Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of this place, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. I recognise their continuing connection to the lands, waters and people and pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging. Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the 2021 Queanbeyan Reconciliation Walk. I joined First Nations elders, residents and schoolchildren to honour the traditional custodians of Queanbeyan and surrounds. I was honoured to hear stories about land and culture from Aunty Tina Brown, take part in a smoking ceremony and flag raising and watch the dances by Justine Brown's amazing local Aboriginal organisation, Mulleun Dreaming.

Reconciliation is about more than just voicing respect. True reconciliation can only come from maintaining active and attentive heads, hearts, and hands. Our Indigenous sisters and brothers have walked this land for over 60,000 years, with a rich and deep connection to it, which is something we could all spend more time understanding and respecting. Reconciliation Australia's theme for 2021 is 'More than a word'. It urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action—action within our local communities, action to support self-determination and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. In Eden-Monaro I have established a group of elders or endorsed representatives from the Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, Ngarigo and Yuin nations across our region, whom I consult and meet with to draw on their knowledge of my electorate and their wisdom. (Time expired)

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