Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated - reconciliation queensland reconciliation queensland incorporated

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Local Reconciliation Groups

Localising Reconciliation

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LRG Profiles

:: Local Reconciliation Groups (LRGs)

-> Localising Reconciliation

-> Local Reconciliation Groups Toolkit

-> Local Reconciliation Groups Profiles

(Scroll down the page OR click on the links below to view LRG profiles)

-> Balaangala Group

-> Mt Glorious, Mt Nebo and Samford Valley Reconciliation Group

-> Noonga Reconciliation Group

-> Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group

Balaangala Group

Our group formed after a few people responded when the online organisation “Get Up” called for people to host a “conversation about reconciliation”. Following an enjoyable and stimulating discussion, we decided to continue to meet. We weren’t really sure what we would do or how we would go about it, but we all felt good about connecting with others around reconciliation in our own suburb – The Gap.

Over the last few months we have met regularly with the main focus being just getting to know one another. We have often set “tasks” for the next meeting – eg one night we talked about the concept of “home” and what that meant for each of us. Other discussions have centred around working out what we want the group to look like; what sort of activities might we get into etc.

While this is still a work in progress, we’ve come up with the following as an outline of who we are and what we want to do as a group.
Balaangala – finding creative ways to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and knowledges together by --

connecting and caring for country
developing and maintaining the Re-Creation place for community gatherings; sharing; listening; learning; self-reflection; discussion and collaboration
developing sister/brother relationships with rural/remote Indigenous communities
sharing creative practice, skills, experience and knowledge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through small -scale (achievable) projects
conducting both public and private events/ceremonies
being an advocate for Indigenous rights

We have developed a partnership with the local Bush Care organization (SOWN). Under their umbrella, and at the SOWN headquarters (Yoorala St, The Gap), we are in the process of developing an Indigenous demonstration garden where we will grow food and other produce which can be used to run education/craft/art workshops. This “re-creation” place will also include a gathering space where the community can come together for particular events, ceremonies or just to meet.

It’s early days, but we are all excited about the possibilities for our group.

New members are welcome – please direct enquiries to Michelle Peile – mcpeile@gmail.com

Mt Glorious, Mt Nebo and Samford Valley Reconciliation Group

Citizens GetTogether for Reconciliation

Local residents from Mt Glorious, Mt Nebo, Samford Valley, Closeburn, Ceder Creek and Brisbane were part of an innovative national program of reconciliation conversations that involved thousands of Australians across the country. The meeting in Mt Glorious was one of over 350 Reconciliation GetTogethers held simultaneously around the nation on Tuesday the 29th April, in every state and territory. The Reconciliation GetTogethers were organised by community campaigning organisation www.getup.org.au We have met a few times and we are still feeling our way of what we want from the group.

At Mt. Glorious Milinda Krogh hosted a ‘Reconciliation Get-Together’ where surrounding areas were well represented. Stories were shared and ideas discussed, of desired outcomes on reconciliation, personal, in the community and on a national level. Many people raised Kevin Rudd’s ‘Apology’ speech, on the night as a very important and moving moment, marking a positive step towards reconciliation. Some people were moved to tears by this, not their usual response to a speech by a politician!

On a personal level there were some stories of positive inter-action between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people while others felt they would ‘like to meet’ and become ‘more involved with Aboriginals and their issues’.

Very few had experiences of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous in our local community. This was an area we felt we could contribute to by inviting guest speakers to give a talk on Aboriginal culture and issues and organising shared activities.

On a national level members of the group were unanimous that ‘Sorry’ must be just the beginning of reconciliation and that we ‘not just give lip service to the issues but actively participate, at the grass-roots level, to see how we could be of support’ and help create a ‘supportive, tolerant and just environment for all’.

To this end we plan more gatherings. We have had three meetings already and were given funding to put on an Indigenous performance. So with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, working together for reconciliation we are putting on a night of entertainment at Mt Nebo Hall with the Indigenous band, Stone Cold, Charro on Didgeridoo with Local band Humpin’ old Bluey and Cyrus Marsh on Saturday the 22nd November 2008 from 7pm @ $5.

** Funding for the Indigenous performance has been kindly donated by “The Village Pump”.

The night will also raise funds for books for children at Woorabinda State School. With some books on Indigenous culture being donated to our local schools.

PS We were successful in our fundraising venture and we are going to buy the books with aid of one of the teachers from Woorabinda State School.
For further information contact local Milinda Krogh on 0432 284 635.

Noonga Reconciliation Group

Noonga Reconciliation Group Inc (NRG) was established in August 1997 during the time of the Native title debates. NRG grew out of a realisation that mainstream Australians lacked a basic knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Noonga Reconciliation Group promotes reconciliation through experiential education, cultural understanding and active involvement in reconciliation initiatives. The broad aims of NRG are to:

· Acknowledge the wrongs of the past by actively working for reconciliation

· Enable greater community awareness of Indigenous history, culture and life circumstances

· Facilitate processes which enhance relationships between Indigenous and mainstream Australians

· Actively respond to issues identified by the Indigenous community through the management of appropriate projects and programs

· Contribute toward the relief of poverty, sickness and misfortune among Indigenous people.

NRG’s aims have been translated into practical reconciliation initiatives including the following:

· Community awareness and education

· Reconciliation projects

· Welfare services

· Organisational support

· Arts and cultural program

· Reconciliation sector development

For further in formation go to www.noonga.org.au

Information materials

Sorry Day 2007

Kalinga Park site (Nundah)

Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group

Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group started approximately 10 years ago with the support and encouragement of Dawn Wilson who, as a member of the Catholic Church, was able to assist in printing our newsletters and communications. Many early meetings revolved around the learning circle and a number of our supporters became tutors of Indigenous students with learning difficulties (these tutors are our unsung heroes). We have been involved in many fund raising activities which have included supplying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island books to the Caloundra Library with our latest effort being donations to assist an Indigenous touch football team to participate in a cultural exchange tour of New Zealand.

The last 12 months have seen the passing of three of our foundation members – Keith Whisson, Fred Fletcher and Father Denis Power. The memory of such great reconciliation supporters will make us even more determined to promote the true spirit of the healing of our nation outlined in the apology. Let’s walk the walk and talk the talk.

Contact details

Mick Graham Chairperson
(H) 5492 1587 Mobile: 0411 675 492
Email: jemag@ozemail.com.au

Jenny Cronin Secretary
(H) 5491 1971
Email: jenny.tony@bigpond.com

Chair's message

I have been unable to talk to many of my Indigenous friends without us all being overcome by the emotion of the apology. I now feel sorry for the many people who do not or cannot understand the significance of this historic apology.

My personal journey of reconciliation started in 1964 - nothing before or in the future will ever eclipse the event of February 13. 2008.