MOREE schools and community leaders came together this week as part of National Reconciliation Week to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm shared commitments to Aboriginal education across the Moree Plains.
A breakfast gathering on Wednesday hosted by the Moree Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group president Janine Brown, vice-president Karen Tighe, secretary Jaydee Picker and treasurer Gail Sampson, brought together principals and executive staff from Barwon Learning Centre, Moree Christian School, Moree East Public School, Moree Public School and St Philomena’s School.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, All In, calls on all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day.
Janine said the breakfast reflected the important message through meaningful collaboration, relationship building and a shared vision for supporting Aboriginal students, families and communities.
“The morning provided an opportunity for school leaders and AECG representatives to connect, strengthen partnerships and work together to create positive educational outcomes for all students across the Moree community,” Janine said.
Participating schools and representatives included Vanessa Drady and Robyn Dowling from Barwon Learning Centre, Emily Cobb from Moree Christian School, Emma Meadows and Kate Brennan from Moree East Public School, Bethany Kelly from Moree Secondary College, Sharyn Cox from Moree Public School, and Alistair Stewart and Pamela O’Neille from St Philomena’s School.
Moree Public School principal Sharon Cox, said National Reconciliation Week is a meaningful time for schools and communities to reflect, connect and celebrate Aboriginal culture and history.
“This year’s theme, All In, really resonates in places like Moree, where partnerships and shared learning are at the heart of reconciliation,” Mrs Cox said.
“For public education, reconciliation is about working together – with students, families and community members, to build understanding, respect and opportunity for all.
“The Reconciliation Week breakfast truly captured this spirit. Organised by our local AECG president, it was wonderful to see education leaders from all sectors – Public, Catholic and Christian schools – coming together,” she said.
“Gathering around the table, we were able to share stories, listen, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Aboriginal students as well as strengthening relationships in our community.
“Starting the week in this way reminds us that Reconciliation isn’t just one person’s job, it’s something we achieve together,” Mrs Cox said.
Moree Christian School acting principal Emily Cobb said the Moree community is one steeped in history – both good and bad.
“Both are part of our story and need to be recognised for healing of the pains to be possible,” Mrs Cobb said.
“Reconciliation week provides an opportunity for us all to come together, acknowledge the past and commit to working hard together for a new future.
“In this, we can learn from one another, learn how to work together for healing and a brighter future for our young people.
“It was a privilege to join with our principals and school leaders, facilitated by the AECG, to make steps to bring our schools together,” she said.
“As places of learning, we need to lead the way in modelling and facilitating conversations, showing our students how to learn from one another.
“This was a great way to start these steps. I am thankful for those in our community who desire to educate, talk and learn.
“Through learning, we are all strengthened as individuals, as schools and as a wider Moree community,” Mrs Cobb said.
National Reconciliation Week, from May 27 to June 3, and National Sorry Day on May 26 marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision – key moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Reconciliation Australia, established in 2001 to provide national leadership on the principles of reconciliation.
This followed the bridge walk in 2000 where around 300,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of reconciliation. It is a significant milestone and moment to acknowledge the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and a commitment to deepening collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and families in public education.
Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said All In is a call for all Australians to step off the sidelines and commit to reconciliation every single day through actions that create meaningful change.
“Reconciliation has always been a people’s movement, led by First Nations peoples and supported by allies in communities across the country,” she said.
“This is what All In represents: all of us, side by side, building relationships grounded in truth, trust and respect.
“I urge Australians to be All In this National Reconciliation Week.”
