At the time, we were state coordinators for TEAR NSW and walked with people connected to that movement.
Trevor and I walked with our 3 year old (Mariela) being pushed in a stroller, and me 7 months pregnant with our second daughter (Gabi).
Why did you Walk for Reconciliation in the year 2000?
It seemed like a very significant moment in Australian history, with the start of the new millennium and hope that this would be the catalyst for a new way forward.
John Howard (PM) refused to march and was seen as emblematic of old thinking whilst Peter Costello (Treasurer at the time) came to Sydney to join the march, emblematic of a different mentality looking forward - that we were hoping for.
What has changed in the last 20 years?
Not enough! But Acknowledgement of Country has become an integral part of public gatherings which is encouraging, particularly in our schools where children all over, the country now know - and regularly recognise - traditional custodians of country where they live.
What is your vision of Reconciliation for the next 20 years?"
I long to see adoption of the Uluru Statement’s recommendations, with truth telling, and treaty becoming a reality soon.
I love Imagination Declaration of the Youth Forum read at Garma 2019 and would love to see their vision flourish!
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv-news/article/2019/08/05/imagination-declaration-youth-forum-read-garma-2019