Released 18/03/2018
The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith is pleased to announce the membership of the Reconciliation Day Council. The Council will oversee preparations for Reconciliation Day on 28 May, act as community ambassadors for Reconciliation Day, and lead community conversations about the importance of Reconciliation.
Reconciliation Day is Australia’s first public holiday celebrating the culture, contribution and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Reconciliation Day public holiday will be an opportunity for Canberrans to come together in the spirit of Reconciliation to recognise the impact of past policies and practices on Australia’s First People, and to celebrate the important place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history in our city and nation.
Following a series of grassroots events held across Canberra, the first Reconciliation Day will be celebrated on Monday 28 May 2018 with a flagship community event.
The Reconciliation Day Council will be co-chaired by the ACT’s first Aboriginal member of the Legislative Assembly, Dr Chris Bourke and Canberra media personality Genevieve Jacobs.
The other Council members are:
- Katrina Fanning, Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body
- Professor Tom Calma AO, Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia and Chancellor of the University of Canberra
- Matt Davies, ACT Manager for Australian Red Cross
- Samantha Faulkner, Chair of the ACT Torres Strait Islander Corporation
- Diane Kargas Bray, 2018 Canberra Citizen of the Year
- Alan Tongue, Former Canberra Raiders Captain and founder of the Aspire Program
- Selina Walker, Proud Ngunnawal woman and 2017 ACT Barnardos Mother of the Year
- Alex White, Secretary of UnionsACT
Comment attributable to Reconciliation Day Council Co-Chair, Dr Chris Bourke
“Reconciliation is part of building our community based on truth and understanding. I am proud the ACT is leading the country in celebrating Reconciliation Day and the cultures that together make up our city. I look forward to working with my fellow Council members in advancing the ongoing work of Reconciliation.”
Comment attributable to Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith
“Council members have embraced the role with great enthusiasm and I appreciate their commitment and energy as we work towards Reconciliation Day in May. The Council will help to shape the celebration of Australia’s first Reconciliation Day public holiday and I look forward to working with them to engage Canberrans in meaningful conversations and celebrations that reach across the community.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases