The following speech was given by Daneen Hally, the Reconciliation Captain at Catholic Ladies College Eltham, at Nillumbik Shire Council’s flag raising event at 10:30am on May 29, 2024 as part of Reconciliation Week.

Good morning Mayor Ramcharan, councillors and staff of Nillumbik Shire,and all invited guests. My name is Daneen Hally, and I am honoured to be the Reconciliation Captain at Catholic Ladies College Eltham. 

I begin by acknowledging the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. On behalf of my peers from Catholic Ladies’ College, I pay respect to Elders, past and present, and to all other First Nations people who join us today. We understand that sovereignty was never ceded, and this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

The 2024 National Reconciliation Week theme is NOW MORE THAN EVER. 

When I think about this week’s reconciliation theme now more than ever it reminds me of the time I watched a documentary when I was in Year 8, called Utopia by John Pilger. I remember sitting at home and feeling such shame and anger in my stomach for the injustices that have occurred and the endless discrimination that First Nations people face. The message for me was back then, and is still now, that we should be doing more and there is no better time than the present. Now, more than ever, we must confront the painful truths of our shared history. We must acknowledge the injustices inflicted upon First Nations through colonisation, dispossession, and cultural erasure.

Now, more than ever, we must protect the lands, waters, and sacred sites that are central to the identity and well-being of First Nations people. We must reject the exploitation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander territories for profit and instead prioritise sustainable stewardship and environmental justice. 

Now more than ever, we must come together as a nation and advocate for change. We must gather and lobby the government to address the systemic issues that continue to plague First Nations communities. Whether through policy reform, grassroots activism, or raising awareness, each of us has a role to play in shaping a more just and equitable society.

Reconciliation week to me provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on what we can do to make a difference. It’s a chance to celebrate Indigenous culture, acknowledge past wrongs, and commit to a future built on mutual respect and understanding.

The 6.2 million Australians who voted YES stand in solidarity and are committed to better outcomes for the First People of this place. Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. We need change.  Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

So let us seize this moment with courage and conviction. Let us stand in solidarity with First Nations people and work towards a future where justice, equality, and reconciliation are not just aspirations, but realities for all.

Now more than ever, the time for change is upon us. Let us rise to the challenge together.

As Fire Carriers at Catholic Ladies’ College, we are honoured to be invited to take part in this important annual Flag Rasing Ceremony with other members of our community in Nillumbik and we are committed to continuing our part in the work for Reconciliation in Australia.

On behalf of our principal, Mrs Stephanie Evans and the whole College, we thank Mayor Ramcharan and his team at Nillumbik Shire for inviting us to be here again this year.

Thank you