At this year’s National Reconciliation Week luncheon, held on Thursday, 30 May, the St John’s College community and guests reflected on the theme ‘now more than ever’.

This was emphasised through an acknowledgment of Country by Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland, Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, and words of welcome by Vice Warden of St John’s College, Mr Nicholas Spinks. Both set the scene for the lunch gathering in not just celebrating the goals of what has been achieved in the past but drawing attention to the significant work still before us in full reconciliation for First Nation Australians. In her introduction of keynote speaker Dr Anita Heiss, St John’s College Warden, Ms Rose Alwyn, further underlined the sense of change needed in society but which can only happen when a sense of trust is built between people to then carry them on the journey towards wholeness of life for all. But it was the impassioned words of keynote speaker, Dr Anita Heiss, that captivated the 90-strong attendees with her call to action in the ongoing work of reconciliation and the significance of this in Australian society following the result of the referendum last year.

Commencing her talk in language, Dr Heiss emphasised one particular word from her own Wiradjuri culture and people - ‘dirrayawadha’ which means ‘to rise up’. This set the tone for the entirety of her engaging speech which called on all present to rise up and take responsibility for the ongoing and much needed work of reconciliation. This was emphasised as Dr Heiss recalled stories of disappointment and further entrenched racism felt by many First Nations Australians following the 2022 referendum vote which saw a loss for the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament. It is everyone’s responsibility to not let reconciliation fall into the shadows but be a constant to strive for. Central to this luncheon was also the mix of guests, many of whom were First Nations peoples. This led to some genuine relationship building with honest conversations as people shared their own stories and lived experiences around reconciliation. On some tables the exchange of ideas around creating spaces for this ongoing work were shared and there was a sense that not only St John’s but other communities for which we have connection took to heart the words and call to action by Dr Heiss. 

Warden Rose Alwyn, Jackie Huggins, Dr Anita Heiss, Prof Bronwyn Fredericks, Prof Tracey Bunda, Aiden Wu.