A Recognise event will be held in Batemans Bay on Wednesday, July 20, in an effort to raise awareness about what the movement achieves to do.
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Recognise is a movement to raise awareness to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recognised in the Australian Constitution and build support for change ahead of any referendum.
From July 19 to 21 the Journey to Recognition relay is making its way down the New South Wales South Coast to talk about their aim with local residents.
Making five stops, the journey will visit Nowra, Wreck Bay, Batemans Bay, Narooma and Bega.
Events in collaboration with local people and organisations will be held in each town to yarn about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution and ensuring that the racial discrimination in it is dealt with.
Uncle Stevie Widders, Anaiwan and Kamilaroi Elder, will be joining the Journey to Recognition for the sixth time.
He says reforming the Constitution is personally important to him and will “bring Australia into the 21st Century”.
“Official recognition will acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the oldest living and continuing culture in the world. And will also acknowledge traditional practices, traditional languages, traditional land management,” he said.
“That’s how I see recognition. Nothing changes, while nothing changes. It’s time for a change.
“The Journey to Recognition encourages community members to take an interest in the proposals and the process and to put their hands up to participate; to share with others and to have a better idea, a clearer idea of what it’s all about and the impact it will have, particularly when it comes to attempts to eliminate racism.
The community conversation to be held at the Batemans Bay Community Centre is open to everyone. It will kick-off at 2.00pm and finish at 4.00pm.
For more information about the Recognise, visit www.recognise.org.au.