Walk of Awareness
Believe Housing Australia and AnglicareSA employees joined other community organisations, social services providers, government bodies, local councils, and community members at the Walk of Awareness to commemorate the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February.
The annual event, held in Port Adelaide and hosted by the Port Adelaide Enfield Council, saw hundreds of people embark on a 650-metre walk from the northern side of the Birkenhead Bridge to Hart’s Mill to remember the past and look forward to the future.
Upon arriving at Hart’s Mill, participants walked through a traditional smoking ceremony by Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri/Narungga man Robert Taylor to cleanse their spirit, and Senior Kaurna Man Uncle Mickey Kumatpi O’Brien Welcomed us to Country.
Stolen Generations representative Aunty Tina Flannagan spoke at the event and reflected on the legacy of broken cultural, spiritual, and family ties of First Nations communities.
The National Apology to the Stolen Generations, delivered by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13 February 2008, was a milestone step toward reconciliation between First Nations and non-First Nations people.
In his speech, Kevin Rudd acknowledged the impact past laws and policies had inflicted upon the First Nations people, particularly the forcible removal of those who were the Stolen Generations.
The spirit of that day, of recognition and truth-telling, was acknowledged throughout the walk, while also uniting First Nations and non-First Nations community members to share in healing.
“Non-indigenous people have got to walk alongside the First Nations community, to listen and learn, and support in any way we can,” Believe Housing Australia Tenant Development Opportunities Officer, Jo Young, said.
“That’s how we can build trust and work towards reconciliation together.”
Believe Housing Australia’s commitment to reconciliation
At Believe Housing Australia, we believe reconciliation is not a single action, but a constant commitment to listening, learning, and acting for change.
We take this responsibility seriously, with sincerity and commitment.
With our parent organisation, AnglicareSA, our vision for reconciliation is to be an organisation that provides opportunities for all First Nations peoples to prosper through equitable access to all services.
Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a key part of achieving this vision – it is a document that helps to guide our reconciliation efforts and drive positive change for First Nations communities.
We hope to introduce our fourth RAP to you very soon.
Support and resources
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact:
- 13YARN, a First Nations crisis support line: 13 92 76
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Brother to Brother 24-hour crisis line: 1800 435 799
- Thirrili, First Nations 24-hour Postvention service: 1800 805 801
If you would like to help First Nations communities and members of the Stolen Generations to heal, consider donating to the Healing Foundation.
