ReconciliationNews Issue No 26 // April 2013

The Medics talk Kelsi Forrest on being the music, tours and catalyst for reconciliation change Paul Vandenbergh reflects on his mentor journey 2 Issue No 26 // April 2013

CONTENTS

3 National Reconciliation Week CEO message 2013 – Let’s talk Recognition

4 A future we can all be What a way to start the new year. The launch of the 2012 proud of Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Impact Measurement Report

8 Paving their own way: and the third Australian Reconciliation Barometer, together The Medics with our inaugural RAP Showcase, have certainly helped the reconciliation movement continue to gather pace. 12 Run by young people, powered by respect At the start of the Federal Parliamentary year, we celebrated the success of the RAP program at 13 setting the scene in schools a showcase event at Parliament House, attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Julie Bishop and other senior politicians. Over 500 people, including 40 of 14 My journey as an Reconciliation Australia’s RAP partners, attended the showcase, highlighting their successes Indigenous mentor and contributions to Closing the Gap initiatives. So much enthusiasm filled the Great Hall as people shared stories and learnings while engaging and inspiring each other. 18 Working with young people With so many supporters getting on board, we are another step closer to recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples in our constitution. In February, on the fifth Anniversary of the Apology to the , the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012 was formally passed through the House of Representatives. At the event Professor Old Parliament House, Patrick Dodson spoke passionately about the important role that young Australians have in King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600 progressing reconciliation. PO Box 4773, Kingston ACT 2604 In this issue of Reconciliation News, we look at just how young people are becoming an integral Ph: (02) 6273 9200 Fax: (02) 6273 9201 part of reconciliation. From the fantastic work that young Western Australians Kelsi Forrest and www.reconciliation.org.au Lockie Cooke are doing to build better relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians; to inspiring mentors like Paul Vandenbergh—it’s clear this next As the national organisation building relationships generation of leaders are helping to create a nation that values and respects the First Australians. between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, Reconciliation Reconciliation Australia has also been developing a strategy to help further engage schools in Australia acknowledges the traditional owners reconciliation. The introduction of The Australian Curriculum and the Australian Professional of country throughout Australia and their Standards for Teachers means the next few years will provide a perfect opportunity for us to continuing connection to land, waters and embark on an ambitious project to engage all Australian schools in respecting, understanding community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to the elders both past and present. and teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Reconciliation Australia is an independent, On a personal note I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shane Phillips, this year’s not-for-profit, non-government organisation. Australian of the Year Local Hero—and the first Aboriginal recipient of the award. Shane has been Your active contribution and financial support helps an inspirational role model for young people in Redfern and instrumental in turning around the us develop innovative programs and resources. relationship between the police and the community. Our Co-Chair Dr Tom Calma AO was named This magazine is compiled by Reconciliation ACT Australian of the Year for his work in advocating for improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Australia to share reconciliation stories, issues and opinions. Feedback and story ideas are always Torres Strait Islander people. Tom has dedicated his life welcome along with names and addresses of to serving the community and promoting reconciliation people who would like to receive the newsletter. and I am proud to call him a colleague and friend. Please email us at: [email protected]

Caution: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Finally, I would like to thank the Australian Government peoples should be aware that this publication for their continued support of Reconciliation Australia may contain the images of deceased people. with the announcement of another four years of funding, Cover image of The Medics by Hailey Bartholomew. made on the eve of the Prime Minister’s annual Closing the Gap statement to Parliament. This support will allow us to continue our effective work in promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community.

Leah Armstrong, CEO Reconciliation Australia Issue No 26 // April 2013 3

National Reconciliation Week 2013

National Reconciliation Week Let’s talk Recognition ambassadors Emma-Louise and . Image, Ali Mitton.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) will this year draw inspiration from the universal language of music as a number of influential Australians come together to show their support for reconciliation.

Starring in this year’s national poster are • James Henry – Musician and photographer Recognise—it’s clear that recognition has young -based singer songwriters • Kevin Kropinyeri – Comedian a huge role to play within the reconciliation Emma-Louise and Thelma Plum. Emma-Louise movement. • The Last Kinection – Australian hip-hop released her debut single Jungle in 2012 where it band For the second year we’re continuing to stayed at the top of the AIR Independent music • Meshel Laurie – Comedian and Drive expand our online presence with a website charts for 26 weeks. Thelma Plum won hearts on Presenter on ’s Nova FM that provides a great hub of information ’s Unearthed with her song Father Said, including an events register, resources, crediting her Indigenous, Australian and Brazilian • Miranda Tapsell – Actress (The Sapphires and Redfern Now) education kits and, of course, profiles about heritage with shaping her worldview and musical our brilliant ambassadors. Adding to our inspiration. Both singers are excited to support • Troy Cassar-Daley – Award winning website will be some great blogs and videos National Reconciliation Week 2013 and will country music star from our ambassadors, who will also keep the also tour together this May and June as part of • Urthboy – Musician and founding member momentum going on Twitter and Facebook. Emma-Louise’s VS Head VS Heart album tour. of The Herd. But you don’t have to be an ambassador Joining our two songbirds as ambassadors While all of our ambassadors will contribute to support National Reconciliation Week— are a host of talented and inspiring Australians to NRW 2013 in their unique way, each getting involved is easy! Hold an event in your including musicians, comedians, broadcasters are united in their passion and vision for workplace or school (make sure you register it and actors. We are pleased to welcome to the an Australia that celebrates, honours and on our website), attend an event in your local team this year: recognises the special place that Australia’s community, post online using the hashtag • Akram Azimi – 2013 Young Australian of the First Peoples have in this great nation. #NRW2013 and #recognition or take the Year At Reconciliation Australia, we believe time to sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds • Alex Dyson – Breakfast presenter on Triple J that recognition and reconciliation go of some great Aboriginal and Torres Strait hand-in-hand. National Reconciliation Week • Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou – From the Islander musicians—including some of our band Busby Marou is a great way for all Australians to join talented ambassadors. • Gail Mabo – Respected mentor, artist, the reconciliation conversation by ‘talking Visit www.reconciliation.org.au/nrw actress and family spokesperson for the late recognition’. And whether it’s the significance Eddie Koiki Mabo of the 1967 referendum on 27 May, High Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReconciliationAus • Gurrumul Yunupingu with Mark Grose and Court Mabo decision on 3 June, or the Michael Hohnen from Skinnyfish Music current constitutional recognition campaign Follow us on Twitter @RecAustralia 4 Issue No 26 // April 2013

