Rotary District 9750 - Indigenous Australians Goodwill Committee

Indigenous Australians Goodwill Committee

THE IAGC WELCOMES YOU

We take this opportunity to introduce you to the concept:
" INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING BEGINS AT HOME ".

Our Indigenous Australians are the oldest living culture on this planet today, and yet how many of us have even met or spoken with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander? Maybe this is because of the failure of our forms of communication to recognise and understand Indigenous Australians' thought processes and method of communication.

When we first became involved with our Indigenous people through the Rotary Club of Sydney CBD - Red Cross First Aid Aboriginal Health project, we came to learn a little of this very rich culture. Having been rewarded with a greater understanding and appreciation of their culture, traditions and natural dignity, it is our pleasure to share these experiences with all Rotarians, families and friends.

Since this District Committee came into existence in 1998 many of you have experienced some of the richness that the indigenous culture has to offer. Those present at the 1999 District Conference will long remember the Traditional Welcome given by the NAISDA Indigenous Dance Group and the Indigenous Workshop.

Many Rotarians in District 9750 have enjoyed the Indigenous Guest Speaker program whereby this Committee organise an indigenous guest speaker to attend Club meetings and address the members and guests on indigenous matters.

RYPEN, GSE Teams (incoming and outgoing) and Youth Exchange (incoming and outgoing) have attended Cultural Awareness courses organised by the Committee throughout the year.

We were very encouraged by the large attendance of Rotarians at the Indigenous Australians Goodwill Committee Workshop we conducted at a recent District Conference.

I am overjoyed to advise that 2 other Districts, one in Queensland and one in NSW have now formed Indigenous Australian Goodwill Committees. It is good to see that other Districts have taken the initiative and subscribe to the idea that "INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING BEGINS AT HOME" and in so doing; fulfill the fourth Object of Rotary.

We hope to encourage you to join us on a journey of discovering further, the fascinating, warm and wonderful world of our first Australians. Contact Joan Richards for Guest Speakers, Educational, Cultural and Recreational Activities and Workshops.

Those of you wishing to develop or participate in a Project to benefit Indigenous Australians or have suggestions to support the cause, please email Joan Richards at joanr@tig.com.au

Updated: 30 January 2005