With many issues in life, we have a choice. We can stay on the sidelines, we can engage symbolically or at a surface-level, or we can wholeheartedly commit to playing our part in bringing real change. This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme “All In - Reciprocity as Reconciliation” - invites us to step off the … Continue reading All in!
Indigenous Issues
Drown out the boos!
Sadly, there will always be those who boo, motivated by voices that foster division, hated and fear. Many more rightly applauded after highly respected and much loved First Nations leaders concluded their Welcome to Country addresses in Sydney and Melbourne today. On a day - whereas a nation we’re called together as a diverse people … Continue reading Drown out the boos!
Closing the gap
There is much to celebrate as Australians. I’m so thankful for this amazing, ancient, diverse country I get to call home. And yet rightly we can be thankful and lament at the same time today. I’d prefer that we celebrate our shared national story on a day that many First Nations people could choose to … Continue reading Closing the gap
Prejudice dressed up as protest
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
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
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