Reconciliation Victoria - link to their latest newsletter here

RecVic's latest newsletter is downloadable from their website at www.reconciliationvic.org.au. It includes a great roundup on what Geelong OneFire are doing at present. 

The Long Walk Women’s Luncheon 2011

Event: 14 October,

Where: Peninsula, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands

All invited to join Michael Long in celebrating Indigenous women’s achievements over lunch, with great entertainment and conversation at the sixth annual Women’s Luncheon. Cost involved.

• Details: visit www.thelongwalk.com.au

Join us for Babakiueria - Geelong Trades Hall

An Invitation to the next Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group event

• 7.30pm on Tuesday 15th November at Geelong Trades Hall (downstairs, accessible room)
• Snacks and a movie - gold coin donation.

"Babakiueria (pronounced Barbecue area!)is a short and effective drama that features the role reversal in which Aboriginal Australians change places with the historically dominant white Australians."

GOFRG will also be holding our AGM for 30 minutes before the movie. 

Everyone is welcome, if you'd like to join us.

• For further information / updates, visit the GOFRG website at www.geelongonefire.org.au or blog at http://geelongonefire.blogspot.com/ 

Less than a week to go

Here's the lastest news from YouMeUnity... remember to let your friends and colleagues know.... Hi Friends,  We're in the final week – have you had your say? Our countdown is coming to an end and there is now only one week to go to have your say on the Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples.  Submissions close at 5PM on September 30th 2011. So far we’ve had a great response with submissions totalling more than 2,500 and fans on Facebook getting close to the 6,000 mark. We’d like to give ALL Australians the chance to voice their opinions, so if you’ve already made a submission please continue sharing the message with your friends via Facebook, Twitter and email. This is an opportunity for ALL Australians to have their say on Constitutional recognition, so let’s make the most of it. Regards You Me Unity

The 1000 Warrior March

On Saturday the 5th of November, Aboriginal and Islander men will March to Reclaim, Respect & Protect.

The purpose of this email is to provide full details of the March and its intended purpose.

The purpose of the 1000 Warrior March is to:

*       To Show solidarity amongst Aboriginal and Islander Men

*       To reinforce our place in family and community.

*       To reinforce our culture as a way forward.

*       To show we are role models for our families and our young.

*       To make a stand for healing our country.

*       To commit to the rights of Aboriginal people.

*       To pledge to honour the 1000 warrior values.

Aboriginal and Islander men will be participating in the March and they will March through Melbourne in harmony to Reclaim, Respect and Protect.  The men will then meet their families, friends and loved ones at Birrarung Marr (back of Federation Square) to celebrate.

Details of the 1000 Warrior March

DATE:             Saturday 5th of November 2011

TIME:               The March will begin at 10:00am

ADDRESS:      The Fig Tree, top of Gertrude Street corner of Gertrude and Nicholson Streets Fitzroy)

For more information  on the 1000 Warrior March please contact:

Alan Brown - 0413 045 536

Richard Frankland - 0408 486 603

Phil Cooper - 0417 112 422

We look forward to seeing all Aboriginal and Islander men on Saturday the 5th of November.

PRINCIPLES THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PANEL HAS DECIDED ON

At a recent community sector meeting Gary Highland, executive officer of the Panel, indicated the Panel has established principles for considering constitutional changes:

·         Lead to a more unified, effective nation

·         Supported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

·         Possible to gain overwhelming support (means bipartisan political support as well as community support)

·         Technically and legally strong

He also commented that the idea of Aboriginal representation in parliament has been added to the Panel’s considerations
.

After receipt of submissions (end-September)
the timetable is

·         Oct-mid Nov:  Roundtables, largely with Aboriginal people (since difficult to get opinion through surveys). Some NGOs

·         By end Oct:  analyse submissions, consultations

·         By end Nov:  complete opinion polling

·         Dec:  Report to Govt

Only 22 Days Left to Have Your Say

This blog post is adapted from the You Me Unity email news

3004 people have had their say to date on Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Results in to date from their surveys are as follows: Does the Constitution adequately reflect who we are as a nation today? 9% voted 'Yes' while 91% voted 'No' – Add your vote Should a guarantee of non-discrimination and racial equality for all Australians be inserted in the Constitution? 94% voted 'Yes' and 6% 'No' – Add your vote Should recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples be accompanied by a statement of values? 79% voted 'Yes' and 21% 'No – Add your vote You can help spread the word by clicking on the buttons below, and if you haven't made a submission yet please have your say.