7th Annual Ningulabul Reconciliation Lunch
1 June 2011
Brian Martin addresses the attendees at the luncheon
The Indigenous Education Centre (IEC) at Kangan Institute, in partnership with Hume City Council hosted the 7th Annual Ningulabul Reconciliation Lunch on Friday May 27 at the Broadmeadows campus.
Each year the event provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of reconciliation by sharing lunch and opening up a dialogue with community members.
This year's event was hosted by Brian Martin, teacher at the IEC, who emphasised the theme: Let's talk recognition.
"2011's theme is about recognising the work of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who work towards reconciliation and the benefit of all Indigenous people," he said.
The event featured a keynote speech by Ms Yvette Holt, award-winning poet, author, academic and feminist.
Yvette is a descendant of the Bidjara Nation, Queensland, and is active on numerous community, state and national boards which promote the status of Indigenous Australian women.
John Secombe and the Minya Gidij Marra Dance Group (pictured) opened the celebrations with a traditional Indigenous dance, much to the delight of the attendees
She has received the UTS Human Rights Award in the category of Reconciliation for her outstanding contribution towards the elevation of social justice for Indigenous Australians.
The mayor of Hume City Council, Cr Helen Patsikatheodorou, also attended the event.
"It is with great pride that Hume Council continues to support National Sorry Day," she said before describing the various ongoing Indigenous-focused projects Hume Council leads and plans to kick-start in the future.
Kangan Institute's Kieran McCann, manager for the Centre for Corrections, also welcomed the attendees and spoke about the contribution and pride Kangan Institute has in its involvement in the Indigenous community. Kieran proudly announced that Kangan employs more Indigenous staff than any other TAFE.
Various Board members, representatives from the local and surrounding Indigenous communities, and Hume region leaders also attended the luncheon to celebrate the annual event.
Named as a tribute to the first recorded Gunung-Willam-Balluk Elder Ningulabul, the luncheon is now dedicated to Uncle Terry Kildea, former manager of the IEC.
