Indigenous and non-indigenous people working towards reconciliation in the mid and far north coast of NSW. Coffs Harbour to the Queensland border.

The 1993 International Year for the World's Indigenous People was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly 'to strengthen international cooperation for the solution of problems faced by indigenous communities in areas such as human rights, the environment, development, education and health.'

Introduction:

The late Rev. Robert Draffan (the Bellingen Anglican Parish Priest) gathered with five interested people at Ballina in Northern NSW in response to the challenge of the International Year for the World’s Indigenous People. Pastor Della Walker from the Pippi Beach Aboriginal Community in Yamba suggested that such a group of “blacks” and “whites” meeting together could borrow the name from the black and white bird:
the Magpie.

The Rev. Harry Walker declared that “the blood of his people was crying out” from the land surrounding the Anglican Conference Centre because of the massacre of his people many years ago on the site. So the nature of the Magpie Group was established by this small, yet highly focussed group of people who commenced to meet
together 16 years ago.

The Magpie’s Annual Gathering: Once a year the Magpies gather for a weekend live-in conference. In the early years the group divided into men and women’s groups to share their stories on a Saturday morning. The afternoon was spent in bush walks, the evening in a camp fire sing along. Sunday morning was a time for worship which always included Holy Communion. The program was largely unstructured and time was spent developing friendships and sharing stories. Visiting Aboriginal groups were welcome to drop by and this could include various artists as well as visitors.

In 2009 initial plans are for another gathering; possibly in Evans Head but more details will be available at our August meeting.

2009 Office Bearers:

Co-chairs: Rob Bruce (non-indigenous) & Lenore Parker (indigenous).
Treasurers: Brian Varcoe (non-indigenous) & Dorrie Gordon (indigenous).
Minute Secretary: Rachel Buckley (non-indigenous).

Committee:

Indigenous: Lenore Parker, Dorrie Gordon, Betty Stone & Elva Dickfoss.
Non-indigenous: Rob Bruce, Brian Varcoe & John Spinks

Reverend Aunty Dorrie Gordon

Projects in planning:
1. Clarence Gatherings: a focus point for unity through art & inspiration in conjunction with Clarence Valley Aboriginal groups and the Clarence Valley Council.
2. Clarence Valley Youth Celebration.
3. Putting into print the stories told during a Senior’s Week sharing meeting: Listening to our Seniors (Koori)

The Convenors for this group are Rob Bruce, Brian L Varcoe and Lenore Parker.

For more information please contact NSWRC.

Local Reconciliation Groups