First Nations

Day Four of Six at Yarra Ranges Tech School

Five deadly students went to the Yarra Ranges Tech School (their fourth day out of six) on May 1st. Students were able to use a 3D printing tool called Tinkercad and Illustrator Adobe, a graphic design application. Students have started brainstorming their projects and some have even made the first design. On day five (June 4th) students will finalise their projects to prepare for day six, where students will finish their projects using the 3D printers. They will then present their project on showcase day which students, families, caretakers/parents will be invited to. 

National Sorry Day

Every year on May 26th, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations.’   The first National Sorry Day was held on May 26th 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in parliament. The Bringing Them Home report is a result of a Government Inquiry into the past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20th century.  We cannot begin to fix the problems of the presence without accepting the truth of our history. National Sorry Day asks us to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and in doing so, reminds us that historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and peoples.

National Reconciliation Week 

As we gather to commemorate National Reconciliation Week 2024, we reflect on the importance of unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” is the reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.

Understanding the Significance 

National Reconciliation Week runs annually from May 27th to June 3rd, marking two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum, which saw over 90% of Australians vote to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the federal government to create laws for them, and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision, which recognised native title rights.   These historic events are reminders of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true reconciliation. NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to the reconciliation.

How is LHC celebrating NRW? 

During SELF classes between May 27th to June 3rd, all students have been learning about National Reconciliation Week. They have also been completing activities and could win a prize. Our year level winners will be announced in our next newsletter.

Key significant dates on the calendar:

• 26th May – National Sorry Day
• 27h May – 3rd June – National Reconciliation Week
• 3rd June – Mabo Day
• 7th – 14th July – National NAIDOC Week

Taylah Moschetti - First Nations Advocate at Lilydale Heights College. Email her at taylah.moschetti@education.vic.gov.au if you ever need a yarn. 

Until the next newsletter update!