Aunty Pat to lead Geelong First Nations forums

FIRST Nations advocate Aunty Pat Anderson AO will visit the Greater Geelong region next week to headline a series of First Nations knowledge sharing forums.

‘The Heart II – A Shared Journey’ events will be held on August 28 and 29 at the City of Greater Geelong’s Wurriki Nyal civic precinct.

Aunty Pat will be joined by Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative Elders and Board members, Aunty Wendy Brabham, and Uncle Glen Shea, along with young leaders Jordyn Flagg and Naomi Edwards, to form a Yarning Circle as voices across multiple generations.

A Yarning Circle is an informal conversation involving the telling of stories as a way of passing on cultural knowledge.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said the Geelong community was privileged to have the opportunity to hear from Aunty Pat and fellow First Nations leaders.

“Aunty Pat is known both nationally and internationally as a powerful advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples.

“Given her extensive experience in Aboriginal health, including community development, policy formation and research ethics, our community is privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of her meeting with various generations of the local First Nations community.”

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken also expressed his excitement at having Aunty Pat join the forums.

“I encourage everyone to consider joining either of the two sessions available.

“We are on a journey of working collaboratively with First Nations communities to improve opportunities and outcomes across multiple areas, and hearing from Aunty Pat and joining in these forums will go a long way to helping us achieve that.”

The two-hour forums will be free of charge to attend and kick off at 1.30pm, August 28, and 10am, August 29.

The First Nations forums are one of several Voice to Parliament events as part of the City’s commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

To register, head to www.geelongaustralia.com.au/events/calendar/item/8db9cca2fcf3a8d.aspx