03/06/2026
As National Reconciliation Week draws to a close today, Primary has spent this past week reflecting on the importance of truth-telling and building genuine understanding, partnerships and meaningful action to help guide the next stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan journey.
On Monday, our RAP Working Group Chair Melissa Johnson participated in the Aboriginal Cultural Immersion Program for Corporate Leaders at The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence.
Hosted by NCIE CEO Grant Cameron, the day was an important opportunity for reflection and connection with the NCIE community. It began with a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Les, followed by insights from Aunty Beryl OAM, a respected Gamilaroi Elder, educator and mentor, who generously shared her story and catered for the group. The visit also included time with the team and children participating in the Young, Fit & Deadly after-school program, as well as the chance to take part in traditional games such as Buroinjin, a ball game played by the Kabi Kabi people of South Queensland.
Last week, we also joined the Reconciliation NSW livestream, hosted locally by Zali Steggall OAM MP’s RAP Working Group where Johanna Rigg-Smith heard the moving account by Noeleen Timbery of the repatriation of the Gweagal spears from Trinity College London to the Kamay (Botany Bay) community. Excerpts from Joseph Banks’ diary, 1770, describe crew from the Endeavour taking 40 to 50 spears from a camp at Kamay / Botany Bay. These were not weapons but fishing spears, a vital source of food gathering for the local community.
An important week that has strengthened Primary's commitment to reconciliation, built new connections and inspired us as we develop our RAP Innovate. We look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week next month with a whole team cultural awareness activity, followed by the Redfern Community NAIDOC Festival at the NCIE on 11 July.
