EMC Community Connection

Koorie Education 

& Engagement

Acknowledgement of Country at DEMC
First Koorie student monthly meeting
New mob added to the signpost
Acknowledgement of Country at DEMC
First Koorie student monthly meeting
New mob added to the signpost

Acknowledgement of Country from the Dame Elisabeth Memorial Commemoration 

 

Alex

My name is Alex and I’m a proud Murri Warri Ngemba woman.

 

Marley

And I’m Marley, a proud Wiradjuri woman, and we’re both in Year 12.

 

Alex

Acknowledging Country is important, especially when we are gathering as a whole school for a special event like today, as Aboriginal people have been coming together for ceremonies and to connect for years and years.  Elisabeth Murdoch College stands on Bunurong Country.  We acknowledge the Bunurong people as the Traditional Owners of this land.  We pay our respects to Bunurong Elders past, present and emerging.

 

Marley

We also pay our respects to their Ancestors who have returning to the Dreaming, for protecting this land and its ecosystems since the first sunrise.  And I want to thank my own Ancestors for guiding and protecting me, wherever I leave footprints. We extend this acknowledgement and respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of the EMC community, especially the Koorie students.  We recognise continuing connection of Aboriginal peoples to land, skies and waters.  With gratitude and respect, we tread lightly on Bunurong Country. 

 

BOTH

Thank you

 

 

UPCOMING DATES

  • Koorie Youth Summit @ Willum Warrain - 22/3/24
  • Koorie student monthly meeting - 7/3/24 & 2/5/24
  • Term 2 Koorie Emerging Leaders in Schools (KELiS) - TBC
  • Dreamtime Mob Gathering @ Richmond FC - 24/5/24
  • National Reconciliation Week - 27/5 - 3/6

COMMUNITY INFO/NEWS

 

The Productivity Commission’s recent report

 The Productivity Commission has recently released its first review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The report found governments have “largely not fulfilled their commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and has made four recommendations to drive progress”. Read the full report here. 

 

First Peoples' Assembly update

The co-chairs of the First Peoples' Assembly have written to First Peoples’ Victorians for the first time in 2024, in a year where Treaty negotiations with the state government will begin.  

 

Gunditjmara man Reuben Berg and Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ngarra Murray said several key topics had emerged from yarns across the state which would likely be put forward during the first meetings with the government. These include: representation, decision-making powers in relation to those made by First Peoples, a transformation of the child protection and justice system with recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission including a move towards a First Peoples-led child protection system.

 

Read more here and find out more about Treaty, the Treaty Authority, and the self-determination fund here. 

 

National Reconciliation Week 2024 Theme

Reconciliation Australia has announced the National Reconciliation Week 2024 theme: Now More Than Ever.

 

This year's theme is a reminder to us all, that no matter what, the fight for justice, rights, and First Peoples’ self-determination will and must continue. Throughout Australia’s reconciliation journey there has been many obstacles and disappointments, but the movement has remained. When faced with challenges and division, we must look for further ways to re-engage and re-connect.

 

NAIDOC Theme Announced for 2024 

This year’s theme, chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. The theme is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity. A call for the reclamation of narratives about the First Peoples of Australia.  NAIDOC Week (7-14 July 2024) celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. First Nations communities, registered businesses, schools and local governments are all encouraged to run an activity or event that directly relates to the 2024 NAIDOC theme.

 

Wurundjeri Storytime

Come and join the interactive storytelling sessions led by Rebecca, an accredited Woi-wurrung language teacher, and special guest from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Discover the rich heritage of the Wurundjeri people, immerse yourself in the beautiful Woi-wurrung language, and experience the captivating Dreaming stories through engaging storytelling, traditional dances, and soulful songs. While these sessions are primarily designed for children aged three to seven, we warmly welcome younger children as well!

 

Wednesday 6 March  2 - 3pm

Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston

For more information visithere.  

 

Unfinished Business Exhibition

An exhibition of photographic portraits revealing the stories of 30 First Nations people with lived experience of disability from across Australia. Until Sunday 21 April, Birrarung Gallery at Melbourne Museum.

Find out more here.