About this Report

This Annual Report outlines the work of the NSW Reconciliation Council throughout 2009–2010 (from the Annual General Meeting 2009 to the Annual General Meeting 2010). It profiles some of the many activities which have been organised and supported by the NSWRC staff, Management Committee and Local Reconciliation Groups.

Cover Art by: Taleah Wilson, Goonellabah Public School, year 6. Schools Reconciliation Challenge entrant, 2010.

ContentsAbout us 2

Co-Chairs’ report 3

Governance 5

Year in Review 8`` NSWRC`activities`8`` Local`Reconciliation`Group`activities`15

Staff and volunteers 18

Financial Statements 19

NSW Reconciliation Council 2009–2010 members 20

Acknowledgements 20

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About Us The 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 vision: A 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.`̀̀

An active networkThe NSW Reconciliation Council supports and represents 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.

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Co-Chairs’ Report It gives us great pleasure to present the 2010 Chairpersons’ report. The 2009/10 has been a year of high expectations as an organisation that saw the delivery of a number of new initiatives inline with our strategic approach to advancing reconciliation in NSW.

Following on from the Prime Minister’s Apology to the Stolen Generation and increased attention to reconciliation, from the formation of Generation One, and a hope for renewed leadership on Indigenous affairs, we again saw the greatest work done through our Local Reconciliation Groups.

During the last year we have seen that it is the grass roots people’s movement that has the power to effect social change, to raise awareness of reconciliation and social justice and to work toward true reconciliation where we see political, economic and social equity.

The NSW Reconciliation Council has continued to do what it does best, responding to change and ensuring the continued renewal of the organisation. We would like to thank our amazing staff –Mickey Kovari now Julian Boswell, Jane Higgins now Rose Macdonald and Leanne Townsend. Many members will have had contact with our office during the year. We would like to acknowledge what a fantastic team we have working with us.

We would also like to thank our fellow ManagementCommittee members and Council members who have trusted us during this year of change and worked hard to continue the work of the NSWRC.

In 2010, we supported Local Reconciliation Groups through the Small Grants program and took some strong steps to increase our regional impact through the Tuned In festival in Dubbo – well done to all involved.

We would like to acknowledge the continued support of the NSW Government for our funding with additional contributions from the Federal Government through the Public Awareness Program and Reconciliation Australia during Reconciliation Week.

During the year Renee Williamson moved on from her position as Indigenous Co-Chair. Renee has given many years of service to the movement through ReconciliACTION, as an employee of the NSWRC and as Chair and Co-Chair. We would like to thank Renee for her commitment to the reconciliation movement and wish her well in her career.

In 2010 the NSWRC will farewell three Management Committee members, David Crew (Co-Chair non-Indigenous), Sean Lonergan (Secretary) and Glen Crump (Regional Representative, New England).

The NSWRC farewells and acknowledges the hard work of David Crew (non-Indigenous Co-Chair). David has served five years as a member of the leadership team for the NSWRC. We thank him for his leadership and for the contribution David has made to the NSWRC. One of David’s key achievements included strengthening the governance of the NSWRC through reforms to the constitution and structure of the organisation. (A farewell message from David is included on page 4).

Glen Crump has maintained an involvement with the NSWRC over the past five years and recently won a Deadly Award for his work in Indigenous Broadcasting. We would like to thank Glen for his contributions and are confident he will continue to achieve great things in his community and the surrounding areas.

We also recognise the work of the Management Committee, particularly Megan Wallace as Treasurerand Sean Lonergan as Secretary. Sean will not be standing again as he begins a new adventure in his life in Spain.

In acknowledging the work of our staff, LRGs and outgoing members, we are reminded by the theme from some years ago Reconciliation is Everyone’s Business. The journey does not end with the close of your formal role with the NSWRC. Once you are part of the people’s movement for reconciliation you will always be part of its future

In closing we thank you for the opportunity to lead the NSW Reconciliation Council during this term. We present a challenge to the new Management Committee and Council as it works to develop a new strategic plan and a new funding agreement with the NSW Government. That challenge is to ensure the NSWRC maintains and strengthens community relationships and connections with grass roots people from the inner suburbs of Sydney through to country NSW.

