This week, in recognition of National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June, Vision Australia’s Enfield site gathered to unveil a plaque to celebrate a painting created by Aboriginal artist, Steve Henry and Vision Australia staff and clients. The artwork was created in October last year and is an interpretation of the blindness and low vision community at Vision Australia. It features yellow painted hand prints of Vision Australia staff, volunteers and clients on a black back ground. The handprints surround an eye textured to represent blindness.
Josh Staines, of the Wiradjuri people, who originate from central NSW, played the didgeridoo in front of approximately 60 guests including Vision Australia clients, staff and volunteers, as well as members of the Association of Blind Citizens NSW. Josh, who is from the Canterbury Bankstown area in Sydney, then spoke about his heritage and presented an acknowledgement of country on behalf of the local clan, the Wangal people of the Eora nation.
In addition to the unveiling of the plaque Vision Australia held six Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training sessions for 150 staff from across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Vision Australia Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement workers , Suzanne Engert ( based at Newcastle) & Suzanne Nichols (based at Albury) attended the Cultural Awareness training to talk about their experiences connecting Vision Australia to Indigenous communities.
Other ativities include, representation at the Wollongong Walk for Reconciliation, a healthy morning tea in Newcastle and a display of equipment and information at Mildura Aboriginal Co-op Clinic days conducted by Australian College of Optometrists.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey, the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.