Reconciliation talk to be held in Anglesea

AN EVENT to be held in Anglesea next week will discuss reconciliation, truth, and justice for First Nations people, and the next steps.

Uncle Charles Pakana and Professor Andrew Gunstone will talk to each other about the existing Treaty and Truth-telling processes in Victoria and how allies can stand up against issues such as racism and ‘white fragility’.

Surf Coast for Reconciliation has organised the free event.

Uncle Charles is an independent journalist and founder and editor at Victorian Aboriginal News (VAN), which produces the VAN Talks Podcasts, The Leader Tapes, and the Central News Service.

Professor Gunstone is Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Reconciliation and leads the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice at Federation University, and is also co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria.

Organisers say the discussion will interest anyone who voted ‘yes’ in the Voice referendum, is interested in the issue of ‘white fragility’, wants to be an ally of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, or just wants to think about what can be done now.

Surf Coast for Reconciliation’s Andrew Vandenberg said the two speakers had previously discussed the issues surrounding reconciliation at an event on the Surf Coast.

“Professor Andrew Gunstone and Uncle Charles were easy to listen to when they came to Torquay,” he said.

“They took turns speaking and reacted to each other’s points; it was easy to take in what they were saying. I learnt a lot and really enjoyed reflecting on all the issues.”

The event will be held at Anglesea Community House on Saturday, August 24, starting with a cuppa from 4pm and the speakers from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

Entry is free but participants are required to register with Humanitix.