International advocate for peace speaks on Reconciliation
6 June 2005
Prominent Aboriginal race relations advocate Lillian Holt was guest speaker at a National Reconciliation Week luncheon held at Kangan Batman TAFE.
Ms Holt, a University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, delivered a passionate address about the relevance of Reconciliation today, and urged Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to work towards a better future.
The event, held on 3 June at the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre at the Broadmeadows campus of Kangan Batman TAFE, marked the 10th anniversary of National Reconciliation Week.
It was held in conjunction with the Hume City Council and supported by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Tammy Capocchi, the daughter of late Gunung-Willam-Balluk elder Uncle Norm Hunter, opened the event on behalf of her family with a ‘Welcome to Country.’
Ms Holt, a self confessed ‘stark raving optimist’ when it came to the issue of Reconciliation, encouraged ‘fellow travellers’ to join in her journey of healing.
The key to better relations, according to Ms Holt, was to understand that ‘it requires the language of the heart as well as the head.’
It was not about leaving the work to others, said Ms Holt, but for individuals to say ‘let the [journey] begin with me’.
Ms Holt was formerly director of Melbourne University's Centre for Indigenous education, and has worked for over thirty years in Aboriginal education. In 2004, Ms Holt was awarded a Gandhi, King and Ikeda Peace Prize by the US based Morehouse College for her tireless work in reconciliation, equality and peace.
Guests, whom included significant members of the local Koori Community and the Mayor of Hume City Council, Kevin Sheahan, reflected on Ms Holt's inspiring words by sharing a three course meal.
Reconciliation is one of the core values of the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre, according to Terry Kildea, Manager of Koori Programs Unit at Kangan Batman TAFE.
“Encouraging education among Indigenous people helps connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through sharing their culture and knowledge,” said Mr Kildea. “We can all learn so much from each other, we just have to listen.”
The event is one of many celebrated by the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre, which recently marked the first anniversary of its launch.
About the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre
Named after the traditional owners of the area, the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre aims to empower students by merging the cultural heritage and values of the Indigenous people with contemporary culture and cutting-edge learning technology.
The Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre offers a range of courses specifically designed for Indigenous Australians. Some of the courses include: VCAL Music, Certificate II and III Land Conservation and Management, and Certificate III and IV Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and Design. The Centre has recently added a Certificate II in Business to its list of programs.
For more information on the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Learning Centre, contact Linc Yow Yeh on (03) 9279 2357.