There is much work to do and we must continue to find new energy, new passion and new strategiesthat honours the good work done by campaigners in the past, whilst forging a pathway into the future.

(Co-Chair Indigenous) (Co-Chair non-Indigenous)

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Farewell Message from David Crew (Co-Chair non-Indigenous)

I became involved in the Reconciliation movement through a passion for addressing social injustice and inequity. For me Reconciliation is very personal, it is not about doing business but is about living in this country. It is not a nine-to-five endeavour but a lifelong challenge. I would like to personally thank all those who have worked with me throughout my five years on the council. I leave will a feeling of optimism and of confidence in the work of an organisation that continues to stay grounded in the people’s

movement. To all people involved in every level of the movement I would like to thank you for the opportunity to join in your work. I leave this position with the NSWRC with a challenge – a challenge to continue to grow the movement, fight to uncover social injustice and create opportunity for social change. For it is through growth and change that we will fulfil our vision – for a truly reconciled Australia.

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GovernanceThe NSW Reconciliation Council is made up of individuals and Local Reconciliation Groups from across the state. Community groups whose primary aims include reconciliation are eligible to join the NSW Reconciliation Council’s network of member groups.

Reconciliation Groups registered with the Council fall into three categories:

`` Local`Reconciliation`Groups`(LRGs),`for`` groups`based`in`a`particular`community

`` Regional`Reconciliation`Groups`(RRGs),`for`` groups`that`operate`across`a`larger`area

`` Sectoral`Reconciliation`Groups`(SRGs),`for`` groups`that`operate`in`a`particular`sector,`for`` example`groups`with`membership`limited`to`` youth,`women`or`Indigenous`people.`

In the 2009-10 period 43 Local Reconciliation Groups were registered as members of the NSWRC.

Groups that are members of the NSW Reconciliation Council remain autonomous and responsible for managing their own affairs. The NSW ReconciliationCouncil does not direct how member groups are organised, and the definition of member groups is kept very broad in order to accommodate the diversity of groups involved in the reconciliation movement.

NSWRC Structure Representative Structure

Riverina

Western

Northern

New England

Southern

Sydney & surrounds

The NSWRC has six regions across the state that make up the representative structure of the Council. NSW Reconciliation member groups select two regional representatives from each region to represent them on the NSWRC Council. The composition includes one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous representative.

The six regions include:`` Sydney`and`Surrounds

`` Southern

`` Riverina/Murray

`` Western

`` New`England`

`` Northern

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The NSWRC CouncilThe Council provides leadership and sets the direction for NSWRC. The Council focuses on the “big issues” around reconciliation at the local, regional and state level.

The Council is elected by members at the Annual General Meeting. Positions on the Council are:

12 Regional Representatives (6 Indigenous; 6 non-Indigenous)

2 Elders Representatives (1 Indigenous; 1 non-Indigenous)

2 Youth Representatives (1 Indigenous; 1 non-Indigenous and;

The Management Committee The Management Committee is responsible for the legal, financial, employment and broader policy responsibilities of the NSW Reconciliation Council.

The Management Committee is elected by Members and the Council. Positions on the Management Committee are:

`` 4`Office`Bearers`elected by Members`` (1`Indigenous`Co-Chair;`1`non-Indigenous`` Co-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary)

`` 2`Regional`Representatives`elected by the Council`(1`Indigenous;`1`non-Indigenous)

`` 2`Ordinary`Members`elected by Members ` (1`Indigenous;`1`non-Indigenous)

The NSWRC Council 2009-10 Management Committee

Renee WilliamsonCo-Chair (Indigenous), Nov 2009 – June 2010

Dootch (Roy) Kennedy Acting Indigenous Co-Chair, Sept – Nov 2010

David Crew Co-Chair (Non-Indigenous)

Megan Wallace Treasurer

Sean Lonergan Secretary

Karen GoughSouthern regional representative (Non- Indigenous)

Dootch (Roy) Kennedy Southern regional representative, Nov 09 – Sept 2010

Darlene Hoskins-Mckenzie Ordinary member (Indigenous)

Glen Crump Ordinary member (Indigenous)

Back Row L to R: Sean Lonergan, Darlene Hoskins- McKenzie, Renee WilliamsonFront Row L to R: Karen Gough, Glen Crump, David Crew, Megan Wallace. (Absent: Dootch Kennedy)

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Elected Council Representatives Alison Quinn Western (Indigenous)

Colin Paterson Western (Non-Indigenous)

Jenny Greany New England (non-Indigenous)

Kerrie McKenzie Sydney (non-Indigenous)

Vic Simms Sydney (Indigenous)

Robert Bruce Northern (Non-Indigenous)

Carlee Rundell-GordonRiverina (Non-Indigenous)

NSWRC Council members 2009-10

By Schools Reconciliation Challenge Prize Winner, Lucy Wilkinson, Year 6, Goonellabah.

