Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to congratulate Robertson constituent Mark Champley, who this year received a prestigious Churchill Fellowship from the Winston Churchill Trust to continue his work in reconciliation for First Nations Australians. The Churchill Fellowship provides everyday Australians with the opportunity for fully funded international travel to explore issues of importance to our communities. The Winston Churchill Trust awards up to 100 fellowships per year, and Australians from all walks of life are encouraged to apply. The Churchill Fellowship has a rich history of supporting Australians to enhance their skills in a range of fields, including agriculture, health, education, arts, trades and more.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Mr Mark Champley to congratulate him face to face and wish him well in his endeavours to ascertain greater understanding of reverse mentoring to support reconciliation at Mingaletta in Umina Beach. It was also an opportunity to discuss the very important work involved with the Uluru Statement from the Heart and how First Nations Australians from the Central Coast can support and ensure that the 'yes' campaign is successful at the upcoming referendum. To Mr Mark Champley: again, congratulations, and thank you for all your work supporting First Nations people around Australia and on the Central Coast.

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