Reconciliation News: May 2023

This edition of Reconciliation News is all about voice: how to raise it; how to support it; and when to stop and listen.

This issue of Reconciliation News is inspired by the National Reconciliation Week theme Be a Voice for Generations, which calls on all Australians to amplify the calls of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and carry the torch from those who have come before us.

This edition has many contributing voices: from Talei Elu realising her heart lies in community work in Seisia, Cape York (p.12); to Jack Latimore on Indigenous Sovereignty (p.26); to children’s voices raised in excitement to learn from Uncle Pat in Tumut (p.24); and the significance of culturally and linguistically diverse communities on the upcoming referendum (p.20).

Edition 49 also includes a story on the new Life Without Barriers Elevate RAP (p.28), which features a strong partnership with First Nations children’s peak body SNAICC.

On p.10 find a list of ways that you can Be a Voice for Generations – don’t forget listening is the first step.

Reconciliation News magazine is published twice a year, in print and online. 

To read past editions or to sign-up to receive future hard copy issues of the magazine, go to the Reconciliation News page. 

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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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