Joan Tranter Elder (Indigenous)

Raja Jayarraman Elder (Non-Indigenous)

Adrian Craig Youth (Indigenous)

Melanie Jewell Youth (non-Indigenous)

Dootch (Roy) Kennedy Southern (Indigenous)

Karen Gough Southern (non-Indigenous)

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Year in ReviewNSWRC Activities Reconciliation Week 2010 In 2000 thousands of Australians demonstrated their support for Indigenous people and reconciliation by taking part in the bridge walks across the nation. People from all walks of life joined together to take part in the historic event arranged by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR) following the land mark Corroboree event. It is hard to believe that is has been 10 years since the bridge walks took place.

To acknowledge the ten year anniversary the NSWRC re-produced the artwork from a previous Reconciliation Week poster that depicts the bridge walks. The artwork by Indigenous artists Kevin Butler and Valerie Law entitled Bridge Over Troubled Water was put up in community organisations, workplaces and schools across the state.

The NSW Reconciliation Week theme in 2010 was Reconciliation: The Road Ahead. The theme asked all Australians to reflect on the considerable gains achieved in the reconciliation movement. These gains include the national Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008, to the common practise of acknowledging traditional owners by Welcome to Country ceremonies. The theme also acknowledges the hard work that is yet to be done to improve life opportunities and life expectancy, true acknowledgement and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures and languages and reparations for the Stolen Generations and stolen wages in NSW.

Tuned In The NSW Reconciliation Council (NSWRC) hosted the inaugural Tuned In Festival on Sunday 30 May 2010 to mark Reconciliation Week. The festival was held in Dubbo as a free, all ages, drug and alcohol free event. The event was well attended by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth aged from 10 – 35. Tuned In featured popular Indigenous and non-Indigenous acts including Urthboy, The Last Kinection, The Jezabels, Loathing Stacy (local Dubbo group), and the Collie Kids.

‘Bridge over Troubled Water 2000’ Artists: Kevin Butler and Valerie Law. Image Courtesy of Adam Hill.

RECONCILIATION: THE ROAD AHEADCommemorating the 10 year Anniversary of the Reconciliation Bridge Walk

RECONCILIATION WEEK MAY 27TH - JUNE 3RD

www.nswreconciliation.org.au

NSWRC Reconciliation Poster.indd 1 10/5/10 3:03:32 PM

Tuned In Festival Poster.indd 1 6/5/10 3:07:03 PM

NSWRC Reconciliation Week Poster

Tuned In poster

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Collie Kids

The Tuned In festival Reconciliation Outcomes:

`` Raised`community`awareness`of`the`` reconciliation`movement`in`country`NSW

`` Strengthened`and`supported`relationships`` between`Indigenous`and`non-Indigenous`` `` community`people`in`Dubbo`and`` surrounding`communities.`

`` Encouraged`young`members`to`join`the`` `` reconciliation`movement,`by`bringing`` together`Indigenous`and`non-Indigenous`` youth`aged`from`12-`30yrs.`

`` Strengthened`the`grass`roots`people’s`` `` movement`for`reconciliation`in`NSW.`

One of the many highlights of the event included a performance by the “Collie Kids”. The Collie Kids is a Hip-Hop group made up of 10 Aboriginal students from Collarenebri Central School (approximately 5 hours drive north west of Dubbo with a student population of 80).

The group travelled by bus to perform a hip-hop dance routine as well as their own hip-hop song entitled ‘Harmony Rap’.

“All of the colours together, We’re kickin’ up the red dust. Connect, communicate, create a cultural trust. All around the world, livin’ together is a must,Coz you plus me equals us.”

