Australia's history is marked by both resilience and sorrow. For 65 000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have lived in harmony with the land, nurturing unique cultures, languages and traditions. However, the arrival of the European settlers brought immense challenges, displacement and profound loss of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Reconciliation Week not only calls for tangible actions and policy changes but also invites us to explore spiritual dimensions of healing, empathy, and understanding. It is an opportunity to reflect on our interconnectedness as human beings and our shared responsibility to nurture a harmonious and inclusive society.

Within the tapestry of Australian history, there are stories of pain, resilience and hope. We must confront the injustices that have been inflicted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including the forced removal of children from their families, the loss of land and resources and the erosion of cultural practices. These dark chapters of our history continue to cast a long shadow and Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge and learn from them.

Reconciliation is not a mere gesture; it requires deep introspection, empathy and concrete actions to address the past and create a more inclusive future. It is about recognising the ongoing effects of colonisation, listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and working together to build a society that values and respects the rights, cultures and contributions of all.

In this moment of reflection on our Nation's history, we also recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who have preserved their cultures, languages, and traditions despite immense challenges. Let us open our hearts and minds to the wisdom and teachings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, listen to their voices and celebrate their rich heritage and invaluable contributions to our society.

Reconciliation Week is a reminder that our work does not end with a single event or a week of reflection. It calls for ongoing education, understanding, humility, compassion, empathy and action. We are committed to embedding Reconciliation within our organisational values and practices and learning from the wisdom of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, who hold deep spiritual knowledge and a profound connection to the land.

Together, we can be agents of change, contributing to a more just and equitable Australia. Let us carry the lessons of Reconciliation Week throughout the year, amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and make a firm commitment to help shape a reconciled and harmonious Australia.

Let us be the generation that is the voice for change for generations to come.