Today is National Sorry Day, which heralds the start of Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme is recognition.Reconciliation Australia wants us to think about what it means to feel recognised, and how valuable that is for our self-esteem and our ability to recognise the best in others.
Recognition is important to all of us, of course. It is crucial for Indigenous Australians, whose existence and rights as traditional owners have been overlooked in history – and who continue to struggle for justice and equality today.
As the first Australian charity to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, this is a topic close to our heart as an organisation and this vital national conversation will help us create a fairer Australia for all.
The theme of recognition is also timely. The Federal Government recently established a panel to consider amending the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within it, and we may all have the chance to vote in a referendum on this issue in the near future.
Mission Australia kicked off Reconciliation Week last night with our second annual Taste of Reconciliation dinner, held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The night provided a chance for Melbourne's business community to celebrate Aboriginal culture, discuss ways to provide real opportunities for Aboriginal Australians and sample the native flavours of Charcoal Lane - our social enterprise restaurant in Fitzroy.
Mission Australia encourages all its supporters, staff and volunteers to participate in this important week by taking part in activities in your community or simply reflecting on what this week is all about.
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