Tuesday, 4 February 2025

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (14:48): On 26 January I joined thousands of others in Torquay as the sun rose over Warri Dja for Pilk Purriyn, a truth-telling event where Wadawurrung community members shared stories of their families and history. It was once again a profoundly moving event that reminded me of the importance of genuinely listening to our First Peoples and the need for truth-telling and respect as a foundation for our journey towards reconciliation and justice. Later that day I attended a rally in solidarity with First Peoples from across Geelong hosted by Be Tru 2 Uluru. Aunty Wendy Brabham, Jordan Edwards and Julie Saylor were amongst others who shared the stories and painful significance of 26 January for them and their families. Meanwhile both Geelong and Queenscliffe councils have recently walked back on agreed actions towards reconciliation with First Peoples. The deep hurt and offence this has caused cannot be understated. Not only has it shown extraordinary disrespect for First Peoples and the broader community who were involved in developing these actions, but it has also emboldened those who are intent upon spreading hate and racism. What has occurred in my region should serve as a wake-up call for allies in leadership positions who want progress on First Nations justice. We need to listen, to act and to do better.