While I don't have a photo of the walk this photo has meaning for me, it is of my wife and I seated at the foot of one of my favourite Australian statues in Melbourne. Our time lines didn't overlap, so I never met him personally, but Pastor Doug and Gladys Nicholls are an inspiration to me. I did have the honour of knowing one of Pastor Doug's Churches of Christ peers, Pastor Frank Roberts jr (dec.) Bundjalung elder and tireless worker for compassion and justice. I honour them.
Why did you Walk for Reconciliation in the year 2000?
I was invited to the walk by my sister-in-law and her friend as I was temporarily in Sydney for a non related event. However, having made many friends amongst Bundjalung and other Indigenous people around Lismore NSW in the previous 10 plus years, it was a easy 'Yes' to say to walk across the bridge that day :-)
What has changed in the last 20 years?
I am not sure things have become any better. I do have one small step I am working on currently, but can't really voice that right now. However, I am engaged as a chaplain at 'the winsome' in Lismore, and this is a place of "no us and them", where I have many friends - both Indigenous and not. I am so pleased to touch bases with some of our local current elders in that space from time to time, and so voice my respect for Uncle Harry and Aunty Annabelle Walker, and children, and also Aunty Dorry Harris - who is a wise and caring leader.
What is your vision of Reconciliation for the next 20 years?"
When Australia becomes a republic, it will also mean Australia Day will be on a date that can have positive meaning for all Australians. I think Australia's first Presidents should be intentionally and constitutionally Indigenous for at least the first 20 years of the new republic. That will go some way to recognising where Australia has come from and where it is going. Stan Grant for President :-)