Lyrics from Harmony Rap

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Reconciliation School WorkshopsOn Monday 31 May, (following the Tuned In festival) NSWRC organised and hosted reconciliation workshops in the town of Orange. The NSWRC arranged for three workshops to be held concurrently for students interested in the music industry and the reconciliation movement.

The workshops were led by staff and crew from Indent1, Last Kinection and the Jezabels. The workshops brought Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students together in a fun, entertaining and interactive environment.

Around 100 students aged 13-15 participated in the reconciliation music workshops.

The NSWRC would like to acknowledge and thank Reconciliation Australia and Allens Arthurs Robinson for supporting the 2010 Tuned In festival and reconciliation workshops.

Schools Reconciliation ChallengeAnother new initiative in 2010 for the NSWRC was the Schools Reconciliation Challenge. The Challenge was open to students in NSW aged 10–16 to write poetry, song lyrics or to produce an artwork based on the NSWRC Reconciliation Week theme, Reconciliation : The Road Ahead.

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge:

`` Raised`awareness`and`educated`young`` people`about`the`Reconciliation`movement`

`` Provided`students`with`the`opportunity`to`` engage`in`the`reconciliation`movement`in``` a`fun`and`creative`way

`` Promoted`positive`attitudes`and`respect`for``` Aboriginal`and`Torres`Strait`Islander`people.`

Hundreds of students entered from across the state. The major prize winner, Paige Lagettie, recorded her winning song entitled “Don’t Look Down” with the producers of Heaps Decent at the Gadigal Information Services studios.

Paige, an Indigenous year eight student at Tomaree High School, on the Central Coast, wrote a song that in her words is about; “Keeping your head up and being positive about where you come from and what you believe in”.

The NSWRC recognised the achievements of the winning entrants at a presentation ceremony held in Sydney at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre, in Reconciliation Week.

The Schools Reconciliation Challenge was supported by Heaps Decent, the NSW Teachers Federation and Gadigal Information Services.

Tuned In workshop

Schools Reconciliation Challenge Kids

1 “Indent” is derived from “INdependent ENTertainment”. The organisation works directly with young people (13-25yrs) in NSW to access drug and alcohol free all-ages entertainment.

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ReflectionsThe`sun`reflecting`off`the`waterBlue`skies`as`far`as`the`eye`can`seeThe`whispering`through`the`treesOur`ancestors`standing`on`the`rocksWatching`as`foreign`boats`pull`upOn`the`shore`not`knowing`what`to`expectBut`fear`as`seeing`ghosts`emergeOut`of`these`giant`beasts`which`sail`the`seas

The`foreign`invaders`taking`our`land`without`a`careJust`because`we`don’t`relate`they`put`our`culture`at`stakeNot`knowing`the`damage`they`would`do`to`our`utopia`and`ourIsolated`world`away`from`politics`and`governmentsNo`law`except`to`love`and`careWe`welcome`them`with`open`arms`and`what`do`they`do?Fire`their`guns.They`log`our`land`to`build`fences`to`keep`us`awayFrom`what`was`rightfully`ours.

They`stole`our`children`and`burn`our`bushTill`now`we`made`a`stand`and`told`them`how`unfair.The`government`apologised`and`made`the`Aborigine`recognisedTo`flow`with`the`wind`into`the`trees.Along`the`banks`in`the`waves`where`the`children`playThey`stole`and`damaged`our`spirit`we`are`strong`proud`owners`of`the`landAnd`so`now`they`understand.Friend`or`foe`who`knows?But`no`longer`must`we`feel`unwanted`or`discouraged`Now`we,`full`of`courage,`can`move`forward`as`a`nation`together,`forever.`Unite`as`one.

Black`and`white`the`war`is`done.`

By Marcus Neal-Reynolds Carroll College, Broulee Age: 14 Schools Reconciliation Challenge Prize Winner

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Small Grants Program The NSWRC re-opened the Small Grants Program (SGP) this year for eligible Local Reconciliation Groups. The SGP provides up to to $5,000 direct funding for reconciliation projects that meet the strategic objectives of the NSW Reconciliation Council (NSWRC).

