Ngarri Ngarri News

National Reconciliation Week 

This fortnight has seen GSSC observe a number of significant dates in Australian History in the lead up to, and including, National Reconciliation Week. 

Significant dates/milestones include:

• 26th May – National Sorry Day
• 26th May - 25 years since the tabling of the Bringing them Home Report
• 26th May – 5 years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was delivered 
• 27th May – 55 years since the 1967 referendum 
• 29th May – 30 years since the Torres Strait Islander flag was first presented 
• 3rd June – Mabo Day – when the term “terra nullius” was overturned and over the way for Traditional Native Title

National Sorry Day

First Nations students, staff, families and community members were accompanied by GSSC leadership, staff and student leaders at the annual Sorry Day Commemoration at Monash Park on Thursday 26 May. Student leaders spoke to the theme of the 2022 theme of National Reconciliation Week “Be Brave. Make Change.” 

Those in attendance heard local elder Aunty Ella Anselmi share her personal experience and the ongoing impact the Stolen Generation has on community. Such truth telling is necessary on the path to reconciliation. To say sorry is to acknowledge past wrongs and ensure they never happen again.

The excursion also included a visit to the Treaty Office 

Dunguludja Dana Arts & Culture Program 

Throughout Term 2, the Dunguludja Dana (meaning Strong Pathways) Youth Group have been facilitating an Arts and Culture program for Koorie student participants from each Neighbourhood. The program has explored various traditional art mediums, hosted a number of guest speakers promoting positive health and wellbeing and supported students in making connections within their own Neighbourhoods. 

This week, the group were also happy to receive possum skin pelts for a special project everyone is very excited about!

Larissa Falla

Snr Koorie Education Advisor