A future we can all be proud of by Law, Politics and Indigenous Studies student Kelsi Forrest

(Left – right) Dylan Collard, Kelsi Forrest and Brayden Grogan from the National Indigenous Youth Parliament at the launch of National Reconciliation Week 2012. Image, Cole Bennetts. Issue No 26 // April 2013 5

As a young Aboriginal woman I have a burning desire to create a more inclusive, empathetic and equitable Australia. There are so many things I want to change, and especially see change in my lifetime, but I have come to the realisation that in order to be a catalyst for change I must have some help. There is no way possible that Indigenous people alone can better the situation we are in as a people, particularly since many of the reasons were forcefully inflicted upon us. Australians need to feel empathy and non-Indigenous people need to fully understand, with the deepest respect, how we got to this point. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and I believe empathy is seriously lacking amongst Australians.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interaction between Indigenous and people make up 2.5 per cent of Australia’s non-Indigenous students—on a very population, however it is known that deep and human level. It is our belief Aboriginal people have been on this that interpersonal empathy can be land for more than 50,000 years—so created by Indigenous people sharing Indigenous cultures account for at least their individual stories, culture and history 99.6 per cent of this country’s history. and such interpersonal empathy is the Our culture is so rich and full of life and key to intercultural empathy on a more I feel that many non-Indigenous people collective level. would benefit in so many ways if they had more opportunities to relate to us on a meaningful level. From a development “I Am The Other is a of this thinking, I have embarked on a journey with four other university students student run organisation to ensure that our future generations are free from separation and free to driven by the optimism embrace one another’s culture without of a shared future equal reservation. I Am The Other is a student run organisation driven by the optimism to the dignity of all of a shared future equal to the dignity of all Australians, Indigenous and non- Australians, Indigenous Indigenous alike, which I and a few like-minded people have co-founded. and non-Indigenous Dylan Collard is a Noongar man in his alike, which I and a few third year of Law and Politics, Akram Azimi is currently studying a triple major like-minded people in Law, Arts and Science and Dwain Burridge is in his last year of Medicine. have co-founded.” It is with these three outstanding young men that I have decided to take action. We have decided to take action on I and my fellow co-founders of I Am The what we see is a real discrepancy in our Other are not the only young people that universities, as well as our communities feel relations between Aboriginal and at large. We launched our organisation Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous in January of this year and have many peoples can be improved. Last year, events and activities planned throughout Reconciliation Australia and the Australian semester to allow for meaningful Youth Affairs Coalition produced the 6 Issue No 26 // April 2013

Yarn About Youth Report which discussed from non-Indigenous students just after and ideas became more apparent with the findings of a national survey by young a few hours of really experiencing and the remark that “but Kelsi, you’re not people on what issues matter to them. getting to know Aboriginal culture was like the others” supposedly justifying, in For me, the most telling result of the really uplifting for me. I could see the their minds, such opinions being held report was the fact that 90 per cent of impact that something so simple, yet so and openly expressed. Furthermore, the young people surveyed believe that effective, had on the students. in today’s society where social media the relationship between Indigenous and holds large amounts of power, there are non-Indigenous Australians is important. opportunities for many people to hold However, only 35 per cent think that prejudicial views through the armour the relationship is good and even more “Through I Am The of a keyboard. For some, anonymity poignant is the finding that only 16 per Other we feel that provides even greater protection, whilst cent of young people feel that we trust others seem fine with blatantly attacking each other. I feel that this is absolutely we can offer non- Aboriginal people and culture as social heartbreaking from a generation who pride media provides the perfect forum. This is themselves on being more open than any Indigenous students a new form of ignorance which is unique other generation that has gone before us. opportunities to to the young people of today and I feel These results have been a reiteration the only way to combat it is to provide of something that I have been feeling meaningfully engage alternative messages. There needs to for quite some time. This feeling is with Indigenous be sharing of positive stories about what caused Dylan, Akram, Dwain Indigenous success along with messages and I to join forces to incrementally people and as a result, of reconciliation where Indigenous and change the perceptions and beliefs of non-Indigenous people come together today’s university students—who will be these opportunities through organisations like I Am The Other. tomorrow’s leaders in their respective will light the way We have plans of media campaigns, fields. Through I Am The Other we feel particularly social media campaigns that that we can offer non-Indigenous students for a shared future emphasise the simple, yet powerful nature opportunities to meaningfully engage with of young Indigenous and non-Indigenous Indigenous people and as a result, these where Indigenous people coming together to hear each other’s stories and feelings. Already, I have opportunities will light the way for a shared knowledge of land future where Indigenous knowledge found that through sharing my story during of land and culture becomes a shared and culture becomes I Am The Other activities I am opening source of empowerment to all university up a whole new world for the listener students. We have started off with a shared source of for which they thank me and express gratitude for giving them a deeper sense something as simple as providing lunches empowerment to all for Indigenous and non-Indigenous of understanding of this land and it’s First students to meet up and share who they university students.” Peoples. I feel an immense pride in what are and what their culture means to them I Am The Other is doing and has the personally. Just from our first informal potential to do. I feel as though I am finally lunch we had non-Indigenous people who I have had a lifelong goal to change putting into action all of the feelings that met Aboriginal people for the first time, the perceptions, stereotypes and have swirled around in my head, especially whose only perceptions of Aboriginal expectations that have been wrongfully in regard to combatting prejudicial and and Torres Strait Islander people had placed upon Aboriginal and Torres ignorant views. been shaped by something as distant Strait Islander peoples throughout My fellow co-founders Akram and as the media. Non-Indigenous students this country. I have been exposed to Dwain have been lucky enough to provided amazing insights into what the such negative beliefs ever since I was experience Indigenous Australian culture lunch meant to them, with one participant in primary school, where I was one in a meaningful way which has directly saying: “Ignorance is the biggest problem. of two Aboriginal children in my class influenced them to feel an obligation to People are living off stereotypes because and fellow students as young as 10 change the current, very dire situation all they don’t know Indigenous people on held negative views. Whilst I did not Australians face. For me, the ideal result a personal level and getting to know fully understand the meaning of such of I Am The Other would be to foster people on a one-on-one level is the views, it hurt me nonetheless. As I got more and more thoughts in people like only way to defeat those stereotypes. older I came to realise that I was the the thinking of Akram and Dwain—who Everyone is different and you shouldn’t only Aboriginal person my classmates are non-Indigenous people that see the base everyone on the same idea.” Hearing had met. The negative perceptions need and feel the burn, feel the desire Issue No 26 // April 2013 7