The objectives for the 2010 SGP included:

`` To`strengthen`the`People’s`Movement`for`` Reconciliation`in`NSW

`` To`raise`community`awareness`and`` understanding`

`` To`advocate`for`social`justice,`equity`and`` rights`for`Aboriginal`and`Torres`Strait`` Islander`people

Five Local Reconciliation Groups received funding for Reconciliation projects under the Small Grants program in 2010.

Small Grants 2010 recipients

Local Reconciliation Group Project

Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation Oral History of the Aboriginal people of Hornsby Shire

North Illawarra Reconciliation & Treaty Group Ten Year Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy Anniversary celebrations.

Sisters for Reconciliation (Northern Rivers) Black & White Ball

Parkes Reconciliation Group Promotional Brochure and Reconciliation Forum.

Griffith Pioneer Community Centre Reconciliation Group Up in Flames 2010 NAIDOC Festival.

“You can’t avoid sometimes feeling hopeless, but then

you get over that and have the energy to feel

inspired. Many good stories have moments where it

seems that resolution is hopeless, and then there

is the great triumph of finding a way through it and finding an answer.”

Urthboy sharing his thought on reconciliation in

You Plus Me Equals Us, 2010.

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Local History Project – Richmond Hill Memorial Site The Richmond Hill Memorial project, led by the Local Reconciliation Group Projects for Reconciliation was completed in August this year. The NSWRC provided $40,000 in funding under the special Local History Program. The project commenced in 2004 and was realised through the commitment and hard work of the volunteers and community members from the Richmond Local Reconciliation Group.

The memorial acknowledges the Battle of Richmond Hill (1795) where Darug people fought bravely to defend their country from invasion. The battle is known as one of the first instances where colonial authorities stated their intent to ‘destroy’ the whole Aboriginal population of an area.

The memorial site is a garden located at St John of God Hospital grounds. The garden overlooks the battle ground where the Darug defended their land and people from the invaders. The design of the memorial was developed by the Elders and artists of the region. The design forms the outline of the Kutukulung (turtle), an important Darug totem.

Excerpt from You Plus Me Equals UsMy father talked about land rights, sovereignty and dispossession. I grew up proud of my heritage more because my non-Aboriginal mother instilled pride in who I was, and her sense of social justice. Her politics complemented my father’s. That’s an important part of reconciliation: supporting him on that journey and nurturing her children’s pride in their heritage. To her, it wasn’t about politics, it was simply being human.

Larissa Behrendt

You Plus Me Equals Us The NSWRC received a grant from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to develop a community education resource.

The resource is a collection of stories told by Indigenous and non-Indigenous people active in the New South Wales reconciliation movement. The stories cover topics ranging from identity and the Stolen Generation to youth issues and contemporary art.

Each story is followed by discussion points and workshop activities. The resource is a starting point for debating the issues – in the classroom, workshops and other settings. The You Plus Me Equals Us resource aims to contribute to raising awareness and understanding in the community of the issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the Reconciliation movement.

Memorial design

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My grandmother was taken from her family under the policy that

removed Aboriginal children. My father was in a home from age five;

it was only as an adult that he went to find his family. I was about 12

then but even as a child, I had seen how not knowing who he was, or

his place in the community, was a burden he carried. Once he could

do that, it was a source of immense pride for him. He immersed

himself in the culture, spent time in our traditional area, recorded

the language, and helped others find their families. He became a

different father.

Reconciliation in action

My father talked about land rights, sovereignty and dispossession.

I grew up proud of my heritage more because my non-Aboriginal

mother instilled pride in who I was, and her sense of social justice.

Her politics complemented my father’s. That’s an important part of

reconciliation: supporting him on that journey and nurturing her

children’s pride in their heritage. To her, it wasn’t about politics,

it was simply being human.

Studying law

As a teenager I had a natural interest in Aboriginal politics, and I

expected as a law graduate to become an advocate for social justice

and law reform. But as a solicitor at the Legal Aid Commission, I was

not making a real difference. At law school my brother Jason and I

had written about police brutality and other issues, so I was keen to

study further. After completing my doctorate at Harvard Law School

I saw that academia would allow me to address the important issues,

do good research and analysis, and be outspoken.

Policy failure

Resolving the economic inequality is a good benchmark, but there

have been no real inroads, especially in health, education and housing.

