Stories and Voices

Talking and listening are key tools of reconciliation. Through such processes we articulate, clarify, confirm, challenge and/or illuminate understandings - ours and others.

The stories and voices presented herein are the stories and voices of community leaders who for a long time have been 'talking and walking' the journey of Reconciliation. Their views are intended to elicit more talk and more listening as well as meaning-making at a personal, reflective level.

As a starting point for such dialogue and reflection, consider these questions: Which of the themes and challenges presented by the speakers seem most important to you? Can you say why?

 

William Barak

Joy Murphy-Wandin talks about her great, great uncle, William Barak and his relationship with Annie Bon.

 

Mr Kevin Rudd

Now I look forward to this evening’s “Welcome to Country” by the Indigenous people and to celebrating the...

 

Birrarung (Yarra River)

Joy Murphy-Wandin explains the significance of Birrarung (the Yarra River) to the Wurundjeri People.

 

Archbishop Denis Hart

The time has come for all Australians to work together for a decent future

 

Trees

Joy Murphy-Wandin talks about the significance of trees for Aboriginal people.

 

Mr Stephen Elder

As a Catholic education system our work is driven and inspired by the words of Jesus Christ...

 

Bunjil the Eagle

Our place has been created by a very special spiritual being that we know as Bunjil the Eagle...

 

Joy Murphy-Wandin

Joy Murphy-Wandin talks about identity.

 

Mark Rose

Mark Rose explores the need for rich and appropriate cultural heritage education.

 

Djinungs Koorngees

The creation story from Wurundjeri Country in the Woiwurrung language.

 

Ms Jenny Macklin MP

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

 

The Kulin Nation

Bryon talks about the Kulin Nation and the growth in interest and understanding of local indigenous cultures.

 

About Coranderrk

Joy Murphy-Wandin tells the story of Coranderrk, once the home to many Victorian Aboriginal people.

 

Wurundjeri Story

Joy Murphy-Wandin talks about William Barak.

 

Wathaurong People

Trevor talks of the work of the Co-op and of his journey of understanding towards reconciliation.

 

Dr Bill Griffiths

Reconciliation for me works at a personal level

 

Yarra Dreaming

Bryon Powel tells a Dreaming story about the creation of the Yarra River.

 

Mr Malcolm Fraser

Let me speak to the role of government. There have been some suggestions that in the future reconciliation

 

Boon Wurrung Story

A story by Ms Carolyn Briggs, a Boon Wurrung Elder, at a Reconciliation Assembly of the Victorian Parliament.

 

Ms Jackie Huggins

Reconciliation does not work to a strict timeline like other projects. It succeeds or fails in the hearts...

 

Mr John Landy

We are used to thinking of Reconciliation as a new idea.

 

Dja Dja wurrung Story

Rodney talks about the Jaara people - Dja Dja Wurrung language group.

 

Mr Mark Leibler

The big questions that we get asked all the time is What Now? What's Next?

 

Taungerong Story

Glenys Merry, a Taungerong Elder, talks about kinship, family and identity.

 

Ms Marjorie Thorpe

People of faith spend a lot of time focusing on relationships. Their relationship with their God...

 

The Gift Song

The Gift song sung at Reconciliation Gayip.

 

Ms Vicki Walker

When I started in 1990 with the Archdiocese of Melbourne as the co-ordinator of the (ACM)...

 

The Bolin Bolin

Mick talks about the history of the gathering of the Kulin Nation at Bolin Bolin Billabong, Bulleen.