06 June 2025
Reflection on the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast
Over the past two weeks, we have been fortunate to participate in various meaningful activities both in and out of school. On Tuesday 27 May, Aadi and I had the privilege of attending the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast alongside a group of boys from the boarding house. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, was echoed by all speakers but it was the Hon. Kyam Maher MLC who particularly deepened my understanding of the importance of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, a topic I had previously known little about.
His speech highlighted the critical need for First Nations people to have a say in laws and policies that directly impact their lives. I was shocked to learn that Indigenous Australians were not counted in the census and denied federal voting rights until the 1967 referendum. Even today, Indigenous representation in Parliament remains limited and often marginalised, underscoring the ongoing struggle against historical exclusion. The theme reinforced that despite progress, disparities in health, education and justice persist and an Indigenous Voice would help create more informed, effective policies to bridge these gaps.
Another key takeaway was the power of truth-telling. Several speakers revealed how state libraries and churches once concealed the painful truths of the Stolen Generations, shaping how younger generations learn (or fail to learn) about this history. Without a full understanding of the past, many remain unaware of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities — an injustice to survivors and their families. This reinforced the need for education policies that include Indigenous perspectives and ensure their voices are heard in national decision-making, paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Several Elders also addressed the ongoing discussion around Acknowledgements of Country, a practice where non-Indigenous people recognise Traditional Custodians at events, now common in schools, workplaces and government. Opinions are divided: some worry it risks becoming an empty gesture if performed without deeper engagement while others view it as a necessary foundation for reconciliation.
As a student living and learning on Kaurna Land, I believe acknowledgements matter but only when delivered with genuine intent. I feel that genuine reconciliation would require more of us, such as listening to Indigenous community voices, confronting uncomfortable truths and pairing respect with meaningful action in our daily lives.
Overall, I felt honoured to attend the breakfast. While I couldn’t absorb every detail, the event left me with a stronger conviction to educate myself further and, as a student leader, consider how my actions can raise awareness about these issues in our community.
Tiger Liu
School Vice Captain
