National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time to acknowledge past wrongs and reflect on how we can individually and collectively take steps towards achieving reconciliation in Australia. In 2023, Mamre’s activities demonstrated our commitment to reconciliation and included a choir and plans for our first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Mamre’s Voices for Generations choir
The theme for NRW2023 was Be A Voice for Generations. When Reconciliation Australia called out for people across the country to raise their voices for NRW, we were excited to join in! We formed a choir, and our team had a great time coming together in song and singing From Little Things Big Things Grow by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody.
Iconic Australian song
Reconciliation Australia chose this iconic song as it tells a great Australian story of the Gurindji people’s struggle for their land. Focusing on the two men from opposite sides, Lord Vestey and Vincent Lingiarri, it describes the Wave Hill Walk-Off in 1966, through to Prime Minister Gough Whitlam symbolically handing Gurindji land back eight years later. The song is also symbolic of the broader movement for Indigenous equality and land rights in Australia.
The myriad of choirs that took part in the Voices for Generations project reflect the diversity of Australian society and included many schools and early learning services, prisons, trade unions, disability groups, AUSLAN, LGBTIQA+, faith-based and culturally and linguistically diverse choirs from across the country. And, of course, disability services provider Mamre!
Voices can make a difference
Against the backdrop of our new artwork in our Windsor office, as we sang, we were reminded that we all have a part to play in reconciliation and that our voices can make a difference.
We may not be the best singers in Brisbane, but we hope you enjoy this video of Mamre's Voices for Generations choir.
Mamre’s first Reconciliation Action Plan
Mamre is firmly committed to an ongoing journey towards truth telling, self determination and reconciliation. As part of this commitment, we announced our plans for our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during NRW 2023.
Based around the core pillars of opportunity, relationships and respect, RAPs enable organisations to take meaningful action to building respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations people. Since 2006, more than 1,100 organisations have formalised their commitment to reconciliation through a RAP and we are excited to join this growing number.
Our first steps towards a RAP
Members of our staff volunteered to be a part of our Reconciliation Action Plan working group. They will follow the framework from Reconciliation Australia to craft our unique Mamre RAP.
The working group will lead our efforts to foster understanding, respect and equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
A voice for reconciliation everyday
At Mamre, we are committed to being a voice for generations everyday - through our interactions, words and connections. We understand that reconciliation is a long journey, and we are excited to be part of this.
For more information about reconciliation and Mamre’s commitment, please read our recent blog on reconciliation.