Spotlight Q&A
Meet Howie Vandyke and find out about his work goals, faith and spirituality, totems, secret skill, thoughts on National Reconciliation Week and the Uluru Statement, and what film makes him nostalgic
Video
Proud Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr man and Anglicare Cultural Capability Facilitator, Howie Vandyke, encourages more First Nations Peoples to join the Anglicare Southern Queensland team: “It’s a really responsible role to have and it’s quite significant, actually. If you are looking after elders, you basically have access to hundreds of years of information…it’s a very humbling position to be in”
Hear some of what Reconciliation Action Plan launch speakers shared, including Wangan Jagalingou Elder The Rev’d Aunty Alex Gater, Saibai Elder Aunty Dr Rose Elu, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, Kabi Kabi Elder Aunty Professor Boni Robertson and Quandamooka Bundjalung Elder Aunty Sandra King
“While starting to think about writing this article, the most wonderful thing happened. I was packing up my paperwork, as I am moving house, and to my surprise, I found a letter from the Secretary of the Queensland NAIDOC Week committee asking me to be a judge for the 1976 Miss NAIDOC competition,” says Quandamooka and Bundjalung Elder Aunty Sandra King OAM, while also telling us about continuing NAIDOC Week events planned for early September
Meet Ben Travers and find out about his work with young people in out-of-home care, what Reconciliation means to him, the kindest gesture he has ever received from a generous stranger and what he would write on a billboard and why
“When I’m on the ferry or barge heading for Tjerrangerri, I can’t help but have tears streaming down my face. She’s a beautiful Country. Following my family’s forcible physical separation from her, I am still reconnecting with her and all the beauty she possesses,” says Sandra King OAM
“I gained a greater understanding of the importance of ‘sorry’, Reconciliation and the power of education. I believe encouraging school students to visit places like the Beulah Community, in order to hear directly from First Nations peoples, is essential for creating change,” says Year 12 St Hilda’s School student Aimee Webb on her recent excursion to the Beulah Community and St Mark’s Anglican Church, Buderim
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