Historic opportunity to unlock Aboriginal potential

Rosie-Marie Dale from Ulladulla High School speaks with Joyce Woodbery.

by Kerri Carr

Think about what this country can be if we unlock the real potential of Aboriginal people, NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group metropolitan east representative Joyce Woodbery asked delegates to annual conference on July 3.

"Everyone knows what we can do in sports and the arts -- let me tell you there is much, much more that we can do, if we can get a fair go."

Ms Woodbery said the place to start was in schools, "because if you want to talk about a just society, education is the key".

She reminded teachers of their "responsibility to make sure Aboriginal kids get a fair go in our public schools".

"Aboriginal people have always said there can be no reconciliation without justice," Ms Woodbery said.

"Let me turn that around to state also that there can be no justice, and as such no just society, without reconciliation. In other words, real conciliation with Aboriginal people is a prerequisite to the just society we all work for."

"At this time solidarity between our two organisations [Federation and the AECG] is needed more than ever," Ms Woodbery said.

"We all know there has been a lot wrong with Aboriginal education showed with shocking clarity how bad things are for our kids in schools -- the [Department of Education and Training's Aboriginal Education] Review told us that a Koori kid in year 8 can be three years behind other Australian kids in literacy.

"Now there is a chance to get it right -- and about time. The State Government in this year's Budget has allocated $53 million, over four years, to action the recommendations of the review, with a commitment to consult and recognising the importance of more Aboriginal people working in Aboriginal education, and all DET staff being educated, by Aboriginal people, on Aboriginal history, culture and issues in education."

"This is the first real state money for years," Ms Woodbery said.

"It is an absolutely historic opportunity, and, as the review makes clear, it is our best and last chance to get it right.

"I can't stress enough how critical it is that we all work together and 'walk the talk' as one - the Federation, the AECG and the Department, in solidarity for Aboriginal education."

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005