Kelsi Forrest with Reconciliation Australia Co-Chair Dr Tom Calma AO at the launch of National Reconciliation Week 2012. Image, Cole Bennetts.

to create change. I feel as though a “I feel as though I am that other person within them. Much predominant number of non-Indigenous like drops of water who join together by Australians are missing out on something finally putting into embracing a piece of one another, but that we, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait then separating again to be their different Islander people know as the oldest action all of the feelings selves, whilst always sustaining the surviving culture in the world, are enriched part of the other water droplet to keep in a way that is unexplainable. We are all that have swirled motivating them and rolling on. I believe strong individuals who together form such that all non-Indigenous Australians diverse communities, and this needs to around in my head, need to experience such sharing from be shared and embraced by the wider especially in regard to an Indigenous person’s perspective Australia. I Am The Other is an organisation because our stories, languages which aims to bring people together in combatting prejudicial and cultures have been shared and a way that fosters sharing, so much so experienced for more than 50,000 that individuals go away with a piece of and ignorant views.” years—why should we stop now? 8 Issue No 26 // April 2013

Paving their own way Image, Hailey Bartholomew. The Medics

If you’re a fan of new Australian music, then chances are you’ve heard of The Medics. Since their debut album Foundations was released in May last year, the four piece have become known as a band with honesty and integrity whose live performances are often described as exhilarating, passionate and breath-taking. Their love of performing has seen them play at some of Australia’s biggest music festivals including , Woodford, and Groovin’ the Moo Festivals in 2012, as well as The national tour and the Saltwater Freshwater Festival in 2013. Their dynamic performances and carefully crafted indie-rock songs have also created a solid fan base—and much respect from those in the music industry.

The Medics are lead singer, Kahl Wallace; “We’re really all about making music that “We were just four guys jamming, drummer, Jhindu Lawrie; lead guitarist, is special and shows that honesty in our having fun, not really caring, just Andrew Thomson and bassist Charles writing,” says Kahl. “The music that’s out there exploring different sounds and music,” Thomas. The unassuming foursome, today doesn’t seem very honest and real… explains Andrew. “Over time we started originally from Cairns and now based in you’ve really just got to run your own race.” to write more songs and eventually we Brisbane, are keen to make authentic Attending the same high school together formed the band’s current sound and music that is true to their style; breathy in Cairns, The Medics evolved from semi- musical direction.” vocals, intense guitar work and feverish regular jam sessions the boys did together Music has always been a part of drumming—the band has weaved in plenty in between skateboarding and other outdoor Jhindu and Kahl’s family. Jhindu’s of emotive intent, and a few pleasant ventures typical to the laid back Far North father and Kahl’s uncle, Bunna Lawrie, surprises, into their first album. lifestyle. is a respected Elder from the Mirning Issue No 26 // April 2013 9

