The Mayor's Column
Wednesday 13 February 2008 was a most remarkable day. Our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave an historic, eloquent and moving address to the nation.
He apologised to the Aboriginal peoples of this land for the Stolen Generations and acknowledged past and present injustices to these original inhabitants of Australia.
It was heartening to see bipartisan support for the motion. Some of the immediate positive outcomes are:
- A task force will be set up with participation from the major parties and Aboriginal representatives;
- According to a Galaxy research poll last weekend more than 2/3 of Australians support the apology – a concrete step towards true reconciliation.
At a local level Councils recognise Aboriginal heritage and support community reconciliation groups. In Mosman we have flown the Aboriginal flag in Mosman Square for nine years and precede Council meetings and formal functions with an acknowledgement of the original inhabitants of this area, following motions I put to Council.
Having taught Aboriginal students for a number of years at the Royal Far West School in Manly I have an understanding of, and commitment to, reconciliation.
I believe that many Mosman residents share this view. You walked across the Harbour Bridge in large numbers in 2000; you attend the addresses given twice yearly by Aboriginal people and prominent supporters of reconciliation such as NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir.
Mosman Reconciliation Group is an active community group supported, but not run, by Council. Now is the time to come along and join us.
Meetings are held every 1st Wednesday of the month at 6.00pm at Mosman Council. Details on Council website or phone 9960 8921.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
