On 26th May Mission Australia's Taste of Reconciliation dinner took place at the Sofitel Melbourne to bring together influential Victorians to talk, learn and be inspired on the path to reconciliation.
The inaugural event was held on the eve of Reconciliation Week, in the company of over 200 attendees including Elders and members of Victoria's Aboriginal community, along with leaders from government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
This, however, was no ordinary corporate event as each table of delegates were headed by an Aboriginal 'table leader' for direct discussion on reconciliation and personal experiences.
Over the evening delegates moved between tables so that everyone had the chance to meet each other and broaden their understanding of reconciliation, and its influence on individual Australians.
In addition to the table discussion the Deputy Premier, Hon. Rob Hulls provided a keynote address, followed by short speeches from the 'Thought Leaders' panel: the Hon. Richard Wynne, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Toby Hall, CEO of Mission Australia; David Thodey, CEO of Telstra; Jason Eades, CEO of Koorie Heritage Trust; and Jirra Harvey, Oxfam Youth Coordinator.The event builds on the example set by the Charcoal Lane social enterprise restaurant, that engages patrons in contemporary Aboriginal culture and cuisine (while also working as a training provider).
The meals were cooked and served at the usual high standards from Charcoal Lane's Head Chef, with staff Lorcan Kan, Clarissa Kay Thorne, and trainees Spencer and Jimmy.
Mission Australia is looking forward to hosting the second Taste of Reconciliation event in 2011.
Visit Mission Australia's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island resources page for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the latest indigenous news, current affairs and policy updates.
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