There is irrefutable evidence of what works, but governments ignore

this and focus on ideologies and schemes that play well to the public.

speaking OutLarissa Behrendt :

Law, literature and

social justice

‘I saw that

academia

would allow

me to address

the important

issues, do good

research and

analysis, and be

outspoken.’

Of Eualeyai/

Kamillaroi heritage,

Larissa advocates

for social justice

as an academic,

lawyer and novelist.

Jona

than

Dav

id P

hoto

gra

phy

Larissa Behrendt: Speaking out

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Reconciliation SorrySorry`about`what`happenedSorry`about`the`painThose`families`who`were`brokenIt`won’t`happen`againWe`will`work`together`to`reuniteWe`know`what`happened`was`not`rightI`hope`nothing`but`graceIn`this`beautiful`unique`placeNo`war,`nothing`rawJust`happiness`and`joy

Sorry By Frances Howe International Grammar School, Sydney Age:10 Schools Reconciliation Challenge Prize Winner`

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Year in ReviewLocal Reconciliation Group Regional Activities

Riverina/Murray RegionWith only a small number of groups and significant distances between towns, the Reconciliation movement in the Riverina has had to jump several hurdles from the outset. One significant step forward in the last 12 months has been the establishment of a brand new Local Reconciliation Group in the form of the Pioneer Community Centre Reconciliation group based in Griffith. As part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations, Griffith played host to the first ever ‘Up in Flames’ hip-hop Concert. After acknowledging a history of anti-social behaviour between youth of different cultural backgrounds within the town, and consulting with the local community, the group noted that music may be one avenue towards bringing everyone together. Over 300 people attended the Up in Flames event with the majority of the audience being the local youth from all sections of the community, and by all accounts the night was a fantastic success.

The Nyerna Reconciliation Group is based in Deniliquin and once again held successful events over the last year. Reconciliation Week was again a focal point with the group organising a film screening of Rachel Perkins award winning remake of the 1990 Jimmy Chi musical Bran Nue Dae. The evening received a fantastic turn out and was a real community event with entire families from all over enjoying the film. Wamba Wamba/Perrepa Perrepa Cultural Week is held during October and is becoming a highlight on the town’s annual calendar. The week comprised a flag raising ceremony, historical and cultural exhibitions, information stalls and opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate the Traditional Custodians of the region.

Northern RegionThe Sisters for Reconciliation (Northern Rivers) held an event during Reconciliation Week that recognised local Elders and provided an opportunity for all members of the Byron Bay community to come together. ‘Black and White Deadly Night’ was held in conjunction with the Byron Shire Council and the Bundjalung People of Byron Bay and included live music from the Blackbirds and Dale Robert Huddleston & the Riverbank Band. The Sisters for Reconciliation group received a NSWRC small grant for this activity.

The Bellingen Shire Council hosted a small official event on the 16th December, 2009 with representatives from five Gumbayngirr organisations, plus guests including the press and community organisations. This was a symbolic occasion when the park area outside the Council Chambers was re-named Maam Gaduying (Meeting Place) Park and in addition the mayor read a prepared Statement of Reconciliation. This was the result of a process which began officially in August 2007. The Statement of Reconciliation by the mayor clearly sets the tone to the community that reconciliation is now on the map.

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Southern RegionReconciliation Groups in the Southern Region have once again lent their collective voice to the struggle over the planned development at Sandon Point. 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE), an important milestone worth recognising, and particularly recognising the members of the local community who have worked tirelessly to protect the 61 hectares between Thirroul and Bulli.

The North Illawarra Reconciliation & Treaty Group (NIRTG) hosted a very successful NAIDOC Week Social Evening at the Headlands Hotel in Austinmer on Friday 9th July.

Around 100 people were entertained by the Wadi Wadi Mixed Tribe Dancers and live music from Peter James Button, Nikky Stone, Bud Walker and the Leisure Coasters.

The program for the evening included a tribute to the late Waratah (Rosemarie) Gillespie, a NIRTG member and well-known human rights activist and SPATE supporter, who passed away on 21 June 2010. There was a screening of Waratah’s short film “Witness to Invasion” (filmed in 2003 while she was acting as a human shield and eyewitness to the war in Iraq) for which Waratah won an award for emerging film-makers in the Sydney Peace Prize 2007.

