Let peace guide our outlooks
PETE MARTINELLI
“Reconciliation to me means letting go of the mistakes of the past and all the bad things that have been done to our people,” Ms Tamwoy said.
“The only way I think we can move forward is using all the negative experiences as a base for our healing and moving forward together in one country we call Australia.”
It was a sentiment echoed by one anonymous advocate of indigenous communities, who said those in leadership had been “embroiled over trivialities” in the past
“Meanwhile the whole Aboriginal people have the highest unemployment, incarceration rates and population density living in overcrowded conditions,” the advocate said.
As Aboriginal communities from Yarrabah to the northern tip of Cape York remain shut down, indigenous soldiers have continued to man the ramparts of the northern borders as part of the Regional Force Surveillance Group.
The RFSG includes the 51st Battalion, the Far North Queensland Regiment.
Major Joe Kelly, who was responsible for the group’s training, said it was a priceless experience to become an instructor and see a young indigenous adult go from being unready to join the Army to becoming a uniformed soldier ready to serve the nation.
“Some of them come from tough backgrounds and need a good leader during this influential period,” Major Kelly said.
“Others lack confidence and all want to find what they are capable of.
“They’ll remember what you did for them and one day when you see them with two hooks or a crown on their chest, you’ll know you made a difference.”