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National Reconciliation Week Celebrations

Key Events and Speakers

Reflecting on the Past
Speeches included David Cheatham on the 2008 National Apology, Adrian Cheatham, Ngunnawal Elder Karen Denny and her daughter Rebecca King, and MSS officer Jad King, who shared stories of his grandmother, a Stolen Generation survivor.

Insights from Reconciliation Victoria
Nicole Findlay, CEO of Reconciliation Victoria, shared her experiences working with Indigenous communities in Victoria.

Regional Highlights

WA: Podcast Reflection
WA managers attended “Reconciliation Memoirs with Carol Innes,” followed by a morning tea to share insights.

SA/NT: Documentary and Diversity
Geoff Merchant, General Manager SA/NT, discussed diversity and NRW 2024 themes, followed by a screening of Servant or Slave and lunch from Something Wild.

NT: Trivia Night Fundraiser
A trivia night in NT raised funds for local youth programs.

NSW: Celebrating Indigenous Music
NSW General Manager Daniel Goodwin shared the song “Blackfella/Whitefella” by the Warumpi Band.

Ongoing Commitment to Reconciliation
MSS Security remains dedicated to reconciliation, fostering inclusion and honouring Indigenous cultures.

State Activities and Engagement
Across our states, activities included basket weaving, morning and afternoon teas catered by Indigenous-owned businesses, and talks from employees and guest speakers sharing their experiences and successes as Indigenous peoples.

Promoting Reconciliation and Inclusion
MSS Security is dedicated to driving positive change, promoting Indigenous reconciliation, and fostering a workplace culture of equality and inclusion.

A Thank You to Participants
Thank you to everyone who contributed and participated. We look forward to continuing our work towards a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

During Reconciliation Week 2022, General and Business Managers in the ACT took part in the ‘Yeribee’ Indigenous Experiences walking tour at Parliament House. They learned about Indigenous parliamentarians, the role of First Nations Peoples in democracy, and viewed Indigenous art and artifacts, including those related to the 1967 referendum and 1992 Mabo case. The tour also featured transcripts of Kevin Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations. The 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” emphasized taking brave actions in daily life to further reconciliation.

RAP Working Group members attended the Rising of the Embers Festival, a collaboration between the University of Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institute, celebrating culture and community through educational activities. The festival’s title symbolizes the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, represented by the slow-burning embers in traditional land management.