Pauline Hanson’s political playbook hasn’t changed in 30 years. We saw it on display again in Federal Parliament this week. Sure, it was a stunt. She will say it was a protest. But when it comes to Senator Hanson, prejudice is often dressed up as protest. In the Hanson world there is always someone to … Continue reading Prejudice dressed up as protest
Indigenous Issues
Disagreeing in love
I’m an election tragic. I’ve watched many up close over my life. This time round, I’ve been deeply concerned by the vitriol, hatred and lies - dressed up as political comment by people who claim to identify with the ways of Jesus. I’m astounded by the certainty some hold to in their extreme, opinions, claims … Continue reading Disagreeing in love
Be inspired!
We all love stories, and I am finding that my appreciation of First Nations history, perspectives and cultures continues to grows as I intentionally read, listen to and watch stories made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Be it the disturbing truth-telling of watching The Australian Wars on SBS, or the beauty and heartache … Continue reading Be inspired!
Raise our voices
Jack is a quietly spoken man. He has a beautiful smile. And he openly shed some tears when we recently spoke. There was no vitriol, rather a humble, challenging request from this proud Kamilaroi man. “Please embrace our invitation. Please walk with us towards reconciliation. We can do this.” And words I won’t forget; I … Continue reading Raise our voices
What if?
There is so much to celebrate about this wonderful country. There is so much to be thankful for. But on this divisive national day, I feel like we face a stark choice. We can throw a snag on the BBQ, slap on an Australian flag tattoo, grab a cold beer, play Oz hits of the … Continue reading What if?
Aboriginal Sunday Prayer
My prayer on Aboriginal Sunday 2023, written on Wurundjeri country. “Lord I confess that it’s all too easy to take for granted my white privilege and the comforts and position it brings me. I confess my pride, apathy, blindness and greed. I confess those innate things within me that hinder justice, fairness and reconciliation. Break my … Continue reading Aboriginal Sunday Prayer
A moment to be seized
What a privilege to have walked this week on Gurindji country. What a privilege to have walked this week on Gurindji Country. Before me each day was beauty and brokenness. The beauty of humble, inspiring, resilient First Nations’ people and their wonderful lands, hills, rivers and creeks. And yet the brokenness of injustice, disadvantage and … Continue reading A moment to be seized
A beautiful invitation
As I was driving today, listening to the radio, a well-known non-Aboriginal commentator admitted he could name many great Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football players. “But I have to say, I need to go back and learn a lot more about important, historic indigenous issues.” The commentator's honest reflection came on this weekend's AFL’s … Continue reading A beautiful invitation
Hear us and walk with us!
“In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.” This is the final paragraph of the Uluru Statement of the Heart. Four … Continue reading Hear us and walk with us!
A song we can all sing!
We may prefer to skip the following list on our national day. It’s hard to read. It would be a lot easier to slap on a temporary Australian flag tattoo, throw a snag on the BBQ and shuffle the Best of Oz playlist. Personally, for a middle-aged white Australian, I find the following list sobering and … Continue reading A song we can all sing!
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