EVELYN
SCOTT
CHAIRPERSON
COUNCIL FOR ABORIGINAL RECONCILIATION
AT
THE
WOMEN FOR RECONCILIATION DINNER
HOSTED
BY YOUNG
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, BRISBANE
FRIDAY
9 JUNE 1999
Thank you ..............
.
Ladies.
I'd like to start
by acknowledge that we're here on the country of the Jagera and Kurrabal
peoples, the traditional owners of these parts.
I acknowledge the
living culture of the Jagera and Kurrabal peoples and their unique contribution
to the life of this region.
The last time I
spoke to you was this time last year, just two days before we released
for discussion our Draft Document for Reconciliation.
I recall looking
forward to the huge process of public consultation we have since carried
out in preparing our final proposals.
I went on to say
this about our plan for a document.
The whole thing
has the potential to help define a mature Australia, a nation that's
come to terms with the shared past of its Indigenous and non-Indigenous
peoples, and is ready to go forward together.
Just twelve days
ago in Sydney, the events of Corroboree 2000 convinced me that the potential
I spoke of will be realised.
A week later, my
conviction was reinforced by the truly great turnout at the stride for
reconciliation here in Brisbane. Estimates on the Brisbane walk numbers
range from 40,000 to 70,000 - a great sign for this State.
The mood is the
same all over the country. I have heard reports of walks springing up
in communities such as Roeburne, WA, Bega and Moruya in NSW and Coffs
Harbour. Adelaide is due to hold its own walk this coming Monday.
The people have
spoken, and they'll continue to say that reconciliation is a real thing
- a red-hot item on our national, state and local agenda.
Our political leadership
must listen and act. I know now that they will, eventually, embrace
both the spirit and the practical goals of reconciliation. They can't
afford to ignore the inspiring message of commitment from the grassroots
of our society - from the People's Movement for Reconciliation.
I'd like to use
this forum to thank the women of Australia - the women of all races
in this country - for the part they've played in getting us to this
wonderful milestone on the path to reconciliation.
Men and women have
done this together. But the understanding of women, our special empathy
with vital issues like the Stolen Generations, our willingness to tackle
the face-to-face tasks - all these have been crucial.
Without them, the
People's Movement for Reconciliation would not have developed the momentum,
the strength, that it's demonstrated so convincingly in the last couple
of weeks.
Some of us have
had the chance to move things forward at the national level. Many, many
more have done the job in our communities, in our faith groups, in our
workplaces, and in people-based organisations such as yours.
I think all these
committed women can spare a moment to take a bow. But it's not a curtain
call, mind you. We all know there are still many steps to be taken on
the path to genuine reconciliation, nationally and locally.
I know that you,
and the many thousands of committed women all over this great land,
will be linking arms, with each other and with all men of good will,
to make sure the journey is completed - to the eternal benefit of our
nation.
Thank you all.
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