Aboriginal community in “And everyone throws in suggestions,” “A lot of the songs on Foundations are Image, Hailey Bartholomew. and founding member of successful band adds Charles. “We’ve kind of come to a from a few years ago and were written —the first Aboriginal playing field where you don’t get offended as a young teenager when you’re just band to win an ARIA award (in 1987). at other people’s suggestions—you just really emotional and want to get your As an accomplished singer, songwriter take it on board and try it out until we have feelings out,” he says. and drummer, Bunna is someone the something we all agree on.” “The song Griffin is about family and band describes as a great mentor and Growing up together and spending their the importance of family sticking honest critic. teenage years bonding over music has not together and being strong in hard times. Coming from our background, family “He always tells me what he likes and he’ll only cemented the band’s friendship with is something that’s always particularly hint on things that he doesn’t like, which each other but enhanced their working relationship as well. Underneath the important to Jhindu and myself.” is good,” says Jhindu. “All in all he’s really business of being a band—promo shots, supportive, whatever we want to do he’s Despite living in Brisbane and spending interviews and countless tour dates— always there to help out.” the majority of 2012 on the road touring, mutual respect has remained at the core of the band have retained their strong While Jhindu and Kahl say they don’t feel their relationship—and it’s something that connection to the Cairns community any pressure to be role models for other can easily be seen in both their public and and say their family and friends are young Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander private lives. enormously proud of their successes people, Kahl believes that it is something so far. In addition to their work with that comes along with the job. The Medics, Kahl and Jhindu also “You can go with it or go against it,” he says. “It’s a good thing to composed the music for the children’s “We’re not saying that we’re perfect but if play Stradbroke Dreamtime. Produced kids look up to us then that’s amazing.” be able to show the by the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and choreographed by “It’s a good thing to be able to show the next Gail Mabo, the play was an adaptation generation of Aboriginal kids that if we can next generation of of the book by celebrated poet, author get this far with our career, then you can do Aboriginal kids that and artist Oodgeroo Noonuccal. anything,” adds Jhindu. “There’s definitely an opportunity there Andrew and Charles have similar feelings if we can get this far to do similar things like that,” explains about being role models and hope the Jhindu. “It was a lot different to working band’s success demonstrates to other with our career, then in the band but still an exciting thing to young Australians that persistence pays off. you can do anything.” be a part of.” “It’s just about being persistent and being The Medics have also been busy honest with yourself,” Charles says. “And collecting a number of awards since realising that the right thing to do is to stick the release of that first EP. They were at something—that’s what gets results.” The Medics’ first EP This Boat We Call named Band of the Year at the 2010 Love was released in 2010 earning Unintentionally, the band has also become Deadly Awards; Album of the Year, them national airplay on Triple J radio an example of reconciliation in action— New Talent of the Year and Song of and launching them into the spotlight as although this is not something any of Year for Griffin at the 2012 National one of the big Triple J Unearthed acts. them think about consciously. Growing up Indigenous Music Awards, and were Following the release of the EP, the band together, the boys were content with being most recently named Best New Talent enjoyed a huge touring schedule across by the prestigious Rolling Stone good mates and exploring their musical the country including playing at the Triple Awards—beating popular artists such abilities. J Unearthed station launch in Brisbane. as The Rubens, Flume and San Cisco. “We’re just four guys who are friends and During this time they also recorded their But it’s not the accolades, big name who work together well,” says Andrew. first album at a studio in Byron Bay gigs or promise of being the ‘next big “We don’t feel like we’re different to one with producer and confidante Yanto thing’ that have made the band so another…we feel together and have a Browning. The goal with Foundations was popular. It’s their ability to remain true to togetherness—both on and off stage.” to harness the band’s energy on stage themselves—and each other—that has The band describes their song writing style while capturing their growth as individual audiences captivated. as a collaborative process with cousins Kahl artists and as a band. And the reaction “It was always my thing growing up and Jhindu often in the driver’s seats and from critics and fans was overwhelmingly watching the Deadly Awards,” says Andrew and Charles completing the songs positive with singles Beggars, Joseph Jhindu. “To be nominated and win a with their distinct riffs. “Kahl and Jhindu are and Griffinall receiving high rotation on Deadly was like going to the ARIAs pretty heavy song writers and while I do a Triple J. Lead singer Kahl says most for me. It definitely means a lot to the little bit—I’m more likely to come in at the of the songs on Foundations are quite band—to Kahl and I personally—and to back end of it,” says Andrew. introspective and at times emotive. our families.” 10 Issue No 26 // April 2013

The Medics want to inspire more young people to believe in themselves. Image, Hailey Bartholomew.

Something else the band is keen to do them to build their confidence, self-image The rest of the band were completely is share their stories and experiences and well-being. The epic awareness- on board with Charles’ venture offering through their music—hopefully inspiring raising journey also saw Charles named support both in the lead up and during the others along the way. Empowering young as a finalist for Queensland’s Young 400km ‘To the North’ trek. people to have faith in themselves is Australian of the Year. “It was a really good thing to be a part something that bass player Charles is “I had a house show in order to raise of especially with the amount of youth particularly passionate about. At just some money for flights, accommodation suicide there is today—particularly in 23 years old, Charles took action against and food and then I got some sponsors Indigenous and rural communities,” Kahl bullying by cycling 400km through on board and managed to get seven says. “I think North Queensland has one of North Queensland in an effort to raise schools under my belt during the trip,” the highest attempted suicide rates in the awareness of the impact that bullying can Charles says. “I went on a two week country so it’s important to make an effort have on teenagers. With bullying now voyage from Townsville to Cairns and to try and do something about that.” estimated to affect as many as three in just stayed at people’s houses and hung Ever humble about his achievement, 10 high school students, Charles made it out with thousands of kids—it was pretty Charles explains that change can be led his mission to reach out to teenagers by hectic cycling in the rain—but it was the by young people and that you don’t have visiting them at their school, encouraging best thing I’ve done in my life.” to wait for others to take the lead. Issue No 26 // April 2013 11

“I’m not the coolest or most famous “We’re not just going “This year’s all about writing album number dude in the world but if I can help make two, so we’re hitting the studio to get some an impact in one kid’s life or help change to be a band that demos together and perhaps heading back their perspective on bullying then it’s to our roots in Cairns to record it,” he adds. worth trying—and I think it’s something comes and goes, we’re “There’s no pressure though, for this that anyone else can do as well.” a band that wants to next step, everyone’s pretty content to As the summer festival season wraps get the best out of each other and just let up for the year, The Medics are now stick it out and give it a it happen.” shifting their focus from performing “We’re not just going to be a band that to song writing in preparation for their real good go.” comes and goes, we’re a band that wants to second album which they hope to record stick it out and give it a real good go.” later this year. A break from touring will “I don’t think we can quite fathom it,” says Find out more about The Medics by visiting also allow the band to take stock of Kahl of their recent successes. “It’s hard their website www.themedics.com.au, the massive list of achievements made being amongst it but I’m sure when we get a liking their facebook page since the release of their initial EP and chance to stand back and look at it all we’ll www.facebook.com/themedics.band or subsequent album launch. be like, wow, that was pretty amazing.” following them on twitter @themedicsband. 12 Issue No 26 // April 2013