NIRTG presented “Un-sung Heroes” Elders Awardsto four people in recognition of their important roles in community leadership and/or their contribution to improving relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and for assisting the on-going reconciliation process within the northern Illawarra district.

Western RegionParkes Reconciliation Group is another Local Reconciliation Group that has established itself in the last 12 months. The group received funding from NSWRC to hold a local cultural evening. Traditional artwork was put on display and two Wiradjuri men gave a talk regarding the history of the area, Wiradjuri use of land, and traditional culture. Those who attended also heard from a Traditional Custodian who teaches Wiradjuri language in schools, the group talked about strategies to reinvigorate language – an important act of practical Reconciliation.

Several groups throughout the region helped raise the profile of reconciliation by being a part of celebrations for significant dates. These included Close the Gap Day Barbeques, NAIDOC week awards, and stalls selling flowers on Sorry Day. The Red Ochre Festival was held once again on the 18-19 September. The festival is in its 8th year and going from strength to strength.

Kelso Community Network has also been active in their local area; the group contributed a total of $1,200 to two different schools in the community for murals to be painted. Both murals will be painted using traditional artwork from the region, and will be on display to show the schools inclusive approach to Indigenous culture and their Koori students.

Sydney RegionWith 20 groups based in and around the Sydney Metropolitan Area, a significant number of reconciliation activities were held in the region in 2010. Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater have seen fantastic turnouts at their monthly information nights, guest speakers have included Uncle Max Harrison and Jeff McMullen with numbers in some instances getting up over 140 people. The group has an established

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involvement with Biala Aboriginal Girls Hostel in Allambie Heights and produces a quarterly newsletter which at the request of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is being archived in recognition of its value as a community service.

The Appin Massacre Memorial was held again this year to mark the massacre of Dharawal people in 1816. The event is organised by Sutherland Shire Citizens for Native Title and Reconciliation who have held a number of events including The Woronora Bridge Walk, film nights and discussion to celebrate the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, and a multi-faith Sorry Day service.

Lane Cove Residents for Reconciliation (LCRR) continued a strong program of events and activities in the past year. LCRR continued to hold well attended regular meetings. Special guest speakers over the past year for LCRR meetings included AFL legend, Michael O’Loughlin and representatives from the renowned Bangarra Dance Company and special movie screening. LCRR also held the annual Lane Cove Children’s Voices for Reconciliation event and participated in the Northern Sydney Guringai Festival and Lane Cove Cameraygal Festival. All festivals and events presented the opportunity to bring Local Reconciliation Groups as well as Local Shire Councils together to keep reconciliation on the agenda.

New England RegionOver the last year, groups throughout the New England region have held some important events promoting and paving the road ahead for reconciliation. The Moree Reconciliation Group once again held its Reconciliation Awards during Reconciliation Week. These awards have gone from strength to strength with now over 80 categories recognising the difficult and important work done by members of the community.

There has also been some significant work done in Inverell; several years back, the Inverell Reconciliation Group was given a grant by the Department of Environment Climate Change & Water for signage and a walking track in the Barayamal National Park. The group also helped to initiate a memorial for seven Aboriginal people who died in a car crash on the outskirts of the town. In consultation with members of the families affected by the tragedy, the group negotiated with the Local Shire Council to have the site marked by way of a plaque funded by the group and a memorial garden. The unveiling ceremony

was attended by around 200 people including members of police and SES volunteers involved in the rescue team. The only surviving passenger of the accident also attended the event.

The annual Myall Creek Memorial was again held over the June long weekend to mark the 1838 massacre when around 30 Aboriginal men, women, and children were murdered at the site near Bingara. Myall Creek was far from the first or last massacre of Aboriginal people by settlers. However, it was the first instance where white settlers were prosecuted under British law for the murder of an Aboriginal person. After two trials, 7 of the 12 settlers were executed for the murder of an Aboriginal child. This important chapter in Australia was again marked this year by a ceremony on the site that included live performances from the local people and was attended by the Hon. Paul Lynch MP.

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NSW Reconciliation Council Staff & VolunteersThe staff of the NSWRC Council in 2009–10 were: Leanne TownsendChief Executive Officer

Mickey Kovari Project Manager (July 09- Feb 2010)

Julian Boswell Project Manager (commenced Feb 2010)

Jane Higgins Administration Assistant (July 09 – March 2010)

Rose Macdonald Administration Assistant (commenced May 2010)

VolunteersThe NSWRC would like to thank the following volunteers for their contribution to NSWRC projects and events over the past year.

