The Macquarie community came together to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week 2023, with activities highlighting its theme, “Be a Voice for Generations”. The events and activities exemplified the University’s commitment to fostering understanding, respect and inclusivity, laying the foundation for a brighter future of reconciliation and unity in our community.

The week’s events commenced at the Yarning Circle on Monday 29 May, with a Welcome to Country ceremony by Darug Elder Dr Jo Rey, followed by a smoking ceremony.

On Tuesday 30 May, Walanga Muru announced the winners of their National Reconciliation Writing Contest. Grace Xu, a non-Indigenous student, impressed with her creative piece titled “Butterfly People”. Kristen Martin, a Yuin student, captivated readers with her submission, titled “How Do We Reconcile?”

Even Nature is caught in the crossfire of the Anthropocene. Not only butterflies, but species of every kind are dwindling.
As generation bleeds into generation, and the wheel of rebirth goes around, there will be less forms for us to take.
In the future, there might not be any. The wheel could stop.
A hundred billion years could pass before it starts turning again, and this time we won’t be on it.
– Grace Xu, “Butterfly People”

To reconcile is to listen, to understand
To reconcile is to hear what we say before speaking
For every statistic, and every “how can we help”, we’ve always had the answer
We just haven’t been heard
If we are constantly spoken over, how should our side be known?
We are the best to explain our experience, and we can
It is with consideration and respect can we answer the question
How do we reconcile?
– Kristen Martin, “How Do We Reconcile?”

Community Stall Day brought together a diverse group of Walanga Muru supporters at the Central Courtyard. Community representatives among the stalls included City of Ryde Council, Service NSW, the Australian Electoral Commission, Carer Gateway, Sydney North Health Network, Real Futures, Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, and groups from Macquarie University.

 

An art exhibition and auction held on Thursday 1 June was a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture and raised funds for Indigenous student engagement initiatives. The showcase featured an array of remarkable artworks, including a captivating piece titled ‘Goanna Walking’ by Gwen Elvin, our Indigenous Student Engagement Coordinator. The artwork, now proudly displayed in the Student Accommodation Building, symbolises Macquarie’s commitment to reconciliation and the pursuit of a more inclusive future for all members of our community.

Image: Pete Boyle, Campus Life CEO with Indigenous Student Engagement Coordinator (and talented artist) Gwen Elvin.

A particular highlight of the Week was the special Children’s Day event on Friday 2 June. Local early learning education centres, including Banksia Cottage, Gumnut Cottage, Waratah Cottage, Morning Bud in Denistone, and the Macquarie University Special Education Centre, had a wonderful opportunity to engage in cultural learning by participating in traditional dance sessions led by the Brolga Dance Academy. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the dances.

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Read Macquarie University’s Reconciliation Statement.