Reconciliation starts at home

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Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Yorta Yorta elder Daphne Milward says there is much we can do as individuals to further reconciliation at home in Knox.

Daphne, who was last year awarded Victorian Senior of the Year, uses Auslan when conducting and teaching an Acknowledgement of Country.

“I was born on Country in Mooroopna, not far from the Goulburn River, and lived in my younger years on Cummeragunja Reserve, which was just over the river from Barmah in New South Wales,” she says.

Born in 1940, Daphne’s great uncle was William Cooper, who she also refers to as her grandfather because she was raised by his daughter.

“We have continuing connection through family in working within Aboriginal affairs and most of my working life has been in Aboriginal affairs,” Daphne says.

During National Reconciliation Week, Daphne urges Knox residents to learn about First Nations culture and incorporate this in your life, home and work.

“I think the wider community needs to make an effort to learn more about Aboriginal people and culture — after all, we are, our ancestors were, the first Australians or the first peoples of this a country,” she says.

“There are all sorts of different ways that can be done, like joining your local reconciliation action group.

“Also, if you have children at school, perhaps you could ask the principals to invite Aboriginal people in to talk about history and culture.

“Otherwise, attend some of our activities, particularly during our NAIDOC Week where some of our organisations are open so visitors can come and find out what that organisation is offering to our community, like the health service and legal service.

“If you're having an event, invite someone in to do an acknowledgement and a smoking ceremony; a smoking ceremony is very important to us.”

She said organisations like Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, based at HV Jones Reserve in Ferntree Gully, held open days and activities for the broader community and had volunteering opportunities.

“Just take more interest, become more involved in what's happening around you in relation to Indigenous affairs,” Daphne says.

Reconciliation starts at home

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