RECOGNISE Event to Promote Recognition of Indigenous Peoples of Australia in our Constitution

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Posted 2013-04-06 by Haydn Radford ⇒ follow

Sun 07 Apr 2013

What may appear at first to be just another political rally is actually a celebration by students from various local schools, along with several distinguished indigenous and non-indigenous guests and informative speakers. This special event will include live music with some great entertainment.

Why is this change important?

The Blackwood Reconciliation Group in conjunction with St John's Grammar School invite you to join them at this local event designed to promote public awareness and understanding of RECOGNISE , which aims to

Fix the historical exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the Australian Constitution.

Remove discrimination - like the section of the Constitution that says people can be banned from voting based on race.

The program includes displays with students discussing their experiences and involvement with:

Their visits to the APY Lands.

The sponsorship of indigenous students.

The Reconciliation Program.

The integration of indigenous students into courses.

A student exchange program involving indigenous and non-indigenous students.

The following guests and informative speakers will appear from 2 pm:

The Honourable Mark Parnell, Greens MLC, who will MC.

Aunty Josie Agius, Kaurna Elder who will perform the "Welcome to Country."

Ms Cheryl Bauer, Principal of St. John's Grammar who will perform welcome to the School.

Mr Michael Picton, Mayor of Mitcham.

The Honourable Bob Such, Independent SA MP.

Ms Tanya Hosch, Deputy Director of Recognise.org Australia.

Ms Yvonne Caddy, Chair of Blackwood Reconciliation Group.

Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney, Adelaide University.

Mr Alex Ward, President of Law Council of Australia.

Why is Recognise so important?

Both sides of Parliament have at various times pledged to support recognition of Indigenous peoples in the constitution. In 2010, Julia Gillard agreed to hold a referendum on constitutional recognition by the 2013 election. However in September, 2012 Labor announced the referendum would be delayed, citing that general public awareness was too low.

Despite this stalling tactic, there is a growing number of Australians building the community support required for a successful referendum. RECOGNISE events are helping Australians have a better-informed understanding about why these changes to our Constitution are necessary.

Entertainment will include some fabulous live music from:

Ellie Lovegrove Singer & acoustic guitarist (Finalist in the top 12 of the national talent show X Factor).

Jamie Goldsmith - Musician, Digeridoo player & Singer, and

Allan Summer - Musician & singer. Both perform in the band "Bullrushes."

Free Barbeque

Where: St John's Grammar School Gloucester Avenue, Belair

When: Sunday 7th April, 2013 from 12.30 onwards
Admission: Free

Addendum: Colebrook Reconciliation Park, (located on Shepherds Hill Road, Eden Hills), is a memorial to remember the Aboriginal children of the Stolen Generation and their families. This memorial is the result of the determined efforts of the Colebrook Tjitji Tjuta, the Blackwood Reconciliation Group, the Aboriginal Lands Trust, and the other groups and agencies.

If you visit the RECOGNISE event at Belair, which is located close-by Eden Hills, and if you haven't visited this park before, take the time to do so; the various memorials and the sculpted works "Fountain of Tears" and "Grieving Mother" by Silvio Apponi, are a moving testimonial to the children and their families.