Ninna marni. I am writing this from the land of the Kaurna people who I acknowledge and thank as the traditional owners of this land.
Baptist Care SA recently celebrated NAIDOC Week – an annual week-long event that celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme urged us to ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ and commit to narrowing the gap between good intent and outcomes in order to achieve actual, systemic change.
The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‑Indigenous Australians needs to be based on justice, equity, and the proper recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.
As an organisation, Baptist Care SA continues to be committed to fully embracing Aboriginal culture in our walk towards a reconciled Australia. We work with Aboriginal Elders and Leaders to embed Culture in what we do and strive to Close the Gap through healing and truth telling.
As an individual, I remain committed to speaking the truth, learning the facts, and advocating for real and lasting change. I know that before I can speak, I must first listen— to be quick to listen and slow to speak. To hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so I can learn and more deeply understand their stories.
In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, some of our Aboriginal and staff members graciously shared their powerful and moving stories with us. They shared how their connection to Culture sustains them to deliver person-centric services that empower communities and deliver strengths-based positive change.
With a heart for reconciliation, I invite you to join me in listening to them. You can find them on the Baptist Care SA Facebook and YouTube pages. Together, let’s pray together for reconciliation.
Ngaityalya,
Shane Austin
