Despite forecasts of rain, the sun shone on this year's NAIDOC Week Community Festival at Gunamatta Park, Cronulla, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. The crowd of thousands of community members was noticeably larger than last year, contributing to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. A highlight of the day was the beautiful Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony which encouraged a sense of respect and gra

There are times when we attend an event and remember the speeches. There are times when we remember the ceremony. And then there are those rare occasions when what stays with us is the spirit behind it all. “Sonja Scherer’s recent visit to St John Bosco College Engadine was one of those occasions. Dana Scully recently created a NAIDOC-inspired liturgical stole and chasuble to present to the principal celebrant at an assembly on the final day of Reconciliation Week.The handmad

Mary Hayman is a non-indigenous woman living in the Sutherland Shire, and a recently retired teacher. Her life has changed significantly since early 2023. “I was at home one day, scrolling through Facebook when a post from my neighbour Trish popped up saying that there was going to be a meeting round the corner from us in the community garden hall,” Mary shared. The meeting was all about the Voice to Parliament referendum and it was specifically for those living in the local

Damien Carter, a proud Gamilaroi man, was born near the Tamworth area and raised in Lightning Ridge. Damien is recognised as an Aboriginal person both within his community and in the Sutherland Shire, on Dharawal Country. Resilience has been a defining part of Damien’s journey. Throughout his life, he has faced racism, discrimination, and being told he’d never amount to anything, sometimes even by those we’re meant to trust, like teachers and police. These and other setbacks

Documentary films like Lousy Little Sixpence are not only about history. They are about reconciliation - which begins with listening. During National Reconciliation Week, dozens gathered at Hazelhurst Gallery to listen to stories to understand more deeply why First Nations people continue to carry the consequences of systems designed to dispossess, control and exclude them — not because of failure, but because so much was taken, withheld, managed and denied. Lousy Little Sixp

Today is National Sorry Day, and SSR amplifies this year’s clear call: From Sorry to Action. On Sunday morning, around 30 people gathered quietly in Kurnell for our sunrise vigil focused on reflection, truth-telling and reconciliation. With soft music playing in the background and smoke from burning leaves drifting gently across the shoreline, the gathering unfolded in a calm and deeply respectful atmosphere as the sun slowly rose over Dharawal Country - beautiful. Five stori