Run by young people, powered by respect

It’s been a busy start to the year for Lockie supportive and passionate Australians In addition to running ICEA, Lockie studies Cooke. Between presenting to a packed believed in fostering reconciliation and commerce at the University of Western room at the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) increasing the opportunities available to Australia, volunteers as a surf lifesaver Showcase at Parliament House, to rallying students in the Kimberley,” Lockie explains. and hopes to represent Australia in sprint a crew of swimmers competing and raising “I joined forces with a number of like-minded kayaking at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. money in the Rottnest Channel Swim, the people, who continue to support each other “To balance my kayaking, study and ICEA 23-year-old certainly has his work cut out. like a family. Working with these people has work has been an art I have tried to master, As founder and CEO of the Indigenous made me confident that we can make lasting with many failures!” he says. “However, the Communities Education and Awareness change happen.” challenge of combining these demanding (ICEA) Foundation, Lockie is hoping to The ICEA Foundation believes that mutual tasks has shown me that it is possible to inspire more young Australians to become involved in reconciliation. respect and understanding are essential achieve big things when you set your mind to progressing reconciliation. The group to it, and that you can get all of the things “I never dreamt that ICEA would grow as of around 14 staff and 200 volunteers that need to be done, done if you are much as it has or that the organisation would encourage young Australians to take active passionate about them!” have the capacity to engage such a large roles in promoting reconciliation by creating number of people in the community today,” ICEA’s main goals for 2013 are to replicate opportunities for passionate young people he says. the Marja Mob program in Broome, from local schools and community groups “Although there are times when I wonder establish a youth drop-in centre in Djarindjin/ to have their voices heard. As CEO of the why things aren’t happening fast enough, I Lombadina community on the Dampier Foundation, Lockie says he does his best know that taking time to build relationships Peninsula and hold the fourth ICEA classic to empower his team and to give them the and develop understandings is important to event at Cottesloe beach on 31 August. The confidence to share their own stories. fostering lasting reconciliation in Australia.” event is expected to engage 5000 young Lockie first started ICEA as a way of “The ability to tell other people why they’re people in cultural activities and it’s grass responding to a basic need he saw in the involved with ICEA is important, as people roots activities like this which Lockie says is remote communities on the Dampier Peninsula. are more likely to be inspired when they helping to drive reconciliation. The lack of educational resources available learn how current ICEA members became “We are making a significant difference to to students in this part of Australia was far engaged in the movement.” the communities that we are working with removed from the opportunities and facilities he “By engaging other young people to and we understand that all good things take had enjoyed during his schooling in Perth. become passionately engaged with ICEA, I time,” he says. “By engaging with the right “I developed the confidence to build ICEA am able to help them to become leaders in people and sticking to our values and what Foundation when I realised how many their own right.” we believe in, we can’t go wrong.”

ICEA CEO Lockie Cooke with fellow Western Australians Max Coppin (left) and Nelson Coppin (right) from the Yijala Yala Project at Reconciliation Australia’s RAP showcase. Image, Cole Bennetts. Issue No 26 // April 2013 13

Setting the scene in schools by Alex Shain, Reconciliation Australia Schools Manager

The 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations subjects are three cross-curriculum priorities, Lourdes Hill College, Brisbane was one of the was an important part of the nation’s one of which requires—for the first time first schools to launch a RAP. Pictured here is Elder in Residence Aunty Joan Hendriks with reconciliation journey. In education, it in many cases—Australian primary and students Natia Burns (left) and Toomirriki Burns sparked and refuelled the national debate secondary schools to engage in teaching (right) in the school’s Aboriginal and Torres about incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories Strait Islander Centre. Image, Kylie Kluger. Strait Islander histories and cultures into all and cultures, divided across a framework of Australian schools. Since then, schools at a Country/Place, Culture and People. For each local level have been taking action to support cross-curriculum priority, a set of organising This is a fantastic opportunity for Reconciliation reconciliation at varying levels—Aboriginal ideas will reflect the essential knowledge, Australia to make a real impact on how and Torres Strait Island flags are flown, understandings and skills to guide teachers. teachers, students and their families think and acknowledgements of country are delivered In addition to this curriculum content, the act about reconciliation. Our new schools and local connections to country and people 290,000 teachers across Australia now team have been busy seeking input from a are being forged. But despite numerous have a consistent set of standards which variety of government and non-government examples of local engagement, a consistent outline what they should know and be able education organisations, Aboriginal and Torres national education focus has been hard to to do. These standards cover everything Strait Islander representative bodies and other achieve—until now. from maintaining supportive and safe education experts. This consultation will help By the end of 2016, all 9500 or so schools in environments, to engaging with colleagues, shape a new strategy addressing the Australian Australia will be teaching the same content parents/carers and the community. Teachers Curriculum, the Australian Teaching Standards in English, Maths, Science and History from need to show evidence of how—in the and a model for school community based Foundation (five years old) to Year 10 (16 classroom—they understand and respect actions. The schools team are reaching the end years old). This achievement should not be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of this consultation process and are keen to underestimated in a country that administers people to promote reconciliation between share the new program in the coming months. education through a maze of State and Indigenous and non-Indigenous If you are a teacher or involved in education Territory Government departments, Australians. Reconciliation Australia is and would like to find out more about Catholic Education Commissions as well perfectly placed to assist them in meeting Reconciliation Australia’s schools program as Independent schools. Across these four this focus area in particular. please email: [email protected] 14 Issue No 26 // April 2013

Paul with Rhett Burraston and Kelsi Forrest presenting on the IYLP at the Jobs Australia Conference 2011 in Brisbane. Image, Rob Walls.

