Wellbeing with Carly

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – 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 achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is “Be a Voice for Generations.”

The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.

I don’t know about you, but I still have so much to learn about Australia’s first people, and the Indigenous culture. I think sometimes we feel unsure of what we are or aren’t allowed to do, say or ask. Sometimes we feel embarrassed that we don’t know much, and sometimes we get so caught up with not wanting to offend anyone, that we don’t even know where to start! 

Well don’t worry you are not alone. So what do we do? We step out of our comfort zone. Over the years I have ventured out, and spent some time with an incredible community. I made some very special friends, especially with a beautiful family who live up north, who have taught me that by just starting the conversation, you are half way there. 

Here are some ways we can explore more:

• Learn more about Reconciliation Week and the importance of the dates. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
• Read more about what Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine has to say about the NRW 2023 theme.
• Go to the library and find some of the incredible books we have by Indigenous authors and artisits.

Recently at school I have had the pleasure of making some hand made coasters with some of the students. We talked about the members of our family, where we came from and shared some of our story with each other. We each have a cultural tale as long as you can imagine. We have the gift of history, and we can learn so much from it. 

Together we were able to look at, and learn some aboriginal symbols. We chose a couple to represent our story, and we painted them on the coasters. 

My friends from up north also taught me some of their language, I will never be able to remember it all, but I will always remember one word. It was because of the way they explained it. My friends are from the Bundjalung people from the Northern Coastal area of New South Wales. They taught me the word "banahm". It means little brother. Yet it means more than that. It means being open to listen and to learn. We all have elders. Grandparents, mothers, fathers, big brothers, big sisters. There are people in our community who have so much wisdom and knowledge, all we have to do is be brave enough to start a conversation.

I still have so much to learn, but I am willing to be "banahm". 

Will you join me?

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week  #NRW2023 

Carly Cassidy - Pastoral Care for the BPS Community

carly.cassidy@education.vic.gov.au