New South Wales Reconciliation Council

A reconciled Australia

What is reconciliation?In Australia reconciliation is a people’s movement. It’s changing the way Indigenous and non-Indigenous people live together in this country.

Together we are moving forward by: ` recognising the truth of Australia’s history ` committing to social justice for all ` building relationships based on

understanding, respect and trust.

A fairer societySocial justice for Indigenous Australians must include:

`` recognising`their`distinct`rights`as`the`` first`peoples`of`this`land,`

`` including`self-determination`

`` repairing`past`injustices

`` ending`racism`and`discrimination

` closing the gaps in health, housing, education and employment.

History of reconciliationReconciliation has been happening throughout our shared history. But the legislated process began as a result of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1987–1991). The Commonwealth Government established the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in 1991 to carry out this work over 10 years.

The vision: A united Australia which respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.

Across the country, communities held events and activities to bring Australians together. This groundswell of support grew and became known as the People’s Reconciliation Movement.

The movement continues today, to ensure reconciliation stays on the agenda.

Who we areThe NSW Reconciliation Council is a non-government, not-for-profit and non-partisan organisation.

It is the peak representative body for reconciliation in NSW. Dedicated members of the People’s Reconciliation Movement set it up to continue the ‘unfinished business’ after the formal process ended in 2001.

Our purpose To advance reconciliation in NSW by promoting equitable and just communities that acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and values.

Our visionA reconciled Australia

Our goals `` To`strengthen`the`People’s`Reconciliation`` `

` Movement`in`NSW.`` To`raise`community`awareness`and`understanding.`` To`promote`social`justice,`equity`and`rights`for``

` Aboriginal`and`Torres`Strait`Islander`people.```

FundingWe receive basic funding from the NSW Government, and finance our projects through grants and fundraising.

An active network

The NSW Reconciliation Council supports and represents 60 Reconciliation Groups who are working towards a reconciled Australia.

We also undertake projects and events at the state level, and work with community, government and non-government organisations.

... and acknowledging

eldershelping youth ...

celebrating arts and culture

recognisingIndigenous diversity

supportingour network

promotingleadershipfostering partnerships

monitoringpolicyandpractice

Get involvedJoin the movement! `` Take`part`in`campaigns,`workshops,``

` concerts`and`other`events

`` Make`a`positive`change

`` Connect`with`the`NSW`network.

You can join an existing group, or start a new one. Funds raised will support our work at local, regional and state level.

To become a member, please: Email info@nswreconciliation.org.au Call (02) 9562 6355

To learn about our groups in NSW, visit www.nswreconciliation.org.au and click on Local Reconciliation Groups.

Support us by donating Help fund our events and activities.

Individuals and organisations can become NSW Reconciliation Council Supporters by making regular donations.

Whether it’s an oral history or a state-wide schools competition, we need your support to keep our work growing.

➚Donate online at www.nswreconciliation.org.au/donate Or call (02) 9562 6355

Contact usOur office is at the Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative College in Sydney.

NSW Reconciliation Council11–13 Mansfield Street, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037

Phone: (02) 9562 6355 Fax: (02) 8456 5906 Email: info@nswreconciliation.org.au Website: www.nswreconciliation.org.au

L to R: Leanne Townsend, Julian

Boswell and Rose Macdonald

The NSW Reconciliation Council acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout NSW and Australia.