RECOGNISE YOUR HEROES
Media Release – 13 May 2011
Download a copy of the Recognise your heroes media release
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Leah Armstrong is encouraging all Australians to recognise their heroes this month.
In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) Reconciliation Australia is inviting the public to talk about recognition, what it means personally, why we should recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our founding document—the Constitution—and why this is important in building a national conversation about reconciliation.
“We admire the talents of our actors and singers; we marvel at the skills of our sporting stars; we honour the sacrifice of our ANZAC heroes. Each has helped define who we are as Australians today,” Ms Armstrong said.
“And of course all those achievers have included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who, despite being socially and legally excluded from society for so many years, have triumphed against the odds.”
In 2011, Reconciliation Australia is delighted to be recognising the valuable contribution entertainment legend Dr Jimmy Little AO has made to Australia by selecting him as the ‘face’ of National Reconciliation Week.
“Uncle Jimmy Little is one of the most recognisable faces in Australia, which makes him such an appropriate choice, and involving him in National Reconciliation Week is our way of recognising his contribution to reconciliation,” Ms Armstrong said.
“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme encourages all Australians to recognise and honour the talents and efforts of First Australians who, like Uncle Jimmy, make significant contributions to our national identity.
“So, during National Reconciliation Week let’s reflect on our shared histories and achievements; and talk about how we acknowledge these contributions as we strive towards building respectful relationships between all Australians.”
Dr Little, a proud Yorta Yorta man, has been performing and recording music for more than six decades and has won a swag of national awards in the music industry. In 2006 he established a foundation in his name to battle the alarming increase of diabetes and kidney failure among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The 74-year-old now encourages healthy eating options to young people and community groups with his Thumbs Up! Good Tucker – Long Life message in an effort to close the health gap for Indigenous people in Australia through education and self-empowerment.
“I hope my involvement in National Reconciliation Week will help with recognition of the great good that my people do, have done and will continue to do, not only for themselves but in contributing to the fabric of the Australian community,” Dr Little said.
“When you are sincerely recognised for who you are and what you contribute, you feel proud, valued and connected.
“Recognition can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’ when someone lends you a helping hand or cheering on your mates during a game.
“Think about who you admire, why and recognise them in some way during National Reconciliation Week,” Dr Little said.
Earlier this year, Dr Little received the Golden Guitar for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.
He has also won an ARIA and been inducted into the Roll of Renown and the ARIA Australian Music Hall of Fame as well as being named NAIDOC Aboriginal of the Year, NSW Senior Australian of the Year and recipient of the Australia Council’s Red Ochre Award.
National Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration from 27 May to 3 June and is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, contributions and achievements.
A range of activities will be held around the country during National Reconciliation Week that focus on the value of recognition.
Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/NRW-2011 for more information about National Reconciliation Week or to add your event to the National Reconciliation Week calendar.
Reconciliation Australia is the peak body promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
The Jimmy Little Foundation is working around the country to curb the devastating health trends that put Indigenous Australians at disadvantage.
Media Contact: Kylie Kluger 0418 633 277 or kylie.kluger@reconciliation.org.au