AJ VirdiLachlan MacaraTopher WillisKatie FraserAdrian CraigSarah HenstridgeSamuel LockwoodLuemma PilcherKyle LinahanAaron ClarkeTessa Copland Katerina GrayDavid Jones-HawkeAstrid GjerdeTilly Marsh

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L to R: Leanne Townsend, Julian Boswell and Rose Macdonald

Financial ReportINCOME 2009/10

$

Grant – NSW State Government 233,000

Other Grants (FaHCSIA, RA, NSW Teachers Fed) 35,470

Fee for service – CBA 10,000

Contributions and Donations 5,480

Total Income 283,950

ExPENdITURE 2009/10 $

Employee related Expenses 164,345

NSWRC Meetings – Congress (Jul09), Conference and AGM (Nov09), Mgt Committee (Feb 10) 22,064

Reconciliation Week Events and Promotion – Tuned In Festival, Schools Challenge, Posters and communications 27,526

Local Reconciliation Group Projects/ Grants /support – Richmond Hill, small grants and Public Liability 46,172

Other promotional projects – You Plus Me Equals Us, NSWRC Tshirts 7,600

Website redevelopment (final instalment) 14,769

Operating costs and administration 14,278

Total Expenditure 296,754

Income minus expenses (12,804)

BALANCE SHEET 2009/10 $

ASSETS

Cash 95,496

Other assets 9,973

TOTAL ASSETS 105,469

LIABILITIES

Creditors 2,564

Employee entitlements 10,786

TOTAL LIABILITIES 13,350

NET ASSETS 92,119

EQUITY

Operating result (12,804)

Accumulated funds at 1 July 104,923

TOTAL EQUITY 92,119

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Members of the NSW Reconciliation Council 2009-10

Acknowledgements

Sydney and SurroundsANTaR NSW IncANTaR Inner WestAustralians for Reconciliation Chifley CommitteeBlue Mountains People for ReconciliationEastern Suburbs Organisation for a Reconciled Australia (ESORA)Harbour to Hawkesbury Reconciliation GroupHornsby Area Residents for ReconciliationLane Cove Residents for ReconciliationManly Warringah Pittwater Aboriginal Support Group Marrickville Residents for ReconciliationMosman Reconciliation GroupNorthern Sydney Region Reconciliation NetworkOlder Women’s Network Aboriginal Support CircleProjects for ReconciliationReconciliation for Western SydneyRedfern Residents for ReconciliationSutherland Shire Citizens for Native Title and ReconciliationSydney Friends of Myall Creek “Winga Myamly” Minto Reconciliation GroupWomen’s Reconciliation Network

Riverina/Murray Nyerna: Deniliquin Reconciliation GroupPioneer Community Centre Reconciliation Group (Griffith)

Southern Arts Council of EurobodallaMonaro Aboriginal Reconciliation CommitteeIllawarra Aboriginal Corporation Reconciliation GroupWingecarribee Reconciliation Group

New EnglandANTaR ArmidaleInverell Reconciliation GroupMoree Reconciliation GroupMyall Creek Memorial Committee

WesternBroken Hill Reconciliation GroupKelso Community NetworkOrange Reconciliation GroupParkes Reconciliation GroupRed Ochre Events Inc

NorthernCombined Churches Magpie CommitteeKempsey Macleay Women for ReconciliationKyogle Reconciliation GroupLismore People for ReconciliationMuswellbrook Shire Council Aboriginal Reconciliation CommitteeSisters for Reconciliation (Northern Rivers) & Cavanbah Reconciliation GroupCentral Coast Reconciliation GroupClinton Speedy-Duroux Association Inc.

Special thanks and acknowledgement to our supporters and partners in 2009–10

Aboriginal Affairs NSW

NSW State Government

Reconciliation Australia

Allens Arthurs Robinson

Gadigal Information Services

NSW Teachers Federation

Dubbo RSL

Department of Families Housing Community Services & Indigenous Affairs

Tranby Aboriginal College

Heaps Decent

ANTaR NSW

And all of our members

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