My journey as a mentor by Paul Vandenbergh

A community spokesman, former pro-basketballer and devoted educator, Paul Vandenbergh was already a leader in the community when he signed up to a program designed to nurture and inspire a new generation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from all across the country. Here he writes about living the lessons of a program he is passionate about.

When I first heard about the Indigenous Once I was accepted into the inaugural leadership in their communities, schools Youth Leadership Program (IYLP), the thing 2010-11 program as a mentor, though, I or work—IYLP provides a two-year that jumped out at me was the possibility began to realise that Kokoda was just one custom-built leadership training program of walking the Kokoda Track. I’d played a part of it. IYLP was established in 2009 by based around powerful and immersive lot of sport when I was younger, and I’ve the Jobs Australia Foundation to strengthen experiences. Participants are recruited always been really interested in health and the skills and confidence of young from right across the country and each fitness. I thought: what a great opportunity Indigenous leaders. Aimed at people aged state team has a mentor to support its that would be! 17 to 25 who have shown a commitment to young ‘mentees’. Issue No 26 // April 2013 15

My first task as a mentor was to help identify motivate Indigenous kids to knuckle down I had another opportunity to think about some young people who could really benefit at school and learn about their culture. this during the Kimberley culture walk we from something like this. In 2010, I was in Many schools have really battled to embed completed in 2011. A team of young men my 16th year working as a public servant in Aboriginal culture into the curriculum, and from Jarlmadangah Burru near Broome took the South Australian Government, and Kelly more and more of them are seeing the Power us on a five-day trek through their country. was a shy young woman who was working Cup as a great way to do that. We saw rock art that has never been seen with me at the time. She fitted the criteria, Different parts of the IYLP experience impact by whitefellas, swam in water holes, hunted and I thought IYLP might bring out her full people in different ways. One of the most for goanna and ate bush honey straight from potential. Then I heard about a young man affecting experiences I had were some the tree. Every day these young guys were who’d had some trouble with the law when sessions with Associate Professor Simon teaching us different things. They were just he was younger, but who had got himself Forrest. He planted the seed for some of the amazing. back on track becoming the first person in ideas that have become really important to Kelly couldn’t do the Kimberley walk—she his family to get his Year 12 certificate. I knew my work with Indigenous kids. I think I was was at uni—but Tyrone came. Because he right away he was someone who’d make the just shocked to realise that I’d just been originally comes from a remote community, most of the opportunity. taking my culture for granted. I’d always with a lot of initiated men in his family, he fitted The three of us started training together for considered myself pretty connected to in really well. Tyrone’s the sort of person who Kokoda. Every weekend we hiked Mt Lofty culture, but the truth was there was just so can make friends with anyone, but seeing him outside . Tyrone was really fit, and much I didn’t know. draw people in, seeing his energy translating really energetic; Kelly struggled a bit at first, to that sort of quiet strength, was awesome needed a bit more motivating. For me, the for me as his mentor. But I also felt jealous challenge was thinking hard about what it of the Jarlmadangah Burru men. I remember meant to be a mentor. I’d mentored younger “It’s crucial to get our thinking: these guys know so much. It was people before informally, but this was my young people interested almost unbelievable. That’s what really lit the first experience of consciously taking on that fire in my belly. I found myself thinking more responsibility. The fact that the three of us in their own backgrounds and more about what I was going to do had a strong ‘West Coast’ connection really when I got home, both in terms of my own helped us form a bond. My family comes from and cultures so they culture, and how I could help the Power Cup an Aboriginal community called Koonibba, participants feel that curiosity too, and start just out of Ceduna on the west coast of can start being proud of making their own connections to where they’d South Australia. Kelly was from Ceduna too, come from. So many of our kids aren’t sure and Tyrone had grown up in Port Lincoln. I who they are. I realised think coming from families with the same kind that this was part of the of connection to land really made a difference in terms of our relationship and understanding legacy that I want to Paul with Tyrone Roderick and Elle what each of us wanted to achieve. Mitchel at Deniki, on the Kokoda trek. Trekking Kokoda in 2010 was extraordinary leave behind.” Image, Rob Walls. and life-changing. The night we hiked into Port Moresby was a fantastic feeling I’ve never forgotten. You form very intense and honest connections with people doing something as demanding as that. I was still on a high when I got home, and on my very first day back I saw a job advertised for an Aboriginal engagement and employment manager at Port Adelaide Football Club. After so many years it was a bit daunting to think about leaving the public service, but the confidence I’d taken from Kokoda inspired me to take the leap. I’ve been here at Port for over two years now. My role is to manage all the Indigenous engagement programs, including the Aboriginal Power Cup. Involving over 300 Aboriginal students from 24 schools around the state, the Power Cup uses Australian Football League to 16 Issue No 26 // April 2013

