with my ancestors, allowing them to pass on messages of love, knowledge, and respect between generations. They represent freedom and resilience which we can all learn from nature and develop an ability to grow strong in even the harshest climate. In today’s world of reconciliation even the warble of the Galah’s call is believed to be a reminder of non-physical love, connection, and happiness which we all seek in life’s journey. This is what I dream through my artwork about reconciliation - a unified Australia with connection to country.

Reconciliation means…
Learning from our mistakes in the past and moving forward as one.

We will be there!! Come along!!

ANNUAL RECONCILIATION PICNIC THIS SUNDAY 16TH JUNE, PARC MENAI.

We are really looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at Park Menai for our Annual Reconciliation Picnic.

It looks like we are going to have some great weather 🌤

Even though we had to postpone from our original date during Reconciliation Week, we know every day is a good day for reconciliation.

We look forward to seeing you there.



Reconciliation NSW

Would your school like to be entered into the 2024 SRC Laptop Giveaway? If yes, enter here before closing date for entries, Wed 31 July 2024!!

https://reconciliationnsw.org.au/school-laptop-giveaway

JOIN OUR TEAM!

We’re hiring an Education Program Coordinator!

Apply by Sunday @ 5pm!

It has already been a week since National Reconciliation Week! 🖤💛❤️

It was great to be a part of so many of the local events happening across NSW for NRW. Thank you to all the speakers and organisers of the 12 events that were held by Local Reconciliation Groups to bring the community together throughout the week and celebrate this year’s theme

Let’s carry the momentum forward!! We all have a role to play in creating a more just and reconciled nation. Here’s to learning, celebrating and taking action together!

Cultural competency training is a critical part of advancing reconciliation. It equips all Australians with the correct information about our shared histories and is a great foundational step toward becoming a more culturally competent, individual, workplace or community. CCCA offer a range of courses for individuals at all stages of their reconciliation journey. Check out their courses and progress your reconciliation journey here: https://reconciliationnsw.org.au/cultural-competency.../