New members announced for ACT Reconciliation Council


Released 16/12/2019

In the lead up to Reconciliation Day 2020, six new members have joined the ACT Reconciliation Council.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said members of the ACT Reconciliation Council act as community ambassadors, encouraging community conversations about the importance of Reconciliation throughout the year.

“The ACT Reconciliation Council plays a vital role in promoting reconciliation across Canberra, encouraging all members of the community to learn more about the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I welcome the new members to the Reconciliation Council. Each member brings a diverse range of experience and great enthusiasm for building Reconciliation in our community,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

The new Council members are:

· Mr Brendan Egan, former Corporate Services Director, Reconciliation Australia

· Ms Lynne Duckham OAM, Senior Executive

· Dr Nadine White, Director, Human Resources, ANU

. Ms Helen Wright, Director, Native Title Research Unit, Australian Institute of Aboriginal            and Torres Strait Islander Studies

· Vice Admiral Paul Maddison, Director UNSW Defence Research Institute

· Emeritus Professor Richard Munro Baker, Former Pro Vice-Chancellor, ANU

The new members will join the Council’s co-chairs, Dr Chris Bourke and Ms Genevieve Jacobs and its existing members, in promoting community conversations about Reconciliation and overseeing preparations for the next Reconciliation Day on 1 June 2020. The ACT was the first jurisdiction to introduce a public holiday in recognition of Reconciliation.

The Council's co-chair, Dr Chris Bourke said "I look forward to working with the new members of Reconciliation Council and thank them for the enthusiasm they will bring. Reconciliation is a continual process of renewal and reengagement with the community to build a shared understanding of our past and future. I know the new members will bring fresh ideas to the Council on how we enlarge the community conversation around reconciliation."

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Caitlin Cook

(02) 6207 8731

0434 702 827

caitlin.cook@act.gov.au


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