NSW Reconciliation Conference 2009 Wrap-Up

In mid-November, the NSW Reconciliation Council (NSWRC) hosted the NSW Reconciliation Conference 2009. It was a tremendous success with all keynote speakers delivering remarkable speeches that highlighted the core elements of leadership and action in reconciliation. Videos from the conference will be going online soon.

A big thanks to Larissa Behrendt, Jason Glanville, Brian Dowd, Priscilla Brice-Weller, Greg Andrews and Warwick Thornton for their engaging presentations.

“Reconciliation is what we make it” was a theme that resonated throughout the conference. Many delegates felt inspired to act  begining new relationships and broading their networks to advance the movement.

Larissa Behrendt Speaking at Conference

Notably, Priscilla Brice-Weller actively engaged our delegates and inspired them with the advances made in the reconciliation movement through the ANTaR driven Respect campaign. The partnership between ANTaR and The Body Shop to break down negative stereotypes and to influence changing attitudes to combat racism encouraged inspired conversation in Priscilla’ s session. Another outcome from the conference included a number of delegates registering their interest to sign up and join Indigenous Community Volunteers to put reconciliation into action.

Many new friendships were made and a sense of reinvigoration of reconciliation could be felt. The Conference was a special occasion where delegates engaged with key leaders in the reconciliation movement and provided people with the opportunity to get involved.

Hundreds of delegates and others from the public were treated to a screening of Samson and Delilah after the conference. NSW Reconciliation Council CEO Leanne Townsend facilitated an impassioned Q & A session with Writer and Director Warwick Thornton after the film. 

Click here to view more photos from the Conference.

Priscilla Brice-Weller ANTaR

Annual General Meeting 2009

Following the NSW Reconciliation Conference, NSWRC held its Annual General Meeting. The CEO and Co-Chairs presented their reports and the Regional Representatives reported on the areas events and activities that occured in the past year.

In other business, members discussed issues that included the Northern Territory Intervention, Cultural Fishing Rights, the Reconciliation Week theme and the Flying of the Aboriginal Flag on the Harbour Bridge.

Members from around the State representing their respective Local Reconciliation Groups also elected a new Council and Management Committee to lead the organisation in 2010.

David Crew Co-Chair NSWRC

Click here to see the NSWRC Council Representatives for 2009-10.

Leanne Townsend CEO NSWRC

What Is Reconciliation