Kelli Browne’s Post

“We rise by lifting others” R. Ingersoll. The enshrining of a Voice will be key to my YES vote at the referendum next week. As humans, we all need to feel and be empowered to thrive. We have seen it throughout history, and we experience this in our daily lives at a personal level. Disempowerment is at the core of issues faced by First Australians, and the idea that colonisation did not lead to disempowerment is nonsensical. This needs to be redressed. Giving a voice and listening is an important first step. In my work with Traditional Owners on the Great Barrier Reef, I have witnessed the power of asking first, listening and engaging. I have experienced time and time again the enthusiasm and generosity of First Australians, and how our research work and our people have grown as a result. And this is just the beginning. We, united as Australians, must rise above fear campaigns and cheap slogans so we can flourish as an inclusive and progressive society. yes23.com.au

Media release via Coalition of Peaks 💬 Indigenous leaders respond to PM’s Garma speech: Shared decision-making key to economic development and closing the gap Following the Prime Minister’s speech at the Garma Festival this morning, the Coalition of Peaks welcomed Anthony Albanese’s comments on partnership, and called for accelerated action to turn commitments into reality.  Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor, Patricia Turner, said federal, state and territory governments agreed to a partnership approach when they signed the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in 2020.  “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect our lives. We know what our communities need. We know what leads to better outcomes,” Ms Turner said.  The Prime Minister outlined a particular focus on economic development, noting that his government was working with the Coalition of Peaks to develop a First Nations Economic Partnership. Ms Turner said policy partnerships such as this require governments to relinquish some power and come to decisions by consensus with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives. “The partnership will focus on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations, supporting job creation and translating our knowledge, assets, and rights into sustainable benefits,” she said. “This new way of working ensures parties can regularly and directly meet with senior government officials on equal footing, and governments are required to report on progress.” Ms Turner said it would also be important for the government to work with Traditional Owners and heritage protection bodies on renewable energy projects and other economic development projects involving natural resources.  She said funding and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations would be key to the success of economic development projects.  “The last thing we want to see is funding for training and job creation programs going to organisations which are not led by, and do not fundamentally understand our people,” Ms Turner said.  “We need opportunities for our people to train and upskill on Country, in their communities, so they can take on the jobs their community desperately needs – whether that be in renewable energy, health, education or the care sector. “Creating jobs and fair and sustainable income streams is key to closing the gap and doing so requires a continued focus on the health, education and wellbeing of our people, alongside the creation of economic opportunities.  “All of this must be done in a way that centres the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – governments cannot assume they know what is best for us.” 🔎 For more information on the Coalition of Peaks, go to: https://lnkd.in/e-f5HwM 

The 2024 Close The Gap report refocuses the narrative on First Nations peoples’ strengths and successes. It showcases an unwavering commitment to communities, and staunch calls for governments and, more broadly, Australia to do more towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition, rights, justice and equity. We encourage you to read the report here: https://lnkd.in/gvTZBBnk

Our journey extends beyond cultural protocols; it's about kindred spirits coming together. With our programs and consulting, we guide you in unveiling culturally resonant approaches that don't merely follow the path but build sacred bridges of trust, uniting your organization with First Nations communities. To learn more, click the link https://bit.ly/3NYheMb #FirstNationsEngagement #FirstNationsBusinesses #EmpoweringBusinesses

Change starts with you and me, together we can change the world

What if everyone had access to the resources they needed to thrive? When you support United Way, you’re helping us build stronger, more resilient communities that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow. With United Way, the "what ifs" become "what's next," and together, we can make it happen. Read our newest Success Story: https://ow.ly/QbM650ROSAG

National Reconciliation Day focuses on promoting social cohesion, healing, unity, nation-building, and renewal. Reconciliation Day was adopted at the start of our democracy when it was envisioned that reconciliation, peace and stability would be a defining characteristic of our new democratic dispensation. Each year we have an opportunity to reach out to one another to deal with our past, reconcile and build a new nation.

“What about our modern economy has failed so many people?” David Leonhardt (The New York Times) joined Prabal Chakrabarti (Marshall Scholar 1998) and Michael C. George (Marshall Scholar 2015) at the 2024 Marshall Forum at the University of Chicago to discuss how to revitalize American communities through economic policy. 🏘 Chakrabarti examines the decline in the American standard of living as a result of the decrease of bargaining power, the result of public policy and employer investment. 💵 George provides an in-depth analysis of the connection between deindustrialization and economic vitality, diving into how effective cross-sector leadership can lead to increasing family income. ♻ In addressing the domestic challenges surrounding clean energy, the panel shares their ideas on how communities across America can adapt to the changes in energy infrastructure and take advantage of those economic opportunities    Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e7eK-2m7 The full 2024 Marshall Forum is available on the AMS Youtube.

A nation reflecting: beyond January 26 January 26 means different things for different people in our community. It’s a day when those who have the opportunity to escape injustice can look forward to or acknowledge a better future here in Australia. For many people, this date marks the beginning of colonisation and the survival of our First Nations people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as their allies, consider this date as Survival Day. We must acknowledge the injustices and the devastating impact of colonisation. January 26 serves as a reminder of the creative resistance, resilience, and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We need to understand the truth of what has happened in our past, acknowledge those past wrongs, and actively contribute to a better and more reconciled future. Listening is a powerful and supportive act. It can be uncomfortable, as it often means questioning and unlearning what we have held to be true. The path to achieving meaningful reconciliation is filled with many difficult challenges, as we have seen over the last year. There is still much we can do as individuals and as an organisation to close the gap and address the disadvantages faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Questions worth asking: What does it mean to become an elder at this time of profound cultural transition?