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.”
