Acknowledgement of Country

I deeply respect and acknowledge the Beeliar tribes of the Whadjuk Noongar people as the local Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which I work. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded.

It always was and always be, Aboriginal land.

I recognise the past atrocities against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this land. I recognise that Australia was founded on the genocide and dispossession of First Nations people.

I acknowledge that colonial structures and policies remain in place today. And I recognise the ongoing struggles of First Nations people in dismantling those structures. The struggle to seek justice, to remember and address this nation’s past is ongoing – and is a necessary requirement for the individual and collective healing process.

I support the Uluru Statement from the Heart to achieve justice, recognition and respect for First Nations people. I accept the invitation contained in the Statement to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

It’s a privilege to be present on Country. And I love learning about Aboriginal culture and the ways we can care for Country. As fellow Australians, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, may our work together uphold the rich, incredible spirit of this land.