Reconciliation News April 2015

This issue of Reconciliation News celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ contribution to our nation’s military efforts—by bringing together a collection of stories spanning 100 years.

In this edition, you’ll read about:

  • Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, as he reflects on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers who have exemplified the Anzac spirit throughout their service. In the spirit of reconciliation, he also shares his belief that recognition of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service people is a vitally important part of the Anzac Centenary
  • ABC journalist Nance Haxton, who similarly shares her pride in fighting for due recognition of previously forgotten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anzacs.
  • The work of Gary Oakley and his team at the Australian War Memorial is building an everincreasing knowledge library of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served.
Cover of Reconciliation News Magazine April 2015.

Reconciliation News, April 2015

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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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