Wednesday, 31 May 2023

National Reconciliation Week

Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (09:52): During this National Reconciliation Week I wish to acknowledge the devastating impact of colonisation on First Nations people of this country. I note that Sorry Day was last Friday, 26 May. I was at Warrnambool’s first Sorry Day at the Temperance Hall a couple of decades ago with my husband and young children. I had the honour of meeting respected elder Banjo Clark at that event. I do not think I will ever truly appreciate the impact of colonisation on our local Aboriginal families and communities. Why should they tell me about genocide, humiliation and modern-day incarceration? I say sorry in this chamber today by acknowledging their strength and power and the role they play in our community.

I attended a gathering of Gunditjmara people at the Ploughed Field in Portland on 26 January. Amongst others I met Chris Saunders, who was taking a lead during the gathering. I was heartened to see the community’s strength within Gunditjmara people. Since then I have visited Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Services, where I met Kevin Clarke, Hilary Saunders and Tamika Amos. They are providing aged care services and children’s services to their community and the broader community of Portland. I also visited Winda-Mara in Heywood, where Jason Walker and John Bell very generously explained to me the challenges and strengths that their community face in delivering welfare services. I thank them for their contribution to our community.