13/06/2025
National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and take meaningful steps toward a more just and unified future. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next,’ invites us to honour the past, including pivotal moments like the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo Decision, while building a future founded on respect, truth and reconciliation.
At St Patrick’s College, we marked this important week with a powerful Reconciliation Assembly on Breen Oval, where culture, story and solidarity took centre stage. We are grateful to our Aboriginal Education Worker, Mr Wallace, for coordinating the event and welcoming our special guests.
A moving Smoking Ceremony, led by Uncle Les, Kaleb Taylor and the First Nations crew from Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, opened the assembly. This traditional practice symbolises healing, cleansing and connection to the land’s 60,000+ years of continuous culture. The Riverview students also performed cultural dances and graciously welcomed our own Harvey Truscott (Year 10) to join them in dance for the first time.
Marcus Donovan (Year 7) shared his personal story, leaving us in awe of his honesty and strength. Mr Wallace followed with a deeply moving account of his Nan’s life, a powerful act of truth-telling that honours the lived experiences of First Nations peoples. Mr Byrne addressed the assembly with words about justice, healing and our shared responsibility as a College grounded in the Edmund Rice tradition.
As Mr Wallace reminded us: “Celebrating another culture does not diminish our own, just like lighting another candle does not extinguish our flame.” This sentiment was reflected across the week, as our First IV Tennis, First XI Football, 16A Rugby and First XV Rugby teams proudly wore the College’s Aboriginal playing strip in competition. Our Chess teams and Drama students also acknowledged the week with respect and solidarity by wearing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags badge, embodying the values of inclusion.
We thank all who contributed to this important celebration of resilience, identity and truth. Let us continue to stand with our First Nations brothers and sisters, not just during Reconciliation Week, but every day, as we walk together toward a more just and compassionate future.
