Action follows 'Sorry'

Celebrating International Day of the World's Indigenous People this month, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre is hosting an evening of community, hope, food and culture as a further step towards reconciliation following the Government’s apology to Australia’s Indigenous people earlier this year.

Reconciliation After the Apology is an event for all the senses with food, seminars, storytelling, stalls and entertainment to engage Hub residents with the Aboriginal culture.

In February this year Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said sorry in Parliament to the ‘stolen generations’, their families and communities, for laws and policies which had inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre event coordinator Lisa Parish said it was important that community events bring everyone together to work further for the foundations the apology had laid.  “We have said sorry, but it means little if we don’t keep the promises and actions going for reconciliation," she said.

Highlight of the Newtown event will be the screening of the documentary Kanyini. 

Kanyini tells the story of Uncle Bob Randall, a member of the Yankunytjatjara people and one of the listed traditional owners of Uluru.  The film documents his life as one of the stolen generation, taken from his mother under government policy and institutionalised in the 1930s. His story tells why Indigenous people are now struggling in a modern world and what needs to be done for them to move forward.

Guest speakers at the event include Aunty Euphemia Bostock and prominent Aboriginal leader Ray Minniecon from Redfern.  Graduates from the Young Mob Leaders Program will also address the event about their experiences within the Redfern and La Perouse Aborginal communities.

Reconciliation After the Apology will be held at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday August 27 from 6pm.

If you cannot make it to the event, the documentary Kanyini can be purchased online.   

Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning interconnectedness, to care for, to support, to nurture and protect - An appropriate call to action following, ‘Sorry’.