"Australia has always been multicultural." ❤️🖤💛💙🤍💚

This year's Reconciliation Week theme - "All In" - inspired us to reach out to Townsville Multicultural Support Group, to connect some of the newest members of our community with some of the oldest enduring cultures in the world - right here on this continent.

Max Lenoy led a heartfelt and engaging workshop that helped to kick off great discussions about Australia's many Indigenous cultures and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

Many participants saw the Map of Indigenous Australia for the first time in this workshop, and were surprised to see the many Nations that span the continent. Max gave examples of similarities and differences across cultures, including languages and protocols. 

The questions that arose were grounded in curiosity, compassion and a willingness to contribute earnestly to Reconciliation. The nuance behind questions like "when is it appropriate to call someone Aunty or Uncle?" were discussed at length. For Max, these questions almost always boil down to personal preference - "Ask them: can I call you Aunty? Don't assume anything."

The morning concluded with a handful of participants taking the time to translate an Acknowledgement of Country into their language/s of origin, then bravely volunteering to speak on camera. You can view these videos here.

This was a truly moving experience for so many of us involved. We look forward to walking together towards Reconciliation.

About TMSG

Townsville Multicultural Support Group Inc. (TMSG) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to assisting individuals and families arriving through the Australian Government’s Humanitarian Program, as well as migrants who choose to settle in Townsville and its surrounding areas.
 
The refugees and migrants they welcome are eager to embrace Australian life and contribute to our community, bringing with them hope, skills, ambition, and resilience. Through partnerships and community programs, the team at TMSG promote connection, understanding, and successful settlement for emerging communities.

Learn more at https://www.tmsg.org.au/.