The getting-to-know you process, says Anthony King, a 32-year-old mentor from Tasmania, happened astonishingly fast. “Something about everyone taking each other on face value, I think, and everyone being so open. I’ve never seen a group gel so quickly. It was a fantastic way to start the program, and I think it set a really strong foundation.” Brooke Dunemann, a 24-year-old Djaku- nde Jangerie Jangerie woman from the ACT who works for the Australian Federal Police, has participated in leadership programs before. Some, she says, have been barely up to par. “It’s like, come along, we’ll have a chat, do some exercises, and voila! You’re a leader.” This is why she was so pleased to find in Anglesea a strong emphasis on skills and capacity-building. Northern Territory participants of the my culture and history. So I guess my personal “So far the content has reinforced my IYLP at a low rope team building exercise concerns were about my knowledge of my at Anglesea, in January 2013. idea of real leadership, which is not about culture and how that would be perceived.” Image, Rob Walls. dictating to people, but leading by example James needn’t have worried though. Straight to bring out the initiative and energy of away he knew he belonged. It didn’t take long others around you.” of their identity. It’s crucial to get our young for real ‘team spirit’ to emerge, which he says people interested in their own backgrounds was thanks partly to the sheer rigour of the One of the things we decided to do with the 2013-14 program was to align the and cultures so they can start being proud of week. “Initially I was a bit gobsmacked… there curriculum to a Certificate IV in Community who they are. I realised that this was part of we are punching out 16-hour days, including Development with support from Kangan the legacy that I want to leave behind. a 90 minute PT session every morning! But it was a great way to break down barriers. Institute’s Indigenous Education Centre. Now I’m also on the board of the Jobs You see people at their peak, but also when This means our young participants earn a Australia Foundation. My contribution there they’re struggling, and everyone supports qualification that acknowledges their effort has emphasised the importance of identity each other at different times.” over the two years. And an important new in leadership training for Indigenous people. focus of the course is fundraising. Now IYLP is very strong on leaders being able to we ask all the participants, mentors and ‘walk in two worlds’, being confident in both mentees, to raise $4000 towards the cost Indigenous and western contexts. And that “IYLP is very strong on of their participation, so that they’re working has to start with understanding who you a bit harder for the experience they’re are. That was an aspect of the first program leaders being able to getting—it shouldn’t all be a free ride— that really struck home with everyone. The ‘walk in two worlds’, and they’re also gaining confidence from power of that lesson drove some changes making good things happen themselves. to the 2013/2014 program, which kicked being confident in Anthony King, who is mentoring two young off this January in Anglesea, Victoria, when participants from Tasmania, believes that 20 young leaders and seven mentors came both Indigenous and showing that sort of ‘get up and go’ is key together to begin their IYLP journey. This to getting full value from the program. “I time, the emphasis on culture is strong from western contexts. And don’t want to get into a position where I’m the beginning. Along with all training in the providing all the direction or leadership,” he classroom, the young leaders will be doing that has to start with says. “I would like to see the mentees stand their cultural walk on the Larapinta Trail, in understanding who you up and show initiative themselves. I’m very the Northern Territory in the first year, and mindful that you can get involved in these then Kokoda in the second. are. That was an aspect programs in your formal sessions times, but James Moreland, a 22-year-old man from of the first program that can change when you go back home Nerang, Queensland, says he felt some to all the daily pressures. It can be hard to trepidation about finding his place in the that really struck home maintain that excitement and motivation. 2013/2014 program. “I was brought up by a That’s a challenge all of us need to take on, white family, and I’m very vague actually on with everyone.” I think.” Issue No 26 // April 2013 17

The other reason we chose to incorporate “If we want our will shape our future. But we have to be able fundraising is that it’s becoming an essential to demonstrate the program’s effectiveness. skill for people who want to create positive participants to go Rigorous evaluation is crucial. That’s why change. In the not-for-profit and community Professor Nereda White, Leon Appo and sector, lots of groups compete for limited home afterwards and Paul Chesterton from the Australian Catholic funds, so our future leaders need to start University’s Centre for Indigenous Education thinking early about how to sell their vision lead real change, it’s and Research are overseeing our program to others. If we want our participants to go important to be realistic evaluation. Data gathered from the first home afterwards and lead real change, it’s program clearly shows that it has driven important to be realistic about the real-world about the real-world some significant career moves and major skills they’ll need. The IYLP is itself in this life changes among the participants. But it’s position. There are other programs in this skills they’ll need.” hard to put a value on strong networks, on space, so our challenge is to make sure the life-changing experience of sharing fears potential supporters understand what we’re and triumphs with other people tackling Support from organisations including doing, and why it’s unique. Currently there huge challenges. Aon Risk Services, Allianz, Kangan Batman are no other programs available to young One invaluable thing I took from the program Institute and Tim Fairfax Family Foundation Indigenous leaders that run over a two-year is simply the bond between me and my have given the program the stability and period of intensive, custom-built training, mentees, Kelly and Tyrone. We’re still really it needs to consolidate and plan for and lead to a Certificate IV qualification. It close, and in regular contact; they still ring future growth. all requires a significant investment from the me for advice. It’s inspiring to see them Jobs Australia Foundation and its partners. But we are always looking for more partners. doing so well. But I also think the full impact The Foundation got the IYLP up and running, IYLP is a great opportunity for other of our experience together will only be seen with significant and ongoing financial and companies and organisations to invest in the in the decades to come. And that’s what’s other contributions from Jobs Australia. capacity of impressive young people who so exciting about the IYLP. 18 Issue No 26 // April 2013

Working with young people By Jason Glanville, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence CEO Prime Minister Julia Gillard with participants of the NCIE’s Constitutional Recognition and Reconciliation Australia Board Director Forum in March 2012. Image, Wayne Quilliam.

