Governor-General announced as patron

The Governor-General’s patronage reflects a deep and enduring commitment to reconciliation and to the work of building a more just, respectful and united Australia.

Reconciliation Australia is honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC as Patron of Reconciliation Australia.

Reconciliation Australia was set up in 2001 to continue the work of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation; to expand and engage the people’s movement for reconciliation of the 1990s into a growing network of active allies capable of making systemic change.

Her Excellency’s support holds particular significance given her connection to Reconciliation Australia in her previous role as a director of our organisation from 2007–2010.

Her patronage reflects a deep and enduring commitment to reconciliation and to the work of building a more just, respectful and united Australia.

For us, this is a powerful affirmation of the importance of our mission. We are truly grateful for her encouragement, her leadership and the recognition that her patronage brings to reconciliation.

Her Excellency’s work embodies the spirit of reconciliation by ensuring that respect, justice and understanding are woven into the life of our nation.

At a time when advancing reconciliation remains as vital as ever, Her Excellency’s support is a powerful reminder that reconciliation belongs to all Australians and that building a better future requires courage and respect underpinned by justice.

As Co-Chairs, we thank Her Excellency for her leadership and her commitment to continue to walk with the millions of Australians on the reconciliation journey.

Kirstie Parker and Michael Rose

Co-chairs, Reconciliation Australia Board of Directors

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The Governor General’s Patronage was announced at an event at Admiralty House on Friday 14 August celebrating 25 years of Reconciliation Australia.

Photo: The Governor-General the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC (centre) with Reconciliation Australia Board and CEO. (L-R) Stacee Ketchell, Liz Brennan, Karen Mundine, Michael Rose, Kirstie Parker, Doug Ferguson and Rana Hussain.

group of people on a green lawn in front of Sydney Harbour in the afternoon
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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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