We were honoured to have Ms Nova Peris OAM OLY launch the College’s Inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) last Wednesday evening, 27 March. Ms Peris delivered a lecture, the first of a series of lectures in 2019 on the topic of Truth in Reconciliation.
Distinguished guests joined staff and residents to celebrate this important milestone in the College’s history. Guests included Honorary Fellow, Ms Judy Middlebrook, Honorary Fellow, Mr Len Goodman AO, former Principal, Dr Lewis Rushbrook, Board Chair, Mr Greg Mills, members of Council, Burgmann Alumni, and Dr Anne Martin from the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre. Mr Aidan Hartshorn, who was the commissioned artist for the RAP Booklet, also attended with family members. His work titled Dhalang-girr Gabin-gidyal (New Beginning) is the most recent addition to the College’s art collection; a collection which we hope will grow over coming years.
In her lecture, Ms Peris, shared her personal and inspirational story, providing insight into the notion of inherited resilience. Ms Peris outlined examples of intergenerational trauma such as the trauma caused by the stolen generations, and shared her personal experiences of racism in Australia. Ms Peris explained that these stories are the truths on which her family’s story now rest, and to deny or dismiss them to the past is to deny her family their story. With this context, Ms Peris’ achievements on the sporting field, in politics and in her work now with the Nova Peris Girls Academy spoke to her resilience and optimism. Ms Peris’ motivation and determination was remarkable, and the College is truly grateful to her for the contribution she made to our community by sharing her story so generously, inspiring us all.
You can download the Burgmann College Reconciliation Action Plan below, which is also viewable on the Reconciliation Australia website, here.