At The National Centre of Indigenous who make change in their communities on a streets of Redfern. Whether you have three Excellence (NCIE) we promote youth leadership local level; who lead personal change, trust PHD’s or you have just come out of gaol you and engagement through our programs and in their own excellence and understand their get the same treatment. So the day-to-day across all aspects of our work. A key member capacity to be game changers on a local and excellence that young people demonstrate to of the NCIE family is the National Youth national level. Every day there is a new story of make it through the day, to survive and thrive Advisory Council which consists of young resilience, hope and possibility and the NCIE’s and to succeed and achieve needs to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples commitment over the next couple of years is to, honoured and celebrated and recognised. from around the country. The Council’s primary with the permission of our young leaders, share During 2012 we saw Indigenous excellence function is to provide strategic advice and those stories on a scale never done before. Our and youth leadership personified at forums support to the NCIE’s Management Team on commitment is to move beyond tokenism, to hosted by the NCIE such as the Constitutional the Centre’s ongoing engagement with young ensure that policies created by governments Recognition Forum (CRF) and NIYLA National Indigenous Australians. and non-Indigenous community organisations Conference. Young people designing a The Council ensures that NCIE programs, are driven by the needs, perspectives and program, implementing it through a three tier facilitation team and measuring it’s outcomes policies and engagement strategies are insights of our young people. There is not one through an evaluation process. At NCIE infused with perspectives and expertise of single issue affecting Indigenous people that we also acknowledge the expertise of our our young people. does not impact on our young people and at old people and established leaders in our The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 75 per cent of our population our young people communities. The three tier facilitation model need to be the change makers of today. population is a relatively young population with utilised at the CRF enabled experienced an average age of 21 years compared with At the NCIE, we have made a real facilitators like Billy Gordon and Jodie Siezer to 37 years for the non-Indigenous population. It is commitment to paying much more attention, mentor upcoming young leaders like Benson therefore crucial that the voice most influential in not just to what young people think and have Saulo and April Long. At the NIYLA National Indigenous policy should be the majority of our to say, but to recognise, celebrate and honour Conference we saw our tier two facilitators population which is our young people. Young that our young people bring this extraordinary take the lead in facilitation and program design. people view the world differently; they are often level of resilience—and that comes with being The next step for the NCIE is to share our not jaded by bad experiences and can bring a a blackfella. Whether you’re in the bush, model of youth engagement with other non- fresh, positive and innovative look at issues that or in the city, whether you are considered government organisations and government to need a new perspective, energy and creativity. to be disadvantaged or whether you have ensure that our young people can continue to Our biggest inspiration is the generosity, had access to education, there is racism have a seat at the table, not as tick box exercise creativity and innovation of the young and prejudices that come with being young or at the end of a process to get a sign off, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and black—and we see it every day on the from the very beginning and at all stages. Issue No 26 // April 2013 19

Rock for Youth Awareness Choir expands to Reconciliation Resource Network

Music has brought people together for The Youth Awareness Resource Network The Gondwana National Indigenous centuries. Some have travelled across land (YARN) believes that to change Australia Children’s Choir will launch an exciting new and seas to sing, dance and celebrate. This they first need to inspire the future leaders project in the East Kimberley this April. The year Australians will come together for yet of tomorrow. Their philosophy of building East Kimberley Collaboration is a multi- another historic moment—to celebrate the relationships through the power of story year project between Gondwana Voices Centenary of Canberra. has seen the organisation grow from just and Indigenous children from Western Throughout the year, the Centenary of a handful of students from the University Australia’s spectacular Kimberley region Canberra program of events includes an of in 2007, to over which incorporates songs, stories and art Indigenous focus to celebrate our First 300 Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and from the region into a new children’s opera. non-Indigenous students across ten Australians. The year-long program also Expanding the Choir into Western Australia different universities. showcases what’s already happening in on a permanent basis has also been made the Capital each year and highlights the Founder and CEO, Warren Roberts, possible with a new partnership between people, places and events that contribute to says YARN provides a safe space where the Choir and Rio Tinto. Canberra’s role in our national story. trust and respect can grow between Gondwana Choir’s Artistic Director and To recognise the world’s oldest continuing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Founder Lyn Williams OAM said the three- living culture, and in the spirit of “Like any relationship between two year partnership with Rio Tinto will help reconciliation, The Street Theatre presents people, it requires good communication,” expand the activities of the choir, reaching Rock for Reconciliation, a concert on Mr Roberts says. “Storytelling forms the new communities and performing songs in 20 July 2013 featuring the Tjupi Band from foundation of our Aboriginal and Torres Indigenous languages. Central Australia, supported by Canberra’s Strait Islander communities and it’s for own Hung Parliament. “Rio Tinto’s support will ensure that this reason that YARN is a great program talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Singing in Luritja as well as in English, for all Australians, Indigenous and non- Islander children get the opportunity to Tjupi Band plays energetic and emotive Indigenous alike.” take part in musical, social and cultural desert reggae and provides inspiration The growing network provides students education and performance opportunities for people across Central Australia. Hung and other young people with an and share the voices of their generation Parliament formed in late 2010 with a opportunity to gain a better understanding mission to write and perform soulful, blues with the nation and the world.” of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander based rock. This free event is sure to be The Gondwana National Indigenous cultures and histories while building popular, but seats are limited and bookings Children’s Choir works with hundreds of support networks and creating positive are essential. For more information visit young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander links to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait www.thestreet.org.au people around the country each year, Islander communities. Rock for Reconciliation is a Centenary providing acclaimed music education, From film nights to fundraising lunches, of Canberra project, proudly supported training and group performance YARN’s community events and by the ACT Government, the Australian opportunities at no cost to choristers or initiatives are helping to create greater Government and Reconciliation Australia. their families. understanding and respect between To find out about more events visit To find out more visit Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and www.canberra100.com.au www.gondwanachoirs.com.au non-Indigenous Australians. It’s this understanding and mutual respect that Mr Roberts says will ultimately lead to long-lasting relationships. “I believe if we really want Australia to change it will require all Australians to realise they need to be actively part of the direction it must take,” he says. University students and other interested young people can sign up to YARN by visiting www.yarnaustralia.com.au or follow their Facebook page for information, ideas and upcoming events www.facebook.com/YARN2