The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government — to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
This year we are being asked to make change beginning with brave actions in our daily lives – where we live, work, play and socialise.
A wonderful example of making a brave change was set by our new Prime Minister when, prior to his first press conference, he replaced two of the three Australian flags that are usually displayed on the podium with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags. A brave change that sends a strong and important message of respect, inclusion and equality for all Australians.
While brave actions by leaders are important, the small, less public changes that we can make in our daily lives can have just as much impact.
St John of God Health Care has a strong tradition of being brave and making change when necessary. The Sisters of St John of God bravely served the sick in places that others would not go, just as John of God bravely made changes to the way the poor received health care in Granada. This year we are demonstrating our commitment to creating genuine and strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in a number of tangible ways, including through sponsorship of National Reconciliation Week events.
As we celebrate National Reconciliation Week, may we take every opportunity to "Be Brave and Make Change" as we look forward to achieving Reconciliation in Australia, not just one week of the year, but every week.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and sky. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
Bianca Pietralla, CEO, St John of God Foundation