What it means to be an ally—National Reconciliation Week in reflection 2023

Strait Islander peoples.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal CoOperative encourages everyone to take the time to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and current affairs. There are many great resources out there for people, such as the National Reconciliation Week Website

National Reconciliation

Week is a time for all Australians to learn about the country’s shared histories, cultures, and achievements.

Everyone can make a small change each day and acknowledge and recognise the achievements that Abo- riginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made.

Reconciliation Week is aimed at nonindigenous people to be allies and create events, activities or initiatives that encourage creating respectful relationships between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres

Alternatively, there are also many great documentaries on free-to-use platforms like SBS on Demand or ABC iView. We believe education is imperative on the reconciliation journey

Personal growth and companionship with staff and community were defining parts of Family Services Program Facilitator Talishia Hinch’s five years at Goolum Goolum.

She said she hoped her experience, especially learning about cultural safety and sensitivities, would be beneficial for future roles. “I love the saying of ‘know better, do better’. I wanted to be able to help the community and grow my own understanding. I can't even explain the growth I’ve had both personally and professionally. The relationships I built, within the staff and community, will always be held so close to my heart. “I am so very thankful for how I was welcomed around the organisation. I think my understanding and awareness of cultural safety and confronting the racism that very much still exists will be valuable in any role I move on to.”

She said she would miss working with the community and the relationships she formed along the way. “Saying goodbye to some of the people I worked with from the beginning absolutely broke my heart. I feel like I developed some really beautiful relationships and I am going to miss working with everyone so much. I will still see and work with many of you. “

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players competed in the Indigenous round in a home game for Edenhope-Apsley at the weekend. Deanne King had a ‘proud-mum’ moment when her two younger sons Brody U17 and Hunter U14 played for the first time, pictured above with older brother Austin. Brody even scored his first -ever goal in competition against Stawell Swifts.

Austin King, her oldest son, also competed in the reserves team along team mates Lachlan Marks, Jyson, Jordan, Kyle, Benno and Scotty, pictured left. The guernsey’s for both the football and netball teams were designed by community member and artist Wotjobaluk woman Tanisha Lovett.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative and Barengi Gadjin Land Council sponsored the event.

The day started with a Welcome to Country by Benno and a smoking ceremony. Uncle Ron also did another Welcome later in the day.

Goolum Goolum welcomed men across our community to a Mens Health Day last week. The fellas all met in Horsham by the river to go fishing and for some tasty woodfired pizza. As well as dropping a line in the Wimmera River, our GP Dr Dave and Barney also spoke to the community about the importance of healthcare for men. The next one will be in Gariwerd, Halls Gap June 28.

Goolum Goolum’s Celebrating Sista’s program has been in full ‘swing’ lately. In the past month, the women have been dancing and participating in Water Aerobics. Early this month we also have two possum skin workshops organised.