Federation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Members Conference is an annual event which takes place at Federation’s Conference Centre. The event kicks off on the Friday night with a forum, designed to bring members together and connect. This year the Friday Forum featured Aunty Brenda Matthews, author of ‘The Last Daughter’, where she shared her story with conference before an intimate viewing of the film. Conference was fortunate enough to hear from Aunty Brenda again on the Saturday morning. Both sessions moved members to tears as culture and belonging was examined through the lens of healing. As Brenda shared her story of being thrown between two worlds without the tools or skills to navigate the transition, members contemplated the duality of culture, family, and country. Aunty Brenda’s story feels like a reflection of Australia as a country, the intersectional nature of identity. As members left the session, they were left with a sense of hope and purpose. Her words of “healed people heal people” continues to carry with the audience, as we need to ask ourselves if we “want to be a hurter or be a healer”
With the 3 May federal election just passed it would be remiss not to the address the current climate. NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra in his report discussed the election campaign and the win this has for the future of public education. However, he highlighted it is more than just a win for a public education, but a win for a better Australia, sending a strong message that as a nation we reject the recent racism and bigotry that the election brought to the forefront, and ultimately that this is a moment for hope. Hope that Australian culture can change, and a hope towards progress.
This messaging was further examined through a panel discussion on ‘Where to Now?’. Charline Emzin-Boyd, Marcia Browning, Kerry Toomey, Ian Frape, and Waine Donovan, discussed with conference the recent history political events and what the next path is moving forward.
While the Friday night and the morning sessions brought emotion and contemplation, the afternoon provided a variety of workshops tailored to the diverse needs of our members.
The conference is an important opportunity to grow community and support. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers are pivotal in fostering quality education for all students, but especially our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The conference is open to all financial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the NSW Teachers Federation and includes a Saturday night dinner and networking event. To any eligible members who missed the event this year, keep an eye out for next year.