Bridging the divide between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians and continuing the conversation towards understanding took place at the Armidale Arboretum on Sunday, with the third Armidale Reconciliation Walk, which commemorates the Sydney Bridge Walk that took place 12 years ago when huge numbers of people walked across the Harbour Bridge to say ‘sorry’.
Organised by ANTAR Armidale People for Reconciliation during Reconciliation Week for 2012, guest speaker Rob Waters, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment officer at the University of New England, said a few words, speaking about the role that Aboriginal children will play for the future, recognition of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra that was established 40 years ago and the work of Rugby League player Preston Campbell in establishing the Aboriginal All Stars game. He also talked about the history of the Aboriginal flag that was first displayed in Parliament Square in South Australia in 1971 as a symbol of protest.
“That flag was a symbol of protest, and a symbol of pride for Aboriginal people,” said Rob.
“Now we see it flying in front of our government buildings alongside the Australian flag, as an Australian flag.
“It is a symbol of what can be, of a united Australia where we can see the flags side by side and see people side by side, working for the betterment of all Australians.”
One of the organisers of the event, Jenny Greaney from ANTAR, says that the Reconciliation Walk is a chance for people in Armidale to walk together towards reconciliation.
“This is our way of making that move towards white and black interacting together, working together, living together, having a picnic together like today and overcoming the problems that we have had in the past,” said Jenny, “and doing what we can to make a difference to the disadvantages that Aboriginal people face.”
Story: Jo Harrison
