Faith and Mission

Reconciliation Week

Over the past week, Australia has celebrated National Reconciliation Week. The theme this year for National Reconciliation week is In This Together. Dates that signify milestones in the history of our reconciliation journey are May 27, which marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We remember that June 3, 1992 marks the historic Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised Native Title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands, did survive British colonisation. 

We remember that on May 26, 1998 the first National Sorry Day was held to commemorate the anniversary of the report of the 1997 National Inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. A day to remember the grief, the pain, the suffering and injustice experienced by the Stolen Generations. Effects that are so traumatic and painful that these removals are still felt by succeeding generations today. 

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Let us always acknowledge that the disconnection and removal from culture, country and identity was damaging. 

Let us always acknowledge and remember those who never found their way back home to family, to community and to country.

May we always acknowledge and offer our support for healing. 

Old Collegian and 2018 Vice Captain — Joshua Paul 

Many of you will know Josh Paul, Old Collegian and 2018 College Vice-Captain, who has set aside two years to the Lasallian Volunteer Program. Josh volunteered in 2019 as a Lasallian Volunteer in Middle Swan, Perth and this year again in Balgo. 

In the link below, Josh speaks of his decision in Year 12 to become a Lasallian Volunteer and the impact the experience of volunteering has had on him so far. 

Please click here to watch the video of this impressive young man, a De La Salle Old Collegian. 

Rana Brogan
Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission 

Back to The Duce Issue 2020 06 - 4 June 2020