Be brave and be part of the conversation of change in Dysart

Keeping the momentum moving so the next generation has a positive experience is at the heart of a National Reconciliation Week breakfast in Dysart this month.

Isaac Regional Council is partnering with the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, Reconciliation Queensland and Reconciliation Australia to bring the whole community together on National Sorry Day on Thursday, 26 May 2022.

Be Brave. Make Change is this year’s theme where leaders are encouraging everyone to make a change just by beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

Mayor Anne Baker said 30 years ago the High Court decision struck down wrongly-held principle of terra nullius – that Australia had been a land belonging to nobody.

“This landmark case, led by the late Eddie Mabo, started us on a journey of healing,” Mayor Baker said.

“The ‘Mabo’ decision was a turning point for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.

“It recognised a unique connection to ‘country’ and a stewardship of the land stretching back to the Dreamtime. It also led to the Australian Parliament passing the Native Title Act in 1993.

“These first steps, more than a quarter of a century now, started us on a journey towards recognising past injustice and the rights deserved to Australia’s first peoples and their connection to the land.

“This National Reconciliation Week is a time for us all to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.”

Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation chair Luarna Walsh said reconciliation doesn’t start and stop between 27 May and 3 June.

“This is an ongoing journey that requires discipline and accountability for all, but we must take positive steps, together, as a community,” Ms Walsh said.

“Please join us at the Dysart Civic Centre, on Thursday 26 May 2022 for a complimentary breakfast, networking and the broadcast from Brisbane and be part of the conversation.”

Reconciliation Queensland CEO Erin Lang said last year First Nations people encouraged all Australians to take action, not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year.

“We saw unprecedented response to our suggested actions for everyday and for braver action,” Ms Lang said.

“This year’s theme – Be Brave. Make Change – is a call for action which is really powerful, and we’re only going to progress if we do what we say we’re going to do.”

First launched in 1996 by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, National Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3 each year.

It commemorates two important dates in first nations peoples’ history: May 27, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum which saw indigenous people officially recognised as part of the Australian population, and June 3, Mabo Day. The breakfast begins from 7am at Dysart Civic Centre on Thursday, 26 May 2022.

A yarning circle with Barada Barna elders and industry representatives will follow the live stream from 9am. Bookings are not essential for the free event.