EMC Community Connection

Koorie Education 

& Engagement

On Wednesday 28 February, Jenaya (Wiradjuri, 2023 Graduate) and Jeffrey (Wemba Wemba & Yorta Yorta, Year 10) travelled to Fed Square for the 2024 Education State Forum. They were invited by the Hon. Ben Carroll MP (Deputy Premier, Minister for Education, Minister for Medical Research). 

 

Jenaya was on a panel with two other students, Eric (Melbourne High School) and Darcy (Templestowe College) to give feedback to 150 senior stakeholders in government education, about the reality of being in schools. Jenaya was invited so she could share her experience as an Aboriginal student, and she used the opportunity to call for action, recommending genuine commitment to supporting Koorie students through schools engaging mob and community without tokenism, allocating budgets and funding, and giving Koorie students a voice. 

 

EMC is so proud of students stepping up like this, to represent themselves, their families, their communities and the College.

 

 

 

UPCOMING DATES

  • Koorie Youth Summit @ Willum Warrain - 22/3/24
  • Koorie student monthly meeting - 7/3/24 & 2/5/24
  • International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - 21/3/24
  • Term 2 Koorie Emerging Leaders in Schools (KELiS) - TBC
  • Dreamtime Mob Gathering @ Richmond FC - 24/5/24
  • National Reconciliation Week - 27/5 - 3/6

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. 

 

 

Research and Anti-Racism Survey

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is conducting research into experiences of racial discrimination and vilification to better protect the community. The Commission is seeking your help to complete a short survey. The survey is available here, including a tailored version for First Nations people. The survey is translated into many languages and is for people of all ages and backgrounds who have experienced racism. It will take 15–20 minutes to complete.

 

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.

 

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.