From the Mayor's Desk: The power of words
Published on 24 May 2021
Words can be incredibly powerful.
This week, on National Sorry Day, we recall the power of that one word: sorry.
National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as 'The Stolen Generations'.
Most years I gather with elders and representatives from Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation to mark our respect for the stolen generation, and while that won’t be possible this year, it is an important part of our history to keep at top of mind.
It’s important because it gives purpose and meaning to some words that we now hear regularly. At public events it is now normal for us to begin with an acknowledgment of country. We’ve all heard it many times now, which is a sign of some progress. But unless we believe it, unless we say the right thing and say it with sincerity, it can too easily become an empty phrase.
Last year, Council asked the local Aboriginal community to provide us with the words and ideas that helps us give a true and genuine acknowledgment of country. Now, you will find this phrasing on the bottom of our website and throughout Council publications:
Kempsey Shire Council acknowledges the land of the Thungutti/Dunghutti Nation. We pay respect to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the role of emerging leaders to continue to guide us in the future. We acknowledge the Stolen Generations and the need to change practices to be inclusive. This land always was and always will be Thungutti/Dunghutti land.
When I read these words, and especially when I say them aloud, I know that they have the weight and power of sincerity.
This week also sees the beginning of National Reconciliation Week and it is a key time for Council in our efforts to make all our lives better together.
We have commenced work on the first part of our Reconciliation Action Plan which is a framework that helps Council to support the national reconciliation movement. We are also partnering with Community Housing and Westpac to support the Corroboree mosaic project which will be unveiled this week after 16 years of hard work.
Words have power. Whether that word is ‘sorry’ or ‘respect’ or ‘reconciliation’ or ‘corroboree’. This is a week where we can use those words, together, to make a better community.