Reconciliation Action Plan News 

Respect with the Community – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags 

Our College flies the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags as a demonstration of our respect for the histories, cultures and contributions of Australia’s First Peoples. Today, Remembrance Day, we will fly our Australian flag at half-mast between 10.30 am and 11.03 am according to our National protocols which recognise that Remembrance Day is a day of special significance to all Australians, commemorating the loss of Australian lives in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. Today at this time we will also lower our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags to half -mast in remembrance of the lives lost during the Australian Frontier Wars, including the Black War in lutruwita trowunna Tasmania.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder Aunty Wendal Pitchford has been campaigning for greater recognition of the Frontier Wars, laying wreaths made of native plants and joining memorial parades and services. Her actions have been welcomed by veterans and have started to create a shift in consciousness among many Tasmanians. An open, positive and respectful dialogue has begun between Aboriginal Elders and RSL Tasmania about how to commemorate colonial-era conflicts, regarded by many as Australia’s most violent era. 

Since Aunty Wendal’s courageous steps, commitment to the idea of Frontier War recognition has grown and last month expressions of interest were sought from community to design and create a permanent memorial in nipaluna Hobart, the first of its kind in Australia, to provide a powerful, appropriate and enduring place to remember the brave women and men who fought and died for their families, culture and Country. 

Aunty Wendal is also campaigning to have the native flower Kennedia Prostrata Running Postman, recognised as the flower used to symbolise the Black War, similar to the Flanders Poppy we wear on Anzac Day and the Rosemary we wear on Remembrance Day. In the bushlands that surround the Austins Ferry campus there is a healthy population of this plant and Year 7 Aboriginal student Billy Lowe took the accompanying photo for us when he was working with Bushy last month out on the Pathways program. 

Dadirri Reflection 

We wait on God, too. 

His time is the right time. We wait for him to make his Word clear to us. 

We don’t worry. We know that in time and in the spirit of dadirri, that deep listening and quiet stillness, his way will be clear... 

If our culture is alive and strong and respected, it will grow. It will not die. 

And our spirit will not die. And I believe that the spirit of dadirri that we have to offer will blossom and grow, not just within ourselves, but in our whole nation. 

Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann, Senior Australian of the Year 2021

Narragunnawali Awards Ceremony

Next week we will find out if we have been successful in winning the school's section of these prestigious awards. A reminder that anyone is welcome to join the virtual Awards ceremony live on Wednesday November 17. There is no cost to register. 

To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/narragunnawali-awards-ceremony-tickets-186429364247