RECONCILIATION VICTORIA - More than empty symbols and window dressing

12/11/2003

Reconciliation Victoria today urged the Victorian Government and all Victorians to recommit to reconciliation, a process, which the Senate and Legal Committee's recent report labelled as "off track".

"We must not allow the pursuit of reconciliation to be hijacked by those who wish to undermine it and reduce it to empty symbols and window dressing," said Reconciliation Victoria Co-Chair Diane Sisely, speaking before today's Annual General Meeting at the Koorie Heritage Trust. Ms Lillian Holt of the University of Melbourne will be the keynote speaker at the AGM addressing these issues.

Co-Chair Eleanor Bourke asks the Victorian Government and the broader community to continue to walk with us at this critical time.

"Reconciliation Victoria has been working hard to reinvigorate the process and to reignite the largely dormant desire held by Victorians for reconciliation to be achieved."

Diane Sisely, Co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria says, "Reconciliation is about all Victorians being able to realise their rights, to experience their rights in their everyday life."

"It is about recognising, understanding and overcoming racism."

"It is about fundamental issues that go to the core of who we are."

Reconciliation Victoria is working to rebuild and grow the reconciliation movement & develop strong partnerships to create real and sustainable outcomes for Indigenous people in this state.

Reconciliation Victoria is a non-profit community-based organisation, which is part of a movement of reconciliation organisations in each state and territory set up to continue the work of the National Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 12th November 2003 5.30-7.30pm at the Koorie Heritage Trust, 295 King St, Melbourne.

Spokespeople: Professor Eleanor Bourke on 0439 860 360 or Dr Diane Sisely on 0419 353 926