By Leah Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer

Australian of the Year breakfast held by Reconciliation Australia

The recent events have demonstrated how important our work is to achieving a united and reconciled Australia.  I think it is appropriate that we reflect on the events and what we believe is important.

We cannot ignore the level of frustration that exists in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; however being aggressive is not the most constructive way to express these frustrations.

Reconciliation Australia’s role is vital to ensuring that we focus on the positive developments and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and promoting working together in a progressive and respectful manner.

The Reconciliation Australia breakfast for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian of the Year finalists, was a wonderful event to meet inspirational people and to hear firsthand their stories.  These figures are important for reconciliation.  Not only do they inspire the nation but they inspire individuals.

This year’s Senior Australian of the Year winner, Laurie Baymarrwangga is an amazing woman who has been doing incredible work for her people by preserving her culture and keeping it alive for future generations to share.  It was very moving to watch her story being relayed at the Awards ceremony in her own language and being narrated by a fantastic emerging young leader, Carla McGrath.

The formalities of the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony on the morning of Australia Day were a mark of how far we have come. The inclusion of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags being raised along with the Australian flag; Aunty Agnes Shea welcoming everyone to Ngunnawal country and Adam Gilchrist, the Prime Minister and the Governor General all paying their respects to the traditional owners and the First peoples of Australia were all welcomed steps forward.  These acts of inclusiveness and recognition have been demonstrated throughout many Australia Day ceremonies.

These simple important actions are testament to the progress that is being made and change is happening, but we acknowledge that lot more still needs to continue. We all know reconciliation is a big process and there is no single strand.  The outcomes we are witnessing through our RAP partners and their commitment to opportunities and actions that go to the heart of overcoming employment, education and health inequality are also signs of the change that is happening.

Everyone has a role in facilitating and advancing this movement. I hope that the Australian community will continue to hold these positive images front and centre as it is the only way we can foster proactive change.

This year’s NRL Grand Final was a great chance for footy fans to learn more about constitutional recognition as ANTaR and Reconciliation Australia took the Sea of Hands to Sydney Olympic Park.

Using the colours of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags, the sea of 20,000 hands was used to create the ‘Flag of Unity’ designed by Aboriginal artist Adam Hill.

It was encouraging to see so many Manly and Warriors fans keen to learn about how we can recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s founding document.

Despite the rain we attracted quite a few people. Even young guys just here for the game came down to plant a hand—you got a sense that once people knew what it was about they were happy to participate.

Ngarrindjeri man and comedian Kevin Kropinyeri entertained fans during some pre match entertainment—while singer and You Me Unity ambassador Emma Donovan delighted the crowd with a selection of songs in English and Aboriginal languages.

The Sea of Hands event marked the end of the consultation period as the Panel appointed by the Australian Government prepares its report on how constitutional change could be achieved.

For more information please visit www.youmeunity.org.au

Shellie Morris and her singers from the NT, Dr Tom Calma, & Jack Thompson & Luke Carroll on the red carpet.

Reconciliation Australia was once again proud to sponsor this year’s Deadly Awards which were held at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday night.

Both the stars and punters frocked up for the spectacular night of entertainment—with personalities such as Samantha Harris, Nathan Foley, Karla Grant and hosts Aaron Pederson and Casey Donovan strutting their stuff on the red carpet. Our very own Co-Chair Dr Tom Calma even suited up for the big event!

But the Deadlys are more than just glitz and glamour. At the heart of the event is recognition. Recognising the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is such as important part of reconciliation.

Australia’s first peoples are a talented bunch—and the Deadlys are the perfect platform to showcase their achievements to the rest of the Australia.

Take radio presenter Karla Hart from Noongar Radio in WA who was one of five people nominated for Broadcaster of the Year. Not letting a broken leg get in the way of accepting her Deadly, Karla came all the way from Perth to graciously accept her award at the Sunset Ceremony with her son by her side.

For the Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment, Brian Dowd dedicated his award to the 4,000 or so young people that completed his ‘Black on Track’ program; while Anita Heiss made an emotional speech as she accepted her Deadly for Outstanding Achievement in Literature.

Humble in his acceptance speech was host Aaron Pederson who took home the award for Male Actor of the Year and much to the delight of the audience Jessica Mauboy rushed from a music video shoot to the Deadlys – good thing, as she won Female Artist of the Year!

But the best was certainly saved for last. For her remarkable achievements in sport Reconcilation Australia Patron Evonne Goolagong-Cawley was awarded the Ella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sport.

As a young girl, Evonne would hit tennis balls against a brick wall with a tennis racquet made from an old broom handle. She literally dreamt of playing on the ‘magical’ centre court at Wimbledon and at the tender age of 16 achieved that dream, before taking home the prestigious title at just 20 years of age. Evonne then went on to win 14 grand slam titles—truly an inspiration and deserving Deadly winner!

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners and a huge shout out to all the Deadly staff for making the 2011 Deadly Awards the best year yet!

By Leah Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer

For three days in September, I had the privilege to be a part of an historic discussion on women’s participation in the economy at the APEC Women and the Economy Summit in San Francisco.  The theme of the summit was to highlight the economic potential of women; to lift their families, communities and nations prosperity; along with addressing the barriers that are blocking women and girls in achieving their potential. 

I was asked to participate in the High Level Policy Dialogue and was surprised to also be named as a ‘Woman of Innovation’ at the summit.  Forty-two women from each of the APEC economies were honoured, including fellow Australian, Lynette Mayne of Work Wear World. 

The Summit keynote by Hillary Rodham Clinton did not disappoint.  Secretary Clinton called for action and big and bold ideas.  “A lot of what we are doing is not achieving the outcomes that we are seeking.  There is a stimulative and ripple effect that kicks in when women have greater access to jobs and the economic fortunes of their families, their communities and their countries.”

Reconciliation Australia was pleased to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) as they launched Indigenous Literacy Day at Parliament House in Canberra today.

The ILF aims to improve literacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children—particularly those who live in remote or isolated communities.

In bigger towns and cities, schools rely on parents, communities and local businesses to raise money to purchase books—however in remote areas there’s sometimes little opportunity for fundraising. This is where the ILF comes in. Over the past two years the foundation has worked with many partners to send over 60,000 books to more than 200 remote communities.

The latest project Book Buzz is focused on early literacy—recording Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and translating books into local languages.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up in a rich culture surrounded by many different languages, including English.  Incorporating local languages into reading programs is a great way for all children to learn and to actively participate in reconciliation.

What’s also important is increasing the confidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through reading and writing and enabling them the skills they need to pursue other educational opportunities.

Speaking at the launch in Canberra day, Governor-General Quentin Bryce spoke of the importance in continuing to support children living in remote areas—whether it’s through donating books or funds we all have our part to play.

To support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation or learn more about events happening this week visit:  http://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/