Held in the NCOSS Courtyard on Thursday 26 May, this important day begun with the weather clearing and the opening of proceedings by NCOSS Director Alison Peters. Alison acknowledged the history of the Old Children’s Court premises and said that this day was about understanding the past and its impact for the future generations. She highlighted the commitment that NCOSS has made with its first community forum this year in bringing forth Aboriginal issues and self determination.

Alison introduced Michael West from Metro Land Council to do the official Welcome to County and he led us on a journey of understanding that this is Aboriginal land and always will be Aboriginal land on which we stand. Michael shared with us the importance of Welcoming people to your country, as a measure of cultural goodwill and the importance of acknowledging past injustices but excepting reconciliation.

We were then honoured to have Uncle Max Harrison a Yuin Elder perform a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony. He invited all present to move closer and the circle engaged us be part of a special time of cleansing for this site and renewing its spirit. Max spoke of being a proud Aboriginal man and shared his story of truly understanding Aboriginal culture and what we do to our environment, where our first people have always walked and lived. When I looked around the guests were captivated in the words of this softly spoken Elder and this itself sent a strong message of healing for this building.

Members of the NSW Aboriginal Community Care Gathering Committee and NCOSS, then presented a frame statement, with wording that acknowledges the traditional owners of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, as the original custodians. The statement will be displayed in the NCOSS reception area as a mark of our respect.

Our next speaker was Terry Kirkpatrick from the Mental Health Associations, who read their new Statement of Commitment for Reconciliation and the acknowledgement of past harm, which still has the repercussions being seen today in the Aboriginal community. He spoke how the association is dedicated in providing a service that would be culturally inclusive to the needs of Aboriginal people and assist with the healing process.

In her closing words Alison Peters said that NCOSS is committed to supporting Aboriginal empowerment and is in the process of developing a Reconciliation Statement, Alison then invited all to share morning tea, where the true spirit of the day was the yarning and sharing